How to Get the Perfect Pop

We've acquired some serious popcorn knowledge over the years—and we love to pass it along. So here are a few tips for achieving the best pop possible.

Popping Standards

  1. Check Your Product Shelf Life

    Ensure your product is fresh by checking the "Best By" date on your carton or bag of microwave popcorn.

  2. Make Sure Your Microwave Oven Is Clean

    To get the most out of your popping experience, Orville recommends you use a clean microwave oven every time.

  3. Cook Your Popcorn to "Sound"

    Because microwave ovens vary, always cook your popcorn to "sound"—and listen to the pop to know when to stop.

  4. Maximize Taste

    To maximize taste, shake contents of bag before pouring into bowl. This will help coat the popcorn with the flavor. To maximize crispness, be sure to open or vent the bag immediately after cooking.

  5. Store Your Popcorn for Freshness

    Store product in a cool place such as a cupboard out of direct sunlight. Avoid the refrigerator. Some say the cold storage makes the popcorn taste better, but many refrigerators contain little moisture and can dry out kernels. Always keep your popcorn bags sealed in the original plastic wrapper until you're ready to begin cooking.

Microwave Popcorn

  1. Remove plastic overwrap. Unfold popcorn bag.

  2. Place in center of microwave, with the correct side up as indicated on bag.

  3. Set power on HIGH for 4 minutes.

  4. DO NOT LEAVE UNATTENDED WHILE POPPING. STAY AND LISTEN. POPPING TIMES VARY FROM 2 TO 4 MINUTES (1 to 2 minutes for Mini Bags).

  5. For best results, stop microwave when popping slows to 2 to 3 seconds between pops. Overcooking may cause scorching.

  6. Bag is HOT! Remove bag from microwave, and carefully pull on top diagonal corners.

  7. AVOID CONTACT WITH ESCAPING STEAM.

  • DO NOT reheat or reuse bag.
  • DO NOT place bag on paper, plastic microwave cookware, or turntables that are not an original part of the oven.
  • KIDS' SAFETY: While popcorn is a delicious snacking choice, it is never recommended for infants or toddlers, as the popped kernels can pose a choking threat to their safety.

Hot Air Popper

  1. Remove the cover and butter melter from the base of the hot air corn popper.

  2. Measure 1/2 cup Orville Redenbacher's® Gourmet® Popping Corn and pour into popping chamber.

  3. Replace the cover and butter melter. Add butter to butter melter, if desired.

  4. Position a 4-quart heatproof bowl under the popping chute. Plug popper into an 120V AC electrical outlet; popping will be complete within 2 to 3 minutes after popping begins. Sprinkle with salt, if desired.

  • KIDS' SAFETY: While popcorn is a delicious snacking choice, it is never recommended for infants or toddlers, as the popped kernels can pose a choking threat to their safety.

Electric Popper or Stovetop

These techniques are a bit more traditional. For both methods, follow the tips below for a virtual guarantee of popping success.

  1. Measure carefully

    To make 8 cups of popcorn, measure 1/2 cup Orville Redenbacher's® Gourmet® Popping Corn and 3 tablespoons Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popping and Topping Buttery Flavor® Popcorn Oil. Place in large, heavy-bottom pan. Cover and turn heat to medium.

  2. Let off steam

    Be sure the lid allows steam to escape during popping, so popcorn stays light and fluffy. And remember to always open the top away from you to avoid contact with escaping steam.

  3. Shake it up

    Shake the pan or popper to make sure every kernel is heated equally. When popping slows down, remove from heat or unplug popper.

  4. If desired, salt after popping

    We recommend using fine-grained popcorn salt, because it clings better and won't all land in the bottom of the bowl!

  • KIDS' SAFETY: While popcorn is a delicious snacking choice, it is never recommended for infants or toddlers, as the popped kernels can pose a choking threat to their safety.