Table of Contents
- The popcorn button on the microwave
- When did the microwave ovens introduce the popcorn button?
- Where can you find the popcorn button on the microwave?
- How to use the popcorn button on the microwave?
- Do I need to use the popcorn button every time?
- 7 reasons why the popcorn button on your microwave isn’t working
- Related Questions
- Final Thoughts
The popcorn button on the microwave
Did you know that there is a popcorn button on the microwave? It’s true! And not only does it make popping popcorn easier than ever, but it also ensures that your popcorn will turn out perfect every time.
Here’s all you need to know about the popcorn button on the microwave, from how to use it to the best ways to customize your popcorn. Keep reading for more information!
When did the microwave ovens introduce the popcorn button?
The popcorn button on a microwave oven was first introduced to us in the 1980s. The Big Time Microwave Oven came with a “popcorn” button for one-touch convenience, which set off an explosion of pre-packaged microwavable popcorn that we know today.
Where can you find the popcorn button on the microwave?
Before getting started with our main topic, first, let’s discuss the location of the popcorn button on the microwave. The popcorn button on the microwave is usually located near the “Start” or “Popcorn” button. Popcorn buttons can appear in a variety of colors, depending on the model of the microwave, but most are either red or blue.
How to use the popcorn button on the microwave?
Using this fittingly-named popcorn button on the microwave is quite simple. But there are a few things you need to be careful of. Let’s discuss them one by one!
Step 1: Make sure it’s clean and dry
The first thing you should do is make sure that the surface of the rotating carousel inside your microwave oven is clean and dry. This will ensure that the popcorn you pop doesn’t stick to the bowl, which could compromise its taste and/or cause it to burn.
Step 2: Place the kernels
Once clean, simply place enough popcorn kernels into the bowl so that they cover the bottom with a thin layer.
Step 3: Close the lid
Then, place the lid on top of the rotating bowl and close the microwave door shut.
Step 4: Press down on the “Popcorn” button!
Finally, press down on the “Popcorn” or similarly-named button to begin the popping process! As a general rule, you should keep a close eye on your popcorn while it’s being popped, in case any of it starts to darken.
Do I need to use the popcorn button every time?
The answer is ”No”. Sounds strange? Here are the reasons why it isn’t necessary to use the popcorn button every time you want to eat delicious popcorn:
Default Setting
Microwaves are by default set with a setting that automatically pops popcorn in the “Popcorn” mode for around 2-3 minutes. So if you so desire, you can simply put in some kernels and switch on your microwave oven with just the press of a button!
It is mentioned on many popcorns kernels packing not to use the popcorn button.
So, if you don’t feel like using the popcorn button on the microwave every time you want to pop some corn, just use the “Popcorn” or “Pop” function instead!
Time taking
Using the popcorn button can make the process of popping a time taking one. On average, it can take around 4 minutes to popcorn in a standard microwave oven when using the button.
As discussed earlier, microwaves are by default set with a setting that automatically pops popcorn in the “Popcorn” mode for around 2-3 minutes. So if you so desire, you can simply put in some kernels and switch on your microwave oven with just the press of a button!
Popcorn may burn
Using the popcorn button may risk the kernels being burnt if they are popped for too long. There have been several cases in which users complained about their microwave ovens failing to pop all the kernels because they were set on “Popcorn” mode.
So, it may be a good idea to avoid using the popcorn button on your microwave oven. If you would like to know how long it takes for your popcorn to pop in the “Popcorn” mode instead of using the button, simply experiment with cooking times until you find one that has worked for you!
7 reasons why the popcorn button on your microwave isn’t working
Now that you know when and when not to use the popcorn button on your microwave oven, let’s see why the button may not be working for you! Here are seven reasons why this could happen.
Dirt and grease
It is quite common for the rotating bowl inside your microwave to get dirtied with grease over time, and this can cause problems when trying to pop popcorn. If you see signs of dirt and grease on the bowl, simply wipe it clean with a dry cloth before using any of these methods to popcorn.
Defect in the control panel
If you have a microwave that doesn’t have a rotating bowl, then there could be a problem with the control panel. In this case, contact your local service center to get it sorted as soon as possible!
Defective “Popcorn” button
In addition, if the “Popcorn” or similarly-named button is defective or broken, it may not be possible for your microwave oven to pop popcorn. If your “Popcorn” button feels very loose, then contact the service center or avoid using the button until you get a replacement.
Improperly placed kernels
Another possibility could be that if any of the kernels were placed on the rotating bowl incorrectly, then they may not pop. To avoid this problem, make sure that you place the kernels correctly in a circle around the middle of the bowl.
Overheating
If there is a power surge or an excess in voltage in your home, then this can lead to overheating and may damage the popcorn button. If you notice that your “Popcorn” button isn’t working and you have experienced recent power outages in your area, then the button may have been damaged.
Unpopped kernels
If there are unpopped kernels present after using the “Popcorn” or similarly-named function, then there may be a problem with the rotating bowl. Clean the bowl to remove any dirt and grease, and try again.
Corroded wires
Lastly, if there are corroded or corroded wires present in your rotating bowl, then it may be the cause of the “Popcorn” button not working. Clean the wires to get rid of any corrosion before using them again.
Related Questions
Are popcorn buttons on microwave water-resistant?
The popcorn button on your microwave oven may not be water-resistant. Thus, it is advised to only clean the rotating bowl with a dry cloth if there are signs of dirt and grease.
Do microwaves come with salt and butter dispensers?
You can purchase accessories that allow you to dispense salt or butter into your popcorn while it is being microwaved! These accessories can vary depending on the brand and model of your microwave oven.
Does every microwave have a popcorn button?
If your microwave oven has a rotating bowl, then it should have a popcorn button. Microwave ovens without rotating bowls are less likely to have this function available.
How do I know what size popcorn to use in my microwave?
As a general rule, you should choose an unpopped popcorn kernel that is about as big as one of your fingernails. However, it is best to experiment with cooking times for each popcorn brand until you find one that suits your tastes!
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, microwave buttons aren’t to be used always, and they must be cleaned with a dry cloth every time after use. If the popcorn button is not working, then the problem could lie with the rotating bowl or it might be due to dirtiness.
Here’s was everything you need to know about the microwave button.
Happy Cooking!
