Popcorn Machines

[josh]

After reading through this thread, I suspect that if I posted how I make my popcorn, @josh would drop the ban hammer on me and boot me from the forum for life.

just don't say the M-word.... ugh.

 

[rafaelsmith]

View attachment 6682

But to keep it simple, if you want the very best Movie Theater style popcorn - here it is, you won't be disappointed: 1/2 cup Riehle's Goldenrod kernels, 1/8-tsp Flavacol right in oil before cooking, and 3 Tbsp Dutchman's Yellow Coconut oil.

That's all you need for a perfect batch.

Don't get me started on toppings... i have about 30 I have for mixing things up sometimes, including some cheese powders, flavorings (without added salt... there's enough salt due to the flavacol so stay from those grocery "kernel seasonings" crap that has way too much salt). But high quality toppings is a subject for a whole other post some day.

Curious how many people does that make popcorn for assuming small bucket per person?

I have followed similar recipe but trying to figure out how to double...simply doubling the amount of ingredients does not seem to work very well...So i just do two batches.

 

[josh]

Curious how many people does that make popcorn for assuming small bucket per person?

I have followed similar recipe but trying to figure out how to double...simply doubling the amount of ingredients does not seem to work very well...So i just do two batches.

For full-size kernals, the 1/2 cup of kernals gets you about 4 quarts of popcorn... plenty for 3-4 people, though wife and i have been known to finish that size batch on our own.
When it's just the two of us, I usually do 1/3 cup of kernals and 2 TBSPs of the oil... that seems to work out perfectly.

Use more popcorn if you go for the Baby Blue kernals or other baby varieties... even though you'll be getting more kernals in the 1/2 cup or 1/3 cup measure, they just don't expand nearly as much as larger varieties, so we've often ended up with surprisingly small batches before we learned how to adjust.

 

[SJHT]

That’s a lot of testing. I haven’t had any issues with soggy corn when I have my timing right. It’s about not waiting too long to remove from the heat and take the lid off.

And the big reason I replaced my Whirly Pop is the Popsmith is dishwasher safe.

Now have made several batches with the Popsmith. Not soggy at all. The bottom of the popper reminds me of my All-Clad pans. Heats very evenly. I do make sure to take it off quickly when done and lower the cooking temp as it gets rolling. Using it with a convection stove top likely also reduces heat very quickly. I have hand washed (which isn’t that difficult), but more often just rinse and put in the dishwasher. I have had several of the popcorn mix packages which came with the unit, but prefer the Josh recipe. It’s really great!

 

[rafaelsmith]

For full-size kernals, the 1/2 cup of kernals gets you about 4 quarts of popcorn... plenty for 3-4 people, though wife and i have been known to finish that size batch on our own.
When it's just the two of us, I usually do 1/3 cup of kernals and 2 TBSPs of the oil... that seems to work out perfectly.

Use more popcorn if you go for the Baby Blue kernals or other baby varieties... even though you'll be getting more kernals in the 1/2 cup or 1/3 cup measure, they just don't expand nearly as much as larger varieties, so we've often ended up with surprisingly small batches before we learned how to adjust.

Thanks just ordered some Goldenrod. Have all the other ingredients.

 

[MXT]

Uh, we just heat up some oil in an All-Clad sauce pan on the stove, pour in a 1/3 cup of kernels, and kind of swish it around till it's done popping. I think it comes out pretty good! Do I need to get some kid of fancy machine now???

Currently using red kernels from a local Michigan brand called "Amazin' Pop". I can't find a website for them, but they're sold in the local area markets.

Seriously though, what a treasure trove of detailed popcorn knowledge that Josh has shared. I'll have to try some of the recommended kernels, oils, and seasonings. I do love popcorn.

 

[rafaelsmith]

Uh, we just heat up some oil in an All-Clad sauce pan on the stove, pour in a 1/3 cup of kernels, and kind of swish it around till it's done popping. I think it comes out pretty good! Do I need to get some kid of fancy machine now???

Currently using red kernels from a local Michigan brand called "Amazin' Pop". I can't find a website for them, but they're sold in the local area markets.

Seriously though, what a treasure trove of detailed popcorn knowledge that Josh has shared. I'll have to try some of the recommended kernels, oils, and seasonings. I do love popcorn.

Its all about the "experience" for us. Thou, I did stop at making the floors sticky or adding crying babies in the background
.

 

[DaveN]

Its all about the "experience" for us. Thou, I did stop at making the floors sticky or adding crying babies in the background
.

We have been to a cinema once in the past 20 years. Afternoon matinee with two other people in the theater. Just before the movie started two women sat immediately behind us and started talking. One and done...

 

[rafaelsmith]

We have been to a cinema once in the past 20 years. Afternoon matinee with two other people in the theater. Just before the movie started two women sat immediately behind us and started talking. One and done...

Its going on 10+ years for us even setting foot in a cinema.

 

[Samtang]

I put mine near the AV rack with proper ventilation and it's been fine—just make sure there's space behind it since the vents in the back push out a fair bit of hot air.

 

[Samtang]

We sometimes do scout events too, so the slightly bigger size works. Mostly make our own blend—a bit of butter, salt, and a touch of sugar—and it pops perfect every time. Pre-portioned packs are handy if you’re in a rush, but fresh mix tastes way better. Our popcorn machine handles it all smoothly and cleaning is pretty simple too.

 

[Krabby5]

I have a Paragon 6 ounce popper. I took pictures of the exact oils and topping my local cinema uses. When i used those same products, my popcorn tastes nothing like the theaters. I assume they are using Flavocal, which i do as well. Now the theater uses big industrial sizes for oil, so i never bought that….so i wonder if there is something different with those larger commercial sizes of oil? And the topping oil i used was awful on my popcorn. And it was the same as the toppings the theater uses….just not the huge size. So i gave up trying to copy the theater and just found a popcorn packet brand we liked. Still disappointed we can’t get the same movie theater flavor, but oh well.

