From curly to crispy and everything in between, there are a lot of different types of French fries out there. Still on the fence about which variation is your favorite? Take a look at the pros and cons to help you decide.
Photo by Justin Schuble
Straight and Thin
Pro: These are the classic fries, and they’re available the fastest since they’re the kind served at most fast-food joints.
Con: There can be a wide variance between too dry and crunchy, or way too bendy and limp. And no one likes a pile of soggy potato.
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Straight and Thick
Pro: These are sturdier than their fast-food counterpart, making it that much easier to dip them in ketchup.
Con: They’re pretty much just potatoes with a hint of fry.
Courtesy of Michigan SpoonU
Curly
Pro: Generally everyone’s favorite, and for a good reason: fun shape and perfect crunchiness lead to inevitable satisfaction. The rare time a curly fry is found among regular fries is a glorious moment.
Con: Since it is a crowd favorite, this is the most stolen type of fry. Also, you get occasional extra crispy semi-circle fries attempting to blend in.
Photo by Justin Schuble
Wedges
Pro: Soft insides and crispy outsides, almost without fail.
Con: These can easily become too bland or too overcooked. Also depending on the place, you might need a fork to tackle these, and we all know food is more fun when eaten with your hands.
Photo by Tom Censani
Waffle
Pro: Is it soft? Is it crunchy? Yes to all of the amazing qualities you look for in the perfect fries. Also, the best vehicle for toppings (chili, cheese…) or dipping into sauces.
Con: Difficult to find (unless you live near a Chick-fil-A), and they can be messy if smothered with said toppings.
Because fried potatoes don’t stop here, some honorable mentions: sweet potato fries (for the perfect sweet and salty mix), home fries (bite-size goodness), hash browns (so many varieties) and tater tots (the real reason everyone goes to Leo’s brunch). If you need some additional help, go and order all these types yourself… in case you really needed another reason to go order fries.