If you are like me, you think there is nothing better than a freshly popped bowl of homemade popcorn. And with the myriad of popcorn makers available today, everyone can have their popcorn just the way they like it. Popcorn has been a staple in human culture since the days of the Aztecs. However, it was not until the late 1800s that popcorn became the popular item in America that we now take for granted. It was then that a gentleman named Charles Cretors invented a machine just for popping popcorn with hot air. Mr. Cretors began making and selling popcorn on the streets of Chicago and it was not long before popcorn makers began showing up in all major cities.
Today we find popcorn at almost all venues where large numbers of people gather. For me, and I am sure many of you, the first thing I do before entering a movie theater is purchase the largest tub of popcorn available in the concessions area. It's difficult to replicate the exceptional taste of movie theater popcorn at home, but today's popcorn makers are surely doing their best to do so. There are basically three types of popcorn makers available for use in the home. Before you decide what type popcorn or popcorn popper you choose to purchase consider the points below.
The microwave oven has become the most popular of popcorn makers in today's society. It likely became so popular more so due to America's I want it and I want now philosophy than the taste of the popcorn. While microwave popcorn is definitely fast and convenient, the taste and smell leave a little to be desired as far as I'm concerned. Microwave popcorn leaves a strong smell that takes awhile to dissipate and the taste falls well short of the popcorn available at the movies or the ballgame.
Another development of modern society is the hot air popcorn machine. These popcorn makers require no oil and pop the corn with only the hot air produced by the popper. Now we are getting to what I consider a waste of otherwise good popcorn. The popcorn produced by these hot air popcorn makers tastes like cardboard to me. The popcorn is so dry that salt will not stick to the popcorn and butter or some other additive is necessary if you desire any taste at all. Adding butter kind of defeats the health benefits these hot air poppers are supposed to be providing. These things are a total waste of money and the popcorn they produce is dry, tasteless and of no use to satisfy the cravings of a true popcorn eater.
Now we get to the popcorn makers most like what Charles Cretors created and did so well with in the late 1800s. The combination of the basic sauce pan type container, oil and hot air produce the best tasting popcorn you can make at home and come as close to what you will find at a movie theater. If you desire, you can purchase popcorn makers similar to those used in movie theaters that do nothing but pop popcorn. Otherwise, consider purchasing a stove top popcorn maker. The best results with stove top popcorn makers are produced with those pans that have openings in the tops that allow steam to escape thus keeping the popcorn moist which enhances the taste. I also recommend a popper that has a crank in the handle that allows the popcorn to be turned thus preventing sticking to the pan and burning.
As you can see, I prefer the old fashioned method of popping my popcorn because I believe it produces the best taste. However, I suggest you try all three methods and then choose whichever of these popcorn makers that produce a combination of convenience and the popcorn that best suits your taste.
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