I've received several hot air popcorn makers and they really taste awful and I've also tried the West Blend Stir Crazy which is an oil popper but it also tasted really terrible.

Can anybody recommend to me a real popcorn maker that I can use coconut oil (looks like lard I think? heh) and have it taste exactly like real theater popcorn?

I'm hoping to spend less than $250 if possible...

Paragon TP-4, warrantied for life. About $300

I'm hoping to spend less than $250 if possible...

You can keep your eye open for a used commercial rated machine on craigs list etc.

I have a gold metal, pretty durable and if you need a replacement part they are available.

check out item #290270761757 on that site we can't link, rhymes with g'day.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g273/MidLife_2006/Popper1.gif?t=1225936322 :)

I've received several hot air popcorn makers and they really taste awful and I've also tried the West Blend Stir Crazy which is an oil popper but it also tasted really terrible.

Can anybody recommend to me a real popcorn maker that I can use coconut oil (looks like lard I think? heh) and have it taste exactly like real theater popcorn?

I'm hoping to spend less than $250 if possible...
I have been looking t the ones on E-Bay. I think "discount Tommy (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=220297973810)" and another guy (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=220296955938)sell one that looks pretty good.
I think it goes for right around your range too.
Check it out.....
These MAY have sold, but you can always find others on Ebay....
Best,
Tom
Chinaclipper

...I've also tried the West Blend Stir Crazy which is an oil popper but it also tasted really terrible.

It shouldn't. I bought my nephew one and gave him some of the Mega Pop packs to use with it. The result was every bit as good as the popcorn I make in my Paragon unit using those packs.

*shrug*

I don't know but I ordered popcorn from Snappy Popcorn (along with a home theater "starter kit" including all kinds of different oils, seasoning, etc) and I just didn't like the taste at all from the West Bend Stir Crazy.

Anyways, that Paragon TP-4 looks really nice. I'd probably be able to go as high as $300 (hopefully shipped?) but it looks like they cost around $350+.

What's the difference between the different models?

Also, is 4oz enough for 2-person home use? (eg. one "large" bag at a time)

The photo I posted is a Paragon 4 oz on cart. Extremely well made.
I have an air popper and have touched and examined the Maxi-Matic and Costco 509 in person.
It's all about what you pay for.
If you like a heavy duty, commercial grade, industrial quality machine, buy a Paragon, Made in the USA.
If you need a value series popper for occasional use, pick up a Maxi Matic, Di$count Tommy or other.
I saw a 4oz for $179 brand new in box at Costco the other day. Glad I paid double for a better machine.
My machine has lasted and will last for years and is backed by a lifetime warranty. :)

Buy as large as you can afford, is my advice. I purchase the theater pop 4oz above years ago but have outgrown it. I wished I had ordered a 8 oz machine.
A microwave bag of popcorn is 3 to 3.5 oz so that pretty much tells you what a 4oz machine will make per batch.
And, I can't emphasize enough the importance of a heated corn deck or below deck heater. That is probably why your popcorn was terrible with the westbend. A heated warming deck that dries out the popcorn is Essential!

The only difference between 4oz and 6oz/8oz is that you need to wait an additional 3+ minutes for the extra batch, right? (I'm not trying to be ignorant; I'm just trying to understand so I can make the best decision for myself)

Also, has the Paragon 4oz improved since 2003? I found some posts in the archives stating that the 4oz machine made the popcorn taste chewy and awful...

chewy popcorn is usually the result of using stale or dried up popcorn and also not alllowing the popcorn to fully dry after popping which is the reason for the heated corn deck. (popcorn should be moist - inside the kernal to make steam, prior to popping and dry after popping to become crisp) The larger kettle allows you to cook more popcorn per batch, is slightly more economical if you use "pre-packs", and generally has a larger cabinet for more working room and popcorn volume. I wouldn't think the machines have changed much except maybe for temperature control or thermostat electronics. The large kettles have higher wattage and "may" cook a little more evenly, but, that is pure speculation.

Don't forget the Flavacol!

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31TBGPK14VL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

The only difference between 4oz and 6oz/8oz is that you need to wait an additional 3+ minutes for the extra batch, right? (I'm not trying to be ignorant; I'm just trying to understand so I can make the best decision for myself)
That and the larger machines usually have a larger footprint, thus allowing you to keep more popcorn in the bottom of the machine (but taking up a little more counter space).


Also, has the Paragon 4oz improved since 2003? I found some posts in the archives stating that the 4oz machine made the popcorn taste chewy and awful...
As midlife mentioned this is the result of stale popcorn or not opening the doors of the machine after popping and letting the steam out. The warming deck also helps dry out the popcorn. Paragon has always made excellent machines.

Thanks everybody.

I've ordered a Paragon TP 4oz from Ken :)

I'm looking forward to having some good popcorn!

Hey Sofakng,

Had a chance to use your new popcorn machine yet? I'm also in the market for an 8 oz machine. Any feedback on you experience would be helpful.

Thanks,

Kevin

I also have the gold medal 4oz. I recommend it not only for good popcorn making and easy clean up. But it has a slightly larger kettle and also works with the 6oz packs really well. Only thing I wish it had was an old maid tray...but really not that big of a deal. Typically I make a 4oz pack first as warm up, then a couple of 6oz one's depending on how many people are over.

Hey speaking of the GM, my heating bulb blew out. Anyone know where I can get another?

Does anyone have experience with the new waring popcorn poppers. One is about 100, other is about 200. Wonder if they are rebadged something elses?

midlife is it just me or have i seen that pic of yorus at lesat 1000 times lol

it's just you.......

I've only posted that PIC 432 times....

why are you exagerating things!?!? :rolleyes:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g273/MidLife_2006/Popper1.gif?t=1225936322 :)

Hey Midlife, nice looking set-up. :)
By the looks of that pic, looks like that popper had not seen any action yet.

stainless steel. Cleans up like a kitchen sink....... :)

can you clean my kitchen sink its stainless steel but dirty cuz i didn twash dishes for a week and I don't use the dishwasher