Has anyone here own or ever used this Nostalgia Popper?


http://www.buyprima.com/PRODUCTS/Party%20time/KPM508.gif
his kettle popcorn maker uses today's technology while exhibiting the charm of days gone by. This countertop appliance makes a generous amount of theater-style popcorn anytime, anyplace. Perfect for home, office, dorm rooms, class rooms, clubhouses, and generally anywhere people gather to have fun. This appliance comes with a convenient measuring spoon for just the right amount of oil and a kernel measuring cup to make just the right amount of perfectly fluffy, hot, tasty popcorn using your favorite local ingredients. Bring the carnival atmosphere to any occasion, or enjoy theater-style popcorn while enjoying your favorite movie with family and friends in your very own home. Bring conversation back with this uniquely styled popcorn maker, reminiscent of the vendor carts from the early 1800's. Measures 18" x 10" x 11.5".



Thanks for any feedback

I used one for about a year before moving up to a four ounce machine. The machine worked fine with no problems although it is hard to clean because the compartment is so small. My only real complaint is that the light is a c-7 christmas bulb and does no heating at all. Other than that it is a nice little popper.

I use it for decoration only.

I had one given to me and I've tried using it a couple of times without much luck......

Don't know if my seeds were a little too old or not, but haven't tried it since. Now, it's just a decoration.... :(

Used it for about a year - worked fine & made good popcorn. It's nice that you can use the "real"ingredients = good flavor.

Cons -

- small, very tough to clean. Acrylic panels = no ammonia (or alcohol). "Orange" cleaner works well.

- kettle is small, makes cleaning it tough. Hard to get one's hand inside for cleaning.

- Number 1 knock - to remove the kettle requires unscrewing the handle. This gets old fast.

- 2oz batches are enough for 1 = you have to make multiple batches

- Bits of kernals often get stuck under the stir bar. Given the small kettle it's hard to get them out = they burn w/ the associated aroma.

Summary:

Yes, it makes popcorn. It will work fine for limited use. If there's any way to get a 4oz machine do it. If budget is a constraint then look to the Nostalgia or Max-Matic Elite table top (in the $160 range). Some Costco stores had the Maxi-Matic on closeout for $99.97 - it's $160 shipped from Costco online.

Maxi-Matic Elite @ Costco (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11201859&search=popcorn&Mo=4&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=0&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=popcorn&Ntt=popcorn&No=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1)

- old maid drawer
- heated deck
- 3 glass panels (exception is the door)
- single hinge kettle = easy to wipe out
- single piece lid, attaches to top via magnet
- removable lower deck for easy cleaning
- stir bar design prevents binding

Overall a pretty good budget unit. Better overall design than the Notaglia 4oz cart unit.

(I mention this one because of the "dang" in the Nostalgia thread)