Back to Basics Stainless-Steel Stove-Top Popcorn Popper

Reviews of Back to Basics Stainless-Steel Stove-Top Popcorn Popper

1.) great popcorn popper
Reviewed by: J. Cartwright Sevierville, Tn USA
Rating:
I received the Back to Basics stainless steel stovetop popcorn popper as a Christmas gift from my husband. I have used it twice already and both times all but two kernels of popcorn popped. The popcorn is not tough and it is very flavorful without using a lot of butter. The recipe I used is as follows: 3 tbs. peanut oil
2 tbs. butter
1/2 c. popcorn
popcorn salt to taste
Heat oil in popper over med. high heat then add butter and popcorn. Lightly coat popcorn kernels with salt. Stir until popping is almost done and pour into bowl and enjoy.

2.) The best one available to make good ol' fashion popcorn
Reviewed by: Jackie California
Rating:
This popper is the one I should have bought in the beginning. I chose the less expensive one first but the plastic gear between turn handle and internal rotary paddle got stripped. Heat and plastic are not a compatible combination. The Back to Basics version has a metal gear, making this popper well worth the few extra dollars.


3.) Better than Whirley Pop
Reviewed by: Jeanette Sutter Coconut Creek, FL United States
Rating:
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!

4.) Excellent Product
Reviewed by: B. J. Short Virginia
Rating:
Pro:

Popcorn popper performs well, as advertised. The popper requires only medium heat and very little oil, and with the crank handle, it's rare that any of the kernels do not pop or that any of the popcorn is burnt.

Con:

The only con I have is that the lid is difficult to attach proplerly. It takes some strength and patience.

5.) Great investment
Reviewed by: ginnc
Rating:
I have been a popcorn enthusiast since I was a child. My parents used a stovetop hand-cranked popper. It was over 40 years old when I wore it out 2 years ago. I searched for the perfect replacement and this is definitely it. I love how it makes a large batch without wasting any kernels and with no burning whatsoever. I use canola oil. Lately, my husband and I are addicted to Chipotle Popcorn Seasoning. It imparts a smoky flavor and I add it to the oil at the beginning. I also add popcorn salt liberally once popping is finished. Just wash it in the dishwasher - no problems. After 2 years of steady use, it has proven to be a great buy.

6.) The lid works fine! And the popcorn is good!
Reviewed by: Steven Petersen Portland, OR United States
Rating:
I almost did not purchase this popcorn maker after reading all of the complaints about the lid not fitting properly. But I went ahead with the purchase and am glad that I did.

When first taken out of the box, it is true that the side of the lid that opens on a hinge was not fitting well. It had to be pushed into place and fit tightly against the side of the pot. But I soon found that there is a lot of wiggle room in the lid's hinges. Lifting up on the spring clamp that holds the lid on allows the lid to be slid slightly one way or the other to give the proper fit. And as others have said, nearly every kernel pops, and the popcorn is great.

7.) GOOD POPCORN IS BACK...
Reviewed by: MOPAR NUT DERRY,NH
Rating:
VERY DECENT PRODUCT. POPPED EVERY KERNEL. MUCH BETTER TASTING AND LESS DEADLY THAN MICROWAVE POPCORN. WE USED ORVILLE. NICE TO SEE THAT THERE ARE STILL GOOD QUALITY PRODUCTS OUT THERE.

8.) Perfect Popcorn!
Reviewed by: Cutienibbler Abq., NM USA
Rating:
I purchased this popper almost five years ago; I absolutely love it!! I have no complaints. I never burn my popcorn and just about every kernel pops. I always use the interior butter drip cup, so even cheap popcorn comes about awesome! My lid fits correctly, so I wonder if this is some type of change implemented in the newer models?

9.) I've been using this item for many happy years
Reviewed by: Tell It Like It Is Planet Earth
Rating:
We started off with the aluminum version of this pan and it was not made for a lot of use. It was a novelty item. It broke after about 8 months, but just as well. We were nervous about cooking in aluminum anyway. Then we happened to see this stainless steel version and we were thrilled! It is much more sturdy than the aluminum and its so much safer to cook in stainless steel. If you want to control what goes into and onto your popcorn, buy this pan and get some organic kernels to pop. In under 10 minutes, you will have great popcorn! I recommend a medium flame or equivalent on electric ranges. We've have this pan for several years now and nothing's broke on it. Its sturdy, which is a good thing. We use it often.

