Email- No popcorn popper is completely safe. All popcorn poppers generate steam, which can cause burns. Many plastic popcorn poppers heat up in the microwave more than you might expect. While letting the kids pop the corn might sound like fun, it's better to let children watch from a distance.
- Choose quality popcorn. Contributors to Chowhound.com recommend gourmet popcorn from Wisconsin Gold, along with the mainstream Orville Redenbacher.
- The right temperature is key. According to experts, high heat toughens popcorn, while low heat makes for smaller, drier popcorn. If you're using a stovetop popper, medium heat is best.
- Cut calories by using less oil. Reviews say that if you're popping with oil, you can usually get away with using less than the directions indicate.
- Experiment with flavorings. If you want a low-calorie but highly flavored snack, try adding cayenne pepper, herbs or hard grated cheeses to popped corn.