We really like the telescoping, removable handle on this popper.
Our popper came with one packet of "theater popcorn" with corn, oil and seasoning so we used that and got very crisp popcorn. Next time we used our own popcorn and regular cooking oil. The popcorn was more "rubbery" as another reviewer stated. Because we had such great luck the first time around, I knew it probably wasn't the lack of vents causing this.
I tried coconut oil in place of cooking oil (it's tasteless and odorless if you've never used it before) and we had great popcorn without a single "old maid!"
We love how fast this is and how easy the popper is to clean up afterward. Great addition to our camping gear!
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The handle on this item broke the first day it was used. It isn't very sturdy. However, it was fixable and can still be used. Other than that, it does a sufficient job of popping popcorn over a flame.
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We originally got this popper to have popcorn while we go camping, but we loved the taste of this popcorn so much that it replaced our air popper! Works just as well on a gas or electric burner.
The telescopic handle does not feel very secure, but there is an aluminum tab holding it in place. The clean-up isn't too difficult, unless you burn the oil. The theater popcorn that comes with it didn't taste very good...very much like theater popcorn. But, I just poured < 1/2 cup popcorn (you can also add just 3 kernels of corn, wait for them to pop, then add the rest of the corn) and about 1/4 cup of corn oil (soy oil causes it to be rubbery) with a dash of Lawry's right into the bucket. While you shake the popper over the fire, it mixes perfectly and evenly. No need for butter with the healthier oil.
My popcorn isn't as crisp as air popped, but it is sooooo much tastier. It does not get "rubbery" (I think there are enough vents, but I usually hold the lid open too, after most of the popcorn has popped). The bucket is also a bowl, just remove the clipped-on top piece, very convenient. Sometimes my arm gets tired while shaking it over a fire or on a burner, it takes 3-5 minutes, depending upon the heat.
I am very happy with this product, even though the construction seems a little flimsy.
I am going to try kettle corn soon...1/4 cup corn oil, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup corn.
Update: After a year of use, the flimsy construction of the handle makes using the popper over a fire risky, the whole kettle might end up in the fire. But, I tend to use it over an electric burner now, if i was to use it over the fire, I would tape or secure the handle (it clips on to the kettle) in some way (sometimes the handle just falls off, the metal clip is bent out of shape). I now downgraded it to 4 stars.
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We ordered and received the popper in time for our houseboat vacation. The unit received had a handle that looked different from that pictured, although it was similar to others I found on the net with a telescoping handle. Easy to use and clean up, we made some tasty popcorn.
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I received this popper in a few days, I am completely happy with it, it is much better then the crank poppers, just have to shake a little. It can be used at home or on an open fire while camping. The handle on the popper I received is telescopic, not like the one shown in the picture, it works great. The only thing I noticed is the vents are not large enough to vent all the moisture, which is what makes the pop corn rubbery. I will be putting a couple more vents in mine.
