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: dioalp Placitas, NM United States
Rating:
I read much about the lid problem some purchasers had with this product before purchasing. Being somewhat mechanical adept I thought I might fix the problem if it presented. When the product arrived, I read the instructions manual which isn't very complex, after all this is only a popcorn popper.

I attempted to install the lid and could see immediately the problem others were experiencing and the frustration it could cause. Granted, one would expect the product to ship without a lid installation issue but that wasn't my experience. As many had reported the lid would not install sufficiently to use the popper. This is a pitty as the rest of the construction appears relatively good enough to permit easy popping.

Ok.. After looking at what was causing the problem I simply made two small adjustments and now the lid install easily every time. This is what I did. The metal lip on the lid, above the dowel that plugs into the pan needs to be bent inward toward the handle. The lip is stainless and quite rigid so it will take a lot of pressure from plyers or a crescent wrench to make it bend. Only bend it a little to allow the lid to move closer to the lip of the pan.

Next on the opposite side where the clip on the lid under the handle locks to the bottom of the pan with a spring action is another lip like the one just bent. Bend this lip inward also a little. Bending both should allow the lid to set into the pan top and allow the snap clip under the handle to lock into place under the pan lip securing the lid. You can also bend the spring clip as needed to ensure locking.

As mentioned in other posts, lifting both halves of the lid prior to inserting the dowel of the lid into to pan eases installation.

This solved my problem and if your lid was like mine then it should solve yours also.

By the way... popcorn made in this popper is superior to anything I have ever used before, popping all corn, not burning and producing great tasting popcorn.

I use extra virgin organic coconut oil and it produces superior tasting popcorn without having to add butter or other oils for taste. Coconut oil is one of few healthy oils even if it is saturated. Also it won't smoke until about 450 degrees making it an ideal oil for high heat cooking.

5.) 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.

6.) 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.

7.) 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.

8.) Great, sturdy, stovetop popper
Reviewed by: B. Jones Winston-Salem, NC United States
Rating:
Our second hand-crank popper finally 'crapped out'--the plastic gears wore down after several years of frequent use. I definitely wanted to replace it with one that features metal gears, and after reading the reviews about the ill-fitting lid I was a bit nervous, but am glad I chose this one. The unit is made of stainless steel (which I consider a plus after reading reviews of the Whirly-Pop) and the base is heavy and feels substantial, not flimsy. The gears are indeed metal, and in spite of what others have said about the lid, it fits great when put on correctly. The instructions for putting it back on don't make sense (they instruct the user to look for two dimples in the lid, which I haven't yet found) but the key to getting the lid to fit right is to make sure the rim of the base fits between the two metal pieces on the handle (to show you, I uploaded a customer image for the product). Once you do that, it fits perfectly.

I've only used the popper twice so far, but have taken it apart, washed it and reassembled it twice with no problems. I hope to be using this popper for years! Highly recommended for those who think microwave popcorn is inferior.

9.) 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?

10.) 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.

11.) 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.

12.) 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.

13.) Fabulous popper!
Reviewed by: Gigi Vanlandingham Kingsport, TN
Rating:
I have loved popcorn all my life, have used every method including fire place poppers. This is the ultimate popcorn popper! I have gone through countless aluminum ones. This is no more difficult to assemble than they, no more hassle to wash, lid stays in place perfectly and there is never more than a kernel or two left unpopped. It is heavy, won't warp, can be used on ceramic stove top, no aluminum health scares. Simply the best! Price was great especially considering not having to replace it again.
Thank you, Back to Basics!!!
Gigi

14.) Great Popper
Reviewed by: Jack (NMI) Stecker
Rating:
This is the best popcorn popper I have ever used. The 0ther aluminum popper is cheaply made and hard to even keep on the stove. I got no old maids and no burned popcorn. The popcorn was very good too. I recomend seasoning the popcorn befor you cook it. Seems to work the best.

