Rick Steves' old-fashioned stovetop accessory 'makes popcorn a ritual' – it embodies cozy, slow living for under $35

In his seminal essay Self Reliance, Ralph Waldo Emerson argued that all new technology comes with losing a skill or experience. The 'slow living' movement of the last few years aims to counteract this loss at home; people are increasingly choosing experience over convenience, pursuing making their ice cream, baking bread from scratch, and restoring vintage furniture instead of buying new pieces. Now, Rick Steves is bringing that ethos to movie night.

The travel writer shared his love for one old-fashioned kitchen appliance with The Strategist - a stovetop popcorn popper. Steves stated: 'This makes popcorn a ritual. A lot of people just have a microwaveable pouch for their popcorn or something like that. But when I’m cozy at home, and I want to have a nice movie evening with my partner — I don’t cook much, but I can make great popcorn.' Though a bag might be easier, Steves points out here that in many ways, a traditional 'popper' is more fun.

Luckily, making stovetop popcorn to eat in your movie room is not as difficult as it might seem. The television personality explains: 'You dump your corn in there, and you dump your choice of oil in there, and then you crank this handle slowly while it pops and you crank. There’s a paddle at the bottom that mixes the kernels of corn until they pop. So that keeps it moving. You just feel like an old organ grinder, cranking the handle.' Even better, Steves's popper of choice is under $35.

As evidenced by Steves' product preference, turning your kitchen into a slow-living haven is about incorporating experiences. Old-fashioned appliances are one idea, but this ambiance can also be captured with design. Incorporating well-considered materials, adding meaningful artworks, and opting for smart-casual kitchen design can help to bring a sense of history into your home.

The 'Slow Living' Kitchen Edit

If popcorn isn't your thing, there are many old-fashioned tools that will make your kitchen feel richer and more textured. Here are a few of my favorites.

Whether you're growing popcorn in your garden, or just thinking about how to incorporate more natural materials into your space, the 'slow living' trend is all about prioritizing experiences. After all, experiences are ultimately what turn a house into a home.