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Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper

*Est. $25

Reviewed

March 2010

by ConsumerSearch

Best stovetop popcorn popper

Pros

Light, crunchy and tasty popcorn
Can be used with nearly any heat source
Simple to clean

Cons

Build quality
Stirring rod extremely sharp
Not dishwasher-safe

Where to Buy

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Our Analysis
Specs
1,115 Amazon Reviews

Three expert popcorn popper reviews say that the Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper, an aluminum saucepan with a hinged lid and a hand crank, is the best stovetop popcorn popper. However, a fourth source, one leading foodie magazine, complains that the Whirley Pop is cheaply made, and that its stirring rod is dangerously sharp. A minority of owners, too, complain about the Whirley Pop's plastic gears and thin aluminum pan. Tempering these complaints are hundreds of enthusiastic owner-written reviews, which say the Whirley Pop makes great-tasting popcorn quickly and easily. What's more, Wabash Farms, which makes the Whirley Pop, offers a 25-year warranty on all moving parts (but you may have to pay shipping and handling costs). If you eat popcorn more than once a week, the sturdy Presto PopLite Hot Air Corn Popper (*Est. $20) is easier to use.

We read reviews of the Whirley Pop in Slate.com and The Wall Street Journal. To determine how this popcorn popper holds up over time, we read hundreds of candid consumer reviews posted to Amazon.com and Cooking.com. Most owners are very happy with the Whirley Pop, but some wish it were constructed out of heavier materials.

Presto 04820 PopLite Hot Air Popper, White

from Amazon.com

New: $29.99 $19.65

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Where To Buy

Wabash Valley Farms 25008 Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper

(1,115 reviews)
Buy new: $29.98 $27.04 35 Used & new from $19.99

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Store Rating	Notes	Total Price
235 store reviews	In Stock. Fantastic prices with ease & comfort of Amazon.com!	$31.51	See It
1,833 store reviews	In Stock. Get free shipping on orders over $25!	$28.46	See It
		See All Stores

Our Sources

1. Slate.com

At Slate, six popcorn poppers are tested and rated for ease of use, the taste of the popcorn and the number of unpopped kernels. The Whirley Pop is ranked as the best stovetop popcorn popper.

Review: Pop Off: What's the Best Popcorn Popper?, Torie Bosch, March 27, 2008

2. The Wall Street Journal

Athavaley reviews four popcorn poppers of various types, including the stovetop Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper. Athavaley says the Whirley Pop is easy to use and likes the fact that you can peek in to check if the kernels have popped.

Review: Popcorn Makers: More Pop for Your Buck, Anjali Athavaley, May 1, 2008

3. The Wall Street Journal

Editors evaluate five old-fashioned popcorn poppers. The Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper is named the best value and is said to be fun to use. It turns out popcorn editors "couldn't stop eating." The original article is no longer available online; this summary is posted at FineLiving.com.

Review: Catalog Critic: Popcorn Poppers, Editors of the Wall Street Journal, Jan. 10, 2003

4. Cook's Illustrated Magazine

After evaluating four stovetop poppers, editors conclude that all of them work equally well.

Review: Stovetop Popcorn Poppers, Editors of Cook's Illustrated magazine, December 2006

5. Amazon.com

The Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper earns an average of 4.5 stars out of five in about 500 reviews at Amazon.com. Most say it's fun to use, but some complain about build quality.

Review: Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper, Contributors to Amazon.com

6. Cooking.com

Forty-five owners rate the Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper with an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5, while 32 actually write reviews. Most owners like the old-fashioned stovetop popper and say the popcorn tastes great, but there are a few complaints about the plastic gears.

Review: Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper, Contributors to Cooking.com

7. Chowhound.com

When asked to name the best popcorn popper for preparing low-fat popcorn, contributors name the Whirley Pop, the Presto Power Pop Microwave Popper and the Presto Orville Redenbacher air popper.

Review: Best Popcorn Popper Uses Least Oil or Butter?, Contributors to Chowhound.com

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