I tried the signature burgers from McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King. I found the Big Mac underwhelming.

I tried the signature burgers from McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King.Erin McDowell/Business Insider; McDonald's; Wendy's; Burger King

• I tried the signature burgers from three fast-food chains: McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King.
• I thought McDonald's Big Mac was underwhelming and needed more sauce.

As a fast-food reporter, I've tried and tested many fast-food burgers over the years.

While I've tested the biggest burgers at fast-food chains and practically every fast-food double cheeseburger that exists, I decided to go back to the basics and try the signature burgers from three of the most beloved chains in America.

USA Today reported in 2013 that McDonald's sold roughly 75 burgers every second, or 4,500 burgers every minute. Among those burgers, many of them are Big Macs — the chain's signature burger and arguably its most famous menu item.

Other chains, including Wendy's and Burger King, have their own signature burgers. But how do they stack up?

I tried the McDonald's Big Mac, Wendy's Dave's Single, and the Burger King Whopper to determine which classic fast-food burger is best based on taste and value.