The Cooks' Den » Popcorn Poppers http://www.thecooksden.com Cooking Tools - Gear for Cooks and Chefs Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:49:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Cuisinart EasyPop Popcorn Maker Stainless Steel CPM-900 http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-easypop-popcorn-maker-stainless-steel-cpm-900/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-easypop-popcorn-maker-stainless-steel-cpm-900/#comments Fri, 01 May 2009 20:04:00 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4890 Cuisinart EasyPop Popcorn MakerThe Cuisinart EasyPop is a unique looking machine because of its scalloped shaped bowl, which is formed in the shape of an old fashioned popcorn bucket. What I think is cute is that the corn pops inside, then you can flip the bucket over (there's a plate that keeps the corn inside) and serve from it. I love that it saves a dish and is such a fun, inventive idea.

This machine operates using a motorized stirring system, making popcorn like you get at the theater. The bowl vents moisture to keep the popped corn crisp. The bowl, cover, stirring stick, and popping plate are dishwasher safe.

The whole process takes less than five minutes and produces a tastier, healthier version of the snack than you can make in the microwave. The mechanism pops with less waste. You choose the amount and type of oil and salt. A number of sweet and spicy mix-ins are possible once the corn is ready.

There is a great debate over this particular popper. The people who love it claim it makes the best corn they've ever had, and are thrilled with the function. Those who dislike it simply hate it and claim it is an incredibly delicate, easily broken nightmare or insist that the corn it creates is soggy at best. I trust Cuisinart, but with almost two to one against this item, I'd make sure to keep my warranty information at the ready.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-easypop-popcorn-maker-stainless-steel-cpm-900/feed/ 0 Nostalgia Electrics Old Fashioned Kettle Popcorn Maker KPM-508 http://www.thecooksden.com/nostalgia-electrics-old-fashioned-kettle-popcorn-maker-kpm-508/ http://www.thecooksden.com/nostalgia-electrics-old-fashioned-kettle-popcorn-maker-kpm-508/#comments Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:33:15 +0000 Lora http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3663 Nostalgia Electrics Old FashionedNostalgia Electric's Old-Fashioned Kettle Popcorn maker is the sort of appliance that will draw oohs and aahs from a crowd of spectators. Not only is it reminiscent of old movie theater style poppers, it's also miniature. At 12.5 x 10.5 x 19 inches, this Old-Fashioned Popcorn Maker can easily fit on a counter or table top. (Think movie night at home, popcorn at Little League, a means for making extra money at the flea market, county fair, or school fundraiser).

This Old-Fashioned Popcorn Maker has got nostalgia and cuteness going for it. And we haven't even talked about the popcorn yet.

The Nostalgia Electrics Popcorn Maker features a large 2-ounce stainless-steel kettle with a built-in stirring mechanism for even heat/oil distribution. For foolproof batches, the Popcorn Maker comes with a measuring spoon for oil and a measuring cup for popcorn kernels. And with a built-in kernel catcher, you don't have to worry about unpopped kernels sneaking into your popcorn bowl.

The Old-Fashioned Kettle Popcorn Maker can produce up to a gallon of popcorn at a time, making it perfect for birthday parties, friends gathered to watch a movie, and Superbowl Sunday or Oscar night parties.

The unit's tempered window allows for safe viewing, and we all know watching the popcorn pop is as much fun as eating it. But you might want to ask someone else to clean it, because it can't go in the dishwasher. Some things never change.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/nostalgia-electrics-old-fashioned-kettle-popcorn-maker-kpm-508/feed/ 2 Cuisinart EasyPop Popcorn Maker | Kitchen Electric Stainless Steel CPM-900BK http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-easypop-popcorn-maker-kitchen-electric-stainless-steel-cpm-900bk/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-easypop-popcorn-maker-kitchen-electric-stainless-steel-cpm-900bk/#comments Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:23:03 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-easypop-popcorn-maker-kitchen-electric-stainless-steel-cpm-900bk/ Cuisinart EasyPop Popcorn Maker Never one to be left out of the game, Cuisinart has entered the popcorn market with their own version of an old fashioned popcorn popper.

This is no hot air popping gadget; it requires you to add the oil of your choosing and the corn kernels. Then the heating element and motorized stirring arms go to work. This has a charming look to it, and the cover is also the bowl so when it's done you just invert the whole thing, remove the base, and serve. All the parts are removable and dishwashable, and Cuisinart backs this with a three year limited warranty.

I like the idea of breaking free of the microwave popcorn tyranny; healthier eats and money saved always work, but buying yet another specialized gadget for the job is a bit off track. Way back when I was a kid, we made popcorn in a saucepan on the stove. I loved hearing the kernels go "pink-pink" against the lid as I shook it to keep them from burning. I taught my kids the same process, and watched how much they enjoyed it.

There are plenty of folks who really like the idea of a popcorn popper, and there are ample models to choose from. Do your research before buying however, as many purchasers of this machine have reported problems from popcorn coming out tasting and smelling of plastic to various breakdowns attributed to poor construction.

For a better -- and nostalgically adorable -- design, see this Old Fashioned Popcorn Maker.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-easypop-popcorn-maker-kitchen-electric-stainless-steel-cpm-900bk/feed/ 1 Presto Popcorn Popper | 04820 PopLite Hot Air Corn Popper http://www.thecooksden.com/presto-04820-poplite-hot-air-corn-popper-kitchen-appliance/ http://www.thecooksden.com/presto-04820-poplite-hot-air-corn-popper-kitchen-appliance/#comments Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:19:07 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/presto-04820-poplite-hot-air-corn-popper-kitchen-appliance/ Presto 04820 PopLite Hot Air CornThe Presto Poplite is the same popper as the Orville Redenbacher, also by Presto.

In this machine, which will bring back childhood memories for Generation X, hot air is used to pop the corn. As easy as microwaving, less complicated than stovetop popping, you simply plug it in, add the unpopped kernels, and watch cascades of hot, golden corn fill your bowl. Melt on some chocolate or butter, add salt or enjoy it plain. The air popped flavor is unlike what you'll experience with other forms of preparation, in part because no oil is required.

An integrated part of the cover is a removable measuring cup for kernels that doubles as a butter melting chamber. Your butter (or margarine), best when added at room temperature, melts as your corn pops, assuring it is ready to add as soon as the corn is popped. You won't have long to wait. Faster than a microwave, up to forty percent faster than rival poppers, the Presto Poplite can pop up to eighteen cups (two serving bowls) in two and a half minutes. Removable cover and butter well can be handwashed, or simply wipe and store.

You'll want to keep the cover on until the popper cools to help keep it from warping. Beware that the hot air can also heat the bowl catching your popped corn. Air poppers require your attention while in use, are also quite loud (like a large hairdryer) and function better if they warm up a bit before you add the corn and cool down before you attempt to clean or store them.

If you have room for an appliance dedicated to a single function or you frequently enjoy popped corn, a PopLite would be a good buy. Our sense of smell is one of the most powerful triggers for memory. Make this item a facet of family game night and watch the corn pop as a part of your family tradition.

Here's another popper to take a look at:  the Cuisinart EasyPop.

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