All popcorn gurus, lend me your ears!

meariesguy · 10-19-07, 03:46 PM

Sorry for the slight pun. I'm ready to buy my popcorn maker. My head is spinning from all the discussions, so I'm asking for comments on two questios.
1. If money is not an issue what is best table top 8oz. machine.

2. If money is an issue, best value for the money.

Thanks,

Elliot

whiskey alpha · 10-19-07, 03:51 PM

I have a Paragon TP and it works awesome. Cretors is also good but they are a little pricey.

PamW · 10-19-07, 09:35 PM

I love my Gold Medal 6 oz, but you can't go wrong with the Paragon, either. I picked mine because there is a Gold Medal office here so I can get all of my supplies and any work done on the popper locally!

Good luck.

McCall · 10-19-07, 10:27 PM

another vote for Paragon. This is the one I have and it is great it is 8 oz.

I got mine on the Stargatecinema power buy special.

htomei22 · 10-19-07, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McCall

another vote for Paragon. This is the one I have and it is great it is 8 oz.

I got mine on the Stargatecinema power buy special.

Ditto for me on all counts. Had mine now for about 3 years from an earlier power buy - use it regularly and have never had a problem.

wildfire99 · 10-20-07, 03:41 AM

But best value for the money is, IMO, the Elite 8oz. machine from Costco ($260ish?) or the *cough* similar machine as discussed in the Discount Tommy thread for $200.

Or if you only make popcorn once or twice a week and don't care for a giant machine, a $25 Stir Crazy.

htomei22 · 10-20-07, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildfire99

But best value for the money is, IMO, the Elite 8oz. machine from Costco ($260ish?) or the *cough* similar machine as discussed in the Discount Tommy thread for $200.

Or if you only make popcorn once or twice a week and don't care for a giant machine, a $25 Stir Crazy.

Gave my nephew the 8oz Stir Crazy (a little bit more expensive than the 'original' one) and it's GREAT. Even made some caramel corn in it, and it did a good job.

srw1000 · 10-20-07, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildfire99

Or if you only make popcorn once or twice a week and don't care for a giant machine, a $25 Stir Crazy.

I'm also going to second the Stir Crazy for the best value machine. While my first one was intermittently defective, the replacement has worked flawlessly. It pops quickly, and there are very few old maids left over.

Scott

wildfire99 · 10-20-07, 10:21 PM

I had the small Stir Crazy and it was perfectly sized for 4oz pre-packs. I presume the larger (8qt) one would be a good fit for 6oz pre-packs. The stirrer rod would stick from time to time but hey, for $25, it made great popcorn.

Digital Man · 10-21-07, 12:31 PM

Rumor has it that there might just be a popcorn machine powerbuy coming up real soon now. This is great news for me since I'm ready to buy! Just need to figure out which one, that's the hard part.

Guy

MidLife · 10-21-07, 08:20 PM

Paragon. Great build quality. I love the quality and construction of my machine. will probably last a decade or more!

Ergoguy34 · 10-21-07, 08:27 PM

Paragon here but I have a different model than the one above, I believe mine is the paragon 911, 4oz, it has provided my family with tons of great popcorn over the past 4 years with out a hitch a great machine indeed at a reasonable price.

HeyNow^ · 10-22-07, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ergoguy34

Paragon here but I have a different model than the one above, I believe mine is the paragon 911, 4oz, it has provided my family with tons of great popcorn over the past 4 years with out a hitch a great machine indeed at a reasonable price.

+1

Gibbie · 10-22-07, 11:12 AM

I liked my 1911 4oz so much I upgraded to the 8oz model. No problems with either model and I make at least one batch every week.

Skers · 10-24-07, 12:33 PM

I also give the thumbs up to the Paragon, I have the 1911 Style 6oz Poporn Machine.
I like it because of the design. Plus it is made in the USA, (Iowa)
kettle wipes out easy even after camel corn.

Falcon Eddie · 10-24-07, 05:33 PM

Cretor's Nite Club.

elmalloc · 10-24-07, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ergoguy34

Paragon here but I have a different model than the one above, I believe mine is the paragon 911, 4oz, it has provided my family with tons of great popcorn over the past 4 years with out a hitch a great machine indeed at a reasonable price.

+1

cptshakman · 11-13-07, 09:29 PM

We just bought the 6oz. Metropolitan from Ken at Stargate. Great price and great service. The most amazing thing is that we placed the order on Monday (national holiday) morning and the machine and accessories arrived on Tuesday. Admittedly, we are only a few hundred miles away, but I still consider that far better than expected. We picked this model largely because it will go against the back wall in our home theater and she didn't want to hide the graphics against the wall.

