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Popping Tips

We recommend following these three steps to make sure you're popping up the best microwave popcorn possible, time after time. It's a good idea to look over the other tips, too.

Three Steps to Perfect Popcorn

  1. Pre-heat your microwave oven by placing a cup of water inside the oven and heating it for one minute. Then carefully remove the cup of hot water.
  2. After placing the popcorn bag in the microwave, set the microwave (full power) for five minutes and listen carefully.
  3. Stop the microwave oven when rapid popping slows to 2 to 3 seconds between pops.

Don’t Forget!

Here are some very important safety reminders. Remember – these are not optional!

  • ADULT SUPERVISION IS RECOMMENDED.
  • Don’t leave the microwave unattended while popping the corn. It is important to watch the bag to make sure it inflates properly while the popcorn is popping. A bag that has not inflated properly will scorch very quickly.
Remove the plastic overwrap and unfold the popcorn bag. Make sure the bag has no holes, tears, or broken seals. A hole, tear, or broken seal causes the steam to escape too soon. The bag will not inflate properly which could cause the popcorn to scorch.

 

Tricks of the Trade

Here are a few more tips to help you make great popcorn:

  • Make sure the microwave oven is clean. A dirty oven could decrease the efficiency of the microwave oven.
  • Remove metal oven rack. The rack could hinder inflation of the bag.
  • Don’t start and stop the microwave while popping. It’s better to start out at a higher period of time and remove the popcorn when the rapid popping slows.
  • If your microwave has a carousel, make sure the bag can rotate freely.
  • Don’t use a plastic turntable in the microwave. The plastic turntables that are purchased at discount stores can only withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees F. Any microwave popcorn that you pop can reach temperatures around 450 to 500 degrees F, which could cause damage to the turntable.
  • Never turn your microwave oven on when it is empty. It could damage the magnetron tube in your oven.
  • If poor popping results occur, try raising the popcorn off the oven floor by placing an inverted glass pie plate under the popcorn. Do not use plastic or paper; it can melt or scorch.