When the pan is the better choice
You want the event. Children watch the foil rise, and the pan goes straight to the sofa as its own bowl.
You are away from a microwave. A camp stove pops a pan in 2 to 5 minutes.
When a microwave bag is the better choice
You have a glass-top or induction range. The pan's label rules those out.
You want to press a button and walk away. The Popcorn Board suggests timing a first bag by hand.
Set the timer for 4½ minutes and stand by.
When loose kernels are the better choice
You pop several times a week and want to pick the oil and the salt yourself.
You want a lot of popcorn from a small bag. The Popcorn Board gives the yield of plain kernels.
One (1) ounce of unpopped popcorn equals a quart popped.