I've owned a Stir Crazy Popcorn Maker for many years (actually wore one out and had to buy a replacement). One of my gripes with the Stir Crazy is that it didn't quite produce popcorn with true movie theater texture. The popcorn was always a bit too chewy. The Stir Crazy simply trapped too much moisture (steam) due to the bowl design (the newest bowl design is even worse) and that made the popcorn chewy. So, I turned to the tried & true method of putting the popped corn in a large pan in the oven at 200 degrees for 30 minutes. That fixed the problem but made making popcorn a bit of a hassle. I also hated the cleanup of the Stir Crazy.

I'm pleased to report that Cuisinart has solved BOTH of my complaints with their take on a stirring popcorn maker:

http://www.cuisinart.com/share/img/full/624_full.jpg

I've used the Cuisinart CPM-900 (http://www.cuisinart.com/catalog/product.php?product_id=511&item_id=624&cat_id=6) for several months now and I couldn't be more happy! First of all, it has large SLOTS at the top of the bowl to allow for easier steam escape. Second, the bowl is tall, with tapered sides so the steam is funneled right up to those large slots. And last (but equally important), the unit actually consists of three pieces: the bowl (with lld), the base unit (with an actual power switch!!), and the heating element/stirring unit (which snaps into the base). The heating/stirring unit can be submersed in water or placed in a dishwasher for cleanup! It makes cleaning a LOT easier!!

Most important, my experience is the CPM-900 makes popcorn that isn't chewy! I've uses the same pre-measured packets in both and I never have to worry about drying the popcorn in the oven at 200 degree with the Cuisinart. It tastes great right from the popper!

The only negative I've personally found with the CPM-900 is that the bowl's lid doesn't snap on very tightly. It tends to pop off too easily. Perhaps I simply got a poorly sized lid. But it doesn't bother me because I simply place the lid on the counter, flip the bowl/heating unit off of the popper base and onto the lid, remove the heating unit, and scoop the popcorn into popcorn cups.

BTW, speaking of pre-measured packets.... I try to be health conscious where I can and that means avoiding products like coconut oil. So I use the Back To Basics Theater-Style packets available at Target. The Back To Basics product uses Sunflower oil, which contains zero trans fat and very low saturated fat. The packets are 4 oz (perfect for the CMP-900) and include Flavocal type seasoning:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Ni%2BUHU5RL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

Granted, I can taste the difference between these and coconut oil-based products. But I think the taste differences are minor and I feel a LOT more comfortable eating this product multiple times per week vs. coconut oil.

If I had a dedicated home theater room, I'd surely have a fancy popcorn maker on a stand. Maybe someday. But for now, making popcorn in the kitchen is how we do it. The Cuisinart CPM-900 is the best way I've found to make real movie theater-style popcorn in a minimal space.

Mark

".... I try to be health conscious where I can and that means avoiding products like coconut oil."

What is wrong with coconut oil? :confused:

Give it ten years, and Sunflower Oil will be found detrimental to health. :rolleyes:

I was "pressured" by study after study that margarine was so much more healthful to you. :p I always hated margarine.... :p

I DO like the refinements you described in that machine. I've never seen it. Will definately be checking this one out! The cleanup seems a "snap" compared to the cabinet style popper. Can you really submerse the heating element? WOW!

What is wrong with coconut oil? :confused

Any oil product that is a solid at room temperature worries me! :)

Coconut oil is much higher in saturated fat and contains trans fat! Who knows what future studies will reveal, but for now, it is universally accepted that trans fat is bad stuff. Granted, I wouldn't worry about consuming coconut oil popped corn on an ocassional basis (and I do, at the real movie theater), but I eat popcorn at home at least twice a week. I'll stick with sunflower oil for that, especially since the popcorn tastes almost as good!

And, yes, the heating/stirring unit on the CPM-900 really can be submerged in water to clean! You just have to be sure to let it dry completely before next use.

I got my Cuisinart CPM-900 at Linens & Things using a 20% off coupon, which lowered the price to $60.

Mark

it dosnt look as cool as the paragon machines, so nay

"Any oil product that is a solid at room temperature worries me! "

76 degree F room temperature!!!!!!!!! :eek:

Don't let the energy misers hear you say that!!!!! :eek:







kidding! :D

Has well does the machine operate?
Many old maids?
Any scortching?
Any drawbacks?

