I did a search on Star popcorn machines and basically came up with not much useful information. Can someone with experience or knowledge tell me how Star stacks up to the other brands.

I have a chance to buy this for $310 (plus a case of popcorn) tomorrow from a private seller and need to make a sound decision:

SUPER JETSTAR 8OZ. POPCORN POPPERS
Model 86S & 86SS
Features/Benefits:
! Combine Star’s Super JetStar 8oz. popcorn poppers and Chief’s
Choice quality popcorn to bring the smell, taste and fun to the party.
! Requires only 19-1/2” of counter space to fit almost any where.
! Stainless steel style fits any decor and is easy to clean.
! Pops 170 one ounce servings per hour of Star’s quality Chief’s Choice
brand popcorn (contact factory for details).
! Nickel plated 8 oz. steel kettle provides maximum popping
performance.
! Magnetic catch holds one-piece kettle lid up for easy loading and
unloading of Chief’s Choice popcorn.
! Swing up/down kettle design allows easy dispensing of popped corn into
the cabinet and is easy to clean.
! A 50 watt warming element under stainless steel corn deck keeps pop
corn fresh and crisp when you want to snack.
! Cabinet is constructed of 1/8” thick tempered glass panels with four full
length aluminum corner posts for stability and maintenance free
operation.
! Heavy gauge clear plexiglass doors and full length aluminum hinges with
magnetic catch stands up to constant use.
! Clear lexan drop panel provides greater visibility for merchandising
popcorn.
! Stainless steel old maid drawer allows quick and easy removal of old
maids.
! Eye level 2 switch control panel :
Top Switch engages motor and kettle heat
Bottom Switch engages light and corn deck
! A 75 watt display light highlights popcorn and builds impulse sales.
! Attractive colorful popcorn graphics makes popper a perfect addition to
any foodservice operation.
! Optional sneeze guards for self-serve operations.
! Cabinet cleaning is a snap with warm soapy water.
Quality Construction:
Super Jet Star is constructed of solid extruded aluminum corner posts, 1/8”
thick tempered glass panels and two 3/16” thick plexiglass doors with full
length aluminum hinges to stand up to commercial use. Outfitted with 1000
watt, 8oz. capacity nickel plated steel popping kettle with stainless steel
exterior shell. A wire cage protects the 75 watt display lamp. A 50 watt
warming element under stainless steel corn deck and old maid drawer are
standard. Poppers shipped complete with a 6’ lead in cord with NEMA
5-15P. A CEE7-7 plug is available for 230V units.
Warranty:Super Jet Star poppers are covered by Star’s two year parts and labor
warranty.

http://www.superprod.com/product/cooking/popcorn+poppers/star+jetstar+popper+super+jetstar+8+oz.+kettle%2C+self+serve .do

I have done a bit of research on Star and other brands but any real world comments are appreciated. Any thoughts?

I have their 4oz and I'm happy.
Gold Medal was my first choice but they didn't have a 4oz popper when I got my Star.
At the time, the least expensive 6oz GM popper didn't look that hot to me.
Since you will be buying from a private seller, does the popper have any warranty left?

I have their 4oz and I'm happy.
Gold Medal was my first choice but they didn't have a 4oz popper when I got my Star.
At the time, the least expensive 6oz GM popper didn't look that hot to me.

Is the 8 oz with 2 year parts and labor warranty for $310 an ok deal, a good deal, great deal, or steal?

How long have you used the 4 oz and how is the quality/craftmanship?

I'd probably just go with a new unit. If you really shop around, you can probably buy a new 6oz popper for $400 or less or a 4oz for $300 or less. It really depend upon if you want a new one or not and whether you really want an 8oz or not. I've had the popper for about 6 years and haven't had any problems. The only thing I wish it had is an old maid tray like the Paragons. I don't think the Gold Medal poppers have old maid trays either. As far as $310 being a good deal, check out the prices at stargatecinema.com during their sale and see what their prices are for 8oz poppers.

after looking at the price for a 6oz star, I guess $310 is a good price.
I'm not sure what else you could test except to get the guy to pop some popcorn for you.
I would see if I could get the serial number of the machine, manufacturer date, etc.

