I bought an air popper for popcorn on clearance a while ago. Has a few advantages to the "stove and pot," but it's not necessary really. Mostly it keeps the popcorn from burning if you're not paying close enough attention and the ratio of unpopped kernels is much lower.

I have an air popper, a stove-top popcorn popper (complete with a wire stirrer that you crank around with the lid closed), and a microwave. When I was growing up we had a popcorn popper that you held over a fire for fireplace popping. That was circa 1970.

Air popper also means less (or no) oil used.

The amount of oil used is tiny - less than a tablespoon for like 8 servings, plus almost all the oil stays in the pot.

You just need enough for heat transfer from the metal pot to the kernels. You can add more for flavor if you like, but you don't have to - the thinnest coating of the bottom of the pot is enough.

Fair point. Not saying it's a huge difference, just that it's a difference.

We've got the Whirley Pop. It's fun to use with the kids. Popcorn tastes great.

http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/jump/productDetail/...