This is a great item. I got this for Christmas last year and I have used it a lot since then. Making popcorn with this is easier for me than using a sauce pan and trying to hold the lid on which is how I made it before but still results in the same great taste for the popcorn.

PopCorn Maker

It is made out of a very sturdy steel. I have been using mine for over a year now and it is still in perfect condition minus a couple stains on the bottom from when I burnt a couple kernals of corn. The handle stays very cool while cooking so you don't have to worry about burning yourself although I still wouldn't let a child use this since it is done on the stove and because there is a little piece of metal that comes out of the base by the handle that does get very hot, the handle is far enough away to avoid touching this but it is good to make sure to stay away from it also.

The top does have steam vents to allow extra stream to come out of it while you are popping your popcorn also which does keep the popcorn crisp inside of it.

You can also attach a little butter melter but personally I wait until its done popping pour that in my tub and then put butter in to melt and pour over the popcorn, this is just how I have always done it and what works best for me but you can try the little cup that holds on to the side of the popper and clips on the top to melt butter on while it pops also.

The Crank

Yes, I did a new section for this because it is so important. One reason I don't think people like to make popcorn on the stove and use microwave popcorn is that you have to keep the corn moving to prevent burning. For me that use to mean standing there shaking the saucepan while holding the lid on with my other hand. Well, not anymore, now I hold the handle and with my other hand turn the crank very slowly only after I hear it start popping. The crank keeps the corn moving and prevents it from burning on the bottom of the pan.

Clean Up

OK, so the part we don't want to talk about. Don't worry it's not hard at all. The top comes off with a few clips and comes right off so that all parts can be washed. I didn't read if it can be washed in a dishwasher since I wash everything by hand even when I have a dishwasher available.

Taste

I know I can't describe the taste to everyone here but I can try. Imagine microwave popcorn convenience meets the taste of theatre popcorn minus the huge cost and annoying crowds and you will have the taste of the popcorn that can be made in this popcorn maker (of course it does depend on the type of butter or margarine or oil and the type of popcorn that you use as well).

Use

It is very simple to use and although I wouldn't allow a child to use it even a child could use it. First, I heat some butter in the bottom and then pour in about a cup of popcorn (I don't actually measure but just pour in enough that the whole bottom is covered with kernals), then close the lid and wait to hear the first one pop. After, I hear the poppping start I grab the handle and start slowly cranking the crank until the popping slows (just like in the microwave when they say to remove the bag). Then I open the lid (it opens in halves) and pour it into a bowl. Not that much steam will come out but I wouldn't put my hand right over the top when opening it to be safe. Then I take some margarine (I use Nucoa Margarine because it doesn't burn my popcorn but you can use whatever brand you like but keep in mind some will burn your popcorn and it will shrivel up into gooey little buttercorn pieces - you'll know this if you have ever seen it. If that happens use a different butter next time). I use the crank to move the butter around to get it all melted and then evenly pour it on my popcorn. This takes less than 10 minutes and tastes so much better than microwave popcorn.

Conclusion

If you are sick of microwave popcorn and want to taste how great stovepopped popcorn can be but don't want to use a saucepan and have to try to hold a hot lid on then this is worth a try. This also comes with a recipe book that can help you make other things with your popcorn. I love this so much that if I ever break this (trust me it is made very well so would be hard to break), I will be buying another one.


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): GIFT