http://www.concessionstands.com/s.nl/it.A/id.19045/.f

http://www.zesco.com/products.cfm?pGroupID=060404SS04&subCatID=989

http://www.zesco.com/products.cfm?pGroupID=060404SS07&subCatID=989

http://www.zesco.com/products.cfm?pGroupID=060404SS03&subCatID=989

http://www.zesco.com/products.cfm?pGroupID=ZP99108003&subCatID=989

This is essentially a one month old unit used once. I will have the receipt in hand (he paid full $750 price) plus the 2 year warranty. It was purchased new at a well known local commercial supply house here in Atlanta so the full parts and labor warranty has value.

In addition, for the $310 total, I get a new case of 8 oz Chief Choice popcorn. The seller's intent was to use it at a local flea market but after one weekend the landlord told him he could not pop popcorn on site. He is just trying to get some quick cash back.

I just find it interesting that the Star brand appears to have some of the most solidly built (according to specs) and expensive commercial machines manufactured yet I do not see much chat here about them.

You better jump on that asap then!

I think I may have to get it pcdoctor. It appears Star is a top brand and the price seems really reasonable for a true commercial popper.

Do you have the appropriate power to plug this into?
also I think there is a popcorn machine power buy going on here currently you might look into that as well.

Do you have the appropriate power to plug this into?
also I think there is a popcorn machine power buy going on here currently you might look into that as well.

Well after all was researched, today I picked up a new Paragon Theater Pop 8 (8 oz.) with a case of 6 oz. Chief Choice popcorn from a local seller for $250.

Based upon our Power Buy price I think I did good.

Congrats on the popper.

Well after all was researched, today I picked up a new Paragon Theater Pop 8 (8 oz.) with a case of 6 oz. Chief Choice popcorn from a local seller for $250.

Based upon our Power Buy price I think I did good.

Great machine - I've had one for a number of years, and it has been 100% trouble free. And that's a very good price as well. Congrats!!:)

Thank for the input guys. I was a bit unsure and switched in the end and saved $60. But based upon your comments I think I have a winner.

Htomei22...what do you think of me using the 6 oz Chief Choice instead of the 8 oz. in the Theater Pop 8? Any tips?

That price is INSANE! :eek:
Is it a blem or reconditioned? :confused:

That price is INSANE! :eek:
Is it a blem or reconditioned? :confused:

Purchased basically new off of Craigslist locally. Clean A-stock with warranty. I fired it up tonight and popped six batches and it worked great. Nice machine and superfast popping.

Here locally on Craigslist there is also a used 12 oz Echols going for $300! That is also a steal. Makes me think about buying two.

That 8 oz is the one I have as well great machine. Also the price is a steal. you don't happen to live in the area where the paragon machines are made do you?

That 8 oz is the one I have as well great machine. Also the price is a steal. you don't happen to live in the area where the paragon machines are made do you?

Not to my knowledge.

But there does appear to be a decent amount of all brands of poppers each month here on Craigslist (like the $300 12 oz Echols I mentioned above). I think that the local competition (anxious Craigslisters) drives the price down with the economy the way it is now. The market for these is very small, especially since shipping is typically not a realistic option for private sellers.

Are you talking about a Paragon Theater Pop 8oz or a Thrifty Pop 8oz?
That's an insane price for either. Can you give us a link? :)

Are you talking about a Paragon Theater Pop 8oz or a Thrifty Pop 8oz?
That's an insane price for either. Can you give us a link? :)

Ok...for clarification...

Today I purchased a Paragon Theater Pop 8 oz machine still under warranty from a private seller who posted on the Atlanta Craigslist. I picked it up at his home and he removed the ad. He also threw in a box of Chief Choice 6 oz. popcorn (I believe 28 packets). The total cost was $250 cash.

There is no link and this was a one time Craigslist deal as most are. There is still a used Echol's 12 oz listed on the Atlanta Craigslist for $300 along with several other very nice poppers with carts for around $400 each. All from private sellers.

Hope that clears up where I found my deals. I am still tempted to get the Echol's 12 oz as I think that price is amazing.