How to Use a Silicone Popcorn Popper

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silicone popcorn maker

Do you love popcorn but hate the fuss of using a stovetop popcorn maker? If so, then you’ll want to check out silicone popcorn poppers. With just a few simple steps, you can have fresh and delicious popcorn without all the hassle.

A silicone popper is easy to clean and store, making it the perfect tool for movie nights or parties. On top of all that, if you need more convincing, they are one of the cheapest ways to make popcorn at home.

How to Pop Popcorn in a Silicone Maker (Silicone Popcorn Popper Instructions)

How to use a silicone popcorn popper? Popping popcorn in a silicone popcorn popper is easy. Follow these directions:

  • Choose your popcorn kernels and place them in the silicone popcorn popper
  • Place the bowl in the microwave for 2 to 2 ½ minutes, or until there are 1 to 2 seconds between popping
  • Use oven mitts and remove the popcorn popper from the microwave
  • Serve

Why Do People Choose a Silicone Popcorn Popper?

There are a lot of reasons to choose a silicone popcorn machine. If you enjoy having popcorn as a snack, you can use one of these collapsable bowls and make popcorn in just a few minutes.

Silicone is durable and easy to use. Glass popcorn bowls can be fragile, and if you drop them they might shatter.


Silicone popcorn makers come with a lid, and they usually have handles. They are designed to spread heat evenly so nearly every kernel will pop.

They are safe for kids to use, and they are made of heat-resistant, non-breakable, good-grade silicone.

Another reason to use these popcorn poppers is that they are safe to use and free of toxins. When you buy single-serve microwave popcorn, it is more expensive, and they are usually loaded with all sorts of additives and preservatives that can be unhealthy.

Silicone popcorn poppers are BPA-free and PVC free, and you can buy much healthier kernels and pop them in your silicone popcorn maker.

It turns out much healthier this way…unless you decide to tip masses of butter on top!

The design on many silicone popcorn poppers is collapsible, so it is easy to store. They can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand. They come in a variety of colors, and they are safe and easy to use.

Can You Use Oil or Butter in a Silicone Popcorn Popper?

Yes! You can use butter or oil in a silicone popcorn popper. You just add the oil and you can pour melted butter over it. However, it isn’t necessary…although it can taste very different and is worth a try! You can add other toppings, such as cheese, pepper, chocolate, salt, and sugar. Just place them in the popcorn popper with the kernels and mix them.

Then, place the lid on top and set the microwave.

Silicone popcorn poppers are easy to use and extremely easy to clean up. You should be able to throw it in the dishwasher. This type of silicone can sometimes take a while to dry so you may want to dry with a dish towel and put it away to store.

For more information on popcorn flavorings, check our article Flavored Popcorn: Everything You Need to Know.

The Best Silicone Popcorn Popper

When you try to find the best silicone popcorn popper, you will find several different options. Take a look at some of the best ones.

Original Salbree Microwave Popper

This affordable microwave popcorn maker comes in every color you can imagine. You won’t have any trouble finding one that suits your kitchen decor. The popcorn popper has a collapsible design and saves space in your cupboard.

Handles help you remove it from the oven when hot. Easy to use, clean, and store, and dishwasher safe and durable.

You can make one small serving or a large amount of popcorn for the family. A versatile and healthy alternative to microwave-bagged popcorn.

Use the microwave to heat up oil or butter in a separate small dish and add as you wish.

Pros

  • Easy to clean, use, and store
  • Cool-to-touch handles
  • Durable silicone is BPA free
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Some kernels remain sometime unpopped

The Original Popco Silicone Popper

This is one of the most popular silicone popcorn poppers. It is durable and won’t break if you drop it.

This popper comes with a lid, and there are built-in handles.

You don’t get very many uncooked kernels, and anyone can use this machine. It is affordable and easy to store.

A clever design heats the popcorn kernels evenly so that you get a full batch and it’s made of food-grade silicone without any toxic substances.

It can hold up to 15 cups of popcorn, giving you many options. It is just as easy to make a large batch as it is a small one.

The collapsible design makes it easy to store, and you can wash it in the dishwasher or by hand.

Pros

  • Collapsible and easy to store
  • Makes anywhere from one to 15 servings of popcorn
  • Easy for anyone to use
  • Non-toxic food-grade silicone
  • Affordable

Cons

  • If you fill it too high, it can overflow

For another healthy way to make popcorn check out our article on air popcorn poppers.

Silismart Silicone Popcorn Popper Bucket

This silicone popcorn maker comes in a set of two buckets.

Everyone can have their own reusable bucket, so you won’t need to fight over the popcorn bowl.

