geekhack

geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 22 March 2017, 13:45:21

Title: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 22 March 2017, 13:45:21
Anyone want to share your best way to make popcorn at home?

Do you use a fancy machine? The tried and true heavy pot method?

Maybe you're too lazy and just buy microwavable popcorn??

What seasonings/oils/butters do you like to put on your popcorn?
Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: iamtootallforthis on Wed, 22 March 2017, 13:48:22
Get an air popper (https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CPM-100-EasyPop-Popcorn-Maker/dp/B005RRBGYA)

I just use some butter and salt to top popcorn.
Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: Tally810 on Wed, 22 March 2017, 13:48:34
I actually got a mini movie style popcorn maker from the wife for Christmas a couple years ago and it's great.  We buy the salts, cheeses, sweet spices, garlic, and all the other popcorn powders and it's tough to beat imo even though I'm no popcorn expert.  You load the canister up and put in some of the butter oil and it's great

Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 22 March 2017, 14:03:52
I did the math just last week.. it's cheaper to buy the costco bags vs diy..

But I heard people get really fancy with the stove top methods, with different seasonings and different oils..
Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: iamtootallforthis on Wed, 22 March 2017, 14:05:06
I did the math just last week.. it's cheaper to buy the costco bags vs diy..

But I heard people get really fancy with the stove top methods, with different seasonings and different oils..

I think Air Popper beats microwave stuff by miles.
Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: KetchyKech on Wed, 22 March 2017, 14:12:47
Me and my gf take great pride in the popcorn we make  :cool:

1.) NEVER microwave. Use one of these instead: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Northern-Popcorn-Stainless-Stove/dp/B00608D66G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1490209561&sr=8-2&keywords=popcorn+spinner (https://www.amazon.com/Great-Northern-Popcorn-Stainless-Stove/dp/B00608D66G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1490209561&sr=8-2&keywords=popcorn+spinner)

2.) Snappy White Popcorn is not only healthier than alternatives but high in fiber and tastes better imo: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00382UXU4/ref=sr_ph_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1490209644&sr=sr-1&keywords=snappy+popcorn (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00382UXU4/ref=sr_ph_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1490209644&sr=sr-1&keywords=snappy+popcorn)

3.) Use Coconut oil when popping on the stove top, it's healthier and makes for lighter popcorn

4.) If I could only give you one tip, it is to use Flavacol seasoning after popping in done:https://www.amazon.com/Gold-Medal-Prod-Flavacol-Seasoning/dp/B004W8LT10/ref=pd_sim_325_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B004W8LT10&pd_rd_r=V7KVGB86J8PGJ3RHQYMR&pd_rd_w=HBev9&pd_rd_wg=vSTrq&psc=1&refRID=V7KVGB86J8PGJ3RHQYMR (https://www.amazon.com/Gold-Medal-Prod-Flavacol-Seasoning/dp/B004W8LT10/ref=pd_sim_325_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B004W8LT10&pd_rd_r=V7KVGB86J8PGJ3RHQYMR&pd_rd_w=HBev9&pd_rd_wg=vSTrq&psc=1&refRID=V7KVGB86J8PGJ3RHQYMR)

5.) make sure you sprinkle with a proper shaker for the flavacol to evenly distribute it. (high angle is key)
Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 22 March 2017, 14:44:39
I did the math just last week.. it's cheaper to buy the costco bags vs diy..

But I heard people get really fancy with the stove top methods, with different seasonings and different oils..

I think Air Popper beats microwave stuff by miles.

I can't say for sure..  but it's one less thing to wash..
Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: iamtootallforthis on Wed, 22 March 2017, 14:53:31
I did the math just last week.. it's cheaper to buy the costco bags vs diy..

But I heard people get really fancy with the stove top methods, with different seasonings and different oils..

I think Air Popper beats microwave stuff by miles.

I can't say for sure..  but it's one less thing to wash..

You don't really need to wash an air popper as you're just throwing in dry popcorn kernels. A quick wipe with a damp paper towel is enough.
Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 22 March 2017, 14:54:19
I did the math just last week.. it's cheaper to buy the costco bags vs diy..

But I heard people get really fancy with the stove top methods, with different seasonings and different oils..

