# A question concerning Jiffy Pop popcorn **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 5, 2018, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877 "2018-04-05T16:30:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2018, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/1 "2018-04-05T16:30:51Z")
OK, so my youngest - aged 13 - is suddenly lit up over Jiffy Pop. No kidding. I’ll even toss in a ‘what the hell?’ for those playing at home. Apparently it’s mentioned prominently in some Tumblr thing she and her friends are into. She asks for some, I don’t even know if it’s still sold. Turns out it is, I pick one up at the store. Fine. But there’s a warning label on the package (which, FTR, seems much less metallic and more plastic/ceramic than I recall from the 1970s) that it can’t be heated on a glass top stove. It gives no more info than that. Just that it shouldn’t be used on glass or ceramic stoves. What the hell? Much disappointment in the smaller Chance demographic. But it’s got me wondering. What’s the warning all about? What horrible horrors could we open by cooking Jiffy Pop on a glasstop stove? ---
**Author:** ![Grey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b782af/32.png) [@Grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grey)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2018, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/2 "2018-04-05T16:33:04Z")
I’d guess the back and forth shaking with a metallic bottom would do bad things to a glass stove top. When I was a kid the stove top had metal coils so no problems there. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2018, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/3 "2018-04-05T16:34:48Z")
> [@Grey](#): > > I’d guess the back and forth shaking with a metallic bottom would do bad things to a glass stove top. When I was a kid the stove top had metal coils so no problems there. That’s what a quick bit of googling tells me. Also, that the smooth glass top makes it take much longer, even if you don’t scratch your glass. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2018, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/4 "2018-04-05T16:36:32Z")
See here: > **[How do you make popcorn on the stove? - Answers](https://www.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_make_popcorn_on_the_stove)** > > Jiffy pop needs constant heat without a change in temp to work. > It is also meant to be shaken above a burner, not directly on it. > Because the heat coil in a glass top ceramic range turns on and off > to regulate its temperature, the immediate temp... > [@](#): > > Jiffy pop needs constant heat without a change in temp to work. It is also meant to be shaken above a burner, not directly on it. Because the heat coil in a glass top ceramic range turns on and off to regulate its temperature, the immediate temp varies. The heat also does not get nearly as hot 2 inches above the burner as it does when using an open gas flame. But someone responded: > [@](#): > > I just made JiffyPop on my glass top stove with absolutely no problem whatsoever. And, I didn’t scratch the glass because I didn’t let it hit the surface. The setting was at medium-high (8 on my stove). Once I felt the heat, I hovered the jiffpop pan over the heat source without touching the burner. I could see the heat fading in and out with the color changing from bright red to black and red again… but the whole time I could hear the oil sizzling. Once it got hot enough, the corn starting popping. Pop, pop, pop, pop… the tinfoil started blooming. It heated exactly the same way as it does on a regular electric burner or gas range. The only thing that may be a little bit awkward is that you don’t know if you’re holding it up to high or not. But, if it isn’t popping or stops popping before it’s ready to burst - just hold it a little bit closer to the burner. JiffyPop probably has to put that disclaimer on the package so people don’t sue them for scratched glass tops if they push it around too hard. The popcorn is the best… didn’t burn and only 4 kernels in the whole thing didn’t pop. It was about as perfect as you can get. Go for it! So I’d try it ---
**Author:** ![naita](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naita/32/5862_2.png) [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2018, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/5 "2018-04-05T16:38:16Z")
ETA: Stupid internet giving other people the same google result! According to this internet person it is possible: > **[How do you make popcorn on the stove? - Answers](https://www.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_make_popcorn_on_the_stove)** > > Jiffy pop needs constant heat without a change in temp to work. > It is also meant to be shaken above a burner, not directly on it. > Because the heat coil in a glass top ceramic range turns on and off > to regulate its temperature, the immediate temp... > [@](#): > > I just made JiffyPop on my glass top stove with absolutely no problem whatsoever. And, I didn’t scratch the glass because I didn’t let it hit the surface. The setting was at medium-high (8 on my stove). Once I felt the heat, I hovered the jiffpop pan over the heat source without touching the burner. I could see the heat fading in and out with the color changing from bright red to black and red again… but the whole time I could hear the oil sizzling. The page starts with someone giving a presumed reason why it might not work, but from the next claim this does not hold up to empirical investigation. > [@](#): > > Jiffy pop needs constant heat without a change in temp to work. It is also meant to be shaken above a burner, not directly on it. Because the heat coil in a glass top ceramic range turns on and off to regulate its temperature, the immediate temp varies. The heat also does not get nearly as hot 2 inches above the burner as it does when using an open gas flame. ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2018, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/6 "2018-04-05T16:38:29Z")
Probably to avoid complaints from people who scratch their cooking surfaces moving the pan back and forth. Maybe also there’s problems with inconsistent heat sources. Don’t those burners turn themselves off and on to regulate temperature? Could slow down your popcorn production. ---
**Author:** ![Bumbazine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbazine/32/362_2.png) [@Bumbazine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbazine)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2018, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/7 "2018-04-05T17:58:33Z")
I know it may sound silly, but you could just get a [single burner hot plate](https://www.amazon.com/hot-plate-single-burner-Home-Kitchen/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=n%3A1055398%2Ck%3Ahot%20plate%20single%20burner) solely for the production of jiffy pop popcorn. They’re pretty inexpensive. ---
