How to Use a Popcorn Maker in 3 Different Ways

How To Use A Popcorn Maker

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Are you still using your saucepan to make your popcorn? If you are, then it is time to invest in a popcorn maker. If you are not sure what you need or want, you are in the right place. Popcorn makers save you the hassle of watching your popcorn cook because you do not want them to burn. They also help you in making tasty popcorn.

So, say goodbye to the pot and pans, burnt and wasted corn, and hello to popcorn makers. In this piece, we will dive into the world of popcorn poppers, including the different types of popcorn machines and how to get the best results.

Read on to learn how to use a popcorn maker.

Types of Popcorn Machine

The popcorn maker produces freshly cooked popcorn.

Popcorn machines vary with minor to massive differences. This is especially true when it comes to cost, durability, speed, convenience, and output. While each of these makers has its key advantages and disadvantages, they are all fairly easy to use. Here are the three main types of popcorn machines:

  • Theatre-style popcorn maker
  • Stirring popcorn maker
  • Hot Air Popper

Making Popcorn With a Theater Style Popcorn Maker

The theatre-style popcorn maker is similarly designed as a home stirrer-style popcorn maker. However, the electric models of these machines vary when it comes to their heat sources. Some of these machines have stovetops or oven units that come with convection heating nobs and microwaves.

When using a theatre-style popcorn maker, here are the basic things that you will need;

  • Theatre-style popcorn maker
  • Popcorn kernels
  • Oil
  • Measuring device
  • Bag or bowl
  • Seasoning

Step 1: Begin By Lifting One of the Metal Flaps of the Kettle.

This allows you to open it so you can add the ingredients. Ensure they are in an even layer and cover them. Proceed to plug in the popcorn maker and turn it on. As the kernels cook, the popcorns tend to spill over the sides of the kettle and gather at the bottom of the glass case of the maker.

Step 2: Once the Kernels Start to Pop More Slowly, Turn Off the Maker.

When the cooking stops, rake through the popcorns using a scooping spoon or a large spoon to allow the unpopped kernels and small crumbs to fall and settle into a crumb drawer located at the bottom of the machine.

Step 3: Add Some Butter.

Using a microwave, melt a tablespoon of butter and drizzle it over the top of the popcorn with a spoon giving it an even coating.

Step 4: Serve Your Freshly-Popped Popcorn.

You can place your popcorn in your preferred container, such as in a bowl or a brown paper lunch bag.

Enjoy your movie theatre popcorn!

Making Popcorn With a Stirring Popcorn Maker

This maker typically comes with a ceramic or metal “E” with a dome-shaped lid. The dome-shaped lid can also act as a bowl. When using this type of maker, start by turning the bowl upside down, attach it to the base unit, and securely lock it in place. This helps to prevent spillage during cooking.

Are you looking to make popcorn using a stirring popcorn maker? Well, here are the must-have ingredients;

  • Stirring Popcorn maker
  • Popping corn
  • Oil
  • Measuring device
  • Waiting bowl
  • Seasoning or salt

Step 1: Add Your Popcorn Kernels.

Add a few popcorn kernels and oil into the maker via the detachable portion at the lid’s centre. It’s advisable to use either sunflower oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, or canola oil.

Step 2: Add Butter.

Add butter to the reservoir or soften the butter in the microwave before placing it in the reservoir. This gives the popcorns an even oily coating.

Step 3: Start Using Your Popcorn Maker.

Proceed to close the lid and turn on the maker. You will notice that the arms will start turning and stirring the popcorn kernels as they begin to cook. The cooking time will vary depending on the number of kernels and their freshness. The popping will start rapidly and slowly die down.

Step 4: Switch It Off.

Once the popping stops, switch it off, turn it over to allow the popcorn to fall into the waiting bowl, and let it rest. Season your popcorn and enjoy!

Making Popcorn With a Hot Air Popper

Do you love eating popcorn that is airy and fluffy? If you do, here are the items you need for hot air popcorn;

  • Hot Air Popper
  • Popcorn kernels
  • Popcorn bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Seasoning (salt, butter, sugar, etc.)

Step 1: Plug-in Your Hot Air Popper.

Once you have all your ingredients, plug in your hot air popper. Place the bowl under the spout to collect the popcorns. You are using a measuring spoon to measure out your desired amount of corn. While if you don’t have a measuring spoon, approximately a half cup of kernels should be enough.

Step 2: Pour In the Popcorn Kernels.

Take off the guard and pour a few kernels onto the reservoir of the hot air popper. Place back the plastic guard over the top of the kernels and measure your desired amount of butter and salt.

Take Note: While some poppers come with a measuring reservoir on the top used to add butter, others don’t. If your popper lacks this reservoir, you can melt your butter in the microwave.

Step 3: Switch on Your Machine.

Switch on the hot air popper and do not touch it on the inside. Listen to the popping sound as the kernel pops. When pops slow down, and all of the corn has popped, pour out into the bowl.

Step 4: Power off the Machine.

After you are done making your popcorn, switch off your machine, season the popcorn, and dig in!

Ingredients

Here are the three basic ingredients that are used to make popcorn regardless of the popcorn machine.

  • Popping corn
  • Preferred oil (Coconut oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil)
  • Seasoning (Butter, salt, flavours, or other seasonings)

Popping Corn

Depending on the popcorn style that you are going for, there are different types of popping corn. Theatre-style popcorn, in particular, has two different types of kernels.

Some kernels come packed together with oil in a single packet, while others have the kernels and oil-packed in separate packets. Alternatively, you can shop for the corns and oils separately according to your preference.

Type of Oil for the Popcorn Machine

Different people have different preferences when it comes to the types of cooking oil that are used in their kitchens. In some kitchens, canola is used by persons who prefer less cholesterol or fat in their diet. You can consider using the hot air popcorn maker on the flip side since it doesn’t require any oil to make the popcorn.

Popcorn Machine Serving Sizes

Are you wondering how much popcorn a person should be served? If you are making popcorns for one person, you need approximately two tablespoons or one ounce of popcorn kernels. This portion will make about three to four cups of popcorn.

Plain or Flavoured Popcorn

People have different preferences when it comes to seasoning popcorn. Some people love having plain popcorn since it is the healthiest option, while others love having popcorn that is flavoured either with salt and butter, sugar, or sometimes even chocolate or peanut butter.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about popcorn makers to make sure you only make the best popcorn that everyone can enjoy.

How Much Oil Should Be Used in a Popcorn Machine?

The quantity of oil varies depending on the size of the kettle. For instance, if you own an 8oz popcorn machine, you may require 1/3 cup of oil.

Furthermore, different machines come with different measuring devices and guidelines that will help you when it comes to determining the ratio of oil to kernels.

A general rule is to ensure all corn is coated to ensure it doesn’t stick and burn.

How Do I Know When My Popcorn Is Ready?

You need to listen carefully as the corn pops; when you start making popcorn, it will begin popping fast, and with little break between pops, as more and more of the kernels pop, the frequency of the pops you hear will reduce. When there are 3-seconds between the sound of the pops, your popcorn should be almost ready.

Fresh Popcorn for Everyone

Popcorn makers make it easy to prepare different recipes of popcorns in a few minutes; once you are done with your popper, always clean and store it appropriately. As mentioned in this article, there are different types of popcorn makers. However, all of these are capable of making delicious popcorn.

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