Popcorn Makers - How to Choose a Popcorn Popper or Maker

Years ago, unless you were in a theater enjoying hot buttered popcorn, the only way to make this crowd-pleasing treat at home was with a pot on the stove. This type of popper was inexpensive, you really didn't need a special pot (though some exist today), just a mid-size saucepan with a little oil, a tight-fitting lid and heat. It only took a few minutes of monitoring and keeping the pot moving, to keep the corn from scorching. The result, a tasty and economical snack everyone could enjoy.

Then came the hot air popper - a small appliance that popped corn strictly with heat, so easily in fact, that virtually no intervention was needed. But their popularity was short lived with the introduction of the microwave oven and manufacturers were quick to add preset popcorn cycles to cash in on this family favorite. Popcorn makers were soon collecting dust as microwave popcorn varieties were cheap to buy, easier and quicker to pop, with less to clean. Although many now consider a microwave the only way to pop corn, some would argue that flavor has been sacrificed for speed and convenience.

Popcorn itself has never lost its appeal. It's still the cheapest, easiest and most popular family snack. But how you pop it seems to be changing. There's a trend to return to non-microwavable popping corn and some are exploring different ways to pop it. Popcorn is actually fun to make and the popping process can be incorporated into family events. Hence the need to find a popcorn maker/popper that suits your lifestyle. But first, you need to buy regular popping corn and for best results, buy from well-known brands. You may not want to scrimp on the quality of popping corn you buy, as cheaper varieties often leave many kernels behind.

Microwave Popcorn Makers

You can pop corn in a microwave and maximize the flavor by using regular popping corn and a special dish or popper designed for use in a microwave. Although some may find this a tedious process compared to cook-in-the-bag microwave popcorn, it's a tasty popping alternative.

Stove-Top Popcorn Makers

It's fairly simple to make popcorn right on the cooktop with a medium-sized aluminum or encapsulated base pot, a little oil and a tight-fitting lid. However, if your range or cooktop has a smooth-top or ceran glass top, sliding a pot back and forth is not recommended on these cooktops. You'll need to lower the heat and pick up the pot to shake/move the corn while it's popping. An alternative popper is an old fashioned popcorn pot that is equipped with a built-in stirring paddle, to keep the corn moving without having to slide the pot back and forth. It also has a lid to keep the popcorn from escaping. These are also very nice for popping corn on a camp stove or open fire. As with any stovetop cookware, these types of poppers require constant monitoring.

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Hot Air Popcorn Makers

Electric hot air popcorn makers are the simplest to use (next to a microwave), if you want the older children to be able to make their own popcorn. They come in a range of styles, prices and capacities. Choose one that has a reasonable capacity and price to meet your needs and budget. Fairly simple to operate, they're quick and just as easy to clean. They pop corn by means of heated air, without oil.

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Theater-Style Popcorn Makers

This style of popper has become very popular, initially with those who have theater rooms, but more recently with consumers who want to enhance their family staycation, or just want a little help with the outdoor birthday party. With various styles and price ranges, it's not too difficult to find one that's perfect for your home or backyard. There are counter models and full-featured stand units that tend to draw in happy on-lookers. A theater style popcorn maker makes a larger capacity than hot air models and is an all-around crowd pleaser. Since they make large batches of corn, you'll need to find a source for the corn and flavoring.

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Read More About Kitchenware & Small Appliances:

Rosette Tools
Gadgets You Never Knew You Always Wanted
Selecting Family Glassware
Party Appliances
About Ice Cream Makers

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