**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2018, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/8 "2018-04-05T18:39:27Z")
I’m pretty sure **Inner Stickler** has the heart of the answer. Product liability. We’re so sorry that you scratched your glass top stove with our product, but it clearly states in the directions… ---
**Author:** ![Max\_Torque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Max\_Torque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Torque)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2018, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/9 "2018-04-05T18:45:05Z")
As a kid, the only times I remember us making Jiffy Pop was when we were camping. Make a fire in your fireplace and do it there, or over a gas or charcoal grill. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2018, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/10 "2018-04-05T19:00:05Z")
> [@Projammer](#): > > I’m pretty sure **Inner Stickler** has the heart of the answer. Product liability. We’re so sorry that you scratched your glass top stove with our product, but it clearly states in the directions… This would be my assumption, as well. ---
**Author:** ![Borborygmi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/borborygmi/32/217_2.png) [@Borborygmi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Borborygmi)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2018, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/11 "2018-04-05T19:39:02Z")
> [@Max\_Torque](#): > > As a kid, the only times I remember us making Jiffy Pop was when we were camping. Make a fire in your fireplace and do it there, or over a gas or charcoal grill. I recently received a Jiffy Pop as part of a birthday gift. Because… reasons? Anyway, like the OP I was distressed to find that you are not cook this on a glass-top stove. It gets worse, though… Max’s advice here certainly seems sound, but the full warning on the Jiffy Pop tray is: “Do not pop on glass top ceramic range, or over charcoal grill, open campfire, or other uneven heat.” ConAgra… moar like ConAggravating, amirite? ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2018, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/12 "2018-04-05T19:51:19Z")
Jeezum crow, might as well just pierce the foil and pour the kernels into a pot and do it on the stove. ---
**Author:** ![Tired\_and\_Cranky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a87d85/32.png) [@Tired\_and\_Cranky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tired_and_Cranky)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2018, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/13 "2018-04-05T19:59:59Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > Jeezum crow, might as well just pierce the foil and pour the kernels into a pot and do it on the stove. But when I do that, I constantly agitate the pot on the stove. That would scratch the glass stove and we’re back to square one. ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2018, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/14 "2018-04-05T20:05:41Z")
I’ve never had a glass stovetop, just electric burners, so maybe it doesn’t apply, but I stopped agitating the pot when I make popcorn ages ago and I haven’t found that it burns. The popping inside the pot seems to keep the kernels moving around sufficiently. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2018, 7:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/15 "2018-04-06T07:50:43Z")
Couldn’t you just set something like an aluminum foil roasting pan on the glass stovetop, and then agitate the Jiffypop pan over that? Should work fine, and even if you damage the roaster pan, they are disposable anyway, and cost $5-$8 locally. Or even just put a length of aluminum foil over the burner – might have to tape that down, but it’s cheaper yet. ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2018, 8:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/16 "2018-04-06T08:52:46Z")
Is this different - ie - better than the ‘normal’ microwave variety? ---
**Author:** ![Grey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b782af/32.png) [@Grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grey)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2018, 11:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/17 "2018-04-06T11:10:49Z")
It is a lot more fun especially if you’re a kid or nostalgic. The popping sound and then the blossoming of the foil top is just neat. Is it better than microwave popcorn? Maybe, but I’ve never considered microwave anything to be the default standard in food flavor. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2018, 11:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/18 "2018-04-06T11:39:28Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > I’ve never had a glass stovetop, just electric burners, so maybe it doesn’t apply, but I stopped agitating the pot when I make popcorn ages ago and I haven’t found that it burns. The popping inside the pot seems to keep the kernels moving around sufficiently. This is my experience, too. I use a cast iron frying pan, though, which may distribute heat more evenly than the thin bottom of jiffy pop. Also, my stove is gas. (Well, I give the pan a shake now and then. But i certainly don’t agitate it “constantly”. The worst thing about jiffy pop is that it made me believe popcorn is hard to cook.) Microwave popcorn is too greasy and has a funny flavor, so i avoid it. I haven’t had jiffy pop since i was a kid, and they’ve probably changed the recipe, so no opinion. ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2018, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/19 "2018-04-06T14:27:34Z")
> [@Projammer](#): > > I’m pretty sure **Inner Stickler** has the heart of the answer. Product liability. We’re so sorry that you scratched your glass top stove with our product, but it clearly states in the directions… You know, I can live with that. It’s better than discovering that it might melt us all through release of some toxic combination of Jiffy Pop pan and glass somehow. It remains a mystery to me why a thirteen year old is suddenly excited about Jiffy Pop, however. What’s next? Food Sticks? Tang? Bell bottoms? It’s a mystery. ---
**Author:** ![DrCube](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a3d4f5/32.png) [@DrCube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrCube)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2018, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877/20 "2018-04-06T14:30:53Z")
I’ve only used Jiffy Pop on gas stoves, so I can’t say how they’d work on a glass top stove. That said, I did have a glass stove for a long time, and as much as I hated it for a lot of reasons (switching to gas was the best home improvement choice I’ve made), it was not as fragile as it’s made out to be. It took a beating for close to a decade and still worked fine when we replaced it. And yes, my wife the popcorn connoisseur did make popcorn on it a lot, moving the pan around, and it worked fine. I’d imagine the cheap foil pan used for Jiffy Pop is less damaging to the glass than the big steel pots she used. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-concerning-jiffy-pop-popcorn/811877.md?page=2)