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In 2010 I purchased a used hot air popcorn popper for $2.00 bucks at a thrift store. It was probably from the 1980's and it worked faithfully until a couple months ago. But it finally died, so I went on Amazon to search for the same style popper, the kind you put the bowl under with a vented hood that shoots it toward the bowl, ideally. But man, the reviews made me feel so discouraged. I ignored the reviews that said they shoot popcorn all over the place because I already knew that to be an issue with my old one, and to be honest, it really wasn't a big deal for me (just a few strays here and there that my dog grabbed up). But what DID concern me was all the reviews saying the tops were melting, and pictures of them with melted tops. And different brands too, not just one. I read dozens of reviews and even when I begrudgingly increased the price range, they still had lousy reviews about melting tops. So I started looking at other options...Enter this style of popper. I compared a bunch of brands for these types since I've never used this kind of popper. Eventually I resorted to watching Youtube videos (I take my popcorn very seriously, LOL) and was finally sold on this style, brand and model after watching a guy demonstrate and test several types of poppers. I am extremely pleased with it and have ZERO complaints! First and foremost: It pops ALL the kernels, literally EVERY SINGLE KERNEL! It doesn't get more impressive than that. The very first use I got nervous and shut it off a few seconds too soon and had about 10 or so kernels left, but once I realized I can wait until it all stops without it burning, I haven't had a single unpopped piece since! Because the bar constantly moves it around, you can listen and make sure it's completely stopped without it burning.I don't use the included top/bowl to eat it from, I dump it into my own bowl of choice instead, it's just my preference. My own bowl is a little wider so I can toss it around with oil and salt that way. It was hard to visualize the amount of popcorn described in the description, but I was pleased to discover it pops exactly the amount I have always popped, which is a BIG family-sized bowl full (which I eat all myself because I'm single and that's how I roll).As far as oil, I'm not used to using oil since my old popper was just a dry air popper. What I would always do is drizzle the oil and salt after popping it. So I initially used olive oil (which is what I drizzle on it anyway) but then decided to experiment with coconut oil because it has a higher smoke point and the healthy properties of coconut oil can withstand the heat of the unit. That was even better, it's fantastic with coconut oil and tastes more like theater popcorn. I still drizzle olive oil and salt on it afterward however, because the coconut oil serves the purpose of coating the kernels, but it doesn't really give it the buttery feel after it's popped. But that's fine with me because I'm so pleased with how well it works that I'm willing to use oil with the kernels now. It all comes out fluffy and perfect, NO BURNED pieces ever, so far.You can put the unit inside the bowl to store it, but I prefer to keep the bowl on top to keep dust out. The cord easily wraps around underneath the bottom, which is something that annoyed me about my old popper, which had no way to store the cord. I also like having an off/on switch too, as opposed to just yanking the cord out of the wall while it's running like many of the upright air poppers will have you do.It takes a couple of minutes for the kernels to heat up but then it pops incredibly fast and the whole batch is done in the blink of an eye, it's pretty wild. I wondered if it would be awkward to lift and flip the unit to dump it in the bowl but it's not, it's lightweight and easy.ONE IMPORTANT THING: I almost didn't buy this because even this style of popper has some pictures of the top piece melted. This surprised me until I watched the videos on this page and did a few face-palms. Watch them for yourself and you'll see they leave the red piece on the lid while it's popping. I couldn't believe how any videos show people doing this. The vents in the clear bowl/lid are there so that it VENTS while popping! The smaller red lid is included to put on AFTER you shut it off. It's simply to keep small pieces from falling out once you flip it over. Keep it off while it's popping, of course it's going to melt if you keep blocking the vent holes, good grief! Makes me wonder what people were doing with the other kinds of air poppers to make those ones melt, maybe covering them with sweaters?? But I'm content to never know.When reading reviews, keep in mind that a lot of people have only ever used microwave popcorn. Some of the reviews about flavor and whatnot make me think these people are simply used to microwave junk and so it's probably no reflection on this popper. That, and people blocking the vents with the red lid and then complaining that it smells like plastic. Sigh.Like I said, I have no complaints whatsoever and am glad I decided to try this type of popper. Easy, perfect results and kinda fun to use.

