****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
We purchased this popcorn machine from Amazon to add theater style atmosphere to our movie room. The machine arrived quickly and was well packaged so sustained no shipping damage. We read all of the reviews prior to purchasing, so we were able to quickly figure out how to get the best from this unit. First, as one other reviewer pointed out, this machine definitely does better with six ounces of popcorn than with eight. We do get about 8 to 10 unpopped kernels per batch, but they drop right into the kernel catching tray at the bottom of the machine when we swish the popcorn around the bin with the scoop. We are using Arrowhead Mills organic yellow popcorn (purchased on Amazon), we aren't sure if the six ounce limit and/or unpopped kernels are a result of the popcorn or the machine, but we aren't likely to try any non-organic or GMO popcorn just to see if that improves the yield--we are happy with the quality and quantity of organic. At six ounces, it makes enough to fill three buckets of popcorn (we purchased the Nostalgia 6-pack of 4 quart buckets right here on Amazon). So we just make two batches of popcorn, one right after the other for a family night. The machine will easily hold three batches of popped corn in the warming compartment, and we love the fact that this unit has both a warming light and a bottom warming element under the tray--the popcorn stays warm and tasty for hours. We have experimented with seasonings, popping oils, and toppings, and here is what we found: Coconut oil does OK, but what really works the very best for us is Odell's Organic Clarified Butter (also purchased here on Amazon). We use it to pop the corn and also drizzle it melted over the finished popcorn. We have tried Flavacol (purchased on Amazon), and it really tastes great when used in conjuction with the clarified butter during popping. However, it is way too salty for our taste, and we have had to cut back to half of the recommended amount to make it work for us. We prefer organic, and so will be looking for a better raw salt alternative. Clean up is relatively easy, the kettle slides right out and can be wiped out with a papertowel, and then a slightly damp cloth. The rest of the machine is easily wiped down first with a dry papertowel to remove large crumbs, and then a soft damp cloth for final cleanup. We have been using the machine about twice a week since the day after Christmas and it has worked perfectly each time following the directions included (we use a timer to ensure proper warm up of the kettle and oil). We purchased the black model, and it really looks great with our navy and black themed room. Preparing the popcorn as above, this popper makes awesome popcorn that tastes as good or better than wahat we get at the movies and our children are thrilled that we can have movie theater popcorn at home!
