Back to Basics PC17591 Microwave Popcorn Popper

Reviews of Back to Basics PC17591 Microwave Popcorn Popper

1.) A Popcorn Lovers Must-Have
Reviewed by: Barbara Jo Lubbock, TX USA
Rating:

I wasn't quite sure if I'd like this microwave corn popper. I was looking at a different brand I thought I preferred, but I choose this one because of the super saver shipping.

I'm glad I got this one. I really like it! I like the design, the ease of use and it's easy to keep clean.
I bought 2, one for home and one for work! I love popped corn as a snack, it's healthy and filling. With this mircrowave corn popper, I save money by just using regular popcorn kernels -- any brand. And I have more control over the salt and oil content. I can leave out salt and oil all together if I choose.

I recommend this Back to Basics PC17591 Microwave Popcorn Popper!! If you love Popcorn... you won't be disappointed... it's up to you how to fix it -- oil, no oil, salt, no salt, seasonings............ get creative and enjoy!

2.) This things rocks!
Reviewed by: S. Arnold USA
Rating:

I was looking for a popcorn popper to trim some money off the grocery budget AND eat healthier popcorn.

I selected this one. I'll keep it short: This thing works great! I used 1/3 cup of organic popcorn with (2) tablespoons of oil. Set the microwave on high for 3 minutes. Perfect, (although I might set it at 2:50 next time.)

Added some salt and it was great. This popped just about the exact same amount as a bag of store-bought microwave popcorn.

There was NO plastic smell, which some claim to have had.

In a world where everything is over-hyped, this thing actually lives up to it!

BUY ONE!

(Even the packaging was extra good)

3.) Works like a champ!
Reviewed by: clb99 San Antonio, Texas United States
Rating:

I just received this popcorn popper today and gave it a try. I put 1/4 of a cup of popcorn and 1 tsp olive oil. It popped every single kernel at @ 2 mins and not one was burnt. I had forgotten just how much better this kind of popcorn tastes than the prepackaged bags. Salt it up and it's ready to go. The bowl is pretty heavy duty and it's nice enough to serve in.

4.) Microwave Popcorn Popper
Reviewed by: Karen Sharp Northfield, MN
Rating:

After reading many reviews on Amazon about different microwave poppers, I chose to order this one..and I LOVE it! I've just ordered another one for a friend! I usually use a 1/4 tsp. of oil, but don't need to. I add 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels..and I maybe have 3 in the bottom of the bowl after it's popped.
It does get hot, so use mits or potholders..makes absolutely wonderful popcorn. It's heavier than I'd thought it would be..I simply can't say enough good about this one..a GREAT find and a GREAT value!

5.) Best MW Popper So Far
Reviewed by: GC Park Hill, OK USA
Rating:

Back in the late 1970s, I bought an Amana Radarange and their popcorn popper to go with it. The popcorn popper was a flop and I gave up on MW popcorn. Fast forward to 2010.

I bought this unit on a recommendation from a famous cooking show. They are right, it is an excellent popper. Although mine has an ill-fitting lid, that feature seems not to affect its popping efficiency. With 1/3 cup of popcorn, 1 ounce of oil, and 2 minutes-8 seconds of zapping and I'm in business.

Speaking of times, I have found that with this product, popping times vary quite a bit from one lot of popcorn to the next. So the buyer should be aware that the recommendations in the directions are only guides. In addition, mine seems to like being placed dead-center in the MW oven; placing it elsewhere really affects the popping.

It tastes so much better than bagged popcorn; I'll never go back.

6.) Shockingly simple, yet it works!
Reviewed by: J. Bridges
Rating:

Cook's Country was correct, this makes better popcorn than any commercial prepackaged microwave popcorn.

Without oil the results are much better than any air poppper.

With oil or other fat, the results are as good as doing it on the stove (YUMMY!).

One unique advantage is that since the heat comes from all around such that the corn would pop with or without fat, you can use unusual fats. For instance I used some bacon with the lean trimmed off, just fat. The results were very tasty. I'm sure uncured pork fat, or beef suet would work as well giving a different savory flavor.

In our Microwave I find it takes 4:40 to pop as much as possible and not get a burned flavor. That's with 60g of popcorn, and 14g of oil.

7.) Works Well
Reviewed by: miles782 Huntington, New York United States
Rating:

I was very skeptical when I first saw this product, as I didn't think it would work. To my surprise it worked a lot better than I expected.

Why is is better than the stove top?
It is much safer than stove popping. I don't run the risk of burning my hands with hot oil. It is also cleaner(at least for me!), I always ended up with tons on popcorn all over the stove when I popped on the burner. It is healthier than using the stove b/c the bowl does not require the oil that the stove top does.

Why is it better than an air popper?
It is quieter than an air popper. My old air popper sounded like I had the vacuum running. Again, it also is healthier, as the air popper also requires oil to pop the kernels.

Why is it better than bagged microwave popcorn?
It is healthier, and who knows what chemicals are used in the bag popcorn. It like the fact that I am in charge of the salt, butter(if I even use it), and can add powdered toppings if I choose. I am also in charge of the portion size. I don't have to make an entire bowl if I don't want to, instead I can make a small amount depending on how much I want. It comes out cheaper than bag popcorn. Buying loose kernels is far cheaper than buying them in the microwavable bags. The price of the product is also very good, and this product pays for itself in no time.

