Customer Reviews

Microwave Popcorn Popper

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

My first Catamount popper broke when I cleaned it by hand (and I thought gently) and held it by the handle. Then I bought a second one, ran it through the dishwasher, and as I was putting it away, noticed that I seemed to be spreading red on everything I touched. Turns out that the paint on the popper was smearing off on my hands. If this weren't such a good popper and I were not so fond of popcorn, this popper would be on its way back to the manufacturer. I'm willing to give it a second chance, even if I have to wipe the paint off with a rag, but if a newer, better popper comes along, I'm dumping this Catamount without pity.

For the life of me, I don't understand the negative reviews, because this is the best, the easiest, and most efficient popper I've ever owned. I have to admit that my first attempts failed but I soon realized it was the fault of the "premium" and costly popcorn I was trying. Put that in the trash and started using Orville or even store brand and I have popcorn perfection. Microwaves vary as we all know, so I guess that would be the reason for the learning curve, but here's what works for me--

I add either 1/4 or 1/3 cup of popcorn to the popper and then I add salt. Into the mesh top, I put a bit of butter to suit my taste, about 1-2 T, but it isn't necessary. I set my microwave for 4 to 4-1/2 minutes and then watch it carefully. It takes a good 2 minutes or more before anything happens, and then it pops quickly. Normally It is finished before the time is up. Occasionally I will have up to 5 to 10 unpopped kernels, but that is rare--it is usually under 5. For fun changes, you can add different seasonings instead of or in addition to the salt, such as sweetener for a kettle corn

I wash it by hand because it is just easy to do, so I haven't tried the dishwasher, but the red on mine looks the same as it did when I bought it a tear and many popping ago

Before you give up on this popper, please try different corn. I'm ordering another one just so I won't be without in case something happens to this one.

Seriously, do not waste your time or money. I saw this and thought it was a cute alternative to an air popper and liked that I wouldn't have to mess with wires, etc. Simply put, however, it DOES NOT WORK. Other reviewers mention the "learning curve." I'm pretty smart and a good cook, and if neither me nor my boyfriend could get this to work after 6 attempts? Please - it's garbage. First we thought we had too many kernels in, then too few, then too much butter. We even bought a few different brands of popcorn thinking staleness could be the problem. Every time we were left with mostly unpopped kernels while most of those that did popped were left burned. In the trash and purchasing a real air popper.

My wife really like the popcorn from the popper. NOte different sellers seem to have different tops; get the one with a wire mesh butter melter. Too bad that we've had three and each had the handle break off, the first after the while, last two after only a few uses. Be careful

made well, did not realize it was as big as it is, does not really fit my small microwave. will have to buy a bigger microwave. but I do really like it. has a learning curve and i am still learning

I used this popper around four times before the handle broke when removing it from the dishwasher. I was never able to figure out the correct length of cooking time - there were either many kernals left, or the popcorn was burned. Also, the device barely fit in the over-the-oven GE microwave, with the handle scraping the front or back of the oven. I would definately not recommend this product!

My Mom got one for me, and I was skeptical of a metal basket in a microwave, especially since my research online kept turning up pictures of several kinds of plastic lids. But I see here that the mesh one doesn't cause sparks, but just melts butter efficiently.

As for people's problems , I recommend readers just chalk them up to people who don't understand microwaves or anything that is not totally automatic. Microwaves have different output in watts. 900W will take longer than 1100W.

My popcorn button is geared to commercial microwave popcorn packets with the foil against the kernels, and lasts 2.5 minutes. Using the Catamount the first time, I found the popping started later than with packets, and that I had to add one more minute to complete the popping. The corn (inexpensive store brand) was fluffier than any of the expensive microwave packets I've used, including Orville, Pops-Rite, the guy with the cowboy hat, and Kroger.

The bottom line: for one minute longer cooking time, the Catamount makes better popcorn, saves 80% of the cost, and allows me to control the quality of oils I use. No trans-fats from hydrogenated oil, artificial flavors, or chemicals. I can add oil with pepper, herbs, or spices in extra virgin olive oil right there with the kernels, and add organic butter to boot.

This is a great way to beat the ripoff microwave popcorn racket and return popcorn to the realm of inexpensive treats. Controlling the quality of embellishments is a bonus.

This popper worked great about 4 times, but then the glass shattered. So it's a great idea with a fatal flaw.

This popcorn maker is an excellent concept, and although it takes a little trial and error, ultimately works. I put a couple tablespoon of olive oil on the bottom, 1/2 cup of popcorn, and set the microwave to .8 power. It takes a bit longer than 'bag' popcorn, but the taste is very similar to stovetop without the mess and with less effort. Salt to taste.

Received this for Christmas and made several batches of popcorn. It takes a lot of experimenting with amount of kernels, time/power of microwave, etc. Popcorn tends to remain largely unpopped or to burn unless you get all of the combinations "just right". The popcorn you are able to extract from its finicky clutches is pretty good......lighter and airier than normal. HOWEVER....the first time I put it in the sink to wash it (and yes, I did let it cool down to room temp first), the handle broke off (along with a piece of the container's side). I did not drop it, bang it, etc.......I barely touched it and off comes the handle. Seems other reviewers have had the same experience. Major defect. Don't buy.