How to make popcorn in a household popcorn maker?

Here's a step-by-step guide to using your household popcorn maker:

1. Preparation work
Wipe the machine dry: Ensure that the pot body and mixing blades (if any) are completely dry, as wet parts can cause uneven heating of the corn kernels.
Measure the ingredients: Grab a handful of corn kernels (don't fill the bottom of the pot), pour a small amount of oil (just enough to cover the bottom of the pot thinly). Better to keep it low than to exceed it!

2. Power on preheating
Empty pot heating: First, turn on the power and let it idle for 30 seconds (oil heat type machine), allowing the pot body and oil temperature to rise (see slight oil flow or a hint of smoke).
Exception for hot air blower: The hot air type skips preheating and starts directly by adding corn kernels.

3. Add corn kernels
Pour while hot: After preheating (oil hot type), quickly pour in the corn kernels and immediately cover the lid tightly!
Hot air blower operation: Pour corn kernels into the cold pot, cover it directly and turn on the machine.

4. Explosion process
Judging from the sound: There are sporadic "pu" sounds in the early stage, and after 1-2 minutes, there is a dense "crackling" sound (like setting off small firecrackers).
Don't leave your eyes: Observing through the window, the corn flowers roll like white flowers in the pot.
Mixing and anti coking: Machines with mixing blades do not require attention; Gently shake the machine without leaves (be careful of scalding!) to evenly heat the corn kernels.

5. Timing of serving
The sound becomes sparse: if the interval between crackling sounds exceeds 2 seconds, power will be cut off immediately!
Quick pouring: unplug the power cord, use a dry cloth to cover the lid, and immediately pour the popcorn into the large bowl (the remaining heat at the bottom of the pot will continue to heat up, and if poured slowly, it will burn).

6. Seasoning techniques
Golden Time: Sprinkle salt on popcorn within 10 seconds after pouring it out (heat can make the salt particles adhere).
Tip for adding butter: Melt butter and pour it over the edge of the bowl, quickly stir (pouring directly in the middle will make the bottom corn cobs soft).

7. Safe Closing
Power off cooling: unplug the plug! Never rinse the machine with water before it cools down (the hot pot will deform when it comes into contact with water).
Cleaning up residues: Use a dry brush to sweep out debris in the corners, and use kitchen paper to wipe away oil stains while they are hot (they become harder to clean when they are cold).