I am a very healthy eater and love the fact that this product uses no oils. I had been buying the small serving "healthy" microwave popcorn, and spending a fortune, I'm glad I found a better alternative.

I have a sister that also eats healthy, and last Christmas I purchased one of these for her, and she also loves it.

8.) Great for quick popcorn!
Reviewed by: A. Radcliffe
Rating:

We are a family who loves popcorn. This little bowl offers the convenience of microwave popcorn bags with the fuller flavor of stove popped. You can choose to use it with or without oil,; without gives it a slightly healthier option and more of an air popped flavor. Our three year old loves to help measure out the pop corn and thinks it taste great, I love that the bowl is easy to clean (although not dishwasher safe, it still takes only a few seconds to hand wash and dry it out) and my husband loves the fuller flavor of the popcorn. Would highly recommend to anyone who loves the stove popped taste!

9.) Great tasting popcorn maker
Reviewed by: John Michigan
Rating:

I have had this back to Basic micro wave popcorn maker July 09, we use it 3 to 4 times a week, it never burns the popcorn and there are very few un-popped kernels when its done. We add 2 tbs of veggy oil, and 1/3 cup of yellow popcorn kernels (we used both Amish and store bought, Amish has a little better taste).

The Back to Basics produces more popcorn then you get out of a microwave popcorn bag with better taste and a lot less un-popped kernels and it actually taste better. We do add Act II buttery seasoning salt to all of our popcorn.

We started out with a setting of 2:20 minutes and increased the microwave cooking time by 5 seconds until we reached our best results for our microwave at 2:45 minutes. We have never had a problem with the lid warping, maybe because we never exceeded the 3 minute cooking time they warned us about.

We have tried several popcorn makers and none of them compare with the ease and quality of the pop kernels as this one does.

I'm not sure about the reviews that complain about warped lids, I wonder how long they set the microwave timer for.

We like it so much we purchased 12 more, one for our motor home and the rest are for Christmas gifts.

10.) does what it's supposed to
Reviewed by: E.S. from N.Y.
Rating:

I've had this for about 5 months now, and use it often. It can pop about 4 tablespoons of popcorn at a time. (It takes 2 minutes and 20 seconds in my microwave, but you may have to burn a few batches before you figure out how long it takes in your own microwave--this is what happened to me). Sometimes the popcorn in the middle chars, but placing the bowl near the side of the microwave (instead of in the center) seems to help. I don't use any oil, and the popcorn still turns out to be nice and crispy.
The bowl itself is not super attractive, and it does get too hot to be handled with bare hands straight out of the microwave, but it serves its purpose. I transfer my popcorn to a different bowl. The lid also warped after a month or so, but this does not interfere with its function.
I'm very glad I bought this, because it allows me to make popcorn the way I want to and saves me a lot of money.

11.) Easy Popper
Reviewed by: Mary
Rating:

I have had several air poppers and always ended up with popcorn all over the floor and counter. This one works great...no muss, no fuss. I don't have the clean up issues I had before. And when you are popping corn in the evening after a difficult day, you don't want to be sweeping and cleaning counters. I even had one of the counter top poppers that looked like an old fashioned movie popper, and it made as big a mess as the cheap poppers. I really like this one.

12.) Best Popcorn Ever!!!
Reviewed by: Eva R. Babic
Rating:

This micro wave popcorn popper is great!! It is easy to use, makes just the right amount for one or two people, and can be used as the serving dish as well! Great for use in motor homes as well. If you love popcorn, you'll love this!!!

13.) Love it!
Reviewed by: Annie Annie Bo Bannie Lafayette, CO United States
Rating:

I've had this popper for about 2 months now and use almost every day. I no longer buy microwave popcorn in bags. . . It has already paid for itself, and I generate less waste! I saw a review that complained about the smell. I did notice a funny smell to the popper the first few times I used it, but after about a half-dozen uses, the smell went away.

14.) Just wish I could pop more!
Reviewed by: E. Diaz Chicago, IL United States
Rating:

I bought this because I wanted to pop popcorn quickly (in the microwave) but I don't trust the chemically, genetically modified corn products used with the pre=made microwavable bags. I have used this popper 3 times now. It pops perfectly. I use 1/3 cup of popcorn + 1 tsp of peanut oil. It set the microwave for 2:45 and it's perfect. I have a family of three, so when we sit down to watch a movie, I have to pop two batches to have enough for us all, but that's my only complaint. It's not even a complaint. It's just my laziness. Also, beware that the bowl is HOT! I transfer contents to a big bowl. Enjoy!!!

15.) best popcorn maker ever
Reviewed by: unhappy mom
Rating:

This popcorn maker is the best. Quick, pops well and you can make popcorn without all the unhealthy trans fats. Its also the most economical.

16.) Great Popcorn
Reviewed by: Torch Collector Lowell, MA USA
Rating:

I really like this popcorn popper! It is pretty enough to serve in, requires no extras such as inserts that my old popper needed. I pops well and holds just the right amount of popcorn for a good movie with a friend. I would highly recommend this popper to anyone who likes popcorn.

17.) WOW!!
Reviewed by: Carl Dean San Jose, CA USA
Rating:

WOW this thing should be included with every microwave.

