Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper

Ours burned the first time we ever used it -- and we followed the directions to a "t"; didn't use high heat. And once this thing gets burned it is almost impossible to ever use it again. Oh, well.

We have always had Friday night popcorn with the kids, and it has always been of the artery clogging variety...until we bought the whirley-pop. It makes a HUGE difference in taste. I know I should wonder why this would make a difference, but I don't care. The popcorn is awesome and now all we do is add some salt and dig in!

My Mom introduced me to the Whirley-Pop when I was a teenager and I have never been able to go back to microwave popcorn since. It is fun, safe for kids to help with and makes a perfectly healthy snack. I have found that adding just a touch of Agave Nectar to the oil while heating makes the popcorn taste like Kettle corn! There are a variety of ways you can "shake up" plain popcorn, but this way is my favorite. The Whirley-Pop is a inexpensive way to have a bit of fun with your kids while making a healthy treat.

We purchased this Whirley-Pop as a gift for a friend after owning one of our own for probably 10 years. Hot, great-tasting popcorn in virtually the same amount of time you can make microwave popcorn. Better taste than microwave popcorn or (because of the oil) air-popped popcorn. Add salt and melted butter, or skip the butter if you're concerned about the fat. For an occasional change, grate on Parmesan cheese. Lid snaps on easily. Vents in the lid allow air to escape so popcorn does not get tough or chewy. Easy-to-turn handle moves gear on top of lid which, in turn, causes a rod to stir the popcorn as you cook it. Easy to clean. Light weight. We've used it on both electric and gas stoves. Excellent value.

Simply makes the best popcorn, does it more quickly and easier than any other way I know. It is also amusing to operate.

This replaced a noisy and messy air popper and disgusting microwave devices. Give me flames and oil anytime.

People complain about the thin aluminum pan and plastic gears. Clearly, this could be better. But, that is how it comes and it doesn't hurt the function. Use the thinness to your advantage. It transfers the heat very quickly and the popping happens quickly.

Keep the heat down. Depends on the stove, but less than medium is enough. Take it off the stove when done. Don't leave it on trying to pop the last kernel. When the popping noise subsides to almost nothing, take it off the heat.

Those that complain of fires, melted gears and holes in the pan are clearly just incompetent people who should not be allowed to be near any machinery, open flames or sharp things.

You cannot put a pile of popcorn in it, turn the heat up full blast, crank it at 1000 rpms and expect it to last. A generous sprinkle of corn fills the whole thing up and when you feel some resistance, then slow down the cranking. Fast cranking accomplishes nothing. It all pops anyway.

The latches are stupid, but seem to hold well.

To remove the popped corn, just lift on the nice little wooden knob, the flap opens and the popcorn can be poured out easily and safely. Those who complained of getting burnt while doing this are bumblers.

Oh, and I have to mention the review where there was a complaint that the handle stuck out over a burner and that could cause injury. Here is a hint: don't put the handle over a burner and, if you do, don't turn it on. This works for frying pans as well.

I agree with the comments that the lid is hard to clean. Used properly, it shouldn't really get that dirty, maybe just a touch of oil mist, so that hasn't been hard to do.

So, Whirley-Pop saved, what, $1.50 in going so thin and using plastic gears? It got them a lot of negative reactions. Bad decision. Must have hired one of those illustrious business advisors that have been so successful in advancing American industry.

Still, using the proper lowish heat, not dumping in too much corn, cranking slowly and removing it from the heat when done should ensure good results for many years. It should not actually break on you. And it makes excellent popcorn and looks pretty cool as well. I would buy another.