 

[rafaelsmith]

I have a Paragon 6 ounce popper. I took pictures of the exact oils and topping my local cinema uses. When i used those same products, my popcorn tastes nothing like the theaters. I assume they are using Flavocal, which i do as well. Now the theater uses big industrial sizes for oil, so i never bought that….so i wonder if there is something different with those larger commercial sizes of oil? And the topping oil i used was awful on my popcorn. And it was the same as the toppings the theater uses….just not the huge size. So i gave up trying to copy the theater and just found a popcorn packet brand we liked. Still disappointed we can’t get the same movie theater flavor, but oh well.

The closest to "movie theater popcorn" I have been able to get is with:
-Dutchmans Butter flavored Popcorn Oil (link) **tried various oils and this has worked the best by far.
-Riehle's Goldenrod kernels
-Snappy Burst Topping oil

I have an 8 oz Popcorn machine so my ratios are:

-1/3 cup of oil
-1 cup of kernals
-1tsp of FLAVACOL

-Put oil and flavocol and let heat up.
-test with 2 or 3 kernals wait til they pop
-then put in rest of kernals and pop.
-apply topping oil when serving (optional)






And by close...i mean its good and everyone likes it but its not exactly the same as what you get at theater...I think there is something else they use that noone but them know about.

 

[audio-videophile]

I just found this discussion, and WOW, lots of great information here!

I'm just a purist when it comes to popcorn and I don't try to match the popcorn flavor bought in movie theaters since I don't consider that to be the gold standard from my experience.

I thought my popcorn upgrade this year from a 3 quart pot to a 4 quart pot was eccentric, but after reading this discussion, I'm clearly too basic!

I looked at the stainless steel Whirley Pop, but for me, dishwasher safe was a must, so this product was a non-starter for me. I don't know why they don't make one that is dishwasher safe. It looks like all they need to do is to change the stainless steel model's wooden handles and knobs to metal or another durable material and it should be dishwasher safe.

Here's what I use:

Cuisinart 4 QT Saucepan and lid, stainless steel, dishwasher safe
1/2 cup Eden Foods Organic popcorn (Eden Foods)
about 1 tablespoon Spectrum Organic Canola Oil (just enough oil to cover the bottom of the pot)
Eden Foods Sea Salt sprinkled on top after popping (Eden Foods)

100% Organic.
100% Pure Unadulterated Flavor.
No chemicals.
No complaints! ;-)

 

[thrillcat]

I looked at the stainless steel Whirley Pop, but for me, dishwasher safe was a must, so this product was a non-starter for me. I don't know why they don't make one that is dishwasher safe.

The Popsmith popper is essentially a high-end whirley pop that is dishwasher safe.

 

[josh]

The Popsmith popper is essentially a high-end whirley pop that is dishwasher safe.

Well… I have them both. Not an upgrade. The popsmith doesn’t vent well and makes soggier popcorn. Used it 4 times. Wanted to love it. Nope. It’s somewhere in my garage I think. Nothing like the stainless whirley for me.

As for washing, it’s simple. 3 minutes.

But if the other works for you, great. Just haven’t found anything better yet for me.

 

[111-JEDI]

I'm kind of a popcorn nerd. I have a Popsmith... as well as 4 other poppers. would have given it to you. Really don't like it. My older steel WhirleyPop (not aluminum version) is just so much better in every way... Popsmith is in a closet and likely soon to be tossed.

nicely packaged and presented... just doesn't have as much venting as the steel whirleypop, so makes soggier popcorn in my testing.
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Currently testing: 24 different types of kernels, 35 spices/toppings, 5 kinds of oils, 4 different oil poppers. Popsmith worst of these poppers, at least for me.

View attachment 6677

I have been researching theater-style poppers for years... pretty sure I'd go GoldMedal brand or Paragon when I'm ready to up-level to an automatic theater-style drop popper. They're just kind of a pain to clean and don't actually make "better" popcorn than using a whirleypop once you really know how to use it. I can do a batch in <5 minutes in Whirley pop and it's amazing with right combo of oils, premium kernels, and right toppings.

But they do bring the visual, auditory, and olfactory appeal when in use in a theater style setting. So probably will add one at some point.

This is epic, Josh! Amazing. I must admit my amateur pop-corning skills are limited to: step 1, open microwave, step 2. place bag, step 3 set for 2:45 and step 4. grab a Topo Chico while I wait.

THANK YOU for sharing your pop-corn culinary master class!!!

 

[DaveN]

Josh. Impressive list of ingredients for testing. May I suggest my favorite addition, Hoosier Hill Farm White Cheddar Cheese Powder?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B0GGABG?ref=fed_asin_title&th=1​

 

[josh]

This is epic, Josh! Amazing. I must admit my amateur pop-corning skills are limited to: step 1, open microwave, step 2. place bag, step 3 set for 2:45 and step 4. grab a Topo Chico while I wait.

THANK YOU for sharing your pop-corn culinary master class!!!

ha. it's not hard to up your game considerably. i can make a batch in about 6 minutes start to finish... truly. and the difference in taste is dramatic. Hope you'll give it a shot...

 

[josh]

Josh. Impressive list of ingredients for testing. May I suggest my favorite addition, Hoosier Hill Farm White Cheddar Cheese Powder?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B0GGABG?ref=fed_asin_title&th=1​

love a good white cheddar powder, and when i clicked your link i realized i have bought that exact one in the past. Don't remember why i now have a different one, but will try Hoosier again!