10.) Popcorn popper
Reviewed by: H. Morrison Northern CA
Rating:
I have had this corn popper for 4 years. We use it at least once a week. No problems so far. Don't waste your money on the Whirley pop as the gears are plastic and the popper itself is very thin metal. Back to Basics stainless steel is the way to go.

11.) Healty way to have your popcorn
Reviewed by: Michael T. Kemp Augusta Ga.
Rating:
I love a bowel of popcorn to go along with watching a movie. That being said I have tried different ways to get a bowel of good popcorn. I have tried the microwave, air popper, and the use of a pot on the stove. In popping popcorn I have two goals in achieving that perfect snack. One, taste. Two, it being as healthy as possible.
Microwave popcorn can have great taste but at the expense of not being very healthy for you. Not to go into to much detail but the health risks can vary from the ingredients to the coatings that they use to facilitate popping.
Air popper, much more healthy than the microwave. Problem for me is the taste. You have to add your flavors after popping. This can be an inconvenience and does not yield a consistent product.
The old tried and true pot. Works well to some degree. Tends to leave a lot of kernels that have not popped if conditions are not perfect.
So we get to the "Back to Basics Stainless-Steel Popcorn Popper". First I like the fact that it is stainless instead of aluminum. It seems that aluminum can have its own health concerns. Second, I like the ability to stir my popcorn as it is popping. Third, since you are using a stirring motion you can start with the flavors that you would like to end up with. My personal favorite is to start with organic coconut oil, sea salt, and a little bit of cayenne pepper on a middle-high setting. I start to stir even before the kernels start to pop. This seems to infuse the oil and flavors around the kernels as they begin to pop. This makes for a light and fluffy bowel of mouthwatering popcorn. Also another plus is the fact that you have very few if any kernels left. Overall I am very pleased with this product.

12.) THE BEST POPCORN POPPER YOU'LL EVER BUY!
Reviewed by: T. sharpe
Rating:
You will never need to buy another popper!! Every kernel pops and the pan is a dream to care for. The handle is a little awkward to get back on, but no big deal. It's definitely worth the extra $$ you might spend as compared to the cheap aluminum poppers.

13.) Good old days
Reviewed by: NancyT2U
Rating:
I like this unit for several reasons. It's stainless steel, not aluminium. It heats evenly. I can make my popcorn on the stovetop. I also have fewer grannies and little chance of burning. I like the idea of not using a regular cooking pan to pop my corn. Microwave popcorn and it's health issues scares me.

I would definately recommend this to anyone that is willing to take a few minutes more for "perfect" popcorn. The good old days definately produced better popcorn.

14.) We love this popcorn popper.......
Reviewed by: Jean Michigan
Rating:
We love the fact that almost all the popcorn is popped when we are done. There is less than 1/2 a handful of any hard kernels or partially popped kernels. We also get twice the yield we used to get in our air popper plus the kernels are fluffier. We would highly recommend this product and we would buy it again.

15.) the best popcorn popper ever
Reviewed by: Jacob Litoff Millis, MA USA
Rating:
I got this as a present for a friend. I had one I'd gotten for myself years ago.
We both use them often. It is the best. Far better than using a pan.
Gets great results.

16.) Great way to make popcorn!
Reviewed by: Max Jackson Hole, WY
Rating:
Thrilled with this popcorn maker. No chemicals or high cost of microwave popcorn. Nothing electric to break. This is a nice heavy bottomed, high quality pan that very quickly does the job. Easy clean up.

17.) Great Popcorn Maker
Reviewed by: A Cynic At Large CA
Rating:
I received this popcorn popper just before the end of December. It was shipped in a timely manner and I received it about a week after ordering it. After reading the product reviews about how hard it is to get the lid off and on, I made a firm decision to never remove the lid. I use it almost every night to make popcorn, and afterward I immediately fill it with hot soapy water, use a brush to scrub the inside and outside, and it cleans up just fine. It works GREAT for making popcorn, and I don't need to use very much oil at all, just a couple teaspoons. I put the oil and the popcorn in, toss in some salt and a pat of butter, and turn the crank. A short 3-4 minutes later I have delicious popcorn with a great flavor but not a lot of oil. I highly recommend this product (just don't take off the lid). As a matter of fact, I'm ordering a second one to give to a friend! By the way, the stainless steel is beautiful and cleans up great and the gear mechanism works well. The heavy bottom seems to distribute heat evenly, and I've learned to start the temperature at med-high for 1 minute, then bring it down to medium when I'm really impatient for FAST popcorn NOW (although once it gets going it's very fast).

