Why does the "popcorn" button on the microwave exist if all microwave popcorn tell you to never use the popcorn button?

nullref said:

You're right that most microwaves just run the magnetron at a fixed wattage and then just do lower power levels by cycling it on and off for different intervals. (Heat generated while the magnetron is active is meant to propagate through the food during the times that it's off.) The exception is inverter microwaves, which will actually change the wattage of the magnetron at the different power levels, which in theory should produce more even heating. It's mostly Panasonic microwaves that do this, though I've seen a few models from other brands (e.g., Breville) that also have it.

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Yep. We had one of the Panasonics at work and it was really good. I specifically looked for inverter models when I bought mine after that. I have an LG and the thing is great. It's also got a steam sensor and the button that auto reheats a plate of food with one touch is wonderful. 95% of the time it's perfect. I'm also sure it's using the inverter to adjust the temp because it takes longer than if I just threw it in there at full power. I also do homemade dog food and I just cup up the veggies, stick them in, hit auto cook while I work on the next ingredient. It's a great microwave.

The inventor of the button himselfYep. We had one of the Panasonics at work and it was really good. I specifically looked for inverter models when I bought mine after that. I have an LG and the thing is great. It's also got a steam sensor and the button that auto reheats a plate of food with one touch is wonderful. 95% of the time it's perfect. I'm also sure it's using the inverter to adjust the temp because it takes longer than if I just threw it in there at full power. I also do homemade dog food and I just cup up the veggies, stick them in, hit auto cook while I work on the next ingredient. It's a great microwave.