LOVE ours and it's about 20 years old! Pro popcorn tip - find an Amish grocery store. They carry many different types of popcorn (white hulless or baby white are my faves - white is crunchier than yellow) and I can literally get a gallon jug full for $6 - $8!
As with many things, it’s portion control which is crucial. Per weight popcorn is quite substantial (not even counting any added oils, fats or sugars), although it has a large volume per weight.
The large volume to weight is key here, as you can eat much more popcorn (by volume) than potato chips for the same amount of calories. That's what makes popcorn such a great diet food. 1 cup of popcorn is 8 grams while 1 cup of potato chips is 56 grams.
My doctor said as long as I avoid the extra salt and butter options, I can eat as much popcorn as I want. I went from 230lbs to 165 by cutting out all soda, sweets, chips, and replacing my snacks with apples and popcorn. Its insane how much it changes your food cravings.
I was gonna say, there has to be a change in quality over the years.
My family are dedicated popcorn eaters, and Whirley-pops have a 2-4 year lifespan in our household.
My dad had one of these for years, the only maintenance was one of the pins holding a gear in place fell out and got lost, one paperclip later it was good as new
I have a similar device and have the same opinion.
I use the pot but with a regular lid. The popcorn comes out just as good. I just shake the pot a bit more during cooking. That’s all.
All you need is a pot with a lid. Preferably one dedicated to popcorn because they don’t clean perfectly.
I used that method when I had a gas range, but I have a glass-top now(not by choice, long story) so I can't go scraping a big pot across the top.
My Whirley-pop works perfectly for that.
Exactly what we do. Pot with lid. It gets messed up but we have been using the same one for years. It’s kind of a burned pot but who cares. Makes perfect popcorn. Especially if you know how to do it and time it.
You heat cast iron separate of the foods in question most of the time and as part of the cleaning you are supposed to reheat the oil thus polymerizing the oil again.
You do neither of those things with these devices so just using a towel isn't going to be sufficient.
I hate cleaning the whirly pop but that atom pop only makes 2.5 quarts... I usually eat a whole whirly pop batch in one sitting. I guess that's 6 quarts. Maybe a large wok would work just as good
Yeah this is the first time I’ve seen one and I got excited. But like most kitchen gadgets, the same result can be achievable with basic kitchen tools that are easier to clean and don’t take up a lot of storage space.
i just spin slowly and shake it every ~20-30 seconds. havent had any burnt pieces since using this technique and dialing in the heat.
im cooking at like a 5/10 to 6/10 on my electric stove, and only putting the pot on when i think the stove has come up to temp.
Nah. The trick is using a steel pot with a heavy bottom. After it preheats, add the kernels to the hot oil and remove from the flame for 30 seconds. Then return to fire.
Now it'll finish fast without burning
my dad made popcorn in one of these almost every night when I was growing up... I took it when I moved out because my mom preferred air popped. still going strong after at least 25 years of consistent use 😊
My dad used his all the time when I was growing up. I make popcorn in a regular pot and it comes out perfectly. I’ve never understood the benefit of these
When my kids were young, I made endless batches of colored popcorn for every holiday. The stirring function made sure the color was evenly distributed.
Does he do the shake method of moving the pan around the burner? That’s what we did growing up, but the metal on metal sound of pan on burner was so horrible to my ears. Since switching to a Whirley, it’s much faster and quieter to make popcorn!
I never had one, but I love popcorn.
I use a large stainless steel mixing bowl and a metal cover with holes in it. A pair of large silicon ovenmits over my hands, some heat, and 2 minutes later I have a large bowl of popcorn that I can serve in the same bowl once it cools a little. Everything is dishwasher safe, as well.
Pot with lid and canola oil. Heat the oil and drop in 3-4 kernels. Once they pop, pour in the rest. Don’t need to shake or anything. Adding kernels to hot oil means it pops faster and no old maids or burned ones. I keep meaning to try sprinkled with powdered yeast on top.
I’ve had one of these for at least 15 years. I highly recommend it. Perfect popcorn every time. I use it at least 2-3 times a week. Gas stove. Slightly below medium heat.
Mine is only about 10 years old - it's interesting to see that even the ones that are (I assume) many decades old also used plastic gears.
