Popping popcorn on the stove is much better than popping popcorn in the microwave. Primarily, it can be healthier for you. In essence, you control what oil you use and how much seasoning you want. And, it’s just plain fun to pop popcorn on the stove.
Popping popcorn on the stove just requires a kettle and matching lid. Or you can purchase a popcorn popper designed for the stove top, like the Whirley Pop. For those wanting a vintage popping experience, you can often find a throwback popper from the 50s, like the Atom Popcorn Popper, for sale.
Here are tips if you’re using a kettle to pop popcorn on the stove:
- Use a thick-bottomed pan with a handle. Make sure your pan has its original lid.
- The bottom of the kettle should be completely covered with oil.
- Toss in a few popcorn kernels to test when the oil is heated.
- When you’ve heard two or more kernels pop, add half a cup of popcorn and cover.
- When you hear the corn start popping, move the pan back and forth until popping slows.
- Don’t forget to place a hand on the lid to prevent hot oil from spattering out.
- Remove from the stove, add your favorite seasonings and enjoy.
Using a Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper, popping on the stove is much easier. You can rotate the handle of the popper, which helps to stir the popcorn kernels. This way you’re not shaking the pan to prevent popped popcorn from burning. The lid latches to the kettle, which frees you from having to hold onto the lid during popping.
The Atom Pop Corn Popper is just like using the pan, just with no need to shake. The design of this vintage popcorn popper helps to keep popped kernels away from the unpopped kernels and heated bottom.
Popping popcorn on the stove requires a bit of common sense. The pan does get hot and oil can splatter if the lid is not held tight.