How to Use Your Popsmith Popper: The Complete Guide

Whether you just unboxed the Popper you got as a gift or are looking to improve your technique, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide covers proper usage tips, using your stovetop popcorn maker on different stovetops, cleaning advice, and solutions to common stovetop popping issues. 

Let’s get right to it:

Getting Started with Your Stovetop Popcorn Popper

What You’ll Need

• Your Popsmith stovetop popcorn maker

• ½ cup popcorn kernels

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or any fat with a high smoke point)

• Medium heat source

• Your choice of seasonings

• A large serving bowl

The Basic Popping Process

1. Preheat Your Stovetop Popcorn Maker

Set your stove to medium heat and place your Popper on the burner. Let it preheat for 1-2 minutes. 

2. Add the Oil 

Pour 2 tablespoons of oil into the preheated Popper. Swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly.

3. Toss in Kernels

Drop 2-3 test kernels into the oil. When the first kernel pops, add the remaining ones and cover the lid.

GOOD TO KNOW: Adding the test kernels helps you learn when the oil reaches the ideal temperature for popping.

4. Start Cranking

As the kernels begin to pop, turn the crank clockwise. You don't need to crank constantly — a few turns every couple of seconds keeps them moving and prevents burning.

5. Remove from Heat

When popping slows to 1-2 seconds between pops, remove your stovetop popcorn popper from heat immediately. Then take off the lid and pour your popcorn into a serving bowl.

IMPORTANT: Don't wait for popping to stop completely — you'll end up with burnt kernels at the bottom.

6. Season and Serve

Grab your favorite seasonings and gradually add them while tossing the bowl to distribute the flavor better. 

PRO TIP: If your seasoning keeps falling to the bottom of the bowl, lightly spray or drizzle your popcorn with oil or melted butter first — it acts as glue for your seasoning. See more tips for getting season to stick to popcorn here. 

Using Your Popsmith on Different Stovetops

Gas Stoves

A gas stove’s instant heat control allows you to adjust on the fly while the kernels pop. If you notice the flame touching the sides of the Popper, turn it down. Kernels popping too slowly? Bump up the heat a bit. 

You typically don’t need anything more than medium heat for stovetop popcorn, but depending on your gas burner, you could start with a medium-high setting and lower it once popping starts. 

RELATED: How to Make Stovetop Popcorn on a Gas Stove Perfectly  

Glass Top Stoves

The problem with glass top stoves is that they hold onto heat longer than you’d expect. The trick is learning to anticipate these delays so that your popcorn doesn’t go from perfect to burnt in the time it takes your stove to cool down. Beyond that, you might also be concerned about scratching your shiny cooking surface.

The good news? You don’t have to shake the Popsmith the way you would with regular pots, so you don’t need to worry about scratches. Just make sure to lift it, not slide, when it’s time to remove it from the heat. 

Here’s how to work with your glass top: 

• Start with a lower heat 

• Adjust heat earlier than you would on gas since changes take 20-30 seconds to register

• Double-check that your Popper's bottom is completely clean and flat

READ MORE: How to Make Stovetop Popcorn on a Glass Top Stove: Top Tips 

Induction Stoves

Making popcorn on an induction cooktop might take some getting used to. Induction heats up incredibly fast and feels completely different from cooking on gas or electric — you might end up burning your first batch or two while finding your sweet spot. But once you dial in the right power level, you’ll love how consistently perfect your popcorn turns out. 

Here are some tips to help you: 

• Start with a lower setting and adjust up if needed

• Watch your first batch closely to learn how your cooktop behaves

• Center your stovetop popcorn popper on the burner for optimal heat transfer

• Transfer the popcorn immediately to a bowl to prevent burning 

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best equipment, ingredients, and technique, you still might run into the occasional hiccup. Luckily, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to solve most issues.

Below, we've compiled the most common problems people encounter with their Popsmith (and stovetop popping in general), along with practical solutions to get you back on track:

Problem: Burnt Popcorn

What’s causing this:

• Too much heat

• Not cranking enough when you make kettle corn, caramel corn, and similar sugar-based recipes

• Adding garlic powder, onion powder, or other granulated seasonings during popping (popcorn salt has a superfine texture that doesn’t burn)

• Waiting too long to remove Popper from the burner 

• Overcrowding the pot

How to fix it:

• Reduce your stove setting by one level

• Keep kernels moving with steady cranking

• Add granulated seasonings after popping — a light coating of oil or butter will help these stick

• Pull it off the heat at 1-2 seconds between pops (don't wait for complete silence)

• Stick to ½ cup of kernels maximum

Problem: Too Many Unpopped Kernels

What’s causing this:

• Insufficient preheating

• Heat too low 

• Old or low-quality kernels

• Not enough oil 

How to fix it:

• Let your Popper warm up for 1-2 minutes before adding oil 

• Increase the temperature slightly on your next batch 

• Use farm-fresh popping corn instead of generic grocery store kernels (the quality and moisture content make a difference not just in pop rate but also in flavor)

• Always check the best-by date — old kernels lose moisture and won't pop as well

• Use 1 tablespoon of oil for every ¼ cup of kernels

Problem: Chewy Popcorn

What’s causing this:

• Moisture in kernels 

• Insufficient preheating

• Not enough steam release 

• Kernels not stored properly

How to fix it:

• Keep kernels in an airtight container away from sunlight. Never store it in the fridge!

