Anyone have either or both? I've seen one of those air poppers before at a friend's house, and it seems more convenient than popping it in a pot with oil, but it's loud and a decent amount of kernals get blown out unpopped, and some don't make it into the bowl. I was looking at getting a microwave popping bowl instead and was wondering if anyone had any experience with them compared with an air popper. But if the popcorn turns out soggy or not as good as an air popper, I might just opt for the air popper.

They both make popcorn that taste like styrofoam

I just pop my popcorn in a paper bag in the microwave. Toss in your kernels and a little oil, roll up the top of the bag, and listen till it stops popping. Season to taste. Always turns out great!

I used to do the paper bag popcorn, but then I noticed my plates were getting slightly stained from the oil burning on them in the microwave. So I switched to an air popper. I agree with it tasting like styrofoam though. A little butter helps. I'm actually somewhat interested in this bowl as well. Assuming they both have the same texture, I'd imagine the bowl is more convenient.

If interested in the paper bag popcorn trick: http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/01/how-to-make-microwave-popcorn-brown-paper-bag.html

Whirley Pop FTW

Go for the air popper if you are going for no fat/salt.

For actual popcorn try a model similar to this:

https://www.amazon.com/West-Bend-82306-6-Quart-Electric/dp/B00004RC6R/ref=zg_bs_1090764_25

It is electric stirs itself and pops most of the kernels.

Also the whirly pop us good but remember to control the heat and stir.

I have one of those silicone popping bowls and it's awesome.

Stovetop+refined coconut oil+flavacol for the win

Get a Whirly Pop, decent popcorn, Flavocol, and Wabash Valley Farms Coconut Oil, and you have the makings for movie theater style popcorn. Use way more oil than the instructions on the Whirly Pop say to use.

I have one of these and it works well and is convenient.

https://www.amazon.com/Ecolution-Micro-Pop-Microwave-Popcorn-Popper/dp/B019CXRMI8/ref=sr_1_4?adgrpid=193293804704&hvadid=782451054374&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9027801&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=14375654826212849306--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14375654826212849306&hvtargid=kwd-434056235517&hydadcr=24632_13611814_8069&mcid=862fdaea15073f8f801294fb44bec9e7&sr=8-4

Might not be the BEST popcorn, but not as dry as an air popper, and cheap and easy to store.

And, pop your popcorn in bacon fat. You can thank me later.

I use an air popper , then use a covered skillet with oil for a second batch, then mix them together to lessen the dryness of the air pooper kernels to save a few calories for my beer.

I use an air popper for over 25 years (same popper, will not die). I have found that the kernel makes all the difference in taste. You get something from the grocery store, it is going to taste like packing material. I get the kernels online and it makes all the difference.

Pretty happy with this one: https://www.selectpopcorn.com/

rilloaggie said:

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Stovetop+refined coconut oil+flavacol for the win

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this is the correct answer