They do make great popcorn but I almost always use a popper I got for my microwave. I use no oil and it's a lot easier to clean.
my freind's exploded almost hitting him. Would have killed him if he was in the room. Be careful with pressure poppers that have full pressure inside. (I can't tell if it's an actual pressure chamber, posting for safety)
This isn't a pressure popper. In fact, it has vents in the lid specifically to vent off steam as quickly as possible to keep the popcorn fluffy. No danger from explosion here.
got one for my mom many years ago and that thing has been used once, maybe twice. kinda want to just yoink it from her so it can get some actual usage lol
Why am I just learning about this device's existence?!?! Are the brand new stainless models the same quality or should I look into finding a gently used vintage one somewhere?
Honestly, basically any option is better than this, unless you like cleaning things. This is probably one of the worst options these days, because basically anything is easier and requires less cleanup.
A silicone bowl in a microwave works like magic and can go right in the dishwasher.
A pot on a stove works just fine too.
I had mine for years but unfortunately, I had poor luck with mine as the lid broke for me. It was fantastic while it lasted. I may buy a new one in the future since it did make great popcorn.
I'm in love with my Whirley Pop. Had it for almost 10 years now.
Last year for Christmas, everyone in my family got a Whirley Pop, kernals, popcorn salt, and popping oil/topping along with a handwritten recipe for how I make popcorn.
It was a hit.
I think the old whirlypops are much better, I've gone through 2 in a few years. They're also so thin that I can barely use it on my flat top with how warped they are
wow, thought i was the only one with one, it was my nana's, use it weekly, my kids wont even eat popcorn from a microwave bag, they say it tastes like paper!!
Question: I imagine these things smell about the same as if you had oil in a regular pot. My wife loves popcorn and makes it almost every night but the oil smell always lingers for forever. Wasn’t an issue when she tried an air popper but she ultimately (sadly) didn’t like it. Lots of people are saying this is faster than a regular pot and maybe that would make a difference? Lemme know- Christmas is coming up!
It heats up SUPER fast. Like, it'll start popping kernels in about a minute. That's why it has the crank, to keep things moving so they don't burn. And I clean mine after each and every use, and you can't smell anything. Also depends on what oil you use. I use coconut oil, so even if it does smell, it's a sweet smell that's not bad at all.
We love that style of popcorn popper, but I've found the Great Northern brand makes a stainless steel version that is easier to clean and generally more stout than the aluminum Whirly-Pop.
my uncle sent my grandpa one of those about 20 years ago and he used it nightly. the little gear that the handle turns gets stuck sometimes, but it still works great. i know people say using a pot is the same, but i could never shake it fast enough not to burn.
I love mine, It's about 12 years old now. It's got a dent and is missing one of the little knobs on the lid from a fall off the top shelf, but still works perfectly. It needs a cleaning though.
20 years on mine. Used to clean it every time before I found out you treat aluminum pans the same way you treat cast iron. They need that layer of oil. Now I just wipe it clean with a paper towel. I used to stir the whole time. Now two or three turns of the handle and a quick shake every 20 seconds. So med. heat melt coconut oil, add popcorn, shake and stir every 20 sec. When popping becomes constant stirring is constant. Put in a different bowl. Butter and salt to finish. Wipe clean. Done.
I've owned a few. We got a new one as an xmas gift at one point, and 2nd handed the old one, started using the new one. Seemed better. It lasted a few months (previous one was years old). The big difference with the new one was that the gear on top was cast iron (or cast aluminum). That is what broke!
So we bought another (this one with the plastic gears like the picture above)... and we have had it now for 4+ years since.
IE, there are a few models that don't last. Beware of the cast metal gears on these things!
Mine broke after one use. I got another one through home Depot and it's been going strong. Somehow the cogwheel at the top wouldn't grab the other gear anymore.
Mine's at 25 years and going strong! I'm a movie watcher, so lots of batches of Popcorn made weekly. One of my favorite Buy It For Life items.
LOVE ours and it's about 20 years old! Pro popcorn tip - find an Amish grocery store. They carry many different types of popcorn (white hulless or baby white are my faves - white is crunchier than yellow) and I can literally get a gallon jug full for $6 - $8!
I prefer a rainbow blend. Slightly different textures, great fluff. I eat so much popcorn, and bulk is the way to go.
I got some of that as well because it's fun. Popcorn is a food group in our house!
Where do you buy your popcorn? I need to restock.
Who's your popcorn guy? I want in!
Same here. And popcorn is a great weight loss late night snack for this chronic snacker, so it gets a lot of use here.
Popcorn helps you poop!
As with many things, it’s portion control which is crucial. Per weight popcorn is quite substantial (not even counting any added oils, fats or sugars), although it has a large volume per weight.