15.) Makes wonderful kettle corn, too
Reviewed by: N. Bolser Seattle area
Rating:
I've had this for a month now and its been getting used nearly every day. I Googled "kettle corn" a week ago and discovered it is just popcorn with some sugar thrown into the unpopped popcorn kernels and oil. The secret is to keep in moving while it is heating up so the sugar doesn't burn. This popper does a fantastic job. I tip it from side to side and crank it as I heat the oil, popcorn (rounded half cup) and sugar (about a third of a cup of brown sugar) and keep it sort of moving as it heats. No burnt sugar or popcorn, just delicious fresh and hot kettle corn. I sure don't know of any other popper that would do this for the money. I plan to buy a couple for gifts.

16.) THE REAL DEAL!! Great popcorn popper!
Reviewed by: Diyguy Weatherford, Texas
Rating:
Quickly makes great popcorn with very few duds and can be flavored to taste right in the pot.
Construction: The pot is well made stainless steel. The bottom is flat to work well with either gas or electric stoves and features aluminum sandwiched between stainless steel for extra thickness and fast even heat distribution to the inside surface of the pot. There is a little learning curve on attaching the lid, but is no big deal for anyone with a little mechanical aptitude. I bent the top piece of metal on the side opposite the handle a little more to make it fit a little better and to make it a little easier to attach. Really no biggie.
It is a great popcorn popper and should last for years. Something to be left behind for the children and grandchildren.

17.) The Perfect Popper
Reviewed by: AC Florida
Rating:
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!

18.) Great Popcorn Popper!
Reviewed by: Bev Denver, CO United States
Rating:
The Back to Basics stainless-steel popcorn popper, is the best we have had so far. It is sturdy and has a wide stirrer to keep the kernels moving. The lid is great as it is curved and not flat like the Whirley Pop popcorn maker. Makes excellent popcorn, my husband has become a pro and definitely prefers this over the aluminum Whirley popcorn popper! There is a difference. If you enjoy homemade popcorn this is the one for you.

19.) This is a great popper
Reviewed by: doodlebug@multipro.com Cookeville, TN USA
Rating:
Having gone through several air poppers and microwave poppers, I have been thrilled with the ease of use and quality of this stove-top popper. I am a popcorn fan, devoted to Jolly Time, and I believe that this method of popping is superior to any microwave product, which contains additives. That said, I am impressed with the fact that it is stainless steel, which will hold up longer than some of the flimsier models. It is easy to clean by just wiping out the interior with a paper towel. There are no special lids or plates to fool with. Just add oil and popcorn to the kettle, turn the handle, and in a few minutes it is done. The popcorn is tender and needs only a dusting of salt. I recommend this as a superior product.

20.) Great popcorn popper
Reviewed by: Carol Baldasare Arizona
Rating:
We had a Whirly-pop popper that worked very well for years with our gas stove. Just put the oil and kernels in the pan, crank up the heat, and in minutes you had good popcorn. But then we moved. Our new house has a flat top electric stove upon which I badly burned the first two batches I made in the Whirly-pop, after which I spent hours trying to clean the burned pan bottom. Finally I realized that popper was never going to work because the bottom of that pan is not flat. Then I tried making popcorn the old-fashioned way in a regular pan, shaking it as it went along. That popcorn wasn't really crisp and a lot of kernels didn't pop, so I ordered the Back to Basics model. What a difference! The first batch wound up with almost twice as much popped corn as with the old-fashioned method and it was nice and crisp with virtually no unpopped kernels. It took longer then the Whirley-pop did on my gas stove, but for this stove the Back to Basics is perfect. Definitely worth the price. Although it did take a few minutes to figure out how to put the lid on that wasn't ultimately a problem and I liked the fact that I could hold onto the handle, turn the pan over and the popcorn fell out neatly into the bowl--unlike the Whirly-pop lid that would come off if I tried that.

21.) 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.

22.) 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.

23.) 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.

24.) 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.

