The Optimal Burger Rating Score (OBRS)

To ensure fair and consistent critique, I use a dual-metric combination rating system to rank every burger I eat.  

Each burger is given a success rating out of three, and a taste rating out of ten.  The two scores are then multiplied for the final grade.  For example, a success rating of two and a taste rating of seven will earn an Optimal Burger Rating Score (OBRS)* of 14 out of 30 possible points.  

Success Rating:

Burgers earn success points through three distinct criteria: cook, seasoning, and ideas.  A burger that is properly seasoned, cooked to a juicy medium rare**, and whose flavors and toppings are harmonious will receive a perfect 3/3.  This burger has achieved its primary goals and is a successful burger, abstract of taste.

An example of a 1/3 burger on the success matrix

Taste Rating:

The taste rating is a simple  x/10 scale of flavor and enjoyment.  I strive for objectivity in tasting and try to ignore any peculiarities specific to my tastebuds.  

Success is weighted heavier than taste because taste is almost always reflective of success. More often than not, a burger with a high success rating will also taste good, and vice versa.  You’ll be hard pressed to find an unseasoned and overcooked burger that wows the senses, but it can happen, especially under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  

Regardless, readers are encouraged to consider each score separately as well as the final judgment in their assessment of a burger.  A burger with a success rating of 0 will score a 0 OBRS by default, but I will still assign a taste rating for your consideration.  A burger with high success and poor taste is rare, but will earn a similar score to one that’s left on the grill for too long but makes up for it with an inspired sauce.  Taste, success, and final score are all important in your decision to try a burger I’ve reviewed.  

Price is an important factor, and will be mentioned in every piece I publish, but I have chosen to leave it out of the Optimal Burger Rating Score to accurately gauge each burger outside of the constraints and stresses of the material world.  That being said, I will absolutely recommend or critique restaurants based on price—a burger can have a high OBRS and still not be worth $30.

*Pronounced Oberse, like purse.

**If asked for a temperature preference, I will always give medium rare.  However, thin patties and smash burger variants do not need to be medium rare to earn a cook point, they need only be juicy.