Canned tomatoesDGers 'test kitchen' opinions??

Hi everybody--

I know many of you can your own tomatoes, but for those of us who don't/can't and find ourselves in the dead of winter with only the commercially canned kind to cook with, do you have a favorite brand that you use in your recipes?

I purchased three different brands--Bertelli, Hunts, DelMonte--diced tomatoes and opened the cans and looked inside--there was quite a difference in appearance and flavor--sugary, acidy, yellowish, salty, clear juice, thick juice...

Generally I buy what's on sale thinking they were all about the same, but....that's not true, I think. There seems to be many qualities marketed ---Friends have bragged about Muir Glen organic tomatoes, and then there are the fancy "san marzano" style tomatoes that some people swear by ...but what about Kroger brand, and other generics. Aren't they just as good in your opinion?

So what do you think? Do you have a favorite? Have you tried any direct comparisons? Do you use different brands for different recipes?

Please let us know. Thanks. T.