Sadly, the wife has decided that it is the family x-mas present and that we need to keep it hidden from the kids until after the fat guy leaves on the 25th. Oh well...I'm sure it will be well received whenever I am allowed to bring it out of hiding.

Aircooled · 11-14-07, 01:03 PM

The last things you want is for the kids to get it on Christmas, try to make a batch of popcorn, and find something doesn't work (lights, heat element, stir mechanism).

You really need to cook up a test batch now to confirm its okay, and allow enough time to return/replace it if it doesn't. (Try to tell your wife this with a straight face)

b curry · 11-16-07, 10:41 PM

Congrats on your purchase!

My vote is for Cretor's - built like a tank and good resale value. It's a commercial quality machine.

elmalloc · 11-17-07, 02:45 AM

price?

meariesguy · 11-18-07, 07:42 PM

Thanks for everyone's input. For now I'm going with the 8oz Stir Crazy. Any suggestions on brand of popcorn/oil or packs to use.

Thanks,
Elliot

MidLife · 11-18-07, 10:06 PM

I recommend Country Harvest Popcorn portion Packs. I have used Megapop for several years, but, recently, I like the taste and texture of Country Harvest better. Just MO.

Falcon Eddie · 11-21-07, 03:28 PM

Country Harvest is the tastiest I've had so far. If you're interested in Country Harvest, be aware it is available in rebadged product from multiple resellers. Below is one of them. You'll have to make your way to "popcorn supplies" to see this. The link won't go directly to the right page.

http://www.deusterco.com/enter.html?lmd=39170.831377

meariesguy · 11-21-07, 05:40 PM

What ounce size of packs should I use for 8qt. Stir Crazy, 4oz, 6oz, etc.?

thanks

wg4ever · 11-24-07, 03:53 PM

Macy's has this one if you wanna go cheap

$49.95 after rebate

My first post so I cant post the URL. Just go to macys.com and search for popcorn

elmalloc · 11-24-07, 04:51 PM

Thanks wg4ever.

Morphx2 · 11-26-07, 01:28 PM

I work at a movie theatre in Miami, FL and am the senior concession supervisor...I am so sick of popcorn I am banning it from my home theatre when it gets set up :P

10-19-07, 03:46 PM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
meariesguy Meariesguy Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 91	All popcorn gurus, lend me your ears! Sorry for the slight pun. I'm ready to buy my popcorn maker. My head is spinning from all the discussions, so I'm asking for comments on two questios. 1. If money is not an issue what is best table top 8oz. machine. 2. If money is an issue, best value for the money. Thanks, Elliot

10-19-07, 09:35 PM	#3 \| Link
PamW AVS Special Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 2,504	I love my Gold Medal 6 oz, but you can't go wrong with the Paragon, either. I picked mine because there is a Gold Medal office here so I can get all of my supplies and any work done on the popper locally! Good luck. __________________ Pam

10-19-07, 10:27 PM	#4 \| Link
McCall Proud Grandmother AVS CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,084	another vote for Paragon. This is the one I have and it is great it is 8 oz. I got mine on the Stargatecinema power buy special. __________________ McCall ----------------------------------------------------------------- Yup that really IS me in the avatar. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...he+Mickelodeon

10-21-07, 12:31 PM	#10 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
Digital Man Advanced Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 702	Rumor has it that there might just be a popcorn machine powerbuy coming up real soon now. This is great news for me since I'm ready to buy! Just need to figure out which one, that's the hard part. Guy __________________ Cygnus X-1 Theater Construction Thread

10-21-07, 08:27 PM	#12 \| Link
Ergoguy34 Advanced Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 741	Paragon here but I have a different model than the one above, I believe mine is the paragon 911, 4oz, it has provided my family with tons of great popcorn over the past 4 years with out a hitch a great machine indeed at a reasonable price. __________________ 200 +++ BD discs and counting...still enjoying 60+ HD-DVD's too!!

10-19-07, 03:51 PM	#2 \| Link
whiskey alpha account closed Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,082 Classified Rating: 100% (1)	I have a Paragon TP and it works awesome. Cretors is also good but they are a little pricey.

10-20-07, 03:41 AM	#6 \| Link
wildfire99 Parallel HT Universe Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: The Wet Northwest Posts: 1,471	But best value for the money is, IMO, the Elite 8oz. machine from Costco ($260ish?) or the cough similar machine as discussed in the Discount Tommy thread for $200. Or if you only make popcorn once or twice a week and don't care for a giant machine, a $25 Stir Crazy.