I used the old West Bend popper for years, but like this new one better for several reasons. First of all it pops the same amount as the older model but has a smaller footprint. It seems to operate just the same as the older model but I find it's easier to turn over when popping is complete. I do transfer the popcorn to another bowl for eating since the steam that dots the popping lid/bowl would seem to make some popped pieces less crisp.I like that this model has an on off switch where the other turned on when you plugged it in and you had to unplug it to turn it off, which in my small area, meant reaching across the hot surface. Now I can turn the popper off and wait for it to cool before unplugging it. That depends on where you plug it in however since the cord is relatively short and you still have to invert the unit to transfer the popped corn to the bowl so you have to have enough flexibility in the cord to do that.This popper certainly looks smaller than the other one, but also holds six quarts and pops it all thoroughly and efficiently with almost no unpopped kernals. Because the popping 'well' is recessed (the other popper had a flat surface), it's easier for me to judge how much oil and corn to put in without measuring, another convenient feature.When my old Stir Crazy popper gave out after many years, I wanted to save counter space and bought a stove top model popper. It took me one use to decide that I really didn't want to stand at the stove turning a crank for several minutes and that unit was hard to clean. You can wipe out this one very easily and if you don't use butter, either in the popping or the drip well above, that simple wipe-out cleaning is all you need time after time, year after year.I was willing to give up the counter space again just to get the automatic pop and was extra delighted to find this newer model takes up much less space. I highly recommend this unit.

Memories of childhood popcorn. Not the movie popcorn, makes you thirsty to buy more expensive drinks. Not the “air-pop”, which tastes like a cousin of a rice-cake. Closest commercial offering was Jiffy-Pop; which was fun to watch and one the rare occurrence that it “worked out just right, about 25% of the time”, the amount was “not enough to share”.This appliance produces oil popped corn, simple good and comforting. The basic food dish dresses up nicely with seasoning of choice.As a dream of spending more time with my grandchildren, I often “plan activities” which we can share. Popcorn fits this feature in my life. This in from my “How-to Notecard”:1) pour seeds into blue lid (1/2 cup). Empty cup into center of fry pan, near the stir stick center.2) use the 1 Tsp measurement spoon (from coffee supplies), pour two spoonfuls of peanut oil over the seeds.3) make sure the black disk is attached to the clear bowl, then place the clear bowl over the popping surface.4) plug the unit in, turn the switch on, sound of steam noted in about one minute, clear bowl clouded by steam in about 2 minutes, at 3 minutes first kernel starts to pop, at 4 minutes peak popping, which stops before 5 minutes. (Turn off when popping stops for 10 sec.)5) turn switch off, flip the whole unit upside down, with black disk on the table. Remove the upside and hot heating pan, carefully set aside.6) clear bowl now full of hot popcorn, add salt seasoning (Lawry’s), stir with serving tongs, eat from bowlSummary:2 servings of high quality tasty popcorn. Made in good tasting reproducible manner in short period of time. I buy “store brand” loose kernel yellow popping corn. First splurge is the more expensive peanut oil which is recommended for its “nutty” flavor addition. Second splurge is this cooking unit, and the features for which you are paying.Key Feature1: 1700W. Lots of power, means fast popping / performance. (Insta-pot attempts at pop-corn have been plus-minus at best)Key Feature2: no burning. Not sure if this the due to the stir rod in the pan or some temperature sensor. Have not tried to purposefully scorch a batch, but seems “doable” by preteen grandchildren on their own or when grandpa wants to provide quick snack.Key Feature3: size. My above batch using 1/2 cup corn, will fill the clear bowl by 2/3. Full batch is 3/4 cup corn for full bowl (3 Tsp oil), feeds three people but leads to more spillage and dog consumption.Key Feature4: Magic of reversing motion. Early in the cooking process, the spinning stir bar will smooth the seeds in the pop-plate. When waves of seeds become walls, the stir bar will reverse motion direction. This rotating motion of heating oil and steaming seeds is fun to watch before the bowl clouds over.Uncertainty 1: black removable disk. Its presence seems required for steam escape while preserving bowl function. The ability to place pads of butter for flavoring is described. Quick side note about butter which is only 80% oil. When the other 20% leaves (water), the protein browns and quickly scorches (don’t pop corn with butter as the cooking oil). We have not added the feature into our “pop-corn recipe”, as it seems to add complexity and potential “smoke issues”.Uncertainty 2: price to value. Personal decision, in SWFL, any opened bag of chips goes stale quickly due to the moisture. Costs of convenience food like chips and pop have doubled in the last 5 years. This oil popper is on my “grandpa’s must-have list”, and recommend to any interested party. I had this $50 product in my save for later shopping cart for months and bought at a discount during prime days. I’m glad I saved the money.The full endorsement but only 4/5 rating is due to the box opening feeling of light-weight, simple design, how come it costs so much? There seem to be cheaper versions listed on Amazon with different features, I’m happy with this choice and how the product works for me.

