Rant: Microwave Popcorn

[stomachmonkey]

So way back in the day when microwaves 1st popped up Microwave Popcorn was a killer app.

Popcorn used to be labeled with the serving size in ounces, but the standard directions were to nuke the stuff till there were 1-2 seconds between kernels popping.

Then Microwaves starting coming with presets for specific items including various sizes of popcorn bags which made life simple. Pick the serving size and hit nuke. Perfect every time.

But for some bizarre reason microwave popcorn is no longer labeled by serving size forcing us to go back to the 1-2 seconds between pop rule.

Anyone else notice this?

[Zeke]

Mine just burns but is only 40% popped. Going back to the pan.

[Dottore]

Of all the foods in all the food-groups in your supermarket, why would one freely choose microwave popcorn?

[Oh Haha]

Our m/w has a popcorn button and it comes out almost perfect every time, no matter the brand.

I like the kettlecorn flavor.

[mikester]

Microwave popcorn is a waste of money. I can make really good popcorn on the stove in about twice the time (5 minutes tops) and it is quite good.

I'm thinking of trying to make kettle corn (which is basically just adding sugar).

[Heel n Toe]

I thought it was 5 seconds between kernels popping.

I'm okay with that... that's specific enough for me.

Seriously, the stuff we buy says something like "4 to 5 minutes," and we followed the 5 second rule to get a number, and once we made note of the time being 5 mins. and 45 seconds, there's no more guesswork.

Number of servings? Two. Half for Miz Toe and half for me.

I've never seen a microwave with presets for "various sizes of popcorn bags." By ounces?

[legion]

There was an external at work that thought every kernel in the bag had to be popped for it to be done.

A few years ago, for months, at 3:00 on the dot, he would set his bag of popcorn on fire.

Guess who sits by the microwave?

[dentist90]

Can't trust the instructions on the bag, microwaves vary so much in power, some have a rotating platter as well... just listen for the popping to slow down. The ones that have already popped aren't going to pop again! And the ones that haven't popped after four minutes aren't going to! Same general rules apply to stovetop and hot air.

[pwd72s]

Damn! Another "too many carbs" food item I miss now that I have type 2...but something to the diet...last blood test at the MD's had great numbers...

You who still enjoy the stuff? Grab an extra handfull for me, willya? Thanks!

[Oh Haha]

I'll have some in your honor tonight, Paul.

You like lemon/pepper seasoning on it?

Parmesan cheese?


Good news on your latest lab work.

[Shuie]

My wife bought one of these a few months ago. The popcorn is pretty great. We'll never do microwave popcorn again.

[HardDrive]

???

Pop Secret. 2 minutes on high. Perfect.

[david914]

Lately, we've become a bit snobbish when it comes to popcorn. We started using a WhirleyPop a few months ago and haven't looked back. We do use the microwave to melt real butter to put on the popcorn, but no nukes for the popcorn itself. Add some seasoning and you'll never want the nuked stuff again.

[M.D. Holloway]

buy it pre-popped...problem solved

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by Oh Haha

Our m/w has a popcorn button and it comes out almost perfect every time, no matter the brand.

I like the kettlecorn flavor.

Same here. hit popcorn, hit start, wait for the beep.

[Turbo_pro]

No matter what the method for popping, the secret to great popcorn at home is clarified butter. Started a year or so ago and can't believe the difference.

[M.D. Holloway]

Cheese Popcorn by Smartfood - stuff is like heroin...