Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Most popcorn makers of the 4 oz. kettle size and up are much more expensive than this model manufactured for the Helman Group (aka Nostalgia Electrics). Consequently, I would say that it is a good value ---- but that's not to say it doesn't have its flaws. Unlike many of its more expensive competitors, this model carries a commercial rating, but that doesn't translate into a bulletproof appliance that your kids can knock around without denting or damaging it (or worse, burning themselves on the hot kettle). The storage shelf built into the stand is covered by a metal door with rather fragile looking hinges, and the plexiglass panel that provides access to the hopper ought to be framed in metal to keep it from flexing flimsily. Fortunately, though the metal housing is rather thin, we noticed no major dents or flaws in the paint job. Nevertheless, even with gentle use the wheel cover nut came off after one week and we can't get Helman Group to return phone calls. Their customer service line is either busy or routes to an answering machine. This lends a very unprofessional impression, to say the least. In this respect, I have to dock it a star. There's only a 90-day warranty and no real support to back it. The manufacturer had better hope that nobody calls their state attorney general's office. In any event, when paying more than $200, an extended warranty isn't a bad idea whether it's a piece of fitness equipment or a novelty appliance.
The key to using this popper with success is to use FRESH POPCORN KERNELS in combination with the CORRECT MEASUREMENTS. Fresh doesn't necessarily mean the kernels at your grocery store that you purchased last week. Who knows how long they sat there while the average customer bypassed them for the microwave variety? Case-in-point: We had some gourmet popcorn left over from a gift set a year or so back and it popped great, whereas the "new" bag of popcorn kernels didn't pop well at all. So when there are complaints on Internet reviews about too many kernels left unpopped, it could be a bad heating element but more likely stale popcorn kernels are to blame. I have no idea if this explains it, but most corn is genetically modified by splicing genes of unrelated plants and animals to create disease resistant, higher yield crops (aka "frankenfood"). It could be that much of the so-called popcorn kernels sold today are inferior for popping because they are no longer natural. Try switching to organic, non-GMO and/or another brand and you will be pleased with the results.
Commercial popcorn rental units have a technique not mentioned in the user manual that ships with the CPP510. After pre-heating the kettle by flipping on the switch for 3 minutes add in the oil and THREE kernels. If all three pop, add the remainder to the kettle. Secondly, when popping, never use more than a half cup (level, not heaping). This is key if you don't want the mechanism that stirs the corn to jam. Same goes for oil and seasoning. For this reason there are tools included for accurate measurements. And lastly, that handy light bulb in the top looks cool but unless you pop multiple back-to-back batches to fill the hopper, it's just too far removed from the bottom of the hopper to keep the popcorn piping hot (a batch, incidentally, is about 8-10 cups of popped corn). The warming light is better than nothing, though. (And since it is an ordinary light bulb, no costly or exotic lighting replacements are in store.)
As stated before, this unit is not a toy. It looks nice but the sheet metal is very sharp inside and it is easy to cut yourself while cleaning the unit ---- speaking from firsthand experience, I might add. In addition, it is up to the user to time the popping. Once the corn pops more slowly it is vitally important to shut off the heat to the kettle so that the warming element will not burn out prematurely. Generally, it takes only 3-5 minutes to warm the kettle. Once the ingredients are added it generally takes another 3 minutes or so to pop the contents. There is no need to wait for a cool-down time between batches. (Just be careful when refilling the kettle to turn off the heating element first and to wear gloves to prevent burns.)
When turning the handle to dump the popcorn into the hopper be careful not to hit the mechanism too hard. The kettle's motor assembly is held to the underside of the metal roof by a plastic bracket. Moreover, giving it a hard swing from side to side may damage the gear alignment. In fact, the trickiest part about using the popper is getting the kettle seated properly. At a height of 4'11, this task requires either a chair or a lot of awkward bending/reaching. The user manual warns that if the popper jams or doesn't operate correctly, it could be a result of misaligned gears due to failing to seat the kettle properly.
The instructions don't give any advice on seasoning. Because of that, it requires a bit of experimentation to obtain the desired flavor. If you want the artery clogging variety traditionally served in theaters, use coconut oil with butter flavoring. If you prefer your popcorn a bit healthier, the good news is that this is entirely doable because just about any oil can be used to pop corn. We prefer popping oil that is unsaturated, non-hydrogenated and trans-fat free. To that we add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of Flavacol butter flavored salt manufactured by Gold Medal. The result is popcorn flavor that no microwave or air popper can approach -- and not the least bit greasy, either (thanks to the fact that the popper only requires 1 tablespoon of oil and distributes it evenly). For the latter, our preference is Orville Redenbacher Popping & Topping Oil.
The instructions don't give much advice on cleaning except to say that the kettle is supposed to become "seasoned" as a result of normal use. After reading reviews in which people complain that after a year or so of use their stirring mechanism begins to jam, I can't help but wonder if this is due to an excessive buildup of this so-called seasoning. Since none of the parts are dishwasher safe and cannot be immersed in water, an excessively dirty kettle just might be an explanation. Thankfully, there are concession supply websites that offer popcorn kettle cleaners. Because we haven't been using our popper for long, our approach thus far is to simply to wipe the interior down with a mixture of water and vinegar. (But don't use anything but a damp cloth on the painted surfaces!)
The assembly instructions aren't the best, but our box shipped complete with no missing parts. It took about 40 minutes to assemble using the included diagram/instructions. Assembly tools are included but for a Phillips screwdriver.
Bottom line? This popcorn machine does what it claims to do. It fills the air with the smell of popcorn in a way no microwave popcorn can. It produces tastier results than any other popper we have used. What's not to love?
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Nostalgia Circus-Cart Popcorn MakersAt just under 5 feet, this tall, circus-style popcorn cart will be the hit of every party. The full-sized cart quickly pops up to 1-1/2 gallons of movie-house-quality popcorn per batch. It features a large 4-ounce stainless-steel kettle with a built-in stirring system and a kernel catcher to keep out unpopped kernels. A compartment in the base of the unit allows for storing supplies and keeping the cart well stocked and looking tidy. Other highlights include a tempered glass window, a warming light, and an easy-to-clean design. Despite its old-fashioned, street-corner look, the popcorn maker's meant to be used in the home, producing hot, fresh popcorn for friends and family anytime. Approved for commercial use, the 670-watt circus-cart popcorn maker measures 21 by 16-1/2 by 53 inches and carries a 90-day warranty.
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