Making popcorn on the stove without a popcorn popper is really simple. And as you'll see, you don't need any special equipment. While we prefer using our stove top popcorn popper, we've found the following method to be easy, quick and tasty.

We recommend using an 8 quart stock pot as this provides plenty of room for the popcorn to pop and the lid to remain secure. A 6 quart might suffice, just watch if the popcorn reaches the lid. Popping popcorn releases a lot of steam.

Also, you want to use an oil with a high smoke point to pop popcorn on the stove. Peanut, grapeseed and coconut oil works well.

Making Perfect Popcorn on the Stove Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of oil
• Half teaspoon kosher salt
• Enough popcorn kernels to cover the bottom of the pot you use

Popcorn popping step-by-step on the stove

1. Add oil and salt to stock pot (adding salt to oil allows the popcorn to be seasoned inside out)
2. Heat oil in pot on medium high heat
3. Move pot around to evenly coat bottom with oil
4. Add 2 or 3 kernels to pot, be sure to put the lid on and wait until you hear the kernels pop
5. Add popcorn to stock pot and shake pot so kernels are evenly layered on the bottom and evenly coated with oil
6. Remove pot from heat for 30 seconds (this will allow all of the kernels to get to the same temperature, that way they will start popping at the same time)
7. Place back on burner. Once popping starts, give the pot a little shake on the burner.
8. Once you hear the popping slow considerably (about 1-2 minutes), remove pot from burner
9. Immediately remove lid to release steam (an oven mitt is handy here). This will prevent condensation from making the popcorn soggy.

This method makes a good batch of tasty popcorn on the stove in just a few moments. And clean up is pretty quick too.

With a vintage 70s look, the West Bend 82306 Stir Crazy 6-quart Popcorn Popper is a fun popper that  produces great tasting popcorn. Since you can control the amount of popcorn, oil and seasoning in this popper, it’s a great healthy alternative to microwave popcorn. Like the Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper, the Stir Crazy popper stirs the popcorn kernels during the popping process, which greatly limits the amount of old maids (unpopped kernels). Unlike the Whirley Pop, you don’t have to stand over the stove manually cranking the stirring rod.

Check out the current price of the West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Popper on Amazon

	West Bend 82306 Stir Crazy 6-Quart Electric Popcorn Popper List Price: $45.99 Sale Price: $28.50 You save: $17.49 (38%)

How the Stir Crazy Popcorn Popper Works

Operating the Stir Crazy popper is pretty easy and the popping process takes just as long as it does with a microwave popcorn bag. First, add the amount of oil and corn you desire (the Stir Crazy can produce up to 6 quarts of popcorn). Place clear bubble cover back on the unit. Plug the cord into the base and then into the outlet. At this point, the stirring arm will start to rotate. You can now watch the magic of popcorn popping. Once popping is completed, just flip the popper over and use the bubble cover as a popcorn bowl. Keep in mind that, as with any popcorn popping process, a lot of steam gets created, so be careful lifting up the base.

Watch the West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Popper in Action

Check out prices for the Stir Crazy Popper on Amazon

Adding Butter During the Popping Process: Does it work?

The Stir Crazy popper top has holes that allow butter to melt through during the popping process. It’s actually a pretty simple set up. However, sometimes the butter does not completely melt. You can simply push the butter through the holes with a pastry brush. Or, you can melt butter in the microwave for 20 seconds and pour over the popcorn after popping.

Cleaning the Stir Crazy Popcorn Popper

West Bend recommends cleaning the Stir Crazy Popcorn Popper after each use. The bubble cover can be washed with a dishcloth or sponge. Since it's a plastic cover, don't use anything abrasive. The stirring rod can be removed easily for cleaning by unscrewing a center knob. The popper base can be cleaned with a damp dishcloth or sponge. Additionally, a nylon-scouring pad can be used. West Bend reports that discoloration of the finish can occur with consistent use. If this occurs, simply saturate a soft cloth with lemon juice or vinegar and rub the finish. 

Overall Impressions of the West Bend 82306 Stir Crazy 6-quart Popcorn Popper

Basically, this is a simple to use popcorn popper that can produce tasty popcorn. We feel the stirring arm helps to produce more popped kernels and helps to spread the oil around thoroughly during the cooking process. That’s one of the reasons we love the Whirly Pop. Of course, the benefit of the Stir Crazy popper is that you don’t have to constantly supervise the popping.