I was a little skeptical, but I was hopeful for healthier popcorn (trying to avoid the microwave popcorn bags). This thing is amazing! I get very few "duds" using a brand of popcorn I bought at Costco. I use a little safflower oil and dump in some kernals and push the popcorn button on my microwave. Drench with melted butter and grind some good salt (very fine grind). Rave reviews from my friends!

18.) Great popcorn
Reviewed by: B. Young
Rating:

This makes great popcorn. The important thing is to check your time and
not cook it too long.

19.) Great Popper !!
Reviewed by: Tough to Please Dayton, Ohio
Rating:

I don't make a habit of reviewing products - I have to be EXTREMELY happy or totally annoyed to type one up. In this case, EXTREMELY happy is the reason. I had been buying the "little microwave bags" (the healthiest ones), but always thought that I should get away from them because a) if the people that worked in the packaging plant were having lung problems, then the chemicals within were of questionable safety. b) There was way too much sodium in them. c) They weren't frugal. If there's a more healthy and frugal alternative to something, I'm wanting to check it out. I started surfing around and came to the conclusion that there were 2 options for me. This one was both cheaper and didn't require the purchasing of replacement "concentrators". Why someone would pay more for a microwave popcorn popper AND continuously buy replacement parts when there's another possibility is beyond me, but anyway back to my review. Let me just say that this thing does EXACTLY what it says it will do. Now that may not sound like a rave review, but think about it - how often do you buy something (sometimes for a fairly simple task) and end up totally disappointed and you have to suffer through returning it or the item is shoved in the corner to gather dust?

I don't think it would be possible to find a popper that is easier to use or works better. You simple put the kernels in, put on the lid, put in the microwave and push start. That's it. Fill Cover Pop. You can add oil or salt, but don't have to. Some have commented that it gets very hot. Maybe, but just about anything that comes out of the microwave is pretty hot. Have you ever tried to remove a plate that you just cooked bacon on? (I think that's way hotter!) We have had no problems - when we take it out, we just hold by the little lip at the top. We generally use seperate bowls because if one person took off with the bowl, the rest of the family would be chasing them. It's not dishwasher safe, but what's the big deal about washing a bowl and lid? It would take up too much room in the dishwasher anyway.

So, bottom line, this was about the best $10 that I ever spent. I'll make it up in no time by not having to buy any more of those "little bags". Oh, a footnote - my husband, who hardly ever cooked a "little bag" popped a batch the other night while I was gone, ate all the popcorn, washed the popper and put it away! ;) This thing must be pure magic!!

20.) Let's pop!!
Reviewed by: Betsy Sterns
Rating:

This popper is really good. Makes lots of popcorn in the microwave. The price is right and the bowl cleans very easily. It's GREAT!

21.) WORKS FINE
Reviewed by: CatMan Coventry,CT
Rating:

WORKS GREAT WITH OR WITHOUT OIL ONCE YOU GET THE AMOUNT OF TIME AND POPCORN FIGURED OUT.

22.) Love this popcorn popper!
Reviewed by: Darcy McInnis Seattle, WA USA
Rating:

I love popcorn. However, I don't really love the popcorn that comes from those funky microwave popcorn bags, and making it on the stove always seemed such a hassle that I rarely bothered. So I decided to give this a try. It combines the convenience and speed of the microwave with the taste of real popcorn - and without all those nasty chemicals found in those microwave popcorn bags. You can control the amount of oil (a lot, a little, or none) and the amount of popcorn to make a little or a lot. About four minutes later you are enjoying real popcorn like we had in the "old days." Now I make popcorn at least once a week - sometimes more. And because you use real popcorn, one bag lasts quite a while, so it's definitely cheaper than that other microwave method. I am very happy with this purchase and highly recommend this item.

23.) great popper
Reviewed by: Alan L. Stepp Winston Salem, NC
Rating:

Best microwave popcorn popper I've ever used. Works great, very convenient to use and clean up.

24.) Quick, easy, healthy, economical way to make popcorn
Reviewed by: Dan Sherman Alexandria, VA USA
Rating:

I really like this product, having gone through popcorn the old fashioned way (popped in a pot with oil and lots of shaking), various appliances (including hot air machines), and of course ubiquitous microwave popcorn packs.

For me, this is probably the best way to make popcorn. Simply buy a bottle or bag of popcorn (about 10-15 cents for a serving that will fill the popping bowl that doubles as a serving bowl), add some oil IF you want it, and pop about 3 minutes, listening for when the popping ends. I usually add about a spoon of olive oil with the popcorn before I start, so have nice moist popcorn that I can toss a bit of salt, pepper, or (tasty!) parmesean cheese on. I suppose you could put butter or butter spray on too.

It pops most of the corn and doesn't seem to burn anything (at least if you listen for the popcorn to stop popping).

I found this to be really easy to use and able to produce very consistent popcorn. I like it because I can control the amount of oil and salt in it and flavor it exactly the way I like. If you do the math, you will see the it very quickly pays for itself, in that a bit oil (optional) and a 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels or so costs less than a bag of microwave popcorn.

The bowl is easy to clean and also stores very easily -- I would nest it into another bowl, except, I keep it out on my counter for whenever I want a quick popcorn fix.

A great product!

25.) Awesome popcorn popper
Reviewed by: Pottery luver Virginia
Rating:

I bought this because of a suggestion in a magazine. This is an awesome popcorn popper! It pops almost every kernel and you don't even need oil! It tastes like air popped popcorn without oil and regular popcorn with the oil. I love it and no mess to clean up.

