I do prefer Bays but like to grill english muffins so that takes care of puffiness.
Thomas EM do not grill in a way I like.
Based on this thread, I gave Bay’s a twirl. The taste was good, but they were sliced like bread, a disappointment. So for those times when there are no homemade sourdough English muffins left, I am sticking with Thomas’ buttermilk. My sourdough recipe is super easy: two bread flour, one starter, buttermilk to achieve the desired hydration, a bit of salt, and a bit of turbinado sugar. Knead, roll out, cut, and place on a sheet sprinkled with cornmeal to rise (just one rise). Cook on a dry griddle. For deeper flavor follow the same path but slow the rise in the refrigerator. If needed, finish the rise at room temperature. I like them close to one inch thick.
Kroger has Thomas’ English Muffins on sale this week. Buy one get one free. $3.99. I picked up Original and Buttermilk.
I prefer Kroger brand sourdough muffins. Lots of nooks and crannies and they toast up nice and crispy.