# So how do I make decent popcorn at home **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [January 7, 2025, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679 "2025-01-07T18:15:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2025, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/21 "2025-01-07T20:55:19Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > popcorn cart style. I do want an air popper version. Something like this? > **[Amazon.com: VAlinks Hot Air Popcorn Machine, Popcorn Maker, 1200W Home Electric...](https://www.amazon.com/VAlinks-Electric-Measuring-Oil-Free-Christmas/dp/B08T9GY5BP)** > > Online Shopping for Kitchen Small Appliances from a great selection of Coffee Machines, Blenders, Juicers, Ovens, Specialty Appliances, & more at everyday low prices We had one; ended up replacing it with an Orville Redenbacher model that I found at a yard sale. Example: [![](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/oS8AAOSwXaRikToQ/s-l400.jpg) ](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/oS8AAOSwXaRikToQ/s-l400.jpg) That cart thing produced way too many duds. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2025, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/22 "2025-01-07T20:58:19Z")
For $39.99 I wouldn’t expect much quality. The solution may be something like the Orville Redenbacher you found and I’ll make my own cart that can be folded up and put away when I get tired of it. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2025, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/23 "2025-01-07T20:59:27Z")
My mom does this paper bag method and she likes it! Nice and easy for her. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2025, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/24 "2025-01-07T20:59:45Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > For $39.99 I wouldn’t expect much quality. The cart was a present from somebody. I don’t know where they got it, nor do I recall the brand; they’re probably all very similar, though. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2025, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/25 "2025-01-07T21:02:03Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > Well, that ensures that you get your recommended monthly dose of PFAS in a single bowl of popcorn. I don’t have it that often, and I don’t have that many years left anyway. I suppose I could switch to stainless. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2025, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/26 "2025-01-07T21:05:10Z")
> [@Shoeless](#): > > We now use a silicone popper for the microwave. We have one of those as well, bought it before stumbling across the Orville Redenbacher pumper. A bit of this in the bowl with the kernels does wonders. [![](https://assets.syndigo.cloud/cdn/5292abe7-83c9-4ec6-adb9-b5eb343bf503/fileType_jpg;size_600x600/5292abe7-83c9-4ec6-adb9-b5eb343bf503) ](https://assets.syndigo.cloud/cdn/5292abe7-83c9-4ec6-adb9-b5eb343bf503/fileType_jpg;size_600x600/5292abe7-83c9-4ec6-adb9-b5eb343bf503) ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/27 "2025-01-08T04:52:45Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > The solution may be something like the Orville Redenbacher you found and I’ll make my own cart that can be folded up and put away when I get tired of it. Don’t bother to make a cart - just plop it on your son’s amp at the end of the counter. No more wasted space! ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/28 "2025-01-08T05:07:45Z")
Just had an Epic mis-read! ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/29 "2025-01-08T07:02:27Z")
How interesting you should start this thread! My wife and I just bought a popper, the old style type that we hadn’t used in many many years, and we’ve been enjoying popcorn several times a week for the past month. We got this kind but yeah, we probably should just use a deep pot like others here do. Our new popcorn popper: ASIN B0CQ8V3R57 on Amazon [![](https://i.imgur.com/VdnzUNw.jpeg) ](https://i.imgur.com/VdnzUNw.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/30 "2025-01-08T13:21:57Z")
I’m in the pot-on-the-stove club. It’s really easy and I like being able to make exactly one bowl of popcorn. Nothing sadder than dumping a microwave bag into a big bowl and only filling up the bottom ten percent. I go through kicks where I make popcorn several times a week. Sometimes I buy the flavored oil but I don’t find it makes much difference. I don’t use butter but I do like all sorts of dry stuff on top, blending seasonings depending on my mood. I also like the awful “white cheddar” powder you can get in the same aisle as the popcorn. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/31 "2025-01-08T13:42:39Z")