26.) Great Healthy and Environmental Alternative!
Reviewed by: Billy PotnPan Cincinnati, OH USA
Rating:

This is a great product. Smaller than other similar products, so it should fit most microwaves. But makes plenty. Popped great! Has withstood the microwave so far (since Christmas). Allows you to save $ on popcorn, make it as healthy (or indulgent) as you like, and reduces waste (microwave popcorn with it's paper bag, plastic wrapping, and cardboard box). Highly recommend for popcorn lovers!

27.) Great Popcorn Popper at great price
Reviewed by: Paula Murphy
Rating:

I wasn't sure I wanted a microwave popcorn popper but I saw this and read the reviews here and the price was right. I tried it for the first time tonight. It was great. Used 1 Tbsp of oil instead of the 2 Tbsp recommended with the popper and a 1/3 cup of popcorn. This filled the bowl exactly when popped. Split into 2 generous serving bowls. Added salt. I used the auto popcorn feature on the microwave and it worked fine. More of the kernels popped than with any of the bagged popcorn to microwave that I've tried. Tastes much fresher, less oil. Will also try it without oil, I think it will be good. This is even cheaper than when I bought it, I think I paid $11.99 on Amazon, at $9.99 it is a steal if you like popcorn. Really easy to use. Plus I will save money not buying that bagged stuff.

28.) Handy and just plain awesome
Reviewed by: lina1980 pa usa
Rating:

You can control the amount of butter and popcorn. Easy to clean and good price.

29.) Cooks the way it's supposed to
Reviewed by: Larsen atlanta ga
Rating:

Simple as pie. Add corn, maybe a little oil if you want, microwave it until it almost stops popping, and you're done. It doesn't have to be more complicated than that, and the popcorn tastes just fine.

30.) Loved it!!
Reviewed by: DJD Atlanta, Ga
Rating:

Great product because the bowl is very thick and retains heat well. Makes great healthy popcorn a great alternative to most snacks. Works very well!

31.) Must Have!
Reviewed by: blue bug
Rating:

You will never buy microwave popcorn again! It is cheaper, just as easy and healthier---and it pops better---there were hardly any kernels left un-popped! I'm going to buy one for my mom and my sister!

32.) Works well; kids love it
Reviewed by: A. D. Mortinger Connecticut
Rating:

I got this popper to break our dependence on microwave popcorn bags. My kids (10 and 13) use this frequently for snacks. It can pop 1/4 to 1/3 cup of kernels in one batch. Note that the bowl and top need to be washed by hand and not in the dishwasher (although my husband accidentally put it in once and it seems to be okay). About a week after we bought this I saw it at Target for $9.99.

33.) Great!!
Reviewed by: M. W. Meyers SC
Rating:

This is great popcorn popper. It makes a lot more than it seems. My kids love it. I like that I control the butter and salt.

34.) Microwave Popcorn
Reviewed by: K. Anderson
Rating:

The ***** reviewers have all been right -- this is the BEST microwave corn popper I have ever used. In fact, it's better than stove popped if you add a little butter and seasoning (which you would do to stove popped anyway.)

Back to Basics PC17591 Microwave Popcorn Popper

35.) perfect!
Reviewed by: knife's edge N.C. by way of TX
Rating:

It seems as if rarely these days products are worth their price but in this case, perfect! Works great. Hot to the touch when fresh out microwave and it cannot be used in dishwasher. Can reuse immediately after the previous batch is done (so far 3 batches in a row without any problems). You do not need any oil with the kernels I have discovered.Less than 2% of kernels did not pop, very cool item...

36.) the best and easiest
Reviewed by: rosegardener
Rating:

popper you will ever use. i've given them to all my friends and relatives. can't think of one "con" to publish. it's all good with this popper!

37.) Gadget
Reviewed by: Hungry Dieter Pasadena, CA
Rating:

I love this popcorn popper! The popcorn is perfect every time I make it. I'm on Weight Watchers, and this works perfectly since I can control the amount of oil I use. Just one teaspoon of light olive oil seems to work well. I'm not saying it wouldn't be better with more oil and some butter, but it is a whole lot better than commercial microwave popcorn. It makes a delicious, satisfying, natural, whole grain snack. I've ordered three more, one for work, and two for fellow dieting friends.

38.) no unpopped kernels!
Reviewed by: HAROLD MA
Rating:

Back to Basics PC17591 Microwave Popcorn Popper
This worked like a charm, no unpopped kernels or burned popcorn! And no odor, either. Very good product!

39.) Great popper
Reviewed by: Shell Ohio
Rating:

I saw this popper at the store but wasn't sure it would be any good since it was inexpensive. Well, I picked one up today and just used it to make popcorn for my popcorn addicted husband. It worked great! Hubby is trying to eat more heart healthy so I used 2 tbsp of canola oil to pop it with. We used butter flavored Pam and some salt to give it some flavor and it tastes great. Most of the kernels popped and I bought a cheap store brand of popping corn. This is a good item that works well and saves money. It also gives you control over the quality of the ingredients. I recommend it.

40.) Best Microwave Popcorn Maker
Reviewed by: JoyD RI
Rating:

This is the best microwave popcorn maker ever! I bought my first one 5 years ago, and love it so much that I now give it as gifts. It makes perfect popcorn without popcorn blowing all over the place like some air poppers. And the you can use the popper as a bowl to eat the popcorn from!

