I didn't see this posted here, so throwing it in if it helps anyone....

I eat far more popcorn than any human probably should. With the recent talk of ghee and toppings, I saw some questions about how to apply/spread it on your popcorn. The easiest is probably to just pump/squirt/dribble it on.

However, I've taken a slightly different tact to making popcorn; for reference, I tend to use extra popcorn. Meaning, if you used a 4oz pre-pacgacked portion I add an additional 1/3 cup of kernels. So, I'm lacking a bit of the fat that you would normally have. To help compensate for that I like to put on some clarified butter (ghee) to help with the buttery flavor. To apply it, I tried many ways, but found that a hand-pump sprayer works the best.

You might try just a plain old spray bottle and see if that works (i.e. cheap) or I recommend the Prepara Oil Sprayer. The reason I like is that the base/container is actual glass, not plastic. So, I can keep that refrigerated with the ghee in it and just pop it into the microwave to warm it up (make it liquid). Then I can "mist" the popcorn in my popcorn maker and toss it around and spray some more. That gives the popcorn a nice buttery note without it dripping in oil.

When I'm done, I just pump some hot water through the sprayer to clean out the ghee and let it dry.

Here is the oil sprayer I speak of:
https://www.amazon.com/Prepara-Healthy-Trigger-Sprayer-Kitchen/dp/B01CCGRJVC

Cheers!

Yeah, the bad reviews have bubbled to the top. But, I've had mine for about a year.

I've tried some of the "Misto" ones that you pump up, but wasn't very successful using them with ghee. Like I mentioned, you might be able to use a "regular" pump bottle. YMMV.

Should be a 50 watt R20.

Depending on your usage, you may want to get a longer life bulb (10k-20k hours). I have my machine on almost 24/7, so I bought a pack of 20k hour ones and they are working great.

Here are some links:
https://www.bulborama.com/45-50-WATT-R20-FLOOD-20K-TURBO-LIFE-LIGHT-BULB-20-000-HOURS-p9.html

I had purchased these in the past, but they are no longer available:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CRKY3Y/

I'd also suggest avoiding LED bulbs as they heat of the incandescent works to help keep your popcorn warm and crispy, even if you have a heated deck.

There are cleaners specifically for popcorn kettles, but I have not used them myself. Not sure if they'd help in this case or not..?
https://www.amazon.com/GOLD-MEDAL-PRODUCTS-2095MC-Kleen/dp/B001EEU6RS

Sorry I'm not that in tune with all those restrictions. But, can you use soybean oil?

If so, you might try something like Snappy Buttery Burst?
https://www.amazon.com/Snappy-Popcorn-Butter-Burst-gallon/dp/B00AXK9ROC

Due to my limited space in my current home, I have my popcorn maker right in my arcade room. I make a couple batches of popcorn a week and the oil does get on everything. I try to put a fan near the machine to help try and blow the fumes out of the room. But, that only does so much. It's not a huge issue, I just wipe down my arcade machines and pinball machines every month or so.

If you are in a position to have a nice vent, then that'd be ideal. But, not necessary per se.

I do something similar, I scoop out of the big tub of oil and put it in a squeeze bottle. If it has solidified, I just microwave it for a bit and squirt it into table spoon to measure out what I want. easy peasy.

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/3163/squeeze-bottles.html

Do you happen to have a before picture for comparison?

That Popperette is so bad ass!

I agree with the others that the real-deal oil is coconut and it does get solid at room temp. You might be able to use a light bulb as you suggested. Another option is the Snappy Butter Burst that doesn't need heat to stay liquid. You might want to try it as some butter flavored oils don't taste good or can reek havoc on your insides.

https://www.amazon.com/Snappy-Popcorn-Butter-Burst-gallon/dp/B00AXK9ROC

Dump it all together it doesn’t matter. I’ve tested several options and no difference.

My stirrer is connected to the heater so it comes on with the heater, so just when you turn the heat on or before you add everything. But do get the kettle hot before you add everything.

How did you measure the oil? I’m pretty sure the 6oz has 3 tablespoons of oil. Can’t imagine the 8oz has less.

Cool. That makes sense.

I started doing 3 tablespoons of the orange coconut oil and 1-2 T of clarified butter per 1C of corn. Gives it a bit more buttery flavor..

I second this. It’s possible that your corn is old/bad, but probably not enough oil.