I think Air Popper beats microwave stuff by miles.

I can't say for sure..  but it's one less thing to wash..

You don't really need to wash an air popper as you're just throwing in dry popcorn kernels. A quick wipe with a damp paper towel is enough.

Do you even use any oil or butter when air popping?
Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: iamtootallforthis on Wed, 22 March 2017, 14:59:57
I did the math just last week.. it's cheaper to buy the costco bags vs diy..

But I heard people get really fancy with the stove top methods, with different seasonings and different oils..

I think Air Popper beats microwave stuff by miles.

I can't say for sure..  but it's one less thing to wash..

You don't really need to wash an air popper as you're just throwing in dry popcorn kernels. A quick wipe with a damp paper towel is enough.

Do you even use any oil or butter when air popping?

I add the melted butter and salt after popping.
Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: YoungMichael88 on Wed, 22 March 2017, 15:04:12
I used to put chicken soup base powder on my popcorn. Sometimes I would use that and shredded cheese and layer that in the popped popcorn then microwave it briefly to get it to stick to the cheese. I used to weight 315lbs
Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 22 March 2017, 15:14:41
I used to put chicken soup base powder on my popcorn. Sometimes I would use that and shredded cheese and layer that in the popped popcorn then microwave it briefly to get it to stick to the cheese. I used to weight 315lbs

Post fotos... !!
Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: vivalarevolución on Thu, 23 March 2017, 07:43:18
I use a thick bottom, non stick pan, add some oil and a few kernels, heat up the cooking oil to medium heat, and then add the rest of the popcorn kernels.  Be vigilant, or you might burn the popcorn.
Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 23 March 2017, 13:24:51
I use a thick bottom, non stick pan, add some oil and a few kernels, heat up the cooking oil to medium heat, and then add the rest of the popcorn kernels.  Be vigilant, or you might burn the popcorn.

hrrrrmmm... light weight is going to be key it seems..

Given how the jiffy pop type work on youtube.
Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 23 March 2017, 21:23:29
Some sort of cheese powder..  do they sell the kind that they use on cheetos..
Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: Blackehart on Fri, 24 March 2017, 12:10:26
plebes!

:p

https://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Microwave-Popcorn-Popper/dp/B00004W4UP/ref=sr_1_5?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1490375312&sr=1-5&keywords=plastic+air+popper

No oil necessary!

Dump kernels in bowl. Cover...set for 3:15 mins.

BOOM!

add flavoring or as is.
Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: Theconejo on Tue, 28 March 2017, 18:57:56
I can tell you how I do it: I start with a thick bottomed pot. I do a ratio of 1 tablespoon oil to 1 cup popcorn. 1 cup makes a decently large amount so scale back if needed. 1 cup will be crowded once popped in my 5qt lecrueset round pot.

Start medium heat with a few kernels, when those few pop add the rest of the cup and cover. I turn it down to low/med-low and give it a shake every so often. By shake I mean pick up the pot with the lid on and squirl the contents around. I don't like opening much as I feel it messes the whole process up. It might take a bit but should start popping pretty consistently.

Once done I pour a little olive oil and use salt and a spatula to stir it around.

In addition to salt I usually put paprika, garlic powder and nutritional yeast, which is a great substitute to powder cheese if you have lactose problems like me.

Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: Theconejo on Tue, 28 March 2017, 18:59:11
Some sort of cheese powder..  do they sell the kind that they use on cheetos..

I've gone to a lot of spice shops that sell cheddar powder. So this does exist, although nutritional yeast is a good substitute.

Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 29 March 2017, 02:11:27
Some sort of cheese powder..  do they sell the kind that they use on cheetos..

I've gone to a lot of spice shops that sell cheddar powder. So this does exist, although nutritional yeast is a good substitute.



is the nutritional yeast what makes the cheetos sour ?
Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: Theconejo on Wed, 29 March 2017, 02:21:48
Cheetos sour? I doubt it as it doesn't make a sour flavor. Also it would be listed in the ingredients if used.
Title: Re: Recommended Methods/Equipment for Making Popcorn at Home
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 29 March 2017, 14:43:01
I used this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VG2T57U/

And cooked it in a lodge enameled cast iron 6 quart dutch oven, it turned out ok.