25.) So happy I chose this Stainless Steel Popper!
Reviewed by: Lana Heater Michigan
Rating:
When I was shopping around for a stove top popper, I really didn't realize the one I was noticing a lot was actually an aluminum pot! I really didn't want aluminum... and when I looked here in Amazon, I noticed this one, which is stainless steel, with a metal gear, too! I am very happy that I chose this popcorn popper :) It arrived quickly and was shipped perfectly. I now look forward to making popcorn with this popper, and the clean up is so easy with soapy water and rinse! Thank you for making a great product!

26.) 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.

27.) popcorn popper
Reviewed by: Sally Anderson
Rating:
This is similar to what we had used before but it now has no plastic viewing top. We found it unnecessary, and it eventually broke and fell into the pan. No plastic parts to break, easy to clean, but don't take off the top! I usually just wipe out both side and wash once in a while without removing the top. Makes great popcorn and we ought to know, it's our dinner perhaps three times a week.

Sally

28.) Works well on ceramic cooktops
Reviewed by: E. Marzano New York
Rating:
I had a similar popper for 20 years, made of lightweight aluminum, and loved it - until...

We got a new stove with a ceramic cooktop, and the old popper did not work at all on it. Heat transfer was extremely slow and the popcorn didn't pop fully; by the time it would mostly pop, it was burning.

This new stainless steel popper has a heavy weight, completely FLAT bottom, and while it takes much longer to heat up, it pops like a champ. Cleanup is a breeze also.

Hightly recommended to those with ceramic cooktops.

29.) The Best Popcorn Ever
Reviewed by: Lenarda Maniccia
Rating:
This is the third one of this type of pop corn popper that we have purchased. We are sold on the taste of the corn that comes from this popper. Using the hulless popcorn with the oil and salt flavorings makes it that much better.
I would and have reccommended this popper to any and everyone.

30.) Nice stainless steel popper
Reviewed by: LZ Wisconsin
Rating:
I like to cook with the healthier materials like stainless steel, so the typical aluminum popper was just not a good choice. I replaced it with this one and I am very glad that I did. I read some of the other reviews that stated the lid wouldn't stay on while popping, but I have not had that issue. So far I am very happy with it and the lid is not easy to take on and off, but there is a lever to press in to put the lid back on that may be a little confusing, but it works very well as long as it's in place.

Happy with the popper and pops great popcorn.

31.) 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.

32.) 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).

33.) Our favorite kitchen appliance
Reviewed by: Scramblin 4Par Western US
Rating:
My first product review, here goes.

We bought the same basic unit from Fry's a few years ago. It was lighter with a less substancial bottom. After much use around camp it migrated home because nothing beats the taste or real popcorn. The unit is foolproof. The cheaper version had an acrylic top piece that ended up breaking (100 percent my fault). We stuffed tin foil in the hole and kept using it. Worked fine.

Since we used it so much we decided we would get a new one and retire the old one to the camper. We found this unit on. Amazon for only a few bucks more than the cheaper version. This unit has a double bottom, much smoother heat transfer and almost no chance of burning. Also this unit has a full metal top instead of the half acrylic.

Hope this helps. Be careful, once you buy this you will never be able to stomach microwave popcorn again.

34.) No more microwave popcorn
Reviewed by: A. M. Mcbride Tampa, FL USA
Rating:
Glad I found this popper. Have used some tips from other reviews (the attach lid pic was the most helpful. Big THANKS to that reviewer!) which has made this popper a joy to use. Look forward to using it many years to come.

35.) Back to basic stainless steel Stove top Popcorn popper
Reviewed by: lauger
Rating:
We love our popcorn popper and we use it weekly. This high quality stainless steel pot makes perfect popcorn every time!!! Easy to clean and no burn marks inside the pot!

36.) The best popcorn popper EVER!
Reviewed by: C. Dinottia seattle,wa
Rating:
Just a little olive oil and salt...
We use this popper almost nightly. Simply the easiest and best popcorn you'll ever have.

