# Say Goodbye to Burnt Popcorn: 5 Easy Ways to Avoid the Smell

There’s nothing quite as disappointing as the smell of burnt popcorn filling your kitchen. One minute, you’re excited for a bowl of perfectly fluffy, buttery goodness, and the next, your microwave is a smoky disaster. The worst part? That burnt popcorn smell lingers for **hours—sometimes even days**.

But don’t worry! Whether you love [Microwave Popcorn](https://www.farmerjonspopcorn.com/microwavepopcorn) , enjoy the light crunch of **white microwave popcorn**, or swear by the sweetness of **kettle popcorn**, there are simple tricks to make sure your snack is never ruined again.

In this post, we’ll go over **five foolproof ways** to prevent burnt popcorn, so you can enjoy your favorite brand—like **Farmer Jon’s Popcorn**—without the risk of setting off your smoke alarm.

## **1\. Use the Right Time and Power Setting**

Most people just hit the "Popcorn" button on their microwave and walk away. **Big mistake!** Not all popcorn brands pop at the same speed.


Some microwaves run hotter than others, meaning that what works for one brand might burn another. If you're popping **Farmer Jon’s popcorn** or another high-quality brand, check the **recommended cooking time** on the bag. Then, start with a shorter time and add a few seconds if needed.

👉 **Pro tip:** Instead of using the "Popcorn" button, try setting your microwave to **medium power (50-70%)**. This gives the kernels more time to pop evenly without scorching.

## **2\. Listen for the Pops**

Want an easy way to tell when your popcorn is done? **Listen carefully.**

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The golden rule: **when there are more than 2-3 seconds between pops, stop the microwave!**

Most bags, whether it's **white microwave popcorn** or buttery **Kettle Popcorn**, will pop within 2 to 3 minutes. But if you wait until every last kernel pops, you’re almost guaranteed to burn the batch.

👉 **Pro tip:** If your microwave has a window, keep an eye on the bag. If the steam inside turns brown, it's time to stop!

## **3\. Shake the Bag Before Popping**


Ever notice how some popcorn bags pop unevenly? That’s because the kernels aren’t distributed properly.

Give your bag a good **shake** before tossing it in the microwave. This spreads the oil and seasoning evenly, helping the kernels pop at the same rate. **Unevenly popped popcorn = higher risk of burning.**

This trick works especially well for **kettle popcorn**, which has more sugar and is prone to scorching.

👉 **Pro tip:** If you’re using a stovetop method, shake the pan every few seconds for even heating!

## **4\. Use High-Quality Popcorn**

Not all popcorn is created equal. Cheaper brands often have more broken or low-quality kernels, which burn faster.


That’s why brands like **Farmer Jon’s popcorn** are a great choice. Their kernels pop **fluffier and more evenly**, reducing the chances of burning. Plus, high-quality popcorn just **tastes better**.

👉 **Pro tip:** If you love the classic crunch of **white microwave popcorn**, go for a brand that uses **premium, non-GMO kernels** for the best results.

## **5\. Ventilate and Clean Your Microwave**


Even if you follow all the tips above, accidents happen. If you do burn your popcorn, don’t panic! **Act fast to get rid of the smell.**

* **Immediately remove the burnt bag** and take it outside.
* **Open windows** and turn on fans to air out your kitchen.
* **Clean your microwave** by wiping it down with vinegar and water to remove lingering odors.

👉 **Pro tip:** For stubborn smells, microwave a bowl of **water with lemon slices** for 2-3 minutes. The steam will help absorb any burnt odor!

## **Final Thoughts**


Burnt popcorn is the worst—but it doesn’t have to be a regular part of your snack routine. With a little care, you can enjoy perfectly popped **microwave** [**popcorn**](https://www.farmerjonspopcorn.com/), whether it's **kettle popcorn, white microwave popcorn,** or a bag of **Farmer Jon’s popcorn**.

So next time you’re craving that warm, buttery goodness, remember these tips and say goodbye to burnt popcorn **for good!**

**Ready to put these tips to the test?** Grab your favorite brand and enjoy a movie night—without the smoky surprise. 🍿🎬