"Here are tips I've come up with:
-Three 3.3 oz micro bags of name brand butter flavor makes just right amt corn.
--Empty each into big bowl, bad kernels go to bottom, then scoop by hand into your big pot.
--Used 1/2 tsp more salt, also added 1 tsp vanilla right before soda
--Don't worry about candy thermometer-just get a good goop going, 5 min is fine
--Take bottom rack out of stove and use a big soup pot for baking part.
--Stir with Teflon spatula coated w/cooking spray.
Hope these tips helped; I am inept with this type of thing but in second year finally am in my caramel corn groove!