37.) TOTALLY WORTH IT!
Reviewed by: Melissa Syracuse, NY
Rating:
I had mine for YEARS and then my mom accidentally turned the oven on and didn't realize the popper was in there and it melted the window. I LOVED the butter drip dish and I hope this one has it too. Meanwhile my folks let me borrow theirs. I believe it is a "Whirley pop" and when I go to pour the popcorn in the bowl the whole top comes off and spilled the popcorn everywhere and then I had a stove fire. My dad doesn't like his "Whirley pop" because it doesn't have a handle on it to pour the popcorn and then melt the butter so he has to use a potholder. I want this pot back because the lid stays on VERY secure when you are pouring your popcorn. It does take time to get used to putting the lid on but IT IS WORTH IT! Try using 3 tbls of coconut oil for a movie theater taste.

38.) love it!
Reviewed by: Benjamin J. Ethier Seattle
Rating:
it pops great! my only problem is that i doubled the recipe to make more... DON'T DO IT! THE POPCORN WILL FILL THE MAKER ENTIRELY!

39.) Great popcorn from this popper
Reviewed by: joym San Jose, CA USA
Rating:
We bought this popper a few years ago and we love what it produces. The popped corn is big and fluffy and very tasty. I am going to get another one as a gift so our friends and family can experience great fresh popped popcorn. We have had no issues with the lid -- it fits on snugly -- and nothing has broken off. We use the popper a lot -- and it has held up very well.

40.) Pleasantly Surprised!
Reviewed by: Lee Deavers Piedmont, SC USA
Rating:
I read all the product comments on all the poppers before choosing this popper. I am so glad I picked this one! The popper made better pop-corn than I make (and everyone thinks I make the best); see, I bought this popper so my wife could make pop-corn (she couldn't handle my heavy pot).

The popper quality is superb and does not have any of the problems that some had reported, so, perhaps they have improved the design.

What I especially like about this popper:

1. While it is cooking or after it finishes you can spin the pop-corn and open a lid to add salt (Celtic Unrefined sea salt for healthy choice) and raw butter (raw butter is very good for you despite what others tell you ([...]). The spinning pop-corn really distributes the seasonings very well.

2. The spinning really does keep the pop-corn from burning so you can keep it on the heat until it all pops. I had one kernel that didn't pop....only one kernel, and the pop-corn was not over cooked!

I am amazed!

41.) 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.

42.) Makes delicious popcorn
Reviewed by: P. Peton JEROME, ID, US
Rating:
This popcorn popper makes delicious popcorn (if you follow the directions). I found that it does make great popcorn if you do not overfill it, use the right amount of oil, and find the right heat setting. Overfilling makes for many unpopped kernals, and a too-high heat setting makes for slightly tough popcorn. I think it was a good value for the price I paid. I like stainless steel over aluminum - easy to clean and sturdy. I definitely would buy it again!

43.) Popcorn Popper
Reviewed by: Lianytsur New England
Rating:
The product works as described, makes very good popcorn, is easy to clean and is well made. It does take a little effort to install the lid as others have noted but the effort required is not extreme.

44.) Workhorse in our kitchen
Reviewed by: Brian Myers Cooper New York, NY USA
Rating:
We've used this at least twice a week for 3-4 years now, and LOVE it. A Whirly Pop unit failed because the plastic gear assembly cracked, and once that's gone it's useless. This one has a metal gear assembly and just keeps on going, making perfect popcorn. The lid problem others have mentioned is not a problem for us. The plastic window in the lid did crack (plastic seems not to be a smart material for popcorn makers, as Back To Basics no longer uses it), but we simply took a bit of metal porch screen material and cut a piece to fit - works like charm. Our favorite right now is the Caramel Corn from [...] which pops perfectly I this unit - add salt to transform it into Kettle Corn!

