For anyone out there like myself who has used Stir Crazy poppers for a very long time: How does this one compare?
992226
This pops the corn evenly and has a great taste. Great for making large batches especially for caramel corn.
992227
This is my first pop corn popper so I cant compare it to any thing but I've had it a couple of months and love it. Heats up very quickly and easy to clean. Just wipe the bottom with damp towel paper and use soap and water for the lid (I use a sponge so the lid doesnt get scratched. Pops almost all of the kernals. The top of the lid is a black plastic cover that allows for the steam to escape. For the price I think it's a bargin.
992228
I frankly like it better. I can't find anything to complain about. It does the job quickly and it is easy to clean. What more could one ask?
992229
The top is absolute junk, causing it to crack so badly after a handful of uses you can't use it anymore. Calling the company doesn't do any good either, they make it plain they only want to talk to you if you are trying to buy another one of their pieces of junk to replace the piece of junk you already bought from them.
992230
the unit itself is fine after a year the lid starts to show wear from the heat of the griddle part. small cracks and color change. but it works great. At some point the lid will need replaced. I would buy this one again.
751336
I have not tried the popcorn from this particular model because I purchased it as a Christmas Gift that I sent to Texas. However, I purchased a different model but same concept and the popcorn is amazing. I gave it to my son who lives locally for his family and they use it several times a day. The older grandson "13" uses it himself. It does NOT taste like microwave popcorn at all. Even better if used with flavor powders such as Ranch or Cheddar.
1056835
I haven't used either one of them. But I can tell you that I've only used it a total of 3 times. Number 1, it takes to long to open then close around the cap. Number 2, 2 out of 3 times it pops off the lid. You think it's lined up well (and it is) before it just pops off of the lid. Number3, The lid can't be larger then a pickle jar. So it's not useful for 1/2 the jars I need help opening. To be honest I just gave up trying. I've gone back to tapping the jar lid on the kitchen table or hitting it around the lid with a heavy spoon. Like most things I bought that was "As seen on TV" it was a waste of my time and Cash. I haven't used either one of them. But I can tell you that I've only used it a total of 3 times. Number 1, it takes to long to open then close around the cap. Number 2, 2 out of 3 times it pops off the lid. You think it's lined up well (and it is) before it just pops off of the lid. Number3, The lid can't be larger then a pickle jar. So it's not useful for 1/2 the jars I need help opening. To be honest I just gave up trying. I've gone back to tapping the jar lid on the kitchen table or hitting it around the lid with a heavy spoon. Like most things I bought that was "As seen on TV"... » Read More I haven't used either one of them. But I can tell you that I've only used it a total of 3 times. Number 1, it takes to long to open then close around the cap. Number 2, 2 out of 3 times it pops off the lid. You think it's lined up well (and it is) before it just pops off of the lid. Number3, The lid can't be larger then a pickle jar. So it's not useful for 1/2 the jars I need help opening. To be honest I just gave up trying. I've gone back to tapping the jar lid on the kitchen table or hitting it around the lid with a heavy spoon. Like most things I bought that was "As seen on TV" it was a waste of my time and Cash. « Show Less
2226451
I assume that you've already tried it by now, but if you haven't already the salt and vinegar chips is what it says I guess. The vinegar taste is strong, but not overly strong. If you had vinegar chips in the past, then I think you would like the popchips version. If you had vinegar chips in the past and didn't like it, I don't think the popchips version is going to change your mind for you.
1419325
This popper is AWESOME. It surpasses it's predecessor for sure! It's easier to use (love the on/off switch), the hot plate is easily cleaned and is a lot lighter to lift when turning your bowl over. I would highly recommend it. I'm so happy I did! Great popper!
1625720
I have the whirley pop and it does take a fair amount of clean-up, not terrible - best to let it soak for a while then cleans up readily just not as easy as regular. I find this glaze pretty tasty, sort of cracker jack flavor - remember to not put the glaze in until the corn is starting to pop, yes this is exciting but if you put the glaze in earlier you get a burnt sugar taste
1200911
I have used a different brand of buttery popping and topping soybean oil based oil in my MaxiMatic EPM Elite Classic popper without any problems.
1491036
I have had the machine for about 4 or 5 months and use it often (3-4 days per week multiple times) in my office at a university. We use off the shelf popcorn and oil and everyone loves it no matter what we use. I use generic no name popcorn and plain old canola oil. I've use Reese's popping corn oil and it doesn't make it better, same thing with organic popcorn... no difference. SO use over-the-counter popcorn white or yellow and any vegetable oil.
2271420
Sorry no experience with the West Bend Stir Crazy Popper. If it's of any use this machine works reasonably well. We've had an antique oil popper that we finally decided to replace. The popcorn that was produced by the old popper was far better than this one, in that it was much more crisp. This tastes more like air popped than oil popped to us.
860759
I doubt there are any differences between any of the units using pods, not that I could tell. My view is, it needs to be hot. I have a different brand at home, uses the pods, and not as hot as this one. So, for my tastes, this unit is as good any any of the units I own (some expensive, in different locations i live). Overall, I am very pleased using this one at work, and again, I am not sure any create a different taste. I would add, not having the storage for water, it is a bit of a pain loading, I like the bigger units better, but cannot use them at work.
512265
This is for regular popcorn and it's the best! There is a new popper out...same concept of stirring but you can do kettle corn, Carmel popcorn etc
579483
Yep, I too have the Whirly popper, and it work great with it also. The Whirly also seems to be cleaner with this Coconut oil also. Enjoy...
119718
I've been making my husband coffee creamer with it and I feel like it's been lasting a long time. It is pricey but he really likes it and it's hard to find anywhere else. I'm getting ready to order another can. I hope this helps :)
1277234
I have used this popper for 33 years and the popcorn is probably what I'd think is perfect. Dry. That changes once I put the butter into it, but not chewy, definitely not chewy.
118627
I do. Here's a better question how many people still use an air popper for popping corn versus a microwave...It works excellent for roasting. Its more of a manual process, however you then understand the process better of how that coffee got in your cup.Remember folks to clean out the motor area from chaff. Its like that lint catch in your dryer at some point its going to burn up if you don't clean it.
2099040
Sorry you are having trouble. I find my inserts last through several uses. Maybe you could lower the setting on your microwave to 80%? Some microwaves are more powerful than other. Also, I have been adding oil the way Presto recommends, dribbling about a tbsp. on the top not pouring it in the bottom like I used to. It sounds like you are cooking it too long? Directions say don't use the "popcorn" button on your microwave. When it it gets to the top or stops making popping sounds I stop the microwave and take it out.
975422
I've been working on mine for several months to TRY and get it black!!!! I'm using the seasoning instructions in STIR FRYING TO THE SKY'S EDGE (Grace Young) Basically it's cooking slices of ginger in really hot oil and mashing it into and up the sides of the pan. You can start over by giving it a scrub with baking soda and oil then never scrubbing the wok, just wipe clean. I'm popping popcorn 2-3 times a week trying to get mine seasoned to perfection and solid black (usually takes over a year) and it's recommended that you don't cook any recipes with a high water content for the first year- just lots of frying with oil, eventually it will become seasoned and take less and less oil to cook with as time goes by. Ultimate goal is 'WOK HEY"