Interesting Differences Between The Short Stack vs. High Tower Burgers

Burgers are awesome. No contest about that. However, this is the only fact that perhaps 95 percent of the world knows about the burger. Well, technical burger knowledge is not at all a prerequisite, but don’t you think it’s great to gain more details about it?

Alright, let’s start this burger tutorial with two major types of burgers. No, it’s not scrumptious and savory. There are types of burgers that many may not be aware of. Even better, there are healthy burger options regardless of the type. As such, let’s do some deep-dive into these two burger types, shall we? Have your pen and paper ready as we embark on this Burger 101 journey.

So, here goes the two basic types of burgers

The Short Stack

From the word itself, the short stack burgers are those that don’t rival the Burj Khalifa for the tallest structure on earth. These burgers are flat and perhaps easier to eat. Its size is not overwhelming. However, don’t be fooled. Though flatter, it never falls short with flavor. It is just as good as any other humongous burgers (to be discussed later). So what factors contribute to the short stack burger?

Patty

The patty is flat. It is also delicately soft but packed with flavor. A recent method of achieving a flat patty is through smashing it, hence aptly called the Smashed Burger. When done appropriately, it should have a crispy crust. The crispiness of the crust makes it a little bit salty which gives birth to the ever-famous umami flavor.  

Bun

The bun is flat and dense. It is also subtle and soft. A good test is to press on the center of the bun. If it doesn’t rise back, then that’s a good short stack bun. Though flat, the bun is so tasty as it is. It comes with a distinct creamy and milky flavor to it. To further intensify and highlight the bun’s unique taste, butter each side and have it grilled for a few minutes until it browns.

Filling

Flat greens take center stage, or in this case, center burger (get it? oh well, moving on). Any greens or fillings that don’t give additional height to the burger may be used. This can also include crispy bacon strips, avocado slices, thinly sliced onions, and tomatoes, and much more.

The High Tower

The complete and polar opposite of the Short Stack. The High Tower is all about height. The taller and bigger, the better. If the Short Stack falls a little conservative, the High Tower is grandiose and lavish. It can go all out for having as much as it can take.

Patty

The meat is the cash cow of the High Tower. True to its name, the meat is one of the main sources of its towering height. It is chunkier, meatier, and bigger. The patty is often grilled to have an awesomely charred exterior while the middle remains medium-rare. Know that only an expert or seasoned burger maker can achieve this. If you’re not at that level yet, try it (if you are feeling bold like the experts of New York Minute Burgers in Carlton). Otherwise, better just go for the Short Stack.

Bun

The bun is characterized by having the dome. It is served toasted or grilled. The dome is always crispy and crusty while the middle part is tender and soft. It is also porous that absorbs the sauces and juices from the patty. The Ciabatta Roll/Bun is always an easy choice for this.

Fillings

Want to make it soar high? Well, the sky’s the limit. Thinking of onion rings? What’s stopping you? This is the time to use your creativity. Since the goal is to go big or go home, use ingredients that you fancy as long as the bun can hold it.