45.) Impressive popcorn popper
Reviewed by: Chris Tampa
Rating:
I just made my first batch of popcorn using the Back to Basics Stainless-Steel Stove-Top Popcorn Popper using coconut oil as others have recommended and the results were great tasting popcorn with very few unpopped kernels. I did notice that the stirrer doesn't contact the bottom and therefore doesn't stir the seeds, but rather the popped kernels are what make contact with the stirrer. Is this normal or do I need to push down on the lid when cranking? Also, I noticed when I tilt the pan back and forth I can hear small (metal?) particles rattling around within the stainless steel encased bottom. Anybody else notice this?

46.) Popping Machine
Reviewed by: Smiling Brighter wilmington, NC
Rating:
Pops to perfection, easy to use, easy clean up. Just what I was looking for, great to pop ahead of time and sneak in perfect healthy popcorn into the movies for ALOT cheaper price ;)

47.) Great Popcorn
Reviewed by: A. TENNEY Fresno, CA USA
Rating:
This is truly the best way to pop popcorn and Back to Basics popcorn popper makes it real easy to do and clean up.

48.) popcorn popper
Reviewed by: Mrs. Pat Greene
Rating:

This is a great popper, easy to use and easy to clean. And the price was very reasonable.

49.) Great Popper
Reviewed by: April Fear CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA United States
Rating:
I read all the reviews, and decided to go with this stainless steel popper. I would rather have stainless steel any day over aluminum. (For health reasons as well as durability.)

I haven't had any problems with the lid staying closed, as some have said. This popper produces perfect popcorn and is very easy to wipe out after use. I would highly recommend it!

50.) 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

51.) 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.



52.) great popcorn maker
Reviewed by: Elizabethan Music Lover USA
Rating:
I love popcorn and this product lives up to its reputation. Perfect popcorn in a jiffy, with no "old maids".

53.) 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!

54.) 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.


55.) 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.

56.) 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.

57.) 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.

58.) Makes Great Popcorn
Reviewed by: Edith E. Koren SOUTHPORT, NC, US
Rating:
Works just fine. Instructions should clarify that stirring is to move the popped corn so that it doesn't burn and is OK that it doesn't reach the unpopped corn. No need to stir until the popping begins. And to install the top easily..push rim at opposing sides to widen where the top snaps on. I hold the top with the flaps held up in the right hand while holding the handle, insert the lid in the small hole on the left side and push the rim of the pot against my stomach with the left hand then push down the handle with the right hand and the top snaps easily in place. A picture would help. I read so many people could not assemble it. Goes on easy if you know how.

59.) 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!

60.) 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.

61.) 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 doesn't 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.

Aug 24, 2010 -- The Back to Basics Stainless-Steel Stove-Top Popcorn Popper is still going strong after being used several times each day for almost a year.

62.) 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.

63.) Back-To-Basics Popcorn Popper
Reviewed by: Love Gumbo Originally New Orleans, LA
Rating:
So far, I've only had my Back-To-Basics Popcorn Popper for 2 weeks and have used it twice. Since my popper pot was a little distorted, I had some difficulty in getting the lid to sit properly, in which the photos on the box and within the instructions were difficult to see even with my reading glasses. But eventually I secured the lid on properly.

The first time I used this popper I used 3 table spoons of oil (as the directions state 1-3 tablespoons). But I made the mistake of using a little more than 1/2 cup of corn and letting it pop a bit longer to pop as many kernals as possible. As a result, even though I constantly rotated the arm while poping, some kernals burned at the bottom and even with steel scrub pads and later vinegar, I could not remove the burnt spots.

The second time I used this popper I was much more successful and learned a couple of tricks. 1st, use slightly less corn (less than 1/2 cup), which will be more than enough. 2nd, as soon as the majority of the popping is complete, stop turning the crank and immediately remove it from the stove. 3rd, be quick to pour the popcorn into a bowl, but be careful not to burn yourself in the process. 4th, put on your favorit toppings (specialty salt and/or little or a lot of warmed popcorn oil topping or butter). 5th, relax and enjoy that wonderful movie with great popcorn.

Besides the fun of popping your own corn, it's healthier than the microwaveable popcorn.

