Editorial Product Review:Item Description:The Back to Basics stainless steel stovetop popcorn popper is the best way to turn making popcorn into family fun. The domed, vented lid assures perfect popcorn every time. The popcorn popper is made out of polished stainless steel for durability and easy clean-up. The bottom of the pan includes an aluminum plate clad in stainless steel to maintain optimal heat dispersion. Six quart capacity makes enough for the whole family. All parts are replaceable.
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Buyer Reviews
Average Buyer Rating:
-
Better than Whirley Pop
Better than the Whirley Pop. I chose this popper for two reasons. 1) A number of the reviews I read warned of the plastic gear on the lid breaking. The gear on this one is metal. 2) This one is stainless steel and NOT ALUMINUM (unlike the Whirley POP). And yes, this IS a concern. There are numerous studies linking aluminum and Alzheimers as well as other neuropathic disorders. Remember that those many many popcorn kernels will be scraping the bottom of the pan, rubbing off aluminum particles continuously for 3-5 minutes EVERY time you use the popper. What rubs of may be trace, but adds up after awhile. Even if you don't believe this or haven't done your research, is it really worth the risk? Especially since there is another option available? Go with the Back to Basics stailess steel popper.
Plus, it makes GREAT popcorn. If the other reviews haven't convinced you, I hope this one will. Many have said that this style of popper makes popcorn that tastes "the same" as movie theater popcorn. I would not say that, but it is as good, if not better, than movie theater popcorn--just a different good. The crisp, fluffy texture of the popped corn is what makes it soooo wonderful. I have a hard time stopping. I just keep crunching. and crunching. and crunching. . .
The other thing that makes it so good is the ability to add salt and oil to taste while cooking. You can also add other seasonings/flavorings. You can make it exactly the way you like it. With airpoppers you have to add the oil and salt or seasonings after cooking; this often makes the corn defluff or just seem greasy, and the salt doesn't stick as well, especially if you are trying to go low fat. Besides the fact that it's yummy and fun to eat, one of the great draws of popcorn is that it is (potentially) a healthy snack--if you go low salt and low fat. Because you can adjust the amounts of "bad stuff" you add, this popper is a great way to balance health concerns with great taste. I usually use an easy tablespoon of oil and an easy 1/2 teaspoon of salt per 1/2 cup of kernels. You can use less of either depending on your concerns. What you get, per 1/2 cup kernels (without salt or oil) (approx): a high fiber (7g), low calorie (194 kcal), low fat (2.3g) snack that also has a variety of vitamins and minerals to boot. The vast majority of the calories are from complex carbs (the good carbs) and VERY few are from sugar. However, keep in mind that many people will only eat half this amount in one sitting.
To address some of the negative comments in other reviews, it is true that the lid is a little tricky to get on/in place, but it's not that bad, really. Rather than a two second mindless sweep of your arm, it will require 30 seconds, both hands, and a little attention to what you're doing. You brace the pot in one hand, put the nub in a little hole, and snap the bracket into place on the other side with your other hand. Also, keep in mind that you really don't have to clean it(or take the lid off) every time you use it (oil is reusable, not that there will be much left in the pan). We use our popper regularly, so it stays on the stove, and I only clean it after about every third use. It could be my imagination, but I believe the "in-between" batches are actually tastier.
As to the lid not staying shut, I haven't had that problem with mine. It is not air tight--and is not supposed to be. That's why there are little vents all over the lid. The lid does stay in place, though, so don't worry--the popping corn is not going to come flying out of the pot or anything. My advice is, first, to check the seller ratings here on the site. Make sure you can return the product and that they have a positive history in dealing with returns. Then, when you get your popper, check it before you use it to make sure everything is in working order. That's just good sense. Chances are, you're not going to get a defective one. Remember that they sell HUNdreds of these things. Those who have written in are probably just the vocal, unlucky few. Look at how many positive reviews there are.
Bottom line? This inexpensive popper makes great popcorn, and you can jazz it up according to your tastes and preferences. You're going to love it!
Customer Rating: -
Great Popcorn, Frustrating Lid Design
We like everything about this popper except the design of the lid. We were aware of this issue prior to purchase due to previous reviews but liked the idea of a higher quality stainless product after using similar aluminum products in the past. It works fine once you get used to holding the lid closed with the left hand while stirring with the right but is not as convenient to operate as the traditional whirley-popper. Except for the lid, this popper is built better than our previous aluminum whirley-poppers, with metal gears instead of the nylon gears that have been more prone to failure. The bottom of the SS pan hasn't been as prone to the hard-to-remove accumulation of burned oil over time like our aluminum pans were. We think the heat dispersion should be more even on the thicker and heavier SS. We appreciate the durability and performance of the SS pan which we feel results in superior popcorn. We always liked our aluminum whirley-poppers but love this SS popper and feel it is worth the extra cost if you consume as much popcorn as we do.
Customer Rating: -
The Perfect Popper
I purchased this popper to get away from the microware pop corn bags and pop corn that is saturated in salt. It has been great and the family loves it. The sweet smell of the corn popping and the flavor is wonderful! I have had no problems with the lid at all. This is a great popper!
Customer Rating: 
-
Not what you'd expect
I thought this would be a great replacement for our aluminum whirly popper that one of my kids liberated when they moved away. Alas, I've been sadly disappointed. The lid absolutely does not stay closed, despite all sorts of adjustment attempts. So one has to learn how to turn the "stirrer" with one hand and hold the handle (plus hold the lid closed) with another hand. Plus, it is slower to heat up and weighs a lot more than my old whirly. Lastly, I've had various of the riveted parts fall off and one of the wood knobs split in two. All of this with fairly light use.
So....I'm going back and ordering the good 'ole aluminum whirley again.