You can make as many servings as you like, as each one takes just a few minutes. Have it for a snack or during a family movie night.

This silicone bucket is designed to close securely simply by pinching the top walls of your bucket together. They are black and gray, in a modern style, and the gray one looks like marble.

The silicone is durable and long-lasting, and it is non-toxic. It can go in the dishwasher or wash it by hand.

The size is perfect for adults and kids, and we love the self-closing design.

Pros

  • Stackable for easy storage
  • Stylish for the modern kitchen
  • Make of safe toxin-free silicone
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Easy for anyone to use

Cons

  • Not great for a large group of people

W&P Microwave Silicone Popcorn Maker

This popcorn popper microwave bowl has a lid and bowl that are both 100% platinum silicone, a premium, food-grade silicone that is LFGB certified, so it exceeds the FDA standards for safety.

The bowl is collapsible; then, pop it open when you are ready to make some popcorn. Stick it in the microwave for two to four minutes; you don’t have to use oil.

It makes nine or more cups of popcorn and is easy to make more.

You can choose charcoal or red, and we like the affordable price.

The lid flips over to become a measuring cup for a serving of popcorn, and the bowl is dishwasher safe.

Pros

  • The lid flips over to be a measuring cup for kernels
  • 100% silicone that is food safe
  • Easy to clean and use
  • Comes in two colors
  • Collapsible design

Cons

  • No handles

Using a Silicone Popcorn Popper FAQs

What is a silicone popcorn popper?

A silicone popcorn popper is a kitchen tool made of food-grade silicone material specifically designed for popping popcorn in the microwave. It offers a convenient and efficient way to make homemade popcorn without the need for oil or butter.

How does a silicone popcorn popper work?

A silicone popcorn popper works by utilizing the heat generated from the microwave to pop the popcorn kernels. The silicone material helps distribute the heat evenly, allowing the kernels to pop and expand within the popper.

Can I use any type of popcorn kernels with a silicone popper?

Yes, you can use any type of popcorn kernels with a silicone popper, including regular popcorn kernels or specialty varieties like butterfly or mushroom popcorn. However, it’s important to follow the recommended amount of kernels specified by the manufacturer.

Do I need to add oil or butter when using a silicone popcorn popper?

No, one of the advantages of using a silicone popcorn popper is that you don’t need to add oil or butter. The popcorn pops using the moisture present within the kernels, resulting in a healthier, oil-free snack.

How long does it take to pop popcorn in a silicone popper?

The popping time can vary depending on the microwave’s power and the quantity of popcorn kernels used. Generally, it takes around 2 to 4 minutes for the popcorn to pop fully. It’s essential to monitor the popping process to avoid burning the popcorn.

Can I add seasonings to the popcorn while using a silicone popper?

Yes, you can add seasonings to the popcorn after it has finished popping in the silicone popper. Remove the lid or cover, carefully sprinkle or toss the popcorn with desired seasonings such as salt, cheese powder, or spices to enhance the flavor.

How do I clean a silicone popcorn popper?

Cleaning a silicone popcorn popper is typically straightforward. Most poppers are dishwasher-safe, so you can place them on the top rack of your dishwasher for easy cleaning. Alternatively, you can wash it by hand using warm soapy water and a soft sponge or brush.

Are silicone popcorn poppers microwave-safe?

Yes, silicone popcorn poppers are designed to be microwave-safe. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding maximum temperature limits and microwave wattage compatibility.

Can I reuse the silicone popcorn popper immediately after popping?

It’s generally recommended to allow the silicone popper to cool down for a few minutes before reusing it. This helps prevent potential heat-related mishaps and ensures safe handling of the hot popper.

Can I store leftover popcorn in a silicone popcorn popper?

Yes, you can store leftover popcorn in a silicone popcorn popper. Make sure the popcorn has cooled completely before transferring it to the popper for storage. Seal the popper with its lid or cover, and store it in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.

Final thoughts 💭

We love silicone popcorn poppers because they are:

  • Easy to use
  • Made with food-grade silicone that is safe and helps you avoid pre-packaged popcorn with artificial ingredients
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Most have a collapsible design
  • Choose whether to add oil or butter
  • Easy to clean by hand
  • Only requires popcorn kernels and a microwave
  • Takes only a few minutes to make
  • Cheap

If you haven’t tried silicone popcorn makers, give them a go! They are well worth the investment and particularly good for students at University – a cheap, easy, convenient way to make as much popcorn as you can eat. And you have a microwave popcorn bowl to eat your popcorn directly out of!

For more information on cooking popcorn in the microwave, check out our article How Long to Microwave Popcorn Without Burning it.

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