My review in short:Great and affordable popcorn maker once you establish a working process! See my step by step process below!My Ingredients I use:White Kernels, Coconut Oil, PAM spray, and Powdered Salt (specifically Flavacol seasoning/popcorn salt).Disclaimer:This unit will make noise while it's heating up, but that is perfectly normal.My Process:At the time of writing this review I have cooked at least 32lbs of popcorn over the last 3 years and consistently have 95%-100% success rate of kernels popped, so I'd like to think that my process is pretty successful and hopefully will help you, too! - Step 1: I put 2 tablespoons (tbsp) of coconut oil in the popcorn maker (This is is MAXIMUM amount of any kind of oil you should ever use in one serving!!). Then I turn the popcorn maker on for no more than 30-50secs (without the kernels). Then I will turn the popcorn maker off. This step is simply to melt the coconut oil completely and make sure the oil spreads throughout the surface of the popcorn maker. - Step 2: I add a 1/2 cup of Kernels. This is the MAXIMUM amount of Kernels you should ever cook in one serving!! This serving size WILL fill up the bowl if 90%-100% of Kernels are popped. Then I will make sure all the Kernels are laid flat and then turn the popcorn maker on. - Step 3: I will cook the popcorn until popping sounds have either completely stopped or I hear a pop once every 30-45sec. At that point I will turn it off. If I wanted to make another batch immediately, I would simply pour the cooked popcorn into a serving bowl, add another 2 tablespoons of coconut oil (skip the warming up process as the popcorn maker is already HOT and the coconut oil will melt immediately) and repeat steps 2 and 3.- Step 4: In order to get salt to stick to fresh popcorn you NEED something to make it stick. What I have read/tried and seen success in is using PAM spray. I simply spray the popcorn and then add popcorn salt, which is salt in powdered form, so it's very fine. - Step 5: Enjoy filling my face with popcorn!Cleaning:I am one of those people who like to clean my dishes before I eat my meal. You have to be very careful with washing the clear plastic bowl as it is just that, plastic, and it can break quite easily given enough pressure. I wash this bowl, the top cap, the metal rod and the nut holding the rod all by hand once they cool down some. As for the actual unit, obviously don't pour water on it. Instead I will first wipe it down to get any Kernel shells/oil off it. Then I will take a soapy cloth and wipe it down, then with a clean cloth wipe down the soap and continue this process until the soap residue gone. I will then turn this unit upside down over a paper towel to dry and to allow any oil that may have seeped through the crevices to come out.

I hate bagged popcorn, so full of chemicals and cancer. This is a great alternative. Very easy to clean, very easy to use, just put the popcorn and oil in the bin, turn it on, and in a few minutes it's ready for you. Much easier than a stove top. Has a nice little groove on the bottom to store the electrical cord.