41.) Air-popped vs. Microwave popcorn: This popper makes the best of both!
Reviewed by: J. Cross
Rating:

What an awesome product! I make popcorn a lot; I prefer air-popped, but microwave popcorn is so much more convenient. With this bowl you just add the amount of kernels that you want to make, add the amount of oil you prefer (or none at all) and stick it in the microwave. So easy and it tastes air-popped! It pops very evenly - no burnt clumps the way microwave bags sometimes do, especially when you have a crappy microwave like mine. Plus, you can even put the kernels that didn't pop the first time back in. Easy to clean as well. The only downfall is that the popper gets really hot. It's way too hot to eat out of after being in the microwave, so it doesn't really double as a bowl to eat out of. And my lid has warped slightly from the heat, but still works just fine. Also, be warned that adding the 2 Tbsp of oil it recommends in the instructions is too much IMO. 1-2 tsps is just fine. But if you love popcorn, this bowl will be a favorite purchase-especially for the price!!

42.) Awesome
Reviewed by: S.m.o. Upper USA
Rating:

Growing tired of pre-packaged microwave popcorn, I investigated other options and found this. Am I ever glad I did! It tastes so much better, you can control the amount you want to make, and I think in the long run it will even cost less than the pre-made microwave stuff (we bought a bunch as a fundraising project from relatives and just can't seem to get rid of it!). One point to emphasize: the container is very hot when done popping, so use a towel or hot pad to remove it from the microwave or risk a wicked burn.

43.) Have it YOUR way!
Reviewed by: sarajan California
Rating:

This is the best Way to enjoy popcorn. You control the kind of and amount of butter and salt.

44.) Great product and great customer service!
Reviewed by: J. Allen
Rating:

I purchased this popcorn popper as a more healthy alternative to microwave popcorn with all the fat and chemicals and have been very pleased with it. I can put in a teaspoon of oil and a 1/4 cup of popcorn and it's great. The popcorn seems to have more of a natural corn taste and isn't covered up with the artificial flavorings that many microwave popcorns have. I had a bit of a problem with the lid being warped but after I called customer service about it, they promptly sent me a new one - not just a new lid but an entire new popcorn popper... and I got it in 3 days. Very impressed with the product and their customer service.

45.) Outstanding, outstanding, outstanding!
Reviewed by: DVDEJS Coram, NY
Rating:

I have been a long time Amazon customer and purchased many great products over the years, but this item is the first that I felt I had to review. 1/3 cup popcorn, couple of tablespoons butter (yes, butter), into the microwave for 3 minutes, and every kernal popped and tasty! The bowl is very hot upon removal, but if you follow the instructions and use oven mitts, no problem.

Buy any popcorn popper you want, but if you spend over $9.99, it was money you didn't need to spend.

46.) Wow, this actually works!
Reviewed by: CandyTX Austin, TX
Rating:

I've been on a mission for the past 6 months to get off of my microwave popcorn in a bag addiction. Goodness only knows what kind of chemicals are in there. I bought an air popper, but the popcorn tastes like it's made out of styrofoam in those things. Not good. I tried the plain bag trip, but I only managed to scorch the bag and the kernels never all popped.

Now, a confession. I'm a bit of a impulse shopper. If I see something that I decide I want, I buy it. So, you mix in my failed popcorn and me being bored one night on Amazon and... I bought some weird thing to pop popcorn in the mircowave. It came in the mail, Tom raised his eyebrow at me and shrugged.

I washed it and let it sit for a few days because I just knew this thing wasn't going to work. I was wrong.

This thing ROCKS. I've made popcorn in it several times. I prefer my popcorn plain, so I can then add spray butter and my own seasonings. I don't like a lot of butter. ANYWAY... it leaves very few kernels unpopped and the popcorn is fresh. I have NO idea why this thing works. I don't want to know. It just does.

If you are a popcorn person that wants to get rid of the expensive chemical filled nuke bags, buy this. Trust me.

The only bad thing I've found is that the bowl is REALLY hot when it comes out. It says you can serve it in there, but I wouldn't risk the burns. I transfer it to a big bowl. Note: It can pop up to 1/3 of a cup of corn at a time.

Yum!

47.) Great Product!!!!
Reviewed by: Chefvette Bridgewater, NJ
Rating:

This is a VERY good microwave popper. I have used it one time and I can't wait until trash day so I can throw out my hot air popper! The only issue I have with it is that the bowl gets VERY hot . . . . VERY VERY Hot. You have to either let it cool down or transfer it to another bowl if you want to eat it right away. The popcorn came out perfectly and there were very few unpopped kernels. I can't see a need to ever buy bags of microwave popcorn again.

48.) Great Microwave Popper---BUT
Reviewed by: Charles Balchunas Port St Lucie, Florida
Rating:

This popper is great in all respects except one-------it needs to be a larger bowl. I have been using the Whirlypop Popper for some time----it easily handles a 4oz prepack of popcorn and oil and I thought was very easy to use---until I tried this microwave bowl. This makes the Whirlypop seem burdensome. Just put in some popcorn-----some oil if you want and put in microwave---and voila----a few minutes later perfect popcorn----and no messy popper to clean-----BUT BUT ----- the amount it handles is less than 3 ounces---too small for the prepacks ---other than that a great product

49.) No more bags, save money too
Reviewed by: Ms. Val Midwest USA
Rating:

So far, this product works great. It gets too hot to serve/eat out of, though. It must be hand washed, I just wipe mine off really well between uses since it's just popcorn and oil after all. I really like it.