18.) love the popcorn
Reviewed by: romthom michigan
Rating:
I bought this popper for my husband, who eats popcorn nightly, to replace microwave popcorn. He loves the popcorn popped this way as well as the reduced calories. The grandkids like to help make it more then they like to eat it. Grandpa lets them turn the crank. It is good quality stainless and the gears are made of metal instead of plastic. I am very satisfied with this purchase.

19.) stainless steel popper even better
Reviewed by: Barbara Schuster NC USA
Rating:
The stainless steel version of this popper is even easier to clean than the aluminum one.

Excellent popper

20.) Fantastic popcorn, but not completely stainless
Reviewed by: kampkrusty
Rating:
Ok, so this product delivers on its sole purpose...to create quality popcorn. Sure the lid design is flawed, but if you insert the peg in the hole and pull the inside of the pan towards you with one hand while pushing the lid away from you towards that hole with your other hand, you will master the whole putting-of-the-lid-back-on-the-pan issue that seems to concern people more than the quality of popcorn this item produces.

For my needs, I'm only looking to get the best tasting plain popcorn. I use extra virgin coconut oil at the lowest possible temperature setting on my glass cooktop. The extra virgin oil has a strong coconut flavor, so it is perfect for popcorn. You can use a refined coconut oil instead, but that will be flavorless. I have used the stir crazy electric popper, but since that has teflon, I won't go there. Plus you cannot control the temperature of an electric popper, so if you are focusing on the healthiest way to make popcorn, consider a stainless product such as this.

As far as the healthiest oil to use, that is a subjective discussion. Some say coconut oil is the way to go, but many people will say otherwise due to its high saturated fat content. The dangers are not with the very very minor hydrogenation of non-hydrogenated oil when it gets heated. Rather, it is in relation to the smoke point of the oil. Olive oil is great for use at room temperature. Once you surpass the smoke point of olive oil in cooking, you lose all the health benefits. Extra virgin coconut oil is better, but you need to do your best to not exceed the smoke point, hence my preference for a stove top popper in which you can control the burner temp. Refined coconut oil has an even higher smoke point, but does not give any flavor benefit when popping.

And now for the whole stainless steel discussion. Think what you want about the lack of mainstream CNN-headlined proof with Alzheimer's research. Go ahead and get a foot bath, and see what black specks come out of your body signifying the heavy metals that have just been detoxed from your body. For me, that is proof enough. Regardless of proof (or lack thereof), I will stick to stainless steel over naked aluminum any day of the week. Now here is my quandary. Sure, the pot is stainless, but what about the lid? When I first cleaned the product, I finished drying every nook and cranny with a paper towel. And what did I notice? Gray/black dust was picked up by the towel. So I washed a few more times and the dust was nowhere to be found. Now I made a batch of popcorn and before washing, took the paper towel first to the lid (no dust) and then to the inside of the rim of the pot. Guess what I found? More of the same dust. Sounds like aluminum oxidation is occurring where the lid meets the rim of the pot. Of course that is my unproven and subjective opinion only. Do I want that residue attaching to my food and entering my body? Of course not. Will I give up the great popcorn this product delivers because of that? Not anytime soon, that's for sure. Unless of course the black dust is actually visible on my popcorn.

For anyone who has asked in the past, this pot does have an aluminum/stainless clad flat bottom that sits perfectly atop my flat-top stove. There is no rocking whatsoever. I cannot speak at to whether this will work on an induction cooktop.



21.) Buy this Stainless Popper not Aluminum one!!!
Reviewed by: L. MITCHELL
Rating:
This stove top popcorn popper works great. I used the aluminum for too many years given the harmful effects it can have on your health. This popper pops evenly and kernels taste great. I have had no problems with the cover of it as I have read in other reviews. This is the stove top popper to buy!

22.) Great popper
Reviewed by: scrutinizing consumer East Coast, USA
Rating:
This popper is a fantastic alternative to the Whirley Pop (which is 100% aluminum) and the ubiquitous VOC-emitting microwave bags. I received a Whirley Pop over the holidays and immediately returned it to get this Back to Basics model, as it is stainless steel and has metal gears instead of cheap plastic ones.