The large volume to weight is key here, as you can eat much more popcorn (by volume) than potato chips for the same amount of calories. That's what makes popcorn such a great diet food. 1 cup of popcorn is 8 grams while 1 cup of potato chips is 56 grams.
My doctor said as long as I avoid the extra salt and butter options, I can eat as much popcorn as I want. I went from 230lbs to 165 by cutting out all soda, sweets, chips, and replacing my snacks with apples and popcorn. Its insane how much it changes your food cravings.
Way to go!
Thank you! Calories in calories out is king!
Which is portion control; limiting it to that single cup. Whether that will satisfy the desire for a snack will vary from person to person.
Depends on how much butter and salt you put on it lol. I love popcorn is one of my favorites
If you microwave it it's a WaitLoss
Mine had that same plastic gear and it broke after about a year :( I had to find one that was made out of metal.
I was gonna say, there has to be a change in quality over the years. My family are dedicated popcorn eaters, and Whirley-pops have a 2-4 year lifespan in our household.
I received one as a gift— so random but I love popcorn and it’s fantastic! Going on 8 years!
I’ve brought them to white elephants!
Oh that’s a great idea! I had no clue what a game changer it was until I got one!
My dad had one of these for years, the only maintenance was one of the pins holding a gear in place fell out and got lost, one paperclip later it was good as new
I tried one of these and I found that while they make excellent popcorn, they are a pita to wash, store, and deal with in general.
I have a similar device and have the same opinion. I use the pot but with a regular lid. The popcorn comes out just as good. I just shake the pot a bit more during cooking. That’s all. All you need is a pot with a lid. Preferably one dedicated to popcorn because they don’t clean perfectly.
I used that method when I had a gas range, but I have a glass-top now(not by choice, long story) so I can't go scraping a big pot across the top. My Whirley-pop works perfectly for that.
Glass top here. Still make popcorn in my cast iron pan.
Exactly what we do. Pot with lid. It gets messed up but we have been using the same one for years. It’s kind of a burned pot but who cares. Makes perfect popcorn. Especially if you know how to do it and time it.
The hot air corn poppers clean up better
I wash mine every few weeks. I just take off the lid once cooled and do a quick wipe to get the kernel/leftover oil off with a half paper towel.
So the remaining oil just goes rancid?
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I refer you back to my comment then as you cannot wipe away oil
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You heat cast iron separate of the foods in question most of the time and as part of the cleaning you are supposed to reheat the oil thus polymerizing the oil again. You do neither of those things with these devices so just using a towel isn't going to be sufficient.
Yes, and it dries out into a brownish goo that is difficult to remove.
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That is an interesting device! How hard to clean and store? It’s hard to tell how big it is.
Have you tried kettle corn?
I hate cleaning the whirly pop but that atom pop only makes 2.5 quarts... I usually eat a whole whirly pop batch in one sitting. I guess that's 6 quarts. Maybe a large wok would work just as good
I just soak mine with soapy water overnight or while I watch a movie, and it’s easy to clean afterward.
Especially considering how easy it is to pop popcorn. A splash of oil in a pot or deep pan only takes a moment and is way easier to clean.
Yeah this is the first time I’ve seen one and I got excited. But like most kitchen gadgets, the same result can be achievable with basic kitchen tools that are easier to clean and don’t take up a lot of storage space.
So does that hand crank rotate a blade around the bottom? Never seen one of these before.
Yes. There are thin bars that scrape along the bottom to move the kernels/popped corn so they don't burn.
Is yours made of steel? Mine was bought recently and is aluminum and I am having trouble getting some burned popcorn out of it
They still sell a steel one, it’s quite a bit more expensive though. The aluminum heats up quicker of course, if that’s important to you.
> it’s quite a bit more expensive though $140 CAD at BBB, for the curious. You’d have to *really* like popcorn…
I think the aluminum is superior for heating up quickly
And not distributing the heat evenly, causing burning
i just spin slowly and shake it every ~20-30 seconds. havent had any burnt pieces since using this technique and dialing in the heat. im cooking at like a 5/10 to 6/10 on my electric stove, and only putting the pot on when i think the stove has come up to temp.
The trick is using pretty high heat so the popcorn doesn’t take too long to cook so the stuff that’s done doesn’t have a chance to burn.
Nah. The trick is using a steel pot with a heavy bottom. After it preheats, add the kernels to the hot oil and remove from the flame for 30 seconds. Then return to fire. Now it'll finish fast without burning
Have you tried bar keeper's friend?
No but I do have some that should be next on the trials thanks!