I have been making popcorn for over 40 years. I started off in college using a big 10 gallon pot on a gass stove. Cheap snacks for frat parties. I would make 30+ gallons. Then years later I started using the “Whirly Pop”. This is a hand crank popcorn maker from Wabash farms. Probably the best popcorn maker ever on the market. Its hand cranked, so it takes a little more effort and it's a little more difficult to clean. Lots of nooks and crannies.So when I first saw the stir-crazy back in 2018, I thought that it might be a great alternative.Let me preface this discussion by saying that I love popcorn. And I make popcorn about four nights per week. So I will admit up front that I give these devices very heavy usage. I have purchased six of these over the past four years. So why am I complaining now? Maybe because I was hoping that the next popper would be better. (wasn't it Einstein who said insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result?) So most of these poppers lasted for me about six months, A COUPLE ONLY A FEW WEEKS. One actually lasted about 18 months. The last one I purchased in January 2022 lasted about three weeks. I returned it to Amazon and they replaced it. The replacement also failed.So although I did not plan to purchase any more, I wanted to see if West Bend would stand by the 1 yesr product warranty and replace it. After all, (1) it failed in only a few weeks and (2) I had documents showing I have purchased six since 2018. And each also failed.OK, so what do I mean it failed? I mean that about halfway through the popping cycle , the non-stick coated heating pan did not maintain a high enough temperature to cook the rest of the popcorn. It's like the heat turns off. Or at least the temperature is lowered to the point where the kernels will no longer pop. So instead of getting a full batch of fluffy popcorn, you get half a batch of dense popcorn and half a batch of uncooked kernels.Talking with customer service was like jumping through hoops. After four emails, they asked me if I would take a video showing how I cook popcorn. Also wanted know about the oil, popcorn, etc. . I had already told them in great detail how I made the popcorn. Orville redenbacher popcorn, safflower oil, etcetera etcetera. So a couple of weeks later I actually made a video, and sent them the link to the video on my Google Drive. About two weeks later I got a response:"I hope you are doing well and I'm sorry for the delayed response. I already forwarded the video that you've sent to my product specialist and was reviewed. I was being informed that you need to let the popper continue to pop until there is a few second delay between pops. At that time the popcorn will be done."Ahh! Been there, done that. If the popper is left on, the remaining kernels will not pop and the corn that pops just sits there. And overcooks into a tough mess.So in my opinion, West Bend is a company that really does not stand buy their product, does not believe their customer saying that the product has a defect. Or consider that I have purchased 6 of these and all failed. (My bad!) I jumped through hoops and created a video showing the problem, but it was rejected. I guess they so make so many popcorn poppers that what is one or two complaints? And who knows, maybe I'm simply using it too often. In any case, if you're only making a batch a week or a batch a month, this is probably great for you. But if you make a ton of popcorn like me, and want a product that lasts for years, then don't buy it.

Best popper period, now if they could make them last longer it would be nice. We are on our third unit, they last about two years. We pop 2 or 3 times a week. 160-170 grams of kernels is maximum load in this popper. The machine gets really hot so be careful when you flip it over. I burnt my finger once but it was no fault of the popper, I was not careful, I am very careful now 🤪

