popcorn!

quartz

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I want to buy a new air popper for popcorn - does anyone have suggestions as to what brand is the best? I had one from Sears years and years ago, and it lasted for years and years, but I can't remember what brand it was. I'm willing to pay more to get a decent one.
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We have the Orville Redenbacher which is a mid-priced one. We've had it since 1990 and it still works well. The only concern is that I have no idea if what they're selling now is the same.
 
I do my air popped popcorn in the microwave. All you need are popcorn kernels, brown paper lunch sacs, and tape.
https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/how-to-pop-popcorn-the-microwave-paper-bag-method/

I usually use a small piece of clear tape once I fold over the top of the bag, because I had one unfold once, and I had popcorn all over the microwave.
I don't use the tape, but then my microwave is little and the bag gets stuck to the top before it unfolds. I also use a double bag. It tends to decrease the chances for burning.
 
I still make popcorn the old-fashioned way, in a pot on the stove (though I haven't had it for quite a while), jiggling the pot as the corns pop. I don't like the additives in microwave popcorn.

:scream::scream:
The last time we did the stovetop method, it scared the shit out of the cats. We have a gas stove with cast iron grates over the flames, so the pot shaking over the metal was loud!
 
I have two popcorn poppers.

One is an air popper that plugs into the wall socket, that shoots the popcorn out into a bowl (or onto the floor if it misses the bowl -- I need to stand in front and use my body as interference). It does make a lot of noise and heats up significantly.

The other is a glass jug like device with a rubber piece with holes to lay on top to keep the popped corn in the jug. You can put butter on the rubber piece but I don't. This is used in the microwave but it doesn't require any additives -- you just put regular popcorn kernels in it.

Of the two, the air popper makes better popcorn IMO and is easier to clean once it's cooled off.

(Then I usually put the popcorn in a glass bowl and mix in some grated cheese and put that in the microwave, because I treat popcorn as a toasted cheese delivery system. But that's just me.)
 
I'm also a brown bag and corn kernel user. I just use those two things and use a staple to close the bag. No, it doesn't catch on fire. :D I used to have an air popper, but it felt like a chore for some weird reason so I gave it away. When I am making a big batch I use the pot on the stove. It's fun.
 
I still make popcorn the old-fashioned way, in a pot on the stove (though I haven't had it for quite a while), jiggling the pot as the corns pop. I don't like the additives in microwave popcorn.

:scream::scream:

That is why I use the brown bag method - no preservatives, chemicals or additives. The only thing that gets added is whatever butter or seasonings I shake on after it is popped.
 
I have purchased paper lunch bags and a jar of Orville Redenbacher popping corn - since this is far cheaper than a gadget that I really don't have the space for in my teeny tiny kitchen, giving this a try first!
 
I have purchased paper lunch bags and a jar of Orville Redenbacher popping corn - since this is far cheaper than a gadget that I really don't have the space for in my teeny tiny kitchen, giving this a try first!
Now that we are on the subject of paper bags, I find the lunch sacks to be a bit too small. I like to keep the sacks from places like Burger King (when I get the smaller ones). Also, bags can be reused. My double bags last until the bottom starts to get holes. Then I throw away the inner bag and add another bag on the outside. Actually the bags get better at popping the corn - they sort of get seasoned.

Watch the popcorn - don't just leave it. For me it's 1/4 cup of popcorn. I set the timer for about 4 1/2 minutes, but it usually takes about 3-31/2 minutes. it's easy to burn if you aren't careful. That makes a nice bowl full.

Now for the "ew" factor. I take the leftover kernals (only the completely un-popped ones) - put them in the fridge - and add them to the next batch. It's just me so it's only my germs.

Much more information than you wanted. Good luck.
 
My husband just made popcorn in a lunch bag in the microwave. Turned out perfect, and no weird oily residue like you get in pre-packaged microwave popcorn, but next time he needs to put more butter on it. ;) I think that I will not have to purchase a gadget after all! :cheer::watch::cheer::watch::cheer:
 
My husband just made popcorn in a lunch bag in the microwave. Turned out perfect, and no weird oily residue like you get in pre-packaged microwave popcorn, but next time he needs to put more butter on it. ;) I think that I will not have to purchase a gadget after all! :cheer::watch::cheer::watch::cheer:
Glad it worked. Without any oil, it does take a bit more butter. Then again, I would much rather spend my calories on butter rather than oil.
 
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