Product Overview
Overall
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Design
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Performance
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Features
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Value for money
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Easy to use
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Quality
Summary
The West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine is one of the most popular popcorn machines on the market. It allows you to make a lot of popcorn within a short space of time. And it allows the butter to spread well.
However, it’s a little bulky and the cord’s length could be slightly bigger. Overall, it’s a great product to check out.
Pros
- It can make up to 24 cups in one go
- The stirring rod ensures the kernels don’t stick to the base
- It spreads the butter adequately
- You can store the cord within this popcorn machine
Cons
- A little bulky
- The cord’s length could be slightly bigger
When looking for the best instant popcorn machines, West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine will surely appear in your research. This good-looking oval machine can instantly make a huge batch of delicious popcorn without a microwave.
Moreover, it ensures all kernels pop and lets you add butter to the batch. But do these features make it a worthy option? Is West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine a good pick for your dollar?
Read this detailed review as I cover everything about the dual-tone popcorn maker. I’ve even listed its pros/cons and a quick recipe to make delectable popcorn with it.
Table of Contents
West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine: The Interesting Features
There are many reasons why West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine is among the best affordable popcorn poppers.
Loaded with features, this machine lets you make popcorn conveniently with just a press of a button. Below are some amazing features the West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine has to offer.
A Built-in Stir Rod
The biggest challenge when making popcorn is stirring it during the cooking phase. However, it has now come to an end with this popcorn machine.
It has a built-in motorized stir rod that keeps rotating, and the kernels don’t stick to the base. This also gives you more popcorn per batch and prevents wastage of kernels.
Self-settling Lid
I’ve tried numerous popcorn makers to date, and most of them have lids that require precision.
But the self-settling lid of West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine makes things easier.
Just place it over the base, and it’ll settle automatically. Just rotate the lid, and it’ll be locked to the base.
The best thing is the entirely transparent lid, so you can see the kernels popping into popcorn.
Non-stick Surface
The black surface is non-sticky and doesn’t have any smell either. So even if you don’t add butter or oil, you don’t have to worry about the popcorn sticking to the base. Instead, just clean it with a wet cloth, and you are good to go.
Built-in Butter Tray
If you love popcorn with a buttery flavor, the West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine should be on your bucket list. It comes with a built-in butter tray, and the melted butter slowly drips on the popcorn.
The stirring rod ensures the butter spreads evenly and coats all popcorn with a layer of salted butter.
One-touch Button
There’s no complex control panel on this machine, and all it has got is one button. Press the button, and the red indicator will come to life. It indicates that the hot plate is working, and you can add kernels. Press the button again to turn it off, and serve the popcorn hot.
Dishwasher-safe
Cleaning the West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine is as easy as making popcorn.
The top rack is dishwasher-safe, so add it in there, run a cleaning cycle, and you’ll get it squeaky clean.
Since the base has electrical components, you cannot wash it. Instead, just use a damp cloth, and you can clean the hot plate.
Built-in Cord Organizer
The built-in cord storage area lets you organize this popcorn maker and keep it neat.
Moreover, it occupies less space, and you don’t have to worry about the cord cracking or breaking.
Heat-resistant Handles
You don’t need a pair of kitchen mitts when making popcorn with the West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine. The heat-resistant handles don’t get hot, and you can get the lid off conveniently.
How to Use West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine
Using this popcorn maker is easy, and in fact, even a teen can quickly make a big batch of popcorn. Just follow the steps listed below and have a bucket full of delicious golden popped kernels.
Step 1: Clean It
Always begin with cleaning this popcorn maker. Use a damp cloth to clean the base, and do the same for the top rack. Now use a dry cloth, and wipe them completely.
Step 2: Assemble and Add the Ingredients
Now place the base on a flat surface, and add kernels to it. Place the lid, and twist it to lock. Plug in the power cord, and turn on the machine’s button. You can even add some butter to the butter tray and watch it getting added to the popcorn.
Step 3: Stop and Serve
The transparent lid lets you watch the kernels and popping, and you can easily figure out if the popcorn is ready.
Add some more butter if required, and turn off the power button once done.
Then, carefully turn the popcorn maker upside down, and the popcorn will get collected in the transparent lid.
Let the machine sit for a few minutes, wipe the base, and add kernels.
Step 4: Clean and Store
The last step involves cleaning the popcorn maker and storing it. Put the lid in a dishwasher, and clean the heating base manually. Store the machine in a dry place, and you are all set to use it again when you crave popcorn.
Below is a quick video that also shows you the steps:
The Verdict: Is West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine Worth It?
West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine is worth every penny as it helps you make a big batch of popcorn whenever required. What sets it apart from a regular popcorn popper is the stirring rod that does not let the kernel stick to the metal plate.
Also, it has a transparent lid, so you don’t miss out on anything. The powerful heating element is perfect for preparing multiple batches of popcorn within minutes. Lastly, this popcorn machine is available in three colors, red, black, and blue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many watts is it? What’s the power draw?
A: The popcorn machine draws around 900-1000 watts. Also, it runs on a 120-volt electric connection. You can also use it in your RV and on a small portable generator.
Q: Can you remove the cord to clean it?
A: No, you cannot remove the cord to clean this popcorn maker. Also, the base is not dishwasher-safe, so you should avoid washing it.
Q: Why does my popcorn smell?
A: The first batch may smell if you don’t clean the metal plate. Always clean the metal baseplate before adding kernels to it.
Q: Does it have a non-stick coating?
A: Yes, the popcorn machine has a PTFE non-stick coating that’s easy to clean and maintain. Also, you don’t need butter or oil to make popcorn because the stir rod prevents the kernels from sticking to the metal plate.
Q: Does this popcorn maker have a cooling fan?
A: Yes, there is a cooling fan under the hood, and it ensures the heating element doesn’t get too hot. You can use this device to make multiple batches of popcorn.
Final Thoughts
I hope this detailed West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine has helped you make a decision. If you want to make delicious popcorn within a few minutes, this machine deserves a place in your kitchen.
Also, it’s a portable one, so you can take it on your RV and have delectable popcorn on a camping trip. West End claims that it can make around 24 cups in one go, therefore, this device is perfect for small as well as big families with people that love popcorn.