64.) Works just fine, w/ a little adjustment AND if lid properly secured
Reviewed by: djammin New York, NY United States
Rating:
I've had this popcorn popper for about 3 months. Two things: 1) the gear connected to the crank shaft to the lid came off the first time I've used it. Tightened the connection and it has not come off since. Irritating to have to do this, but not a deal-breaker. 2) Also, re: lid: it goes on only one way and you need to read the directions. There's a peg in the front that slides into a hole on the pot on the side opposite the handle. Once you've done this, secure the opposite (handle) side, clamping the lid to the lip of the pot. Once you've done this the lid is secure and the popper is safe to use. Don't try to use this popper unless the lid is secure. Then add the oil and popcorn. I use 1/2 c. popcorn and 1 TBS oil, Medium heat (no kidding), turn crank steadily at a slow to medium-slow speed once you hear the first pop. When the popping slows to a near stop, take it off the heat. Perfect popcorn every time

UPDATE: Had the popper for about 1.5 years. 1 TBS oil; 3/4 to 1 C. popcorn; medium heat. perfect popcorn every time. Just made another batch. only 3 unpopped kernels left in pot. BUT some of the screws are not stainless steel; some rust showing up around screw heads.

65.) 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.

66.) Great popcorn once you get the lid on.
Reviewed by: Rodney The Rock Gainesville FL
Rating:
My husband has wanted one of these for some time, and he's pretty handy at modifying things, so in spite of the many negative reviews about the lid, I bought one. There were a few forceful words, but once he adjusted the clamp on the lid, it works like a charm. The popcorn is great, very few old maids, and their recipe is right on the money.

67.) Don't know how, but it works!
Reviewed by: Pissantra Montgomery Village, MD USA
Rating:
Its unwieldy and awkward to clean (do NOT put in dishwasher) and your measurements MUST be correct. BUT, you do use fewer corns because they ALL pop AND your popped popcorn WILL be larger and tastier -- why, I don't know.

68.) Great popper
Reviewed by: MDP
Rating:
This is a great popper and I really like the stainless steel for health reasons and the ease of cleaning. I read a lot on the lid not fitting right and being difficult to put back on. I didn't have any of those problems. If you use upward pressure on the rear retaining clip as you press the front pin into its hole and then press down, it pops right into place. You do have wiggle the top back and forth a little to center it on the pan but that is true on anything; it won't go into place unless you center it. The only problem I did have was that there is just enough play in the gear to cause it to jam unless I use a slight forward pressure while turning the crank. I think that can be fixed by bending the crank retainer closest to the gear to take up the slack.

69.) The best popcorn gadget ever!
Reviewed by: Strong woman Pittsfield, MA
Rating:
I wanted to be able to control the amt/type of oil and salt in my popcorn and this machine was wonderful. Although it is a little flimsy, almost all of the kernels popped and they were all super fluffy. My dad has the aluminum version and it is worth the extra $10 for the stainless steel version. The quality difference is huge.

70.) Excellent Popcorn Popper
Reviewed by: ThatPoshGirl.com Reno, NV
Rating:
It's true that it can be a challenge to get the lid on, but once it is on (correctly) it stays on. The popcorn comes out really good. I especially like that the popper is made from stainless steel. The other brands I looked at were aluminum, which is not something I like to use.

I have had zero problems with getting it clean. I use 1/2 cup popcorn, 1/2 tbs of canola oil, and a little salt to pop it; then add around 1 tbs of butter at the end. I've never had the oil burn or stick to the pan. All it takes to get it clean is a little soap and warm water.