10-20-07, 10:21 PM	#9 \| Link
wildfire99 Parallel HT Universe Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: The Wet Northwest Posts: 1,471	I had the small Stir Crazy and it was perfectly sized for 4oz pre-packs. I presume the larger (8qt) one would be a good fit for 6oz pre-packs. The stirrer rod would stick from time to time but hey, for $25, it made great popcorn.

10-21-07, 08:20 PM	#11 \| Link
MidLife AVS Special Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,564	Paragon. Great build quality. I love the quality and construction of my machine. will probably last a decade or more!

10-22-07, 11:12 AM	#14 \| Link
Gibbie Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Streamwood, Il Posts: 223	I liked my 1911 4oz so much I upgraded to the 8oz model. No problems with either model and I make at least one batch every week.

10-24-07, 12:33 PM	#15 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
Skers Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Omaha Posts: 49	I also give the thumbs up to the Paragon, I have the 1911 Style 6oz Poporn Machine. I like it because of the design. Plus it is made in the USA, (Iowa) kettle wipes out easy even after camel corn.

10-24-07, 05:33 PM	#16 \| Link
Falcon Eddie Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 168	Cretor's Nite Club.

11-13-07, 09:29 PM	#18 \| Link
cptshakman New Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1	We just bought the 6oz. Metropolitan from Ken at Stargate. Great price and great service. The most amazing thing is that we placed the order on Monday (national holiday) morning and the machine and accessories arrived on Tuesday. Admittedly, we are only a few hundred miles away, but I still consider that far better than expected. We picked this model largely because it will go against the back wall in our home theater and she didn't want to hide the graphics against the wall. Sadly, the wife has decided that it is the family x-mas present and that we need to keep it hidden from the kids until after the fat guy leaves on the 25th. Oh well...I'm sure it will be well received whenever I am allowed to bring it out of hiding.

11-14-07, 01:03 PM	#19 \| Link
Aircooled Ghia Pilot Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 88	The last things you want is for the kids to get it on Christmas, try to make a batch of popcorn, and find something doesn't work (lights, heat element, stir mechanism). You really need to cook up a test batch now to confirm its okay, and allow enough time to return/replace it if it doesn't. (Try to tell your wife this with a straight face)

11-16-07, 10:41 PM	#20 \| Link
b curry AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: on the way to Hell, Michigan USA Posts: 1,550	Congrats on your purchase! My vote is for Cretor's - built like a tank and good resale value. It's a commercial quality machine.

11-17-07, 02:45 AM	#21 \| Link
elmalloc Eternal Sonata Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Brunswick, OH Posts: 2,832	price? __________________ Theater construction.

11-18-07, 07:42 PM	#22 \| Link
meariesguy Meariesguy Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 91	Thanks for everyone's input. For now I'm going with the 8oz Stir Crazy. Any suggestions on brand of popcorn/oil or packs to use. Thanks, Elliot

11-18-07, 10:06 PM	#23 \| Link
MidLife AVS Special Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,564	I recommend Country Harvest Popcorn portion Packs. I have used Megapop for several years, but, recently, I like the taste and texture of Country Harvest better. Just MO.

11-21-07, 03:28 PM	#24 \| Link
Falcon Eddie Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 168	Country Harvest is the tastiest I've had so far. If you're interested in Country Harvest, be aware it is available in rebadged product from multiple resellers. Below is one of them. You'll have to make your way to "popcorn supplies" to see this. The link won't go directly to the right page. http://www.deusterco.com/enter.html?lmd=39170.831377

11-21-07, 05:40 PM	#25 \| Link
meariesguy Meariesguy Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 91	What ounce size of packs should I use for 8qt. Stir Crazy, 4oz, 6oz, etc.? thanks

11-24-07, 03:53 PM	#26 \| Link
wg4ever New Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1	Popper Macy's has this one if you wanna go cheap $49.95 after rebate My first post so I cant post the URL. Just go to macys.com and search for popcorn

11-24-07, 04:51 PM	#27 \| Link
elmalloc Eternal Sonata Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Brunswick, OH Posts: 2,832	Thanks wg4ever.

11-26-07, 01:28 PM	#28 \| Link
Morphx2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 261	I work at a movie theatre in Miami, FL and am the senior concession supervisor...I am so sick of popcorn I am banning it from my home theatre when it gets set up :P