Presto 04821 Orville Redenbacher Hot Air Corn Popper

• Electric popper uses hot air, not oil, for a healthy, low-calorie treat
• Faster and more economical than microwave-bag popcorn
• Produces virtually no unpopped kernels with either regular or gourmet popcorn
• Makes up to 18 cups in less than 2-1/2 minutes
• Handy measuring cup doubles as a butter melter;14 by 9 by 6-1/2 inches

Amazon.com Review:
Plug in the Orville Redenbacher Hot Air Corn Popper and the party begins. In less than 2-1/2 minutes you'll have up to 18 cups--two large bowlfuls--of fluffy popcorn with virtually no unpopped kernels. And because the machine uses hot air instead of oil, the resulting snack is healthier and lower in calories. That's not to say you can't add butter; in fact, the 1/2-cup measuring cup on top of the popper doubles as a butter melter. Simply put in the desired amount of margarine or butter (room temperature is best), and it melts from the heat produced during the popping process. The clear plastic cover and cup, which must stay on during popping so the popped corn doesn't fly all over the room, easily remove for hand cleaning with warm, soapy water. No other clean-up is required. While a few unpopped kernels spring out the chute as the machine begins to heats up, the chute does a good job of directing the popped corn into a bowl. The popper measures 14 by 9 by 6-1/2 inches, and is identical to Presto's PopLite Hot Air Corn Popper except for color and logo. Presto covers the popper with a two-year warranty. --Ann Bieri

still a great little machine:
We had one of these years ago and it's wonderful how little space they take up. Works like a charm and usually only a couple old maids. We had succombed to the microwave craze until recent reviews on the downsides of that indulgence and decided to return to the healthier air popped popcorn option. We do use a spray on butter to give it a little boost of flavor with a dash of salt. Still the great product it's always been, ready instantly.

What - No On/Off switch?:
This popper works well when you follow the directions with the correct amount of good popcorn and yes, some will pop on the counter and/or floor. The only real problem is having to pull the electrical plug out of the wall socket to shut off the unit. This is never a good practice to unlpug any appliance drawing about 12 Amps of current! It's the same as unplugging a vacuum cleaner, 1400W hair dryer, or 1500W space heater. Try doing this in dim or dark light and watch the sparks that light up between the plug and the outlet - "pow". Eventually the plug and outlet will get burned, worsening the problem. Earlier models with On/Off switches passed the UL approval but I can't believe they would pass this cost saving change. How cheap! But, I corrected this problem by adding my own switch. (Yes, I voided the warranty) I installed a 16 Amp/120 Volt SPST On/Off switch. (Jameco Electronics #316022 $0.99 + Shipping or try Radio Shack) Fairly easy to do if you work in electronics. Just cut a rectangle hole in the plastic base, install switch, and solder wires from "hot" side of power. There's plenty of room for the switch and the wires are long enough the reach for connecting. Now I enjoy fresh hot air popped corn without the fear of damaging my electircal outlet. Please see the photo I uploaded, a good product made better.

Previous reviews not true for my unit:
Unit needs some sort of cover. Not only do kernels not all pop but they come flying out the chute of the unit before any of the corn does pop. I used fresh "OR" corn so he can not blame the corn I used. I am extremely disappointed and will go back to my covered SS pot and oil. The blast of hot air seems to be too strong and blows out the corn - before it has an opportunity to pop in the unit. One of the few times that I have been disappointed in Amazon reviews. Inaccurate at best - lies at worst - on this product. RJR

I love this airpopper:
There are almost no kernels left over, and there's never any burnt ones. What else can you ask of popcorn? And it never needs to be cleaned, and I live with messy college kids.

Awesome Corn Man:
If you like good popcorn like we do, don't waste your time or money on the more expensive machines. You've found it. Perfect popcorn every time. And no need to use any oil. This truly is the most healthy way to pop corn!