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See why.Microwave Popcorn Poppers
Sometimes simplest is really the best.
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What You Need To Know
Bags of microwave popcorn are convenient, but the quality is mediocre. Here's how to spend fewer dollars and barely a minute longer to get a better-tasting result: Pour plain kernels into a microwave popcorn popper and press "start" on your microwave. We tested four all-plastic (glass can shatter and metal can spark) popcorn poppers. After several batches, we realized the simplest popper style was best. Ashy fumes and grease spewed from the "self-buttering" bowl, while a more complicated model demanded disposable (read: need-to-buy-more) cardboard disks. The simpler models yielded fluffy popcorn, with few stragglers at the bottom, and were simple to clean.
Everything We Tested
Recommended
Simple and effortless, this bright red bowl was all the kernels needed to turn into a great snack.
A microwaveable bowl with lid, this popcorn popper couldn't be simpler. Just add plain popcorn kernels, put the lid on, and microwave. You could serve right from the bowl, but it does get hot. No oil or fat needed. Hand-washing is recommended, but the two pieces are very simple and wash up in an instant.
Recommended with reservations
A decently popped bowl of kernels, but for far too much effort. You shouldn’t have to “assemble” a popcorn popper, or keep buying the disposable cardboard parts it requires.
Not Recommended
Made a smoking mess of a simple snack; the “self-buttering” feature left even the counter greasy.
Reviews you can trust
The mission of America’s Test Kitchen Reviews is to find the best equipment and ingredients for the home cook through rigorous, hands-on testing.
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