71.) What is the gear made of?
Reviewed by: JZ Charleston SC
Rating:
Does anyone know what the metal gear which turns the paddle is made of. Mine had a white powder on it (when I got it) so I do not think that it is made of steel. Is the white powder lead oxide? Hence the question. JZ

72.) Great popper, challenging lid
Reviewed by: Michael J. Moravec OKC, OK
Rating:
I have owned an aluminum version for four years. Worked great, but the base/bottom warps over time and will scratch/mar a glass stove top. Went with the stainless steel version to mitigate the aluminum (base's) shortcomings. So far, no warp. HOWEVER; the lid near the handle takes a bit of maneuvering to connect properly to the base. Also, it has opened up after popping while I was dumping corn into a bowl (went everywhere). So be careful that the lid really is hooked on as good as you can.

The stainless base weighs much more than the aluminum (requires some strength to lift and twist your wrist to dump the corn) at least a lot more than I was used to with the aluminum. This makes the top and bottom separating more likely if not firmly connected. The metal gear assembly is superior to any other I have used. I have owned at least six WHIRLEY popcorn poppers which are very nice, but with plastic gears that strip or no longer adhere to the metal shafts that turn. Once I found this popper with the metal gears, I will not go back (unless they improve upon their gear assembly).

73.) Whirley Popcorn Popper
Reviewed by: Our Ancestors Tennessee
Rating:
My husband loves his "Whirley Popper". This is our second one. He wore out the first one which was aluminum. This stainless-steel popper is better and heavier. The only drawback is the top is not as easy to remove and replace but it cleanes nicely, especially in the dishwasher.

74.) Makes Great popcorn
Reviewed by: C. Layton Vail, AZ, USA
Rating:
Love the popcorn this popper makes :)....it is a tad cumbersome to deal with (getting the lid to fit as required) but overall a good product. The stainless-steel construction is nice.

75.) WOW
Reviewed by: L. Barton Rhode Island
Rating:
Stove-Top popper looks great and was received the same week it was ordered! Quick service. This is a September birthday gift so I personally won't be using it. Very pleased with the service.

76.) Bad fit
Reviewed by: S. Smith San Francisco
Rating:
I am admittedly a bit of a fanatic in my search for a good popcorn popper. This popper does pop almost all kernals but the bad news is that the lid doesn't fit properly (after two uses) and you have to hold half of the lid down while trying to hold the handle and at the same time turn it. A third hand would be useful. The popcorn itself had the texture of air popped corn (chewy). I've used both air poppers and microwave poppers and this falls somewhere in between. Not worth the fifty bucks.

77.) 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?

78.) 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

79.) 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.

80.) 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.

81.) Makes good popcorn,but....
Reviewed by: Willa Menlo Park, CA
Rating:
The steam vents allow for popcorn which is dry and flavorful. However, as other reviewers have said, "keeping the lid on is a problem." I think it is a design issue as well as poor instructions about how to fit it properly. The whole situation does not encourage me to use it. My grand children should be able to pop the corn, but the lid is too precarious and therefore too dangerous. However, I do like that is is stainless steel and not aluminum. Back to the drawing board with this potentially great item.

82.) 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.

83.) 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.

84.) 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!

85.) 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.

86.) 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.

87.) 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!

88.) 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.

89.) 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.

90.) 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".

91.) 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.

92.) Not working on Induction Stove
Reviewed by: J. Way
Rating:
Simple review...
Turned on induction stove...Stainless is supposed to work on the induction stove, but...
Stove doesn't recognize the pan as being there.

Update...
On the largest burner of the induction stove, the stove recognizes the pan...but it then proceeds to heat the sides of the popper only.
It seems this is stainess on the sides and the base is aluminum.
It was interesting to watch the pans side get hot while the base remained relatively cool, of course nothing pops.

93.) lid is ridiculous
Reviewed by: Winifred Chicago
Rating:
I'm with the other reviewers who find that the lid makes this popper almost worthless. I tried to use this several times, but I could not get the lid on, so ended up pouring the kernels into a regular pot and doing it the old-fashioned way. I did once manage to snap the lid right on, when I was washing the unit, but it never happened again, so I can't say whether this actually makes good popcorn.
I chose this over the whirly-gig because I wanted to avoid plastic and have all-steel construction. Bad choice.

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.