Think you can’t make stovetop popcorn after trading your gas burner for a glass top stove? Think again! With the right technique and equipment, you can enjoy perfectly fluffy popcorn without damaging your shiny cooking surface.
Choose the Right Cookware
Certain cookware materials conduct heat better than others, while others might not work on your stove at all.
Cast iron might be durable, but it takes time to heat up. It also retains the temperature for a while — not a good combination with glass tops since it can overheat and shut off the cooktop. Along with stoneware and other glass and ceramic cookware, cast iron’s rough texture is likely to cause scratches, too.
Aluminum cookware is a decent option for the most part, but it heats up fast and can burn your popcorn in the process. It might also leave residue on your stovetop. And since aluminum isn’t magnetic, it won’t work at all on induction burners.
Your best bet? A stainless steel popcorn popper like the Popsmith.
The Popsmith Advantage on Glass Top Stoves
The Popsmith works great on any stovetop. Glass tops are no exception. Here are the features that make this popcorn maker particularly suitable for glass cooktops:
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Premium stainless steel construction that won't scratch your glass stove
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Multi-layered metal bottom for superior heat distribution on induction and electric cooktops, ensuring every kernel pops evenly
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Wide pot with a flat bottom that ensures proper contact with the glass surface
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Patented cranking mechanism that eliminates the need to shake the pot (a major cause of glass cooktop scratches)
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Just the right weight: It’s substantial enough not to slide but not too heavy that it damages the glass
And as a bonus? With three gorgeous colors to choose from, it's a statement piece that's as striking as your glass cooktop.
Find the Right Temperature
Start with a lower temperature and work your way up from there. Glass top stoves still store heat even after you shut them, and too much heat too quickly can lead to burned popcorn.
Perfect Your Popsmith Popping Technique
Follow these steps to make the best popcorn on your glass top:
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Preheat: Let your Popsmith preheat for 1-2 minutes on medium heat before adding oil.
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Use the test kernel method: Add your oil (we recommend 1 tablespoon for every ¼ cup of kernels) and drop in 3 kernels. When the first kernel pops, add the remaining.
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Crank: Turn the Popsmith’s crank throughout the popping process to keep the kernels from burning. No need to worry about scratching the glass since you won’t be shaking the pot.
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Monitor popping: When popping slows to about 3 seconds in between pops, remove the Popper from the stove right away. The residual heat can burn the popcorn.
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Season: Pour your popcorn into a huge bowl, add seasoning and mix-ins, and give it a good toss to evenly distribute the flavoring.
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Serve: Enjoy your perfect popcorn!
Take Proper Care of Your Glass Top
With proper care and precautions, your glass top can stay in tiptop shape for a long time. Keep the following in mind:
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Lift, don’t slide: If you need to adjust the Popper’s position, lift it and then set it down. Be as gentle as possible.
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Don’t leave the hot lid on a cool glass top: We can’t stress this one enough. It might seem harmless, but the consequences can be major. We’re talking a shattered surface!
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Clean after every use: Clean both the cooktop and the bottom of the Popsmith to get rid of particles that can scratch the surface.
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Wait before wiping down: Let the glass top cool first before using any cleaner. If you do so while it’s still warm, the cleaner could burn and leave lasting damage on your stove.
Troubleshoot Common Glass Top Popcorn Issues
Problem: Uneven popping with several unpopped kernels
Try repositioning your Popper on the burner. It should be centered. Otherwise, it can affect the heat distribution.
Problem: Burnt popcorn
Lower the temperature when popping starts, crank the Popper continuously, remove from heat immediately once popping slows, and pour into a huge bowl. Glass top stoves tend to hold heat longer than gas burners.
Problem: Scratching concerns
The Popsmith has a flat, wide bottom and a crank that removes the need for shaking. But you still need to practice care when you reposition the pot or take it off the burner. Lift it, don’t slide it.
Crystal Clear Results
See? It’s definitely possible to make popcorn on a glass top stove.
Just remember these tips, and don’t stress if you burn a few kernels along the way. It can be a bit of a learning curve when you’re used to cooking popcorn on a gas stove. But after you get the hang of things, it’s cinema-quality popcorn from then on.
Already a stovetop popping pro? Explore our blog for all sorts of delicious popcorn recipes that are perfect for movie night, birthday parties, and random get-togethers at home!