This thing is a classic! I grew up on one of these, and it’s still far superior to pretty much anything else out there. I have serious memories baked into my mind—like movie night sleepovers, watching movies with my parents before they discovered the joys of separate living arrangements, and the time I put way too much popcorn in it and it lifted the dome right off the base and started spinning like a top. I was half-expecting it to take flight! Good times!But seriously, these machines are fantastic. The stir stick keeps the popcorn from burning, and the dome is designed to allow steam to escape—because no one wants popcorn that’s soggier than a wet sock. And let’s talk about that lid! It prevents any popcorn from doing a Houdini act and disappearing all over your living room.In theory, you can drizzle a little butter on top that melts and drips down to flavor the popcorn. I’ve never really found this too useful, but hey, it’s a clever design feature—like the design equivalent of saying, “Sure, I can totally use this for something!” Spoiler alert: I usually stick with my trusty FlavorCol butter-flavored salt, just like they use in movie theaters. Just add it at the same time you put your oil down on the base for that perfect buttery taste. You’ll feel like you’re sitting front row at a blockbuster, minus the sticky floors and overpriced snacks!One great thing about this machine is how well it stores. I didn’t realize until I was an adult that you can nest the main machine inside the top dome, saving you precious counter space. I mean, who needs more clutter when you can have more popcorn, right? Just a word of caution: when flipping the machine over after it’s done, be careful! There’s some seriously hot steam inside, so always remember to flip away from you. Nothing says “movie night” like a face full of hot steam!In conclusion, if you’re looking for a reliable and nostalgic popcorn maker that brings the magic of movie nights back into your home, this Stir Crazy popcorn maker is the way to go. With its thoughtful design and ease of use, it makes popping popcorn a breeze—unless you’re like me and have a tendency to overfill it like it’s a food challenge. So grab one, gather your friends or family, and create your own movie night memories. Trust me, you won’t regret it—unless your popcorn-loving dog steals the show!

I've been living without popcorn for many years; but given the fact that I now have Amazon Prime with it's movie channel, well, that just demands popcorn. I chose this unit based on the excellent reviews, and I will admit that I'm quite impressed. I mixed up 3/4 cup of popcorn on my first go, and that was a mistake; I'd recommend somewhere between half a cup and 2/3rds. After 4 minutes the machine was absolutely stuffed with popcorn, and I was left with perhaps 20 or 30 unpopped kernels. I think that, had the machine not been stuffed with popped corn, those kernels would have popped. The idea of turning the lid into a built in popcorn bowl is an excellent idea, and it worked out quite well. Cleanup requires dish detergent (or just run it through the dishwasher, if you have a load). The butter melter simply doesn't work, and I'd recommend that you either put your butter in the machine with the oil at startup, or do what most people seem to be doing; melting it in the microwave, and pouring it on later.The plastic lid strikes me as a bit flimsy, and I worry that it might crack easily. I would have preferred a thicker, more sturdy lid that could stand up to the occasional oops. Plan on being very careful and gentle.And while I'm picking nits, the cord is really short. Less than two feet from machine to plug. I wound up plugging the machine into my stove, simply because I couldn't find a spot on my counter where it would reach a plug. An extra foot would have helped a lot.The machine is very compact to store, with the base nesting into the popcorn bowl. This is very smart engineering, and makes it easy to put away in a compact kitchen.So in closing, I am quite satisfied. Yes, the popcorn from an air popper is healthier; but it doesn't taste as good, and popcorn is not regarded as a health food at the best of times. So I recommend this machine, perhaps with some seasoned salt (there's a whole industry of seasoned salt manufacturers just for popcorn. Who'd a thunk it?) and quality popcorn like Orville Redenbachers product. Select a movie, and away you go - theatre quality popcorn, right at home. Enjoy!

Ürün herşeyi ile harika, malzemesi kaliteli ve çok şık görünüyor ama sipariş verirken 110V olduğu bilgisini atlamışım, kutuyu görünce eşim burada kullanamayacağımızı söyledi. Çok çok üzülerek iade ettim. Umarım en kısa sürede 220V içinde üretilir ve satılır 🙏🏻😊

ネタが半分も弾けないまま焦げて終了。こんなマシンに１万円以上もだすのは無駄です。それから販売する方も、自分たちで使ってみてから販売してください。いかにダメかわかります。

The popcorn popper works fine. I'm now in India and I have a voltage step-down device for using this machine: If you have a different voltage than in the USA (120) as in India (240), be sure to use a voltage regulator or the popper will die an instant death.If there is a power-cut (happens in India all the time), just wait and it will begin when power returns.Oh, the popcorn? It's great. I've used it a few times and really enjoy it.

Produto excelente....top \o/ =D