This device is easy to use, and it pops nearly all the kernels (only 5-10 unpopped per batch). The popcorn's crispness and flavor are unbeatable. I put 1-2 Tbsp oil in the popper and then add the popcorn and start stirring. It always turns out perfectly. Lately I've been adding 1-2 Tbsp sugar to make kettle corn, and it's just like the real thing you buy at the fair!

What the other reviewers say about the somewhat ill-fitting lid and the difficulty in reattaching it is correct, for which I'm taking one star off my rating. One side of my lid stays open about 5 mm -- not enough for anything to come flying out, luckily. After detaching the lid for washing, you need a determined hand and a little finagling to get it back on; but rest assured, it does reattach. If Back to Basics could design a better-fitting lid, this popper would get 5 stars.

23.) Better than anything I've owned
Reviewed by: archaeoamy Arizona
Rating:
Stove-popped popcorn is WAY better than air- or microwave- popped popcorn. This one is SOOO much easier to use than a regular cooking pot with lid. We've used it nearly every day since we got it. Buttered popcorn, cheese sticks & apple/orange slices is the dinner the kids are begging for. So I'm not complaining.

Cons: Yes, the LID is a little awkward, but there is a gadget holding the lid on that I find if it is turned wrong will make the lid pop up. Just have to make sure it is turned right to keep it closed. Also, if you take the entire lid off to clean, it is tricky to get it back on -- I get a little impatient with it, but I figured out that if both lids are OPEN when you put it on it goes on much easier. The company could do better at redesigning the lid.

Pros: I've never owned another stove-top popper, just used my good 'ol cooking pot and this is way EASIER, much more EFFICIENT (popped ALL of the kernels whereas my old pot left about 30-50 unpopped). The POT part of the popper is VERY STURDY, heavy-duty and able to withstand high temperatures. The lid even has VENTS in it, which is very important in making good popcorn, it lets out the moisture produced when popping! PRICE: Only cost $20 -- I think that is the perfect price for this contraption -- if I had paid $30 or more I would be somewhat disappointed, but I'm happy with it and LOVE MY POPCORN.


If you can get past the finicky lid, it is a GREAT deal and so much fun to use!


A few Popping hints:

1. WASH the pot with soap/water before using!! (oops, I didn't and had to throw out the first batch)

2. use 3 Tbsp veg. oil and let it heat up BEFORE putting in the popcorn (test the oil by putting in a kernel, if it pops in about 3 minutes it is hot enough).

3. use NO MORE than 1/2 cup of kernels -- in fact, slightly less is just perfect. Any more and the popped corn will not fit in the pot.

4. 1 batch (1/2 cup) of popcorn produces barely enough popcorn for our family of 6. It would be perfect for a family of 4. 1 1/2 batches is just right.


24.) Great Popcorn, Frustrating Lid Design
Reviewed by: Driftin' R Us RVn' the USA
Rating:
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.

25.) Happy Customer
Reviewed by: Zamdrang Utah
Rating:
I researched a lot and settled on this popper because I wanted stainless steel. I havent had the lid problems others have described, though based on how its just a stamped piece of steel and roughly thrown together (its $[...] bucks) it does feel like maybe I could have got lucky and got a good one.

I wonder if a few heat cycles will make it start to stay open, its fairly thin and overall the fit of the lid and latching mechanism is pretty poor, but once again I didnt expect a micro engineered work of art for what this thing cost.

Works great, heats up quick and so far has left exactly zero kernels un- popped. If your wondering about one of these things and how they compare to microwave popcorn...forget about it...NO comparison. Very tasty. Recommended.

26.) great popcorn maker
Reviewed by: Berenice A. Carstetter Corpus Christi, TX USA
Rating:
I was looking to replace my whirley pop popcorn maker and I found this one instead. I liked the fact that is made better and would last longer. (I broke the gears on my whirley-pop one). We've used it weekly for about a month now and it's working well. Only problem is the lid not closing, but I had read that in other reviews. I'm not sure how to fix that, but since it's minor, I don't reall mind. Popcorn always comes out great!

27.) old timey and tasty
Reviewed by: James Graham
Rating:
i used a west bend whirly popper for years and was happy with it other than the problem with the nonstick surface peeling off. i like popcorn cooked in oil, not air. this back to basics popper does everything it claims and when you follow the instructions it pops every kernal. i was afraid of having to stand around and crank the handle, but it really does take only between 3 and 5 minutes once you turn the heat on. the only reason i don't give it 5 stars is that i wish the pot was a little bigger so i could eat more handfuls of the stuff before having to make another batch.

