Written by: Rodney Coe
You can purchase the West Bend 82306X Stir Crazy 6-Quart Popcorn Popper at Walmart or Amazon for around $30. You will also find that most of the reviews on Amazon are really positive. That is important to me. I bought the West Bend 82306X 6-Quart Stir Crazy Popcorn Popper, and I am glad I did.
The first thing I noticed was the outstanding taste of the popcorn. Normally, a microwave bag of popcorn has way too much butter and salt, or it tastes artificial. The West Bend Popcorn Popper allows you to control how much butter and salt for your particular taste.
I can remember growing up and having the Jiffy Pop popcorn. Watching the popcorn rise made the anticipation build. It’s fun to watch popcorn pop. My wife had a popcorn popper similar to the West Bend 82306X Stir Crazy 6-Quart Popcorn Popper years ago, and she wanted our children to have the same experience.
The West Bend Popcorn Popper instruction manual gives you the amount of oil and butter to use depending on how much popcorn you’re making. You simply put in oil and popcorn kernels, and let the fun begin. Melt butter in a separate pan or microwave for best results. I’ve found placing butter in the butter well makes the popcorn soggy.
A word of caution: unplug the popper and flip the popcorn into the lid when the last kernel pops, or you will scorch your popcorn. This doesn’t have an automatic shut-off. You need to enjoy watching your popcorn and unplug it when it’s finished popping.
Cleanup is a snap. The West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Popper’s non-stick surface wipes right off. The popper cover can be easily washed with soap and water.
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
Easy clean
Popcorn Flavor/Great taste
Control of how much butter/salt to use
Inexpensive
Cons
Kernels can get stuck under the stirring rod
Base gets very hot
Lid doesn’t always stay on
The West Bend 82306X Stir Crazy 6-Quart Popcorn Popper is comparable to a Hamilton Beach Popcorn Popper and the Presto Orville Redenbacher’s Stirring Popper, all right around the $30 price range. They are all similar to use, but I can attest the West Bend makes delicious popcorn.
You will not be disappointed if you like great tasting popcorn. You might want a larger one than the West Bend 82306X 6-Quart Stir Crazy Popcorn Popper, so it’s not for everyone. There are bigger and more expensive ones. But, bang-for-your-buck, for Saturday night popcorn, this model will serve you well.
West Bend 82306X Stir Crazy 6-Quart Popcorn Popper ,