A friend recently pointed out that, despite most microwave ovens having a Popcorn function, most bags of popcorn specifically say NOT to use that function. It got me wondering how the Popcorn button works (or doesn’t work). Apparently there are several different approaches in common use.

Basic method: Microwave on full power for a set amount of time. With clumsy designs like this I’m not surprised the popcorn sellers would discourage using the Popcorn button.

Improved method 1: Have the user enter the weight of the popcorn bag. The microwave adjusts the cooking time accordingly. Better, but still not great.

Improved method 2: Add a humidity sensor to detect the humidity change when the bag bursts open. Much better; now we have a real-time feedback mechanism.

Improved method 3: Add a microphone to listen for the time between pops, just like humans do. I had no idea this was a real thing, but apparently it has existed for years. For example, Whirlpool calls its implementation “AccuPop.”

Does anyone have another clever idea to add to the list?