Thanks,

Mid

The Cuisinart works GREAT! No more old maids than I would typically get from the Stir Crazy. No problems with scorching at all. Only drawback is the lid that doesn't fit well.

Keep in mind that I use this popper (on average) about twice a week. Most times, I am simply popping a single batch (one 4 oz pre-measured packet). But occasionally I pop two successive batches (never done more than two in a row). The second batch always seems to pop faster.

I'm a happy camper! I get great tasting popcorn and very easy cleanup (relative to the Stir Crazy).

Mark

Mark,

Sounds like a good unit but it got poor reviews at Amazon.
I'd buy one because I agree with the soggy popcorn on a Stir-Crazy.
How long have you had it?

Thanks,
Scott

I saw those reviews on Amazon before purchasing mine. My thoughts about those Amazon reviews (and many retail site reviews in general) is that a certain percentage (possibly, too high of a percentage) of the public are idiots! :)

I've owned mine for about 6 months now and it's worked perfectly for me through at least 40 batches of popcorn.

Mark

Mark, thanks for the heads up; I bought a unit today. The "dishwasher safe" heating and stirring element is a big, big bonus for me.

Mark, thanks for the heads up; I bought a unit today. The "dishwasher safe" heating and stirring element is a big, big bonus for me.

I have the one before this I think with out the vent holes... I agree the popcorn is somewhat soggy but for the clean up factor you can't beat it. Just throw the stirring plate and the bucket in the dish washer. Also you have a bowl to eat the popcorn right out of. I have seen where people put holes in theirs to create steam vents but haven't done that yet.

Just following up on my thread!

I continue to use the Cuisinart Popper on a weekly basis and it continues to function perfectly for me (other than the lid that won't stay on). Not a single problem with the function of the unit. I bet I've popped at least 70-80 batches in the thing.

Unfortunately, it looks like Cuisinart has discontinued the item because it's no longer on their web site (thus, the link in my first message doesn't work). Amazon still has it available for $60 though.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41LCeGbA88L._SL500_AA280_.jpg

We're going to use the Cuisinart popper in just a few minutes. We're watching Management tonight (wife's pick!).

Mark

I would not get too caught up in the fat debate. They are a couple studies out that say the coconut is healthier then the canola! I also remember a study by a cardiologist that ate bacon and eggs every day for a year and his cholesterol dropped. His secret was donating blood once a month and followed it up with extensive bloodwork data...he was comparing to after the age 50 a womans chance of a heart attack triples..he was tying in into the fact that after menopause the blood release decreases...just food for thought.

Sorry if it was too much info :)

Not too much information at all. But, first of all, the Back to Basics packs I use contain Sunflower Oil, not Canola. Sunflower Oil has the lowest saturated fat of almost any oil (safflower is a bit lower I believe, but doesn't do was well at high temps). And Sunflower Oil is brimming with a good fat (monounsaturated). Sunflower is also high in vitamin E, which is helpful if the wife and I are watching a lusty romantic movie! :D

Sorry, but my belief (based on the evidence I've read) is that Coconut Oil is one of the most unhealthy oils you can consume! Sure, I still have some in my popcorn at the local cineplex from time to time. But for REGULAR consumption (at least once a week), I'll stick with Sunflower Oil. Tastes great and DEFINITELY healthier than Coconut Oil!

Mark

"Coconut oil is much higher in saturated fat and contains trans fat!"

Saturated fat? Trans fat??

If I'm not mistaken in both NYC & SF you can actually be shot on sight if caught consuming either one, however no worries, getting caught somkin' a splif is still just a slap on the wrist HOWEVER just watch what you eat when you get the munchies cause those cops are packin heat and ain't afraid to use it! :D

Unfortunately, it looks like Cuisinart has discontinued the item because it's no longer on their web site (thus, the link in my first message doesn't work).

Link still works, just takes you to the main page. :D

Found it here (http://www.cuisinart.com/products/specialty_appliances/cpm-900bk.html) on the Cuisinart site with MSRP of $59.99.

The reviews on Amazon for this popcorn maker have not been that good (mostly that the unit does not seem to last that long). Makes me wonder if they are going to come out with a new unit. Glad yours seems to be working great for you. SJ

Just a headsup, I just picked up this popcorn maker at Costco for $20.00 Twenty Dollars!! I got a black one, looking forward to trying it out tonight.

