• The Whirley Pop effectively distributes heat due to its aluminum build so fewer kernels are unpopped or burned
• The handle mechanism makes it easy to mix in whatever toppings you choose
• It comes with a 25-year warranty so it’s a worthwhile investment.

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The most essential part of a great movie night is your snack lineup—more specifically the popcorn. I thought that popcorn at home was limited to the microwave—burnt fumes, unpopped kernels and all—and that the only way to get the true popcorn experience was at the movie theater. That was until I tried popcorn made by a Whirley Pop.

I was introduced to the Whirley Pop by my partner after spending time with her family. It truly makes perfect popcorn—no burnt bits or unpopped kernels. The aluminum base has high thermal conductivity for efficient cooking, which minimizes time on the stovetop so popcorn is less likely to burn. The hand crank also helps kernels cook evenly, and you can use it to add salt, butter, or whatever else your heart desires.

Movie Theater-Rivaling Popcorn

Wabash Valley Farms Whirley-Pop Popcorn Popper

Pros

• Even cooking due to aluminum build and hand crank
• Easy to clean
• Six quart size makes it suitable for entertaining

Cons

• Not dishwasher safe

Saba Ahmed

Hand-crank mechanism evenly cooks popcorn kernels.

Give it a spin.

While using the Whirley Pop is pretty simple, there are some quick rules to follow for best flavor and consistency of results. My personal method involves using 2 tablespoons of any oil with a high smoke point (such as avocado or olive oil) and a half cup of kernels. Place the Whirley Pop on the burner and set the heat to medium/medium high—you don’t want to overheat the oil and burn it or the kernels.

Let the Whirley Pop preheat for about 20-30 seconds and then drop in your kernels and shut the lid securely. From there, start moving the hand crank, which is the key component that makes the popper so effective—the internal stirring evenly distributes the kernels and oil across the base.

Saba Ahmed

Saba Ahmed

After a minute or two, you’ll start to hear a few kernels pop, which quickly intensifies. It’s important to keep cranking consistently, as this allows for even cooking and for some steam to escape (too much steam trapped leads to chewy popcorn). Similar to when you know a bag of popcorn in the microwave is done, when you only hear about one to two kernel pops every few seconds, remove the Whirley Pop from heat immediately.

Open the lid facing away from you to let the steam escape. At this point you can toss the popcorn into a bowl and season. Personally, I love putting seasonings directly in the pot, closing the lid, and stirring to evenly coat the popcorn before transferring to a bowl. Other than that, you’re pretty much set, and it only takes about three minutes.

Saba Ahmed

Cranking out quality, and quantity.

A 3.5 ounce microwavable bag of popcorn can produce anywhere from 8 to 10 cups of popcorn, but this is based on how many kernels are fully popped. Compare this to the Whirley Pop, in which half a cup of kernels produces 24 cups of popcorn. Just based on quantity, it’s a no-brainer that the Whirley Pop just makes more popcorn.

In terms of overall cost, at only $50, this investment pays off rather quickly. An average microwaveable bag costs about $0.70 cents for 8 to 10 cups, whereas the cost of half a cup of kernels is approximately $0.40 cents producing 24 cups. If you eat popcorn on the regular like me, you can’t beat the savings. It’s also backed by a 25-year warranty, so it’s a worthwhile investment.

Saba Ahmed

Cleaning the Whirley Pop is just as easy as using it.

Once your Whirley Pop cools completely, remove the lid. Since the body is aluminum-based, avoid using soap due to its potential for affecting flavor. Instead, grab a wet paper towel and remove any oil as well as any leftover popcorn bits.

The same gentle wipe mechanism should be followed for the outside of the pan and the stirring component. If you notice the crank gears start to stiffen, apply a little bit of food-safe oil. Let everything dry completely before storing, keeping the lid ajar to release any moisture and prevent rust on the steel components.

Buy the Whirley Pop Popcorn Maker

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