Something making popcorn pop faster?

This obviously isn't scientific, but I have noticed it happening at a quickening rate. I have had the same microwave oven for the last 2 years now. We have an identical model at where I work as well, so I use both of them.

I noticed that it puts out a bit more power than some older models as normally I could cook a regular 3.3 oz bag of popcorn in about 3 1/2 minutes with my older microwave. This one does it in about a minute less or 2 1/2 minutes.

I should know as I accidently hit the popcorn button a time or two and totally burnt the bag.

What I encountered lately is that 2 1/2 minutes has steadily gotten shorter and shorter. I am pretty sure there is no way the microwave can be experiencing some way that it is putting out more power - even both the one at home and at work, and I also checked and the atmospheric pressure is not abnormal; about 29.93 here, right now.

Tonight, I put in a bag and stood while it cooked and it was fully done and not popping after just 1 1/2 minutes. I couldn't believe it.

Are they changing they corn kernels or is something causing the energy levels of radio waves to change the way they act on objects?

[edit on 30-12-2007 by ben91069]

reply to post by ben91069


Moisture in the pop corn makes it pop. Maybe a improved grain?

Roper

I wish I had a definitive answer for you here - but really I just wanted to let you know I'm experiencing the same thing!

Same microwave for several years, but these days I'm getting perfectly popped corn with no kernels whatsoever...in LESS time.

Something smells extra buttery here....

reply to post by Roper



Yes, but this changed within the bags contained in the same box of 12. Unless that box contained the change in the production of their product I cannot see how.