50.) Great alternative to stove top popping!
Reviewed by: Rebecca Ferndale, MI
Rating:

I love making my own popcorn on the stove. It's healthier and cheaper then buying the microwave popcorn, but I don't like the cleanup (just having to wash a large pot out, and then the bowl I have the popcorn in) but this is a great product! It has the convenience of microwave popcorn but the lower calories/fat of making it yourself. I made a perfect serving size for myself in 2.5 minutes, seasoned it with my own seasonings and enjoyed it straight out of the same bowl it was prepared in.

I would have given it 5 stars if it wasn't so hot coming out of the microwave, but just wrapping a dishtowel around it for a few minutes is just fine.

Great product!

51.) Popcorn popper
Reviewed by: T. Denis Arizona
Rating:

It pops corn in under three minutes. I like that.
You can use oil or not as you choose.

52.) Took a little trial and error.
Reviewed by: Saabguy85 Utah
Rating:

It seems that a little oil is definitely called for in order to get good results. Also, if you have a high power (1100 watts in my case) microwave, 2 minutes is plenty of time to get a full pop; any longer and you get scorched popcorn. It's definitely faster than stove top, and better than packaged microwave popcorn. I'd recommend it.

53.) Gets the Job Done
Reviewed by: Rick E. NYC
Rating:

Gets the job done very well and a great cost-saver and low-fat option when compared to using packaged microwave popcorn. And there isn't a special insert as is required for some other poppers. The one draw back is that the bowl gets very hot. It cannot be used immediately as a serving bowl and I usually just dump the contents into another bowl. If the bowl stayed cool, I'd rate this simple solution at 5 stars.

54.) We enjoy this popper!!
Reviewed by: D. Humphries Guthrie, OK, USA
Rating:

I was in the store looking for christmas presents,and found these poppers, I took the last two, not knowing anything about these kind of poppers at all. My husband got one of these, he actually said after we used this popper half a dozen times, that this is one of the best presents he has ever gotten!!
He gets it to work a little better than me, the kernels pop light and fluffy, very few 'old maids', if any.
The bowl does get very hot, but I say, that is why we have pot holders.
And there was a review that stated not dishwasher safe, we put it in the top of the dishwasher and that works great. (if the top comes out crooked, take it out of the dishwasher while still warm, putting it on the bowl will usually straighten it out.)
Another stated that they had to wait to make another batch, I have made three batches (yes the third didn't work as great as the first batch, but putting your popcorn in another bowl while eating, will give time for the popper to cool down, that usually helps for me.)
Yet another review mentioned something about the bowl to hot to eat the popcorn out of, I always put my popcorn in another bowl, one reason it helps mixing up any seasonings being used and the bowl isn't too hot to use, and it helps the bowl to cool down faster to be used again.
There was another review I read mentioning the use of a pyrex bowl,with the lid put on so that steam can escape, I haven't used it yet, but I am going to try that, sounds like a great idea.
But overall, with a decent microwave and listening for the popping to stop, (to get used to the timing), I haven't had a bad bowl of popcorn yet, except when I messed it up :)

55.) Great way to control fat content and useful in college dorms
Reviewed by: sbsidlov Pompton Lakes, NJ United States
Rating:

I got this on the recommendation of Cook's Illustrated, for my kid at college. While her dorm has stoves, there isn't one on her floor. She does have a microwave in her room. We stopped buying pre-bagged microwave popcorn years ago to reduce the salt and 'bad' fats. I usually use a Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper unit at home.

We tried this out before she went to school. It makes great popcorn. You measure out your corn, optionally add a bit of oil, and some popcorn salt (a nice trick if you can't find or pay the price for 'real' popcorn salt, is to take regular, sea or kosher salt and put it in a blender until it's finer and store in the cleaned glass spice jar). Pop it into the microwave (never more than 10 seconds after the last pop) and it's done. Popcorn salt since it is so fine is 'salty' compared to regular salt so use less in this unit, an eighth teaspoon is plenty; regular salt doesn't stick to popcorn.

The bowl is heated by the popcorn as it pops and you have popcorn enough for two. I would immediately take off the lid when done to release the remaining steam, and keep the kernels light. All popcorn popper lids are a compromise between releasing steam and keeping the kernels in the unit. Excess steam toughens popcorn. Personally, I did not like popcorn made without oil in this popper, I found it a bit tough, but it's possible that I didn't take the lid off ASAP. I do like 'air pop' popcorn made with my now antique Black and Decker unit and the Orville Redenbacher hot air units drop the popped corn immediately into a bowl so they don't dry out.

If you like butter, I would use clarified (aka drawn) butter since it has a 380 degree (or better) burn point instead of regular butter which is 190 or so and then you can use it in place of oil to pop without making any of the popped corn soggy, tough or greasy. I think minimal oil improves the popper's performance, and the overall result. You can find ghee in some markets in the Indian (International) foods section, ghee is usually just clarified butter that's sometimes slightly browned a bit in the processing (but not all are browned) and keeps after opening at room temp for months and in the fridge for at least a year. Check the label for any flavorings which you may not want. (I actually saw some that is not not only organic, but only from milk made in spring to fall, and only around a full moon.Grassfed Organic Ghee 7.5 Oz)

The unit washes easily. I suppose if you needed a mixing or small proofing bowl you could use it for that too to give it a extra purpose. The material is heavy and not flimsy in any way, it should last a long time.