• Preheat your Popper for the full 1-2 minutes before adding oil. The Popper has a multi-clad metal bottom and takes a little longer to heat up than aluminum, so preheating ensures the kernels pop faster at the right temperature. 

• Pour popcorn immediately into a bowl after popping. 

• Made popcorn in advance? Don’t cover the container right away — wait a few minutes to let steam escape. 

Problem: Moisture Splatters and Drips Down

What’s causing this: Using too much oil 

How to fix it:

• Stick to one tablespoon of oil for every ¼ cup of kernels 

• Briefly lift the lid during popping to release steam, then replace it

• Wipe away any condensation that collects on the lid

Problem: Lid Wobbles/Crank Doesn’t Turn Smoothly 

What’s causing this:

• Kernels jammed in the spinner

• Popper overfilled with kernels 

• Pot isn’t oiled up

• Lid isn’t on right 

• Turning the crank in the wrong direction

How to fix it:

• Add a bit of oil to the bottom of the pot before preheating to keep everything lubricated for smoother cranking

• Remove the lid and set it back on the Popper, and give the pot a gentle shake to loosen up the kernels 

• Make sure the pins under the lid line up with the agitator  

• Turn the crank clockwise, not counterclockwise

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Popper

The Popper is built to last with its stainless steel body and multi-clad metal bottom. That said, like every quality pot in your kitchen, it deserves proper TLC to keep it performing — and looking — its best. 

Cleaning After Each Use

The Quick Clean (Between Batches)

Making multiple batches in one session? Simply wipe down the inside with a clean, dry towel (but be careful, the Popper will still be warm). This removes excess oil without a full wash.

Standard Cleaning

Handwashing:

• Let the Popper cool completely before washing

• Wash the pot and lid with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or dishcloth

• Rinse thoroughly with clean water

• Dry immediately with a soft towel to prevent water spots

IMPORTANT: Never use steel wool, abrasive scrubbers, or harsh cleaners — these will scratch the stainless steel and damage your Popper's colored finish.

Dishwasher:

The Popper is completely dishwasher safe. Place on the top or bottom rack and run a normal cycle. You can also detach the agitator for more thorough cleaning. 

Deep Cleaning: Stubborn Residue

Even with regular cleaning, you might occasionally deal with burnt sugar, stuck-on caramel, or oil buildup. Here's how to tackle tough spots:

For Stuck-On Food:

• Fill the Popper with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap

• Let it soak for 10-15 minutes (or up to an hour for really stubborn spots)

• Use a soft sponge with gentle circular motions to loosen debris

• Rinse and dry thoroughly

For Burnt Sugar or Caramel:

• Fill the Popper halfway with water and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda

• Bring to a gentle simmer on the stovetop for 5-10 minutes

• Let cool, then wash normally with dish soap

• The burnt residue should wipe away easily

For Discoloration or Tough Stains:

• Make a paste with baking soda and water (2:1 ratio)

• Apply the paste to stained areas with a soft cloth

• Let sit overnight

• Gently scrub with a soft sponge in circular motions

• Rinse thoroughly and dry

ALTERNATIVE: Use a non-abrasive, non-chlorine cleanser like Bar Keepers Friend® or Bon Ami®. Follow the same paste method above.

What to Avoid

• Steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive powders

• Chlorine bleach or harsh chemicals

• Putting it away wet — always dry completely to prevent water spots

It’s Time for Better Popcorn

With these techniques in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to becoming a stovetop popcorn pro. You’ve mastered the basics, learned to troubleshoot common issues, and learned how to keep your Popper in tiptop shape. 

What’s next? Experimenting with flavors! Explore our popcorn recipes for inspiration. You’ll find everything from sweet popcorn ideas that are perfect for a stay at home date night to spicy popcorn recipes you can make when you want to try something else for movie night. 

Popsmith Popper FAQs 

What’s the best oil to use? 

We like coconut oil best. It has a high smoke point, adds a nice richness, and has fewer calories than oils like canola, olive, and soybean. You can use plain coconut oil or opt for our butter-flavored oil if you want your popcorn to taste like buttery movie theater popcorn.   

Can I use this without oil?

We don’t recommend popping without oil. Oil is what makes the popcorn crunchy.

Can I use my own ingredients?

You certainly can! Just keep this ratio in mind — 1 tablespoon of oil for every ¼ cup of kernels.

How much popcorn does it make?

The Popper has a 6-quart capacity. It can make up to 12-15 cups of popped popcorn. 

Can I make kettle corn in the Popper?

Making kettle corn at home has never been easier with this stovetop popcorn maker! Its spinning mechanism and multi-clad metal bottom keep the kernels and sugar from burning. Plus, we’ve got a kettle corn seasoning to make things even more convenient. Check out our full kettle corn tutorial here.