# 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:** 4
**Author:** ![california\_jobcase](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@california\_jobcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/california_jobcase)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/61 "2025-01-09T18:50:06Z")
I have used all the methods for popping corn mentioned here. Air popped is what I’ve done mostly over the last 40+ years. I find some butter and popcorn salt make it taste just as good as oil popped or microwave corn. I have scanned the thread, and I don’t think anyone else has mentioned this. When stove top oil-in-pan popping the best results happen when the corn is added to _hot_ oil. Just put the oil in the pan and add a few kernels of corn. Turn the heat on medium high. When the kernels in the pan pop, add the rest of the corn. This really makes a difference! Of course using good, fresh popcorn really helps. To those who haven’t tried it: black pepper, salt and butter are an awesome combination on popcorn. ---
**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 9, 2025, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/62 "2025-01-09T18:51:18Z")
> [@california\_jobcase](#): > > I have scanned the thread, and i don’t think anyone else has mentioned this. When stovetop oil-in-pan popping the best results happen when the corn is added to _hot_ oil. This is what I usually do. I also recommend corn oil for use with any corn dish but unfortunately it burns too easily at popping temperatures. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/63 "2025-01-09T18:52:14Z")
The most fun-looking way to make popcorn involves an enormous cast-iron cauldron, a long paddle, and adding sugar and salt at the end - i.e. the way I see them making it at the kettle corn stand at the farmers’ market. I feel sorry for those guys in hot weather! The sugar melts of course, then coats the corn. Now I want some, and it’s not available until April. Grrrr. ---
**Author:** ![2nd\_Law](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/2/f475e1/32.png) [@2nd\_Law](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2nd_Law)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/64 "2025-01-09T18:53:49Z")
Yep. I also use a 500,000 BTU propane torch/weed burner to light the charcoal on my grill. ---
**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 9, 2025, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/65 "2025-01-09T18:56:26Z")
Please, please, tell me you use a dash of LOX as wel! 😁 🤪 ---
**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 9, 2025, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/66 "2025-01-09T20:00:40Z")
With LOX you won’t need to supply any more heat. ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/67 "2025-01-09T20:47:46Z")
> [@california\_jobcase](#): > > Turn the heat on medium high. When the kernels in the pan pop, add the rest of the corn. This really makes a difference! What type of difference? Better taste? More kernels popped? Bigger kernels? I add the kernels and oil cold at the same time and never had a problem. What turns out better by pre-heating the oil? ---
**Author:** ![Tride](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tride/32/13907_2.png) [@Tride](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tride)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/68 "2025-01-09T21:20:31Z")
Ghee in a Whirley-Pop works great for popping and flavoring, or avocado oil and then a pat of butter once the popping gets going. Plus Cabot cheddar powder of course. ---
**Author:** ![california\_jobcase](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@california\_jobcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/california_jobcase)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/69 "2025-01-09T22:50:00Z")
It gives a cleaner, less burned flavor and fewer old maids. ---
**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 10, 2025, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/70 "2025-01-10T00:03:31Z")
Before this thread I’d never heard the term “old maid”. Are those unpopped or semi-popped, or both? My family always called them “dingleberries”. And yes, I’m familiar w the animal husbandry usage of that word. Does anyone else have another interesting term for the (semi-)dud kernels? ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/71 "2025-01-10T00:13:44Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > Does anyone else have another interesting term for the (semi-)dud kernels? In my group they were called jawbreakers. For obvious reasons if you’ve ever scooped a handful of popcorn and gotten one by surprise. ---
**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 10, 2025, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/72 "2025-01-10T02:16:57Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > Alas, too much expensive dental work has caused me to RARELY if ever indulge these days. ☹ You can buy specialty popping corn with almost no hull. Here’s one I’m familiar with. > **[Baby White Popcorn](https://www.selectpopcorn.com/collections/frontpage/products/baby-white)** > > Melting in your mouth, this delicate hulless popcorn is the top seller for Riehle's Select Popcorn. Enjoy the taste with every handful of this small sized popcorn kernel. This popping corn makes a healthy snack. Popping your own popcorn with unpopped... ---
**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 10, 2025, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/73 "2025-01-10T02:31:34Z")
> [@Nayna](#): > > I have one of these. It’s great, but there’s a part inside that you have to replace each time you use the bowl, and I’m currently out of them. I have that same popper, but I have _never_ used the “powerbase” or “power up”. When I got it second-hand, it didn’t have them, and after I bought a new one years many later and discovered it came with them, I just never bothered. ---
**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 10, 2025, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/74 "2025-01-10T02:36:05Z")
When I had a Stir-Crazy, I occasionally used bacon fat as the cooking oil. Nowadays, I make air-pooped, on the extremely rare occasions I make popcorn (maybe once a year, if that). ---
**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 10, 2025, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/75 "2025-01-10T02:54:38Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > Nowadays, I make air-pooped Remind me not to ask to borrow any of your appliances. You win the thread. Like totally. You can’t even claim to need more coffee since it’s about 7pm Pacific time where you live as you’re posting. 😉 ---
**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 10, 2025, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/76 "2025-01-10T04:35:36Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > Remind me not to ask to borrow any of your appliances. > > You win the thread. Like totally. Lol! Maybe I just have a problem with flatulence! ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 10:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/77 "2025-01-10T10:35:06Z")
I use a 12" nonstick wok with a glass cover. The narrow flat bottom keeps the unpopped kernals over the heat, while the curved sides allow the popped corn to rise away from the heat, reducing burned popcorn. My other protip is using bacon grease instead of oil to pop the kernels. Because everything is better with bacon. ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/78 "2025-01-10T12:13:25Z")
Health Police doing drive-by: POPCORN is a very healthy snack. You can eat giant handfuls of it without guilt. All the grease you put on it, isn’t. Of all the mentioned choices, probably plain butter is the healthiest. Flavacol has horrible chemicals in it I wouldn’t feed to a dog. Coconut oil is not good for you at all. Read labels, make better choices. – Health Police, waving goodbye. ---
**Author:** ![mozchron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c2a13f/32.png) [@mozchron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mozchron)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/79 "2025-01-10T12:16:32Z")
Couple tablespoons of oil in a stainless steel pot on the stove. Not rocket science. ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679/80 "2025-01-10T14:39:04Z")
Two seasonings I can’t get enough of to add after popping are both made by Urban Accents. The Chili Lime and Spicy Sriracha are awesome. Unfortunately I haven’t found a way to but them outside of this set: [Urban Accents Box Office Hits, Popcorn Set, 8 Pieces : Target](https://www.target.com/p/urban-accents-box-office-hits-popcorn-set-8-pieces/-/A-90594942?ref=tgt_adv_xsf&AFID=google&CPNG=Snacks%2BCandy+-+Target+Plus&adgroup=71-8&gQT=1) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-do-i-make-decent-popcorn-at-home/1012679.md?page=5)