Popcorn Makers

Popcorn Makers

Gone are the old days when you had to make do with flat and lumpy popcorn, laboriously made on hot flames. Today is the time of a variety of popcorn makers that are available off the shelf to fit into your kitchen. Popcorn makers, also called popcorn poppers, are devices used to make popcorn. You can find them in form of huge ones when visiting the theatres or even in small, yet durable, simple kitchen appliances.

There is a tiny droplet of water within each corn kernel, which expands and pops, when it is heated. This releases the starchy interior of the corn and forms ‘popcorn’. It is a simple phenomenon that results in the making of a delicious snack that is loved by everyone. You can churn out these melt-in-your-mouth light and crisp corns by using any one out of the many popcorn makers. You can choose these based on your budget to the type of diet you prefer for yourself and your family.         

Different Types of Popcorn Makers 

The popcorn makers can be broadly divided into the following three categories:  

• Hot Air Popcorn Makers or Hot-Air Popcorn Popper
• Popcorn Makers That Use Oil 
• Microwave Popcorn Makers 

Hot Air Popcorn Makers or Hot Air Popcorn Popper

These popcorn makers are a sure choice for the health conscious ones. As obvious by the name Hot-Air Poppers work with the help of hot air. These poppers use a fan and a heating element, wherein the hot air is blown over the raw corn kernels till they are heated to reach their popping point. The use of the air is to keep the kernels in constant motion and preventing them from getting charred. 

Since it is a healthy option of popcorn makers, these poppers do not use oil, or any other calorie laden products. Although this might result in having fewer flavors in the popcorn, it is perfect for you, when you want to enjoy a guilt free snack. You also have the option to dress it up with salt, minced herbs and some cheese, to make it more palatable for your taste-buds.  

Popcorn Makers That Use Oil 

These popcorn makers use oil and heat to make popcorns. They are available in two basic varieties: 

-          Stovetop popcorn makers: these are appliances that look more or less like a saucepan, but with a sturdy lid on it. You can pour in the corn and oil, then clasp the lid and place this on your kitchen stovetop, to make a batch-full of delicious crisp popcorns. They are equipped with a wooden handle and crank that you can turn with you hands, to keep stirring the corn inside the pan. These come in budget ranges and can make yummy mouthfuls of popcorn, exactly like the ones you find in the movie theatres. These can be used on any kind of heat source, even a camping stove!   

-          Electric popcorn makers: Functioning on the same lines as its stovetop cousin, these electric popcorn makers, use electricity to produce the heat required to pop the corns. They are slightly more expensive when compared to the stovetop poppers. However these appliances have an excellent control on the temperature to make sure that the corns are popped with a perfect and even heat. They are also equipped with a plastic lid that is functional for melting the butter and also doubles up as a serving bowl.  

Both these oil based popcorn makers can make about 24 cups of flavorful, yummy popcorn easily and quickly. Since it uses oil, the popcorn made by these poppers is rich in calories when compared to the other two types of popcorn makers. 

Microwave Popcorn Makers 

These popcorn makers are one of the least expensive and convenient to use types. In this, all you have to do is place the raw corn kernels in a microwave safe dish, cover it, and microwave it for approximately two to four minutes. It is easy to use and to clean. However you have to keep in mind few things like: cooking the popper on reduced power while you are keeping a watch, to prevent the popcorn from burning. You should also use a hot pad or wait for the container to cool down before you reach for it. Taking these small precautions can make corn popping in your microwave popcorn makers, a hassle free experience.