Waring Pro WPM25 Professional Popcorn Maker, Red

I always wanted a movie-quality popcorn machine and my wife got me this one for Christmas after I did a lot of research and asked for it. We've had it about 5 weeks and used it 2 times a week probably. We haven't had the issue of tons of unpopped kernels, I used another reviewer's recipe so we wouldn't need to trial and error:1.) Run machine for 2 minutes to warm kettle2.) add 1 oz popping and topping oil (we use cheapo Redenbacher's) and 1/8 tsp Morton's fineground Popcorn Salt (available at WM).3.) Add the 1/3cup kernels (also using Redenbacher's premium yellow popcorn)4.) As soon as popping stops, dump the entire kettle and wiggle the knob to make sure nothing is left, so it won't burn.5.) If you want enough for more than 2 people, add more oil and corn immediately. Repeat as necessary.This machine is really built like a tank. The motor is not overloud (doesn't wake up our 8-month-old baby) but really drives the stirring arms with power. The outer case is made of plastic so some care is necessary when cleaning it (I use a nonscratching microfiber cloth from an auto store to clean the removable door and non-removable sides). The kettle is removable and easily cleanable with a sponge-on-a-handle device. "Easily", as in it's a pain to clean and will take a few minutes, but you knew that, didn't you? Letting it boil a kettleful of water for a few minutes will loosen up all the detritus enough to get off.It's totally worth it for the quality of popcorn you get. It's really BETTER than the theater because you control how salty and oily it gets.So, BUY THIS MACHINE. You won't be sorry. Pros: looks amazing, makes the best popcorn you ever ate once you master the art I showed you above. CONS: a little time consuming to thoroughly clean, but completely worth it to my mind for the quality popcorn you get every single time.PS-Make sure you buy a silicone scoop for the full effect of serving the popcorn without scratching the machine. We got one from OXO and it's the perfect size, stores in the bin when not in use: http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Scoop-Translucent-White/dp/B0009J4YAO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1329153866&sr=8-2

So far, I am liking this popcorn popper very much. You do have to let it preheat, and because I use the smaller hull free popcorn, I do get some pop outs. If you are looking for something that will pop a HUGE batch, this is not your machine. It's just my husband and myself, so it pops just the right amount for the two of us. When the grandkids are here, we will have to pop two batches, but it pops up quickly so this is not a problem. I like that it has the removable tray...makes it very easy to serve the popped corn. It is easy to remove the kettle for cleaning, and a damp paper towel is all I needed to clean the inside walls of the popper. The tray and kettle are easily cleaned with warm soapy water. I previously had a different popper, but had to return it due to a defective latch. I am glad I went with this one instead....much better design on the door. By the way, the door lifts completely off the hinges for easier cleaning. I use coconut oil for popping....makes delicious popcorn!

A nice product but its a little small in the kettle. You need to make two batches to make about the same as a microwave bag of popcorn. But it does come out great and worth making the two batches. I would have bought the next size up but they were all about 1" too tall to fit on my counter. This fits perfect.

After reviewing many popcorn makers, and wanting the best theater-type popcorn experience, I selected the Waring Pro for home use.I already had an electric stirring-type popcorn popper (Presto, the Orville brand), and was very satisfied with its performance and simplicity of use and clean-up. It remains my standard, everyday popper, but when I want the best popcorn, I use the Waring Pro.There are a few caveats, though.First, you must use coconut oil, the same as the theaters. Use "virgin," not some hydrogenated product or adulterated version. Read about this to confirm it's not unhealthy.Second, use only the pre-measured amounts, a ratio of 1/3 cup of popcorn to 1 tablespoon of oil.Third, use popcorn salt. It is ultrafine and clings to the popcorn. It only takes 1/2 teaspoon for the above corn/oil.Fourth, put the salt in with the oil and corn while popping to assure even distribution.Those caveats apply to all popcorn makers to get the best results.The Waring Pro in particular has its own quirks. First, it doesn't make 9 cups at a time, as advertised. It is more like 4 cups, so it does not make a lot, only enough for 1 person or perhaps 2 at a time. It can be re-used right away though, so it will make those 9 cups in 2 poppings, which will about fill the included plastic tray.The popping unit is a little small, making cleanup somewhat difficult. The recommended way to clean it is to put water into it after use and boil the water and then empty it into the tray. This is not a good way. It is messy, somewhat prone to spilling the hot water, and not completely effective. The inside of the covers (the ones that flip up during popping), for instance, will not be cleaned with this method. However, the popping unit is easily removable after a little practice. It must be unplugged from inside and then can be rinsed out with a little soapy water in the sink and the entire inside of the popcorn maker must also be wiped out to get rid of occasional oil splatters.Much more popcorn of nearly equal quality can be made with the bubble top type electric stirring poppers. My Presto will make nearly 3 times as much as the Waring Pro, for example, but the quality is not quite as good due to limited air escape, making it a little bit on the soggy side, while the Waring Pro makes dry, light, fluffy popcorn due to excellent air circulation. It does leave a few more unpopped kernels than the Presto, though. Some of them simply explode out of the popper during popping, but it is not an excessive amount. It will leave a dozen or more unpopped kernels, while the Presto will leave only about a half dozen.The appearance is, of course, part of the experience, and no bubble top can compare with a theater style popper. I only wish I had bought a bigger unit to complete the experience, but then storage becomes a problem, as the small unit is already a bit large to store. I keep it on top of my refrigerator where it looks nice, but not everyone may like this option, and a larger unit (one that has its own stand, for instance) would need to go in a more dedicated space.Altogether, I am very happy with this product. It is reliable, looks good, makes the best popcorn (though not a lot at a time), and is not overly expensive.Good quality popcorn oil and salt are available from Paragon, via Amazon.com