Storage can be an issue with the Stir Crazy popcorn popper. Its unique bubble design can play havoc in pantries and under cabinets. At the same time, we love the retro 70s look. So, we make room for this popper where we can.

Overall, there’s a lot to recommend. It looks pretty cool. It pops most if not all of the popcorn. And it’s fun to watch the popcorn fly about as they pop. Just watch these kids’ reactions.

Buy the West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Popper today on Amazon

	West Bend 82306 Stir Crazy 6-Quart Electric Popcorn Popper List Price: $45.99 Sale Price: $28.50 You save: $17.49 (38%)

Do you own a West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Popper? If so, let us know how like it.

One look at the vintage Atom popcorn popper and we’re thrown back to another era. Shaped like a flying saucer from the 1950s, this stovetop popcorn maker has a loyal following. The appeal is understandable. Simplicity that harkens back to a time before microwaves and makes popping a fun and satisfying experience. Very similar to our experience with the Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper.

Where to buy an Atom Pop Corn Popper
Apparently, the Atom Pop Corn Popper is still being manufactured in Bushton, Kansas by QuinCraft Products. Sellers on EBay frequently offer this stove top popcorn maker for sale. Below is an updated listing from the online site:

2 Atom Pop Stove Top Popcorn Poppers Vintage Made in USA TWO POPPERS    US $46.00

Atom Pop Stove Top Popcorn Popper Vintage Made in USA    US $24.00

Marketed as “The Original No Shake No Stir” popper, the aluminum Atom Pop has a three inch bottom with an approximate width of 10.5 inches at the rim. It pops up to ½ cup of kernels per batch. Efficiency is built into its unique design. Heat focuses on the small amount of oil at that bottom of the pan. The wide flared rim helps to keep popped kernels away from the heated bottom. Resulting in more popped kernels and less burnt popcorn.

Watch the Atom Pop Corn Popper in action
We love the sound of the bursting popcorn as it hits the aluminimum siding.

Do you have an Atom Pop Corn Popper? If so, let us know what you think of this vintage popcorn maker.

You'll find these terms: popcorn poppers, popcorn machines, and popcorn makers often used interchangeably. Sometimes you'll find them combined, like popcorn popper machines or popcorn popper makers, and popcorn maker machines.

Is there a difference?

Well, basically, they all perform the same function: heat the popcorn kernel until the moisture within reaches the boiling point...then pop!

In general, the difference is in size and use:

Popcorn Poppers: These are the guys that sit on your counter, stove top or in your microwave when you want to pop popcorn and then get returned to your kitchen cabinet when not in use. Their use is pretty straight forward: heat and pop. They come in a variety of styles - bubble shapes (retro 70s), cones, bright colors, stylish black, etc. You'll find four different popping methods:

• Oil popcorn poppers: A popular brand is the Cuisinart Easy Pop Popcorn Maker
• Hot air popcorn poppers: Presto PopLite Hot Air Corn Popper and Presto Orville Redenbacher Hot Air Corn Popper are popular products.
• Stove top popcorn poppers: Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper is a popular and simple popcorn popper that uses a hand crank to prevent sticking and burning of the popcorn.

Microwave popcorn poppers: Healthy alternative to microwave popcorn bags.

Popcorn Machines: When you walk into the movie theater, these are the machines you see popping the popcorn. In recent years, bar style (table top) popcorn machines and popcorn machines with carts have become popular decorative and fun additions to home theaters and game rooms. Popcorn machines can range in the following sizes:

• 4 oz. popcorn machines: These make four 1oz. servings every 3 minutes and are appropriate for small home theaters and game rooms
• 6 oz. popcorn machines: Makes six 1oz. servings every 3 minutes and are appropriate with home theaters and game rooms and for mid-sized gatherings.
• 8oz. popcorn machines: Makes eight 1 oz. servings every 3 minutes (seeing a pattern?) and are appropriate for large home theaters and game rooms, large gatherings, smaller break rooms, restaurants, bars and waiting rooms. These can also be appropriate popcorn machines for fundraisers that attract small crowds.
• 12 oz. popcorn machines: Makes twelve 1oz. servings every 3 minutes and are designed for concession stands, snack bars, schools, and large fundraising events.
• 14 oz. popcorn machines: Of course, these guys produce a lot of popcorn and are appropriate for larger concession stands and theaters.

Popcorn Makers: You'll find all of the above called popcorn makers at times. Though in the past, popcorn maker was the popular term for popcorn popper, the term is not used as much today.