56.) Great product
Reviewed by: mrice Nashville, TN
Rating:

I bought this for my dad for Christmas. He is an avid popcorn eater and prefers air popped popcorn to microwave. He has mentioned that he has used this quite a few times since he got it. The only downside is that it does not make enough for when my mom and dad want to have popcorn together! Other than that, it is a hit!

57.) THIS ONE ACTUALLY WORKS!
Reviewed by: JACK BUTLER SANTA FE NM
Rating:

I had tried at least one other microwave popper, but it left so many kernels unpopped and those that did pop didn't seem to reach their full potential (my sister/brother-in-law had the same complaint), I just use the base as a salad bowl now. The BACK TO BASICS WORKS BEAUTIFULLY---three minutes or so and nearly all of the kernels are popped to big fluffiness. My only complaint is that there are no lips or handles on it which would make it safer and easier to remove from the microwave...the bowl gets VERY hot. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this popper.

58.) It actually works!
Reviewed by: an impulse shopper Upstate, NY USA
Rating:

I bought this last summer and have been thrilled with how well it works. All it takes is approx 2/3 cup regular or gourmet popcorn, and about 3 minutes (in my microwave). I like to add about a half teaspoon of Land O Lakes Butter w/ Olive Oil (the one in the blue lidded tub) and a nice shake of salt before putting it in to pop. The result is a full (quite warm to the touch, so be careful) bowl of yumminess. It took a bit of experimentation to find the right amount of time for my microwave to produce the least amount of unpopped kernels without overcooking. After 6 months of use, I can report it works beautifully and is well made. The bowl and lid have been through the dishwasher many times without incident. The only reason I rate it four instead of five stars is that the bowl does get very hot and might pose a danger to someone unaware.

59.) Does the job, but not perfect
Reviewed by: D. Smith Dallas, Texas, USA
Rating:

This tool gets the job done, but there are some dissapointments:

1) It leaves a lot of corn unpopped. Even the gourmet brands that usually pop fairly completely. If you try to pop a little longer, it will definitely burn the popcorn--badly. This is mainly because the popcorn doesn't move around enough.

2) The bowl gets VERY hot.

A suggestion: a paper bag seems to work just as well or better, unless you are popping with oil, where this is superior.

60.) Not as impressed after I purchased
Reviewed by: J. Zabolotney
Rating:

It does a descent job but has trouble popping even 1/4 cup of kernels. A fair amount never pop and just end up burned, about 10 times as many old maids as my hot air popper. It also keeps overpowering my microwave and it shuts off so I have to wait for it to come back on after two batches.

61.) Okay...
Reviewed by: Court ;) red hill land
Rating:

I got this because it's small and didn't cost much. It works okay, but it seems like no matter how few kernels I put in, it only pops about half of them. It's a cute little deal, but mainstream hot air poppers work much better.

62.) not sure
Reviewed by: bluedog USA
Rating:

I got rid of my nutrient killing microwave so I haven't used the popcorn popper. I use it as a bowl for granola bars, fruit, etc.

63.) Doesn't cut it with my Microwave.
Reviewed by: Focused on pinecones Extreme NW Montana
Rating:

I think this bowl works with some microwaves and others not so well. I wanted to like it but it only pops about 2/3 the popcorn. And I've adjusted the time all over the place with no improvement...but burning what did pop. I've used butter, oil, nothing and results are always the same. Too many old maids which it's fresh seed and cooks perfect on the stove in a pan. Nice heavy bowl. I will put away for now and if we get another microwave give it another try or see if an op comes up to give it away to someone who has better luck. We've tried to adjust the heat too but that didn't work. I feel it's the combination of my microwave and this bowl and not all the microwave and all the bowls fault. Sort of like the saying you can please some of the people some of the time but not all of the people........right! I might have to look at an air popper despite ont wanting another electric appliance. Check out the carmel apple cookers similar to these poppers too. They do work and are fun to play with....adult toy's.

64.) Everybody here loves it....
Reviewed by: Duane Curtis USA
Rating:

but me :(

The first time I used it the lid warped and now doesnt fit the bowl. What popcorn that did pop ended up nearly burnt. About a 3rd of the popcorn never popped.

I've used it a few times and havent had the results the others have. We have an old microwave, maybe thats it.

65.) What are the other reviewers talking about?
Reviewed by: Wayne MD USA
Rating:

At the time of this review four others had reviewed the popper favorably. After using the popper I read their reviews again and noticed some wording that seems consistent through them - hmm... In any event, my take is this popper will not pop even 1/4 a cup of new high quality popcorn. It takes two poppings of some 3-4 minutes each - LOTS of power. The Presto, which I gave up because of the need for paper cups, is way better than this popper. I returned the Back to Basics and ordered another brand that will hopefully work.

