Hot Air Popper for a Tasty and Healthy Treat

So you’re looking for a way to pop your popcorn at home and save a few bucks and maybe even a few calories. A hot air popcorn popper is just the thing you need.

There are 2 main reasons that you want to get your own air popcorn popper and make your own popcorn from scratch instead of buying microwave popcorn:

1) Microwave popcorn is at least twice as expensive as made from scratch popcorn

2) Microwave popcorn is made with a lot of fat, artificial flavoring and heart-stopping salt.

When comparing air popped popcorn to oil-cooked popcorn, the air-pop corn is by far the more healthy choice. Since air-popping uses no oil, you end up with a low-calorie. high-fiber, healthy snack.

Although straight out of the popper, many find air-popped popcorn a bit dry, it is easy to give it flavor by adding your favorite herbs and spices. The combination of seasonings are as endless as your imagination. If you still find it a bit dry, give it a misting of oil instead of drowning it in oil or butter.

There are many choices when it comes to picking out your hot air popcorn popper. Here are a few just to give you an idea of what is available – the good and the bad.

Presto 04820 PopLite Hot Air Corn Popper by Presto

Presto 04820 PopLite Hot Air Corn Popper by Presto

Pops up to 18 cups of gourmet corn in less than 2 1/2 minutes. The 1/2-cup measuring cup on top of the popper doubles as a butter melter. The clear plastic cover and cup removes easily for washing. Wash by hand using soapy, warm water. Functionally, it is the same as the more expensive Presto Orville Redenbacher’s Popper. Amazon.com customers have given it a 4.4 out of 5 star rating. Two year limited warranty.
Kalorik PCM28276 Hot-Air Popcorn Maker by Kalorik

Makes hot, crispy popcorn in less than 5 minutes. Its angled chute does a good job of directing popped corn into the bowl. The measuring cup, which sits in the lid, doubles as a butter dish. Easy to clean. Small footprint. One year limited warranty.
Nostalgia OFP501 Movietime Popcorn Popper

Adds a bit of old-world flavor to the decor but Amazon.com customers consistently give it 1 star out of 5 rating. Most were disappointed with the design – wheels prevent you from putting a bowl underneath to catch the popped corn – and the percentage of the popcorn that is left unpopped.