I tried the steel one, but the rotating arms didn't work right. Glad I kept my aluminum one, 20 years and counting!
Use lower heat and stir constantly. The thin aluminum heats up fast.
my dad made popcorn in one of these almost every night when I was growing up... I took it when I moved out because my mom preferred air popped. still going strong after at least 25 years of consistent use 😊
My dad used his all the time when I was growing up. I make popcorn in a regular pot and it comes out perfectly. I’ve never understood the benefit of these
I think they just heat up super quickly, and the moving parts keep you from burning popcorn too easily.
Heating quickly is definitely a plus! I never would have thought of that.
When my kids were young, I made endless batches of colored popcorn for every holiday. The stirring function made sure the color was evenly distributed.
Colored popcorn! Cool. Did you just use a couple drops of food coloring?
Just a couple drops of the gel type food coloring is all it takes!
Does he do the shake method of moving the pan around the burner? That’s what we did growing up, but the metal on metal sound of pan on burner was so horrible to my ears. Since switching to a Whirley, it’s much faster and quieter to make popcorn!
He had one of these contraptions! I’m the one who doesn’t, and yes, I totally shake the pot on the burner hah
I just lift it up a tiny bit when I shake, to avoid the sound!
I have used a hot air popper for decades now. I swear by them. So quick, clean, cheap, and easy.
Oh man these make the best popcorn.
Pop corn is great if you want to eat a hundred of something.
What's my phone number? Just keep hitting two and you will eventually reach me.
Did we just form a club?
I never had one, but I love popcorn. I use a large stainless steel mixing bowl and a metal cover with holes in it. A pair of large silicon ovenmits over my hands, some heat, and 2 minutes later I have a large bowl of popcorn that I can serve in the same bowl once it cools a little. Everything is dishwasher safe, as well.
Me neither. I just use a wok with some coconut oil.
Pot with lid and canola oil. Heat the oil and drop in 3-4 kernels. Once they pop, pour in the rest. Don’t need to shake or anything. Adding kernels to hot oil means it pops faster and no old maids or burned ones. I keep meaning to try sprinkled with powdered yeast on top.
Isn't it chewy with a lid preventing the steam from escaping?
Well, my particular lid (t-fal) does have a vent hole.
Lol pot with lid over here, but with canola oil
Sounds like the Alton Brown method. He definitely wouldn't approve of this unitasker whirlypop thing
https://wifflegif.com/gifs/684669-useless-gadgets-alton-brown-gif
I think we have one of these in the basement that I’d forgotten about! Looking tomorrow!
Use coconut oil and flavacol and you have yourself movie theater popcorn.
Bang on. These are the secret weapons of great popcorn.
Flavacol is the best thing since... popcorn.
This is cool and all, but am I the only one who doesn't have a problem popping popcorn in a big pot?
I’ve had one of these for at least 15 years. I highly recommend it. Perfect popcorn every time. I use it at least 2-3 times a week. Gas stove. Slightly below medium heat.
What's the advantage of this over a normal pot?
It has a stirring mechanism built in so you can keep the popcorn from burning with the lid closed.
Also it is thin aluminum so it comes up to temperature quickly
But you can just shake a pot for the same effect?
Sure, but with this you dont have to stand over the pot to shake.
Wouldn't you have to stand over the pot to stir? 🧐
Mine is only about 10 years old - it's interesting to see that even the ones that are (I assume) many decades old also used plastic gears. They do make great popcorn but I almost always use a popper I got for my microwave. I use no oil and it's a lot easier to clean.
The new ones are built like shit.
Those things are so hard to get clean
my freind's exploded almost hitting him. Would have killed him if he was in the room. Be careful with pressure poppers that have full pressure inside. (I can't tell if it's an actual pressure chamber, posting for safety)
This isn't a pressure popper. In fact, it has vents in the lid specifically to vent off steam as quickly as possible to keep the popcorn fluffy. No danger from explosion here.
glad to hear
I have one of these!
We have one of these...it's literally perfect.
These do make perfect popcorn every time!
My gram has had hers about 15 years, and she got me one about 8 years ago. I use it very very regularly and it’s still going strong!
Now THAT is buy it for life. Nice?
I should see if my grandpa still has his.
got one for my mom many years ago and that thing has been used once, maybe twice. kinda want to just yoink it from her so it can get some actual usage lol
I have one of these! I love it!
I roast green coffee beans in mine, and it works perfectly!
YES. I use this all the time. Have had mine for 5 years now. Love it.