28.) Makes Great popcorn
Reviewed by: Ken & Chyrl Cedar Hill, TX
Rating:
This popcorn popper makes fantastic popcorn! With only 3 tablespoons of oil it makes 6 quarts of popcorn, with very very few un-popped kernels. I would give this 5 stars, but the lid is kind of hard close and just does seem to fit right. However this is the best popcorn maker I have ever used, much better than air poppers and far far better than microwave popcorn poppers.

29.) Happy with Popcorn Popper
Reviewed by: tencatsinvt Northern Vermont
Rating:

Well packed and quick arrival. I read a lot of the other reviews before buying a popper. Got this one due to the "metal gears" and they seem to work quite well. I have used it 4 times and have had no problem at all. I do not disassemble to clean, but use some dry paper towels to absorb the oil and clean it out......then put it away. If you insist on washing it with soap & water, I can see where it could get tricky....parts fit tightly and not sure it would be easy to reassemble.

Overall, I give it an A as movable parts work well, heats evenly, popcorn is good and it appears solidly built.

30.) Pops Great Popcorn
Reviewed by: G. Andrew
Rating:
Easy to use, except that the top cover is difficult to close. No big deal, though. This is not critical in order to pop the popcorn. Easy to clean. Construction is good. Should give years of service.

31.) Good but Heavy to Work With
Reviewed by: Homeowner Vernon, NJ
Rating:
I purchased this popcorn popper to replace the Whirley Pop I have had for years. The Whirley Pop is great but is made of thin aluminum and is prone to bending/warping. The replacement is much heavier duty stainless steel but that also makes it heavy and harder to work with due to the extra weight. It's a tough call which one is the better choice... durability or ease of use?

32.) why won't the top fit?
Reviewed by: shops way tooo much north carolina
Rating:
Everyone was RIGHT!!!The top won't stay on!!!!! I wanted stainless to avoid exposure to aluminum. The top seems too big and the part that should fit in the lip near the hand crank doesn't fit; snap into place. Albeit, the popcorn was good; every kernal popped, but it was WAY more effort than when I had my Whirley pop. I'll keep using it because I gave away my old one, and this one is(n't) cheap (pun). I mean inexpensive.
good luck all.Back to Basics Stainless Steel Stove-Top Popper

33.) Pops Well, Frustrating Design
Reviewed by: Matthew UT, USA
Rating:
Were it not for the quality of the popcorn this popper makes, I would have rated it no higher than a 2. The lid design is very frustrating and fits the kettle poorly, usually resulting in the lid popping off the kettle mid-way through the popping process. There are so many gaps between the lid and the kettle that I have to cover the lid with a hot pad to keep hot oil from splattering me and the top of the stove. Surely there is a stove-top popper out there that makes good popcorn and is designed well. Let me know if you find one.

34.) Older is better
Reviewed by: Jackie Florida,usa
Rating:
I had a back to basics corn popper for 5 years and my wife wanted me to get a new one because the bottom of the pan was black from popping corn, so I purchased a new one and threw the old one alway (not good). The new one is hard to get the top on correct,but it still pops corn really good. I will buy another when this wears out because its the only way to pop corn on these new flat top stoves.

35.) Not what you'd expect
Reviewed by: redone Thornton, CO United States
Rating:
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.

36.) Review of Back to Basics Stove Top Popper
Reviewed by: Mountain top cook Summit, Utah USA
Rating:
I paid more to get what I thought was a quality popper. It pops the corn great! However after taking the top off to wash the pan, it is EXTREMELY difficult to get the lid back on. For this reason I would not recommend it to anyone.

It did not come with an instruction booklet. The box said there was one inside, but there was not.

37.) Stove-top corn popper
Reviewed by: Lorraine Maryland
Rating:
The merchant selling item this is very reliable. The lid would not fit on the first one I received. The merchant sent another one immediately! The lid is very difficult to secure on the replacement, but at least it works. However, the design is cumbersome and difficult to manage. It would make more sense to put the rotating knob directly on top of the lid, and do away with all the silly crank mechanism and the two-part lift-off lid. I almost wish I had never bought the thing, and just kept shaking my regular pan over the heat as I always have. If anyone would design a popper with the stirring knob on the lid, I'd buy it!

