West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine User Manual

Table of Contents

1. Important Safety Instructions
2. Parts and Features
3. Before First Use
4. Operating Instructions
5. Cleaning and Maintenance
6. Troubleshooting Tips
7. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Important Safety Instructions

• Read all instructions before using the appliance.
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
• To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse cord, plug, or the appliance in water or other liquids.
• Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
• Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning the appliance.
• Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner. Contact the manufacturer for examination, repair, or adjustment.
• The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.
• Do not use outdoors.
• Do not let the cord hang over the edge of a table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
• Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
• Always attach plug to appliance first, then plug cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, turn any control to "off," then remove the plug from the wall outlet.
• Do not use the appliance for other than its intended use.

2. Parts and Features

• Nonstick Popping Surface
• Motorized Stir Rod
• Vented Clear Cover (doubles as a serving bowl)
• Butter Melting Tray
• Nesting Cover and Base for Storage
• Convenient Cord Wrap

3. Before First Use

• Remove all packaging materials, including any stickers or labels.
• Wash the clear cover (serving bowl) in warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
• Wipe the nonstick popping surface with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

4. Operating Instructions

1. Place the popcorn machine on a flat, stable surface.
2. Attach the plug to the appliance, then plug the cord into an electrical outlet.
3. Add 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels, 1/4 tsp. fine salt, and 1 Tbsp. coconut oil to the nonstick popping surface.
4. Place the vented clear cover (serving bowl) onto the base, aligning the cover and heating base handles.
5. Turn the appliance on. The motorized stir rod will begin to rotate, and the popping process will start within 1-2 minutes.
6. Once the popping has slowed, turn off the appliance and carefully remove the clear cover, using the heat-resistant handles.
7. For additional butter, melt butter separately and pour over the popped popcorn as desired.
8. Enjoy your freshly popped popcorn!

5. Cleaning and Maintenance

• Unplug the appliance and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
• Wash the clear cover (serving bowl) in warm, soapy water or on the top rack of a dishwasher. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Wipe the nonstick popping surface with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
• Store the appliance with the cord wrapped neatly underneath the unit.

6. Troubleshooting Tips

• If the popcorn is not popping evenly or the stir rod is not rotating properly, ensure that the correct amount of oil and kernels are being used, and that the clear cover is properly aligned with the base handles.
• If the appliance is not heating, check to ensure that the plug is securely connected to the appliance and the electrical outlet.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of oil for popping?

For best results, use coconut oil with beta-carotene for a movie theater-style taste and appearance. Regular vegetable oil may result in a less desirable flavor.

What type of salt should I use?

For an authentic movie theater taste, use "Premier" Flavacol Salt. Regular table salt may result in a less desirable flavor.

Can I melt butter using the butter melting tray?

While the butter melting tray is designed for this purpose, melting butter separately and pouring it over the popcorn after popping may yield better results.

Is the clear cover dishwasher safe?

Yes, the clear cover can be washed on the top rack of a dishwasher. However, always ensure that the appliance is unplugged and completely cooled before cleaning.

Product FAQ:

Q: Does it have a gluten-free mode?
A: No, it does not have a gluten-free mode.

Q: Does popping corn in this make the popcorn moist or soggy or is it dry like in the carnival-style machines?
A: The popcorn is dry like in carnival-style machines if you do not use the butter cap on the top of the vent.

Q: How many watts is it? What's the power draw?
A: It has a power draw of 900-1000 watts and runs on 120 volts.

Q: Is there a lip around the edge that prevents the oil on the cover from dripping back in or does it get recycled by going back down into the base?
A: There is no lip on the inside of the cover. The cover sets inside of a lip in the base that prevents oil from escaping and making a mess.

Q: Can the lid be removed to pop the corn into the air (to make more fun for kids like old fashioned ones?)
A: Yes, you can remove the lid to pop the corn into the air.

Q: How much oil and popcorn?
A: The recommended amount is 2 tablespoons of oil and 1/4 cup of popcorn.

Q: How do you know the plastic is BPA free? I can't see that anywhere listed on the product.
A: The manufacturer did not provide information about whether or not this product is BPA-free.

Q: Can I remove the wire stirring rod to clean it?
A: On the Deluxe model, the rod is not removable. Instead, the whole plate is removable from the base for easy cleaning.

Q: Can I use it without adding oil?
A: It is not recommended to use it without oil.

Q: Can this popcorn maker be used without oil, like an air popper?
A: No, this popcorn maker requires oil to operate.

Response:
Thank you for your interest in the West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine. We hope the following information helps answer your questions about this product. Please note that this popcorn maker is not designed with a gluten-free mode. The popcorn made in this machine is dry like in carnival-style machines if you do not use the butter cap on the top of the vent. The recommended amount of oil and popcorn is 2 tablespoons of oil and 1/4 cup of popcorn. Unfortunately, we cannot confirm whether or not this product is BPA-free as the manufacturer did not provide this information. The wire stirring rod on the Deluxe model is not removable, but the whole plate is removable from the base for easy cleaning. It is not recommended to use this popcorn maker without oil as it requires oil to operate. Thank you for considering the West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine.