Popcorn Maker Machine

[horseshoes]

Do any of you have a popcorn maker? I want to buy one as a present and there are so many to choose from. I'd love to hear your opinion if you have one. Thank you.

[ferlew]

Not sure why a machine is needed, I have always made it in a saucepan ???

[bednobs]

what's wrong with using a pan? imho, most kitchen gadgets come out for a bit, then go on holiday to the back of the cupboard

[ferlew]

Peep here..

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Popcorn-in-a-Pan

[rockyracoon]

They're great, no oil and no washing up. Ours is in the shape of a duck.

[horseshoes]

Oo I didn't know you could make it in a pan. I don't like it myself, horrible stuff. I just thought my little family might like one as they like watching films tucked up in bed on a Saturday morning, and my granddaughter would enjoy making it. You think not then? I tend to agree with you about gadgets though. My OH knows I'd sulk for months if he gave me ANYTHING with a plug on it!! He likes gadgets while I have no interest in them.

[rockyracoon]

I always find that using the pan stinks the house out and burns the pan.

[bednobs]

or you can use the micro.
pan works ok. If you want child to do it, popcorn maker is probably best. I would go for cheap - see my previous comment!

[ferlew]

Ok, another way to make without a gadget, is to microwave it.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/microwave-popcorn/

[Postdog]

I go for microwave bags. But then it is hardly staple diet food - I wouldn't eat enough to warrant a special maker.

[KARL]

The main point of having a dedicated maker rather than doing it in a pot on the cooker is temperature control. Too high a temperature risks burning, too low increases loss through un-popped kernels. There is no reason to go for a pricey one and just make a judgement regarding what is sufficient volume, remembering that once one load is done you can go straight to a second if the appetite is there for it.

[ferlew]

"I go for microwave bags. But then it is hardly staple diet food - I wouldn't eat enough to warrant a special maker"


Me either, once a year maybe, no way will I buy a gadget for it.

[horseshoes]

I'm going to have a look at hem at the weekend, and decide then, although I can see there are different opinions. Thanks all. As ever, you're all a great bunch on here.

[bednobs]

try robert dyas - that's just the sort of shp that'll sell you a cheap one

[looobylooo]

Hi horseshoes,
I bought one of these today from The Range for a Christmas pressie - £30 off, was £69 now £39.
I've not tried it, but have had it out the box and it does look good :) x

http://www.therange.co.uk/hollywood-retro-popcorn-maker//the-range/fcp-product/84615