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Popcorn Popper Reviews

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In this review:
  1. Cheap Popcorn Machines, Best Popcorn Poppers
  2. Oil Popcorn Poppers, Stovetop Popcorn Poppers
  3. Air Poppers Popcorn Makers
  4. Best Popcorn Poppers
  5. Popcorn Popper Reviews
  6. Discount Popcorn Machines Features Comparison Table
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Popcorn Poppers Performance (continued)

Popcorn Poppers Ease of Use.

Generally speaking, cheaper popcorn poppers are the easiest to use because there are fewer parts and fewer opportunities for things to go wrong. Popcorn popper reviews on Cooking.com assert the Wabash Valley Farms Whirley Pop is easy to clean -- just a quick wipe with a paper towel or a hand wash with some soapy water.
The hand-cranking process appeals to the pre-teen set, according to users, and with slight modifications, like extending the handle and crank, the Whirley Pop also proves its mettle over campfires. But do make sure the lid is shut tight; one popcorn popper review on Target grouses about a loose lid letting oil splatter all over.

The swipe of a cloth is all that's needed to clean the Presto PopLite, and popcorn popper reviews on Walmart crow about the easy convenience of air-popping bowls of popcorn for family movie nights. Some users, though, grumble a bit about the absence of an on-off switch and butter that doesn't melt in the little top dish. This latter issue pops up occasionally in hot air popper reviews, but consumers seem nonplussed, noting the microwave excels at this task.

Many users say cleaning the West Bend Stir Crazy is a no-fuss job even though it needs to be disassembled and hand-washed with soapy water. A few popcorn popper reviews on Amazon grouse about oil build-up (one says it gums up the stirring rod after several months of heavy use) and one reviewer reports that the round base is awkward to clean. And yet, several users remark that the clear plastic dome affords a bird's eye view of the popping process that adds to the fun of making your own popcorn. Users posting reviews on Viewpoints also seem appreciative that the machine requires no out-of-box assembly.

Review continues below

Then there's the Kalorik PCM28276 hot-air popper, which gets panned in popcorn popper reviews for not being much fun at all. Its tendency to shut down before all the corn is popped and needing to wait until it cools down before popping another batch, its small size and loud operation, and hot-to-the-touch housing all turn off many users.

Popcorn Poppers Durability.

In terms of value, popcorn popper reviews suggest that the cheaper models tend to be the most durable. Many users posting popcorn popper reviews claim the Wabash Valley Farms Whirley Pop lasts for years (a 25-year warranty is available), although we did find a report on Amazon about the plastic gears in the sweeper mechanism melting after about a year of use and a few complaints that the aluminum bucket seems flimsy. Consumers give a thumbs up to the Presto PopLite's durability in popcorn popper reviews on Walmart, noting that it appears well-made. The West Bend Stir Crazy also passes the durability test, according to consumer reviews on Amazon, if users take proper care. A few consumers note that the stirring rod scrapes up the nonstick coating on the base (bend the arms slightly upward, counsels one user), and we read a few posts about the popper not heating sufficiently to get the kernels popping. But overall, these cheap popcorn poppers seem to be worth more than their weight in popped corn.

by Maralyn Edid (Google+ Profile)

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Best Cheap Popcorn Poppers

Wabash Valley Farms Whirley Pop

 Read why »
Where to buy

Presto PopLite Hot Air Corn Popper

 Read why »
Where to buy

Good Cheap Popcorn Poppers

West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Maker

 Read why »
Where to buy
 
 
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Don't Bother Cheap Popcorn Poppers

Kalorik PCM28276 Hot-Air Popcorn Maker

For a hot-air popper, the Kalorik PCM28276 is certainly cheap enough, but its performance pales compared to similar models in the same price range. Users critique the end product and are irritated by its automatic shut-off, which interferes with popcorn popping sessions. Read more »

 
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