Stovetop Popcorn

With all the nostalgia threads lately, it got me to thinkin (which usually gets me trouble).

I haven’t used a manual stovetop popcorn popper in probably 40 years. I’m thinking of getting a new manual popcorn popper that can be used on a stovetop, grill or even a campfire.

Yeah, I know you can do it with an old sauce pan with a lid. I always preferred to be able to stir it to get a more even pop without burning and not staining a saucepan.

Are there any popcorn aficionados here that can share what features to look for in modern manual popcorn poppers?

They probably haven’t changed much in a 100 years. Just though it might be an interesting question.

Someone mentioned a bit ago (can’t remember who) that their Mom popped popcorn in bacon grease.
That’s sounds pretty good.

Eelpoutguy wrote:

Someone mentioned a bit ago (can’t remember who) that their Mom popped popcorn in bacon grease.
That’s sounds pretty good.

Crisco shortening or Lard work really well too.

Bacon grease and cast iron.

The Whirley pop

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From COOKS ILLISTRATED

1
. Heat 3 tablespoons oil and 3 popcorn kernels over medium heat in ­covered 4-quart pan.

2.
When test kernels burst, remove pot from heat and add 1/3 cup popcorn.

3.
Cover pot and wait 30 seconds before returning pan to heat.

4.
When kernels start to pop, shake pan (with lid slightly ajar) until popping slows to 1 to 2 seconds between pops.

Preheating the oil with “test” kernels indicates when the oil has reached the optimal popping temperature (around 380 degrees), and the 30-second off-burner wait allows all of the kernels to gradually heat to the same temperature—so they pop almost simultaneously.

X2 on the Whirley Pop. Have used it for close to 15 years.

I got one of these for Christmas two years ago. 1/4″ of oil in the pan and slow heat and it works flawlessly. I have used it hundreds of times. https://www.atompoppopper.com/

I had a whirley pop and it worked good but the gears are are made out of plastic and they got brittle and broke

Whirley pop and bacon grease or coconut oil. Better yet is the pop corn over the camp fire. We do that probably 3 times a week up at the lake.

Are you guys saying there’s another way to make pop corn then the microwave…that comes pre buttered and salted??

Stovetop Popcorn?

If you really want nostalgia, then Jiffy Pop is what you seek.

Who doesn’t remember gathering in front of the old B&W Zenith enjoying Jiffy Pop.

“As much fun to make as it is to eat”…

Im with the Whirley popper with coconut oil. Work great for me.

Walleyestudent Andy Cox wrote:

Stovetop Popcorn?

If you really want nostalgia, then Jiffy Pop is what you seek.

Who doesn’t remember gathering in front of the old B&W Zenith enjoying Jiffy Pop.

“As much fun to make as it is to eat”…

<div class=”ido-oembed-wrap”><iframe title=”Jiffy Pop Popcorn 1970s Commercial” width=”850″ height=”638″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/UVdMA4QHdUU?feature=oembed&#8221; frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen=””></iframe></div>
<div class=”ido-oembed-wrap”><iframe title=”VINTAGE JIFFY POP GENIE COMMERCIAL” width=”850″ height=”638″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xw94bqcDUxE?feature=oembed&#8221; frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen=””></iframe></div>

Walleyestudent Andy Cox wrote:

Stovetop Popcorn?

If you really want nostalgia, then Jiffy Pop is what you seek.

Who doesn’t remember gathering in front of the old B&W Zenith enjoying Jiffy Pop.

“As much fun to make as it is to eat”…

<div class=”ido-oembed-wrap”><iframe title=”Jiffy Pop Popcorn 1970s Commercial” width=”850″ height=”638″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/UVdMA4QHdUU?feature=oembed&#8221; frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen=””></iframe></div>
<div class=”ido-oembed-wrap”><iframe title=”VINTAGE JIFFY POP GENIE COMMERCIAL” width=”850″ height=”638″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xw94bqcDUxE?feature=oembed&#8221; frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen=””></iframe></div>

https://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/jiffy-pop-airbag/n10202

Cooperman wrote:

https://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/jiffy-pop-airbag/n10202

This is what I got…

M3U8 Load Error
Error occurred while contacting manifest service

Maybe “the virus” is at play here too?

Doah , I just mentioned “virus”…hope I didn’t just get this thread locked down.

Whirly pop and some sugar and you got kettle corn

Memories! Thanks! However you end up cooking on stovetop. All turn out about the same. Douse with butter and salt. Good to go. Be generous with the napkins.

robby wrote:

Douse with butter and salt. Good to go. Be generous with the napkins.

Douse with butter and salt…yeah!

Be generous with the napkins…meh, just wipe with your shirtsleeve.

My local farm store had Whirly Pops in stock so I went that route. Actually I got 2 one for inside the house and one for outdoors.

Those right angle drive gears do look rather cheap.

You can get a lid with metal gears.
https://www.whirleypopshop.com/products/aluminum-whirley-pop-lid-with-metal-gears-replacement-lid-only-

If you have a 3D printer, you could have a go at printing your own gears.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:953855

Or, you can get them on Fleabay.

Of course after the fact I see that that they do sell a Whirly Pop model with the upgraded metal gears.

Also, I just saw another company call Great Northern Popcorn that makes a stainless steel version of the same thing with metal gears. Pictures can be deceiving but it may be a bit better quality for the same money.

Large soup pot (7-10qt) with a layer of oil just enough to cover the bottom of the pot then add your kernels, also just enough for a single layer covering the bottom. This method will fill any size pot you’re popping in. Add both at the same time, a little salt, turn the heat to medium medium-high, wait a few minutes and get the lid ready!

That was my mom. She makes a mean fried egg sandwich with velveeta. I’m guessing she put a little bacon grease in there, too. Funny thing is she weighs about 100 pounds. I weigh quite a little more.