66.) Disappointed...
Reviewed by: midwestfarmgirl Connecticut, USA
Rating:

I finally gave this away to Goodwill. I was looking for a good microwave popper that I could use instead of the bags. My main complaint is that it only pops one batch, then you have to let it cool before a next batch, because the next one doesn't pop nearly as many kernels as the first time. Lots of kernels in the bottom.
Plus, the container gets quite hot, and has a burnt plastic smell. Not a good mix with popcorn smell. This made me concerned about possible plastic transference to my popcorn. I tried it several times, and nothing changed. I finally gave up. Wish it had worked better.

67.) Skip it
Reviewed by: LG
Rating:

The first time I used this bowl the lid warped and the bowl had a horrible plastic smell that interferred with my enjoyment of the popcorn. I hoped the smell would diminish with the next use and it did but not enough. The corn pops well but because the lid doesn't stay in place and warps the kernels tend to pop out of the bowl. the bowl also gets VERY hot. I don't want to use this product anymore but its not worth the cost to return it. I say skip this product and try another. Now I use a paper bag in the microwave when I want oilless popcorn. The paper bag works amazingly well and keeps all the kernels inside. I also use a whirly pop that I love when I want to use oil.

68.) there's an easier solution
Reviewed by: jimjones
Rating:

I bought one of these locally and used it twice. I noticed both times that it has a very noticeable plastic/industrial odor when it gets hot. This was after using it in an 1100W oven for about 2 1/2 minutes (which is within the guidelines of the instructions). Also, the popcorn didn't cook very evenly - in the same batch I had quite a few unpopped kernels, some popcorn where the inner shell was dark brown/black, and some popcorn that was golden brown. I read on line where some people had simply used a paper bag to make popcorn, but I wanted to use a little oil for flavor. What I found was that a pyrex bowl works better than this thing, and emits no odor. I just put 1/4 cup popcorn, a few teaspoons of olive oil, and salt in the bowl. Mix everything up so the kernels are evenly coated, and cover loosely so steam can escape. The results are better, and you probably have a pyrex bowl at home already.

69.) This popper is AWFUL!!!
Reviewed by: Helen L. Lewis
Rating:

I used the popper according to directions several times, and have not had a good pop yet. I've tried varying amounts of popcorn, no amount pops completely. The corn just burns if you cook much longer than 3 minutes, most of it still is unpopped. I'm retrieving my old Presto popper from the charity give-away pile and putting this popper (in the original box!!!) onto the pile. What a waste of money.

70.) Burns every time
Reviewed by: Charlotte Andersen Minneapolis, MN
Rating:

I've actually bought two of these, that's how badly I wanted it to work! The first one, the lid warped like other reviewers said and after that it wouldn't cook without burning. So I bought another one hoping the lid problem was just a defect with the first bowl I bought. Nope. Burns. Every. Time. I've tried doing less time (but then the kernels don't all pop). I've tried doing less popcorn. I've tried doing 70% and 50% power - still burns. I'm so sick of this thing and the smell of burned popcorn! I know that the concept *can* work. My old microwave popcorn bowl was a different brand and worked perfectly. I had it for 5 years before my son dropped it and it cracked. This one is a piece of junk.

71.) Worst Popcorn Popper Ever
Reviewed by: J. Spelsberg Orlando, Florida United States
Rating:

This is the worst popcorn popper ever. Sure it works like its supposed to but it smells like nail polish and anything you pop in it has this nasty nail polish after taste. I am not sure if this is how all of the ones I purchased were. I gave them as gifts and kept one for myself. Now not only am I possibly poisoning myself in what I thought was a healthy snack food I possibly unknowingly poisoned my family and friends. I have to recall my gifts and send all these things back. If I could rate it negative five stars I would. Buyer beware. Made in China. It probably is tainted with some toxic chemical or lead and users of this product are all going to have health problems down the line. AVOID AT ALL COST.

72.) Almost destroyed my microwave!
Reviewed by: debymailbox-reviews@yahoo.com Suwali Farm, SE Ohio
Rating:

We followed the directions and put the popper in the microwave and pressed start. Immediately, the microwave started making a grinding noise and sparks flew! We quickly turned it off. The only time I've ever seen anything like this was when my husband put a package of fish that had a metal twist tie in the microwave (that machine did not survive the experience).

We bought this after having read that microwave popcorn in bags could have residuals from the bag that were unhealthy. This bowl will be returned and we'll look for some other popcorn popping method that isn't hazardous!

73.) Not Dishwasher Safe. 'Nuff said.
Reviewed by: Happy Parent California
Rating:

Although the bowl comes out dangerously hot, this product would be perfectly acceptable, except that it's not dishwasher safe. Sorry - not an option.

Features of Back to Basics PC17591 Microwave Popcorn Popper

The Back to Basics Microwave Popcorn Popper provides a fast and convenient method for preparing healthier popcorn by requiring no oil. Stays healthy by allowing for control of added flavorings. It can be used with out without oil.Dimensions: 6-inch height by 9-inch diameter.

1.) Innovative microwave popcorn popper made from durable plastic;
2.) Works with regular popcorn kernels; allows for control over oil and flavorings;
3.) Built-in vents; bottom-rimmed design protects countertops from hot base;
4.) Eliminates the cost and wasteful packaging of microwave popcorn in a bag;
5.) Measures 8-1/2 by 8-1/2 by 7 inches;

Package Height x Length x Width: 8.7 in. x 8.7 in. x 8.5 in.
Package Weight: 1.35 lbs.