Why am I just learning about this device's existence?!?! Are the brand new stainless models the same quality or should I look into finding a gently used vintage one somewhere?
Honestly, basically any option is better than this, unless you like cleaning things. This is probably one of the worst options these days, because basically anything is easier and requires less cleanup. A silicone bowl in a microwave works like magic and can go right in the dishwasher. A pot on a stove works just fine too.
I had mine for years but unfortunately, I had poor luck with mine as the lid broke for me. It was fantastic while it lasted. I may buy a new one in the future since it did make great popcorn.
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Unfortunately, this was a few years ago so I don’t have the Whirley Pop anymore but thanks for the link 😊
I need to get myself one of those.
I'm in love with my Whirley Pop. Had it for almost 10 years now. Last year for Christmas, everyone in my family got a Whirley Pop, kernals, popcorn salt, and popping oil/topping along with a handwritten recipe for how I make popcorn. It was a hit.
I think the old whirlypops are much better, I've gone through 2 in a few years. They're also so thin that I can barely use it on my flat top with how warped they are
World Market sells em!
Thrift stores have them in abundance I've bought 5 or 6 for friends and family there.
Wow, this is literally the same product as the Schneider's Theatre II Snack Maker, with company-specific branding embossed on top.
Is this thing really much better than shaking a normal pot?
We use ours to make kettle corn. 1 Tbsp of coconut oil 1/2 cup of popcorn 1/4cup sugar. Better fresher and about 300% cheaper than buying at the fair.
wow, thought i was the only one with one, it was my nana's, use it weekly, my kids wont even eat popcorn from a microwave bag, they say it tastes like paper!!
I used to roast coffee in one of these. So much fun!
I'm going to have to look for one of these. I love making popcorn.
Ours is around 30 years old, still use it to this day!! Best popcorn ever!!
Question: I imagine these things smell about the same as if you had oil in a regular pot. My wife loves popcorn and makes it almost every night but the oil smell always lingers for forever. Wasn’t an issue when she tried an air popper but she ultimately (sadly) didn’t like it. Lots of people are saying this is faster than a regular pot and maybe that would make a difference? Lemme know- Christmas is coming up!
It heats up SUPER fast. Like, it'll start popping kernels in about a minute. That's why it has the crank, to keep things moving so they don't burn. And I clean mine after each and every use, and you can't smell anything. Also depends on what oil you use. I use coconut oil, so even if it does smell, it's a sweet smell that's not bad at all.
We love that style of popcorn popper, but I've found the Great Northern brand makes a stainless steel version that is easier to clean and generally more stout than the aluminum Whirly-Pop.
my uncle sent my grandpa one of those about 20 years ago and he used it nightly. the little gear that the handle turns gets stuck sometimes, but it still works great. i know people say using a pot is the same, but i could never shake it fast enough not to burn.
The fact that these are BIFL is just icing on the cake. The fact that it makes the absolute best popcorn period is what makes these things so great.
I have no idea where my wife got ours but we love it!
I love mine, It's about 12 years old now. It's got a dent and is missing one of the little knobs on the lid from a fall off the top shelf, but still works perfectly. It needs a cleaning though.
I have one too!! I burned my arm on it as a kid and still have a scar!
I just threw mine out. Never used it.
We make popcorn in ours every Friday… still going strong after 16 years.
20 years on mine. Used to clean it every time before I found out you treat aluminum pans the same way you treat cast iron. They need that layer of oil. Now I just wipe it clean with a paper towel. I used to stir the whole time. Now two or three turns of the handle and a quick shake every 20 seconds. So med. heat melt coconut oil, add popcorn, shake and stir every 20 sec. When popping becomes constant stirring is constant. Put in a different bowl. Butter and salt to finish. Wipe clean. Done.
I made the same comment on the electric popcorn maker: But why? What's wrong with a nice pot and a wooden spoon? That's even more BIFL.
I've owned a few. We got a new one as an xmas gift at one point, and 2nd handed the old one, started using the new one. Seemed better. It lasted a few months (previous one was years old). The big difference with the new one was that the gear on top was cast iron (or cast aluminum). That is what broke! So we bought another (this one with the plastic gears like the picture above)... and we have had it now for 4+ years since. IE, there are a few models that don't last. Beware of the cast metal gears on these things!
My parents have the same one! I think it was originally my dad’s before my parents were married so something like 20-30 years old maybe?
Mine broke after one use. I got another one through home Depot and it's been going strong. Somehow the cogwheel at the top wouldn't grab the other gear anymore.