38.) so-so popper
Reviewed by: Tool Geek Bainbridge Island
Rating:
First off, stovetop poppers rule. This one however, not so much, I had a whirly pop for years and got tired of fixing the gears that stripped out. I emailed them about there lifetime guarantee, after as few emails I was told I could get a new top for $8 (shipping) I thought that was bogus. So I got this one because it's stainless steel. problem is the paddle on mine does not go to the edge of the pot so you have to shake it to keep the kernels mixed up. But still forget the gross micro popper and get a stovetop one.

39.) Lid Doesn't Fit
Reviewed by: Lesa Potos Milwaukee, WI
Rating:
What a disappointment. We tossed out our Whirley Pop aluminum popper when I spotted this classier stainless steel model. We were so excited to find a better popper. Well, as some reviewers have reported, the lid doesn't fit. It is a battle to insert the little extension on the lid into the corresponding hole near the lip of the pan. And even once that is accomplished, the lid does not stay put when the corn is popping. We're so bummed out! I have asked the seller to accept a return for credit. I think we're going back to the old-fashioned "shake the big pan over the burner" method.

40.) Don't waste your money on this!
Reviewed by: Popcorn Lover South Carolina,USA
Rating:
Heed the warning of others about the top not fitting. Right after opening the box and reading the directions, we had trouble getting the top to close properly. For starters it tells you to line up the handle with the two dimples on the pot. There were no dimples at all. Secondly the latch on the handle was so poorly made that it didn't even come close enough to the pot to snap closed. Therefore you couldn't pick up the pot by the handle. We ended up making popcorn by having to hold the top down with a hot pad while we turned the handle.

Ironically we went to a garage sale the day after we received this, and someone was selling an older aluminum model with steel gears (like new) and we bought it. The top fit like a glove and it worked beautifully..it cost us $2! Probably made in the USA.

My wife threw out the box the stainless steel version came in so we couldn't return the defective pot ...it's now resting in the dump after one use! A very expensive batch of popcorn!

41.) Will not last
Reviewed by: Nicholas Cekinovich
Rating:
While this does a great job of popping popcorn, it is cheaply made and literally fell apart after just a few uses. Very poorly made.

42.) Quality Change
Reviewed by: Jimmy the Greek Cleora, OK USA
Rating:
I have the original Back to Basics Popper and it is of much higher quality than this newer version. It is very hard to put the lid back on after cleaning as the fit is poor with sharp edges that cut my hand.
The crank system failed when the drive gear fell off during my first batch of corn. I hope the company will go back to the original design since the quality was much higher.

43.) poorly designed lid!!!
Reviewed by: Caroleeni
Rating:
I really wish I had listened to the reviews of this product before buying it. I just received the popper and was excited about setting it up and making my first batch of delicious popcorn, and thinking that "I" could overcome the lid problem. Well I am one of the unlucky purchasers! I contacted Focus Electrics at their toll free number listed in the directions. They told me that I needed to adjust the top with pliers and to try and bend the lid pieces into a 90 degree angle. I tried to no avail and jammed my fingers with the pliers in the process. I called them back and told them it didn't work for me. She said that the popper has been discontinued and they were no longer making it!!! Wow! Why wasn't it posted that it was a "discontinued" product? She said they are now making an aluminum one and I could return it to Amazon! I guess I have to "live and learn".

44.) DANGER WILL ROBINSON!!! DANGER!!!!
Reviewed by: Popcorn Aficianado New Jersey
Rating:
I bought this as a Christmas gift for my wife and after using it only three times it has stopped working!!! To be more specific, the gears from the crank shaft have "stripped," thus not allowing the circular mechanism on the bottom of the pot to rotate. What a disappointment, especially since I researched this model and was impressed by its stainless steel construction. Other reviewers have also commented on the lid not fitting properly. The lid fits, but it's not an easy on and off like my old aluminum whirley poppper. Although I won't go back to an aluminum popper, I would strongly urge anyone considering this popper to think twice.

Features of Back to Basics Stainless-Steel Stove-Top Popcorn Popper

Back to Basics Stainless Steel Stove-Top Popper allows you to enjoy the benefits of the original Back to Basics Stove-Top Popper with the added

1.) 6-quart capacity;
2.) Domed, Vented Lid;
3.) Stainless Steel Pan & Lid;

Package Height x Length x Width: 16.1 in. x 16.1 in. x 9.6 in.
Package Weight: 2.8 lbs.