YMMV

After reading this thread a few weeks ago, we purchased one (black). Great unit.

We pop our corn about 1 1/2 hours ahead of wanting to eat it and put it in the oven at 210 degrees for the hour and a half. Comes out crisp and dry. We then spray it with butter Pam to get a good buttery flavor and to hold the popcorn salt in place. Works perfect.

Orville Redenbacher's Orginal Flavor corn and Redenbacher's popcorn oil.

I noticed that Williams-Sanoma has the poppers in white.

I just used my popcorn maker for the 1st time.

Its WAY better than the whirrly pop ive been using.

1) corn was MUCH crisper (due to much better venting than the whirrly pop)

2) it took a little longer as i think the heat isnt as great as a stove

3) clean up was a snap compared to cleaing the whirrly pop (i always get blacking on the bottom of my pot)

Looking forward to many nights of this popper

Kool, that's good news! :)

FYI: I just received an email from Williams Sonoma with a one-day sale price of $40 for this maker. But it also says, "Quantities are limited. Offer ends
tonight at 12 midnight (PST) Sunday, December 6", so I suspect the email was sent out too early. The price today is listed at $60.

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/e201/?pkey=x|4|1||4|popcorn||0&cm_src=SCH

I need to report that I gave up on mine. Three weeks old and it had started failing to heat half the time, same as had been reported by others. Then, one of the handles used to pick it up with to flip it over broke and fell off.

I emailed customer service at Cuisinart and never heard back from them.

I'm now using the West Bend Crazy Stir. A little clumsier to handle, but it pops about the same. Popcorn seems to need a little more drying in the oven than with the Cuisinart.

Best part of the West Bend is that it's half the price. I paid $29 at Target.

I'm now using the West Bend Crazy Stir. A little clumsier to handle, but it pops about the same. Popcorn seems to need a little more drying in the oven than with the Cuisinart.

You can do what I did with mine. After reading about the venting on the Cuisnart I drilled the wholes bigger on the Stir-Crazy. It helped. Now the popcorn is crisper than before.
Did you get the bigger cover also? If you use the packets of popcorn you need the bigger cover. I'm a t work so I don't remember the sizes.

Scott

Mine has the rounded cover. I believe that's considered the smaller cover.

We don't use the packets, just the regular bottled Redenbacher. After it's dried, I transfer it from the large drying vessel to smaller, spraying it with butter flavored Pam and adding the popcorn salt. The Pam doesn't add any calories or fat, and goes on pretty even. The Pam helps the salt adhere to the kernels.

The drying in the oven makes the popcorn really nice and crisp, both with the Cuisinart and the West Bend. At the present time, I'm at 90 minutes at 210 degrees. I don't mind the drying effort, as I can pop the corn well ahead of movie time and it's ready when I want it.

I tried these procedures with an air popper, but it didn't work well. The popcorn just didn't pop nice like it does in the Cuisinart and the West Bend. I wish Cuisinart would get the bugs out of their unit, it's really nice to work with. I wouldn't buy another at the present time as they are too expensive to break so readily. I thought maybe I could be the odds, but I didn't.

Still using my Cuisinart popper to make terrific popcorn on a regular basis. I echo the comments above Cuisinart producing crispier popcorn than the Stir Crazy. The Cuisinart's popcorn simply doesn't require drying in the oven. The Stir Crazy popcorn (same packets used for each) absolutely requires drying.

FWIW, two days ago I saw the Cuisinart popper on sale in Macy's for $59.99. Not the best price I've seen but very much worth the $60 in my opinion.

Mark

but paragon looks better!!!!

I feel it's important to update this topic. The Cuisinart model has two plastic clips that hold the popping plate secure to the base. A few months ago those clips broke on my Cuisinart popper. Without the clips the stirring rod would go round and round but the popping plate wouldn't heat up. I had to rig a rubber band arrangement to hold the popping plate down. Eventually I just gave up and threw the Cuisinart in the trash. I considered buying a replacement but decided to just use my old Stir Crazy for a bit.

I'm glad I waited! West Bend introduced a new model of Stir Crazy about a month ago. It's an even better popper than the Cuisinart model. I wrote about it here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1368265

BTW, I also recently discovered that Great Northern popcorn pre-packs use coconut oil that has zero trans fat and very low saturated fat. I talk about them in my review of the Stir Crazy Deluxe (see the link in my signature below).

Mark