That’s for amateurs. You need to step up your game and get [this](https://www.cudakitchen.com/cretors-m560d1e-410x-cav2-mach5-60oz-ss-kettle-4ft-floor-model-sign-one%20pop-ansul-ventless-systems-208v). 😉 I’m lazy so I use [this](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MS65QTL/?th=1). Does it make the best popcorn? No, but it’s O.K. It’s also super fast, super easy, and healthy; no oil is need, nor do I want it. I just add Flavacol salt. ---
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/32 "2025-01-08T13:42:58Z")
> [@Johnny\_Bravo](#): > > I’m in the pot-on-the-stove club. It’s really easy and I like being able to make exactly one bowl of popcorn. Nothing sadder than dumping a microwave bag into a big bowl and only filling up the bottom ten percent. You eat the equivalent of 10 packages of microwave popcorn in one sitting??? ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/33 "2025-01-08T13:45:14Z")
Don’t corn shame me. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/34 "2025-01-08T14:02:37Z")
I’m not @hogarth or @Johnny_Bravo but … A large bowl with a smidgen of [whatever] in the bottom looks bad/sad. A small bowl overflowing with [whatever] is a nuisance. There is a right size bowl for each serving size. Now that I’m mostly making it for one person, not two or three, the size serving I eat hasn’t changed. The bowl size has, along with the volume I make at any one time. I’m now using a silicone popper bowl & lid that goes in the microwave. And ordinary peanut oil. Plus real popcorn salt. > [@Johnny\_Bravo](#): > > I also like the awful “white cheddar” powder you can get in the same aisle as the popcorn. Guilty wave. Me too. white, yellow, or the fake butter flavor. The latter seems to give me 90% of the “movie theater” experience. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/35 "2025-01-08T14:14:07Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > A large bowl with a smidgen of [whatever] in the bottom looks bad/sad. Agreed. Admittedly, a “full” big bowl of popcorn is probably only about 60% full by volume. But it **looks** full and that’s the important bit. ---
**Author:** ![salinqmind1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/958977/32.png) [@salinqmind1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind1)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/36 "2025-01-08T15:17:13Z")
We used to sprinkle on Hoosier Hill Farm powdered cheddar cheese (yellow or white) on hot popcorn tossed with a bit of butter. We ordered it from Amazon. The powdered cheese from a box of macaroni and cheese worked in a pinch, but not that great. The little flavored salt in shakers, just AWFUL. …Big bags of pre-popped corn are sold in grocery stores, but seem awful pricey. I did find a store with old fashioned Jiffy Pop to put on the stove, and the Dollar Tree and big lots always have something pre-popped, not bad. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/37 "2025-01-08T16:46:49Z")
> [@salinqmind1](#): > > Big bags of pre-popped corn are sold in grocery stores, Utterly stale beyond inedibility. That stuff is so bad a Christmas tree would feel insulted to be garlanded with it. ---
**Author:** ![sciurophobic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cab0a1/32.png) [@sciurophobic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sciurophobic)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/38 "2025-01-08T18:11:18Z")
If you want the big round popcorn like you see from Garrett’s or in a Christmas tin you need to get [mushroom popcorn](https://popcorncounty.com/product/mushroom-popcorn-wholesale/?gQT=1). ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/39 "2025-01-08T22:18:05Z")
I’m using the same air popper that I’ve had since, oh, the 80s. And I serve it in the same stoneware bowl I had in the 60s. Tradition “Movie theater” corn doesn’t mean anything. Some days I go and it tastes like old stale corn, some days it’s pure ambrosia. Over the years I’ve tried them all: microwave, air, stirring machine, Jiffy Pop, oil on the stove, two day old grease soaked grade school basketball game concession corn, and I always come back to the air popper. ---
**Author:** ![Heracles](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heracles/32/487_2.png) [@Heracles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heracles)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/40 "2025-01-08T22:33:29Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > “Microwave popcorn” is an abomination. I’m no sure who started this trend but they’ll be the first up against the wall when the revolution comes. It’s 2025. I’m _hoping_ the firing squads will only be concerned with the inventor of microwave popcorn. Wiki says General Mills secured the patent in 1981, so that person is probably already dead. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679.md?page=3)