Hamilton Beach
Hamilton Beach Electric Hot Oil Popcorn Popper 73400
$34.99250+ bought last month
View on Amazon
West Bend Stir Crazy 6-Quart Electric Popcorn Popper 82505 Review
Our verdict
The West Bend Stir Crazy 82505 is the top-selling oil popper for a reason: 4.6 stars from 14,800 ratings and 1,500+ units sold last month. At $39.99, its 6-quart capacity and stirring rod deliver consistent, movie-theater-style popcorn with less scorching than basic hot-air models.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Families or groups who want big batches of classic oil-popped popcorn with melted butter, without babysitting the pot.
Skip if
You prefer air-popped (no oil) for lower calories, or need dishwasher-safe parts, this model must be hand-washed.
- Capacity 6 qt
- Popping method Oil
- Oil needed Yes
- Wattage 600 W
- Butter tray Yes
- Dishwasher safe No
- Capacity of 6 qt - smaller than 67% of the 10 models we track
- Weight of 3.6 lb - heavier than 67% of the 10 models we track
Pros
- 6-quart capacity makes enough for a small crowd
- Stirring rod reduces burnt kernels vs. basic oil poppers
- Built-in butter tray melts butter as you pop
- 4.6 stars from 14,800 ratings, exceptionally high approval
- Over 1,500 units sold last month, proven popularity
- Moderate noise level won't overpower conversation
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe, requires hand washing
- 600 watts is lower than some competitors (e.g., Hamilton Beach 73400 at 800W)
- Oil must be added manually; not for health-conscious air-popping
- Plastic construction may feel less durable than metal
- Footprint is medium, may not fit tight countertops
Specifications
| Capacity | 6 qt |
|---|---|
| Popping method | Oil |
| Oil needed | Yes |
| Wattage | 600 W |
| Butter tray | Yes |
| Dishwasher safe | No |
| Weight | 3.6 lb |
| Footprint | Medium |
| Color | Red |
| Noise | Moderate |
Overview
The West Bend Stir Crazy 82505 is an electric oil popcorn popper that makes up to 6 quarts per batch. It uses a 600-watt heating element and a motor-driven stirring rod to keep kernels moving, which helps reduce burning. The included butter tray lets you melt butter right on top while the popcorn pops.
With a 4.6-star average across nearly 15,000 ratings and over 1,500 units sold last month, it's one of the most popular popcorn makers on Amazon. Its medium footprint (3.6 lb) fits most countertops, though the red plastic body isn't dishwasher safe. Noise is moderate, comparable to a blender on low.
Compared to the similar Hamilton Beach 73400 (4.2 stars, 2,600 ratings), the West Bend offers 50% more capacity (6 qt vs 4 qt) and a higher rating, though it costs $5 more. For oil-popping fans who want a set-it-and-forget-it experience, this is the crowd favorite.
Performance notes
The 600-watt heating element is modest compared to the Hamilton Beach 73400's 800W, but the stirring rod compensates by keeping kernels moving so they pop evenly. Expect about 3-4 minutes per batch for 6 quarts. The built-in butter tray is a convenience: you place butter pats on top, and rising steam melts it into a cup for drizzling. Noise is moderate, a steady humming motor plus popping, at about the level of a countertop blender on low. The 3.6 lb weight means it's easy to lift but not flimsy. Because the nonstick interior isn't dishwasher safe, plan for a 5-minute hand wash after each use.
What buyers say
With 14,800 ratings and a 4.6-star average, the Stir Crazy enjoys near-universal approval. The 1,500+ units sold last month indicate strong ongoing demand. Patterns suggest users love the consistent results and easy operation, while a small fraction mention difficulty cleaning (the nonstick coating requires gentle hand washing). The high rating count, far more than the Hamilton Beach 73400's 2,600, makes this a reliable choice backed by a large sample size.
Similar popcorn makers to consider
- Cuisinart
Cuisinart EasyPop Hot Air Popcorn Maker CPM-100
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Frequently asked questions
Can I use this without oil?
No, the West Bend Stir Crazy is designed for oil popping. Using oil is required to prevent burning and to help the stirring rod work. If you want oil-free popcorn, consider a hot air popper instead.
How do I clean the Stir Crazy?
The popper is not dishwasher safe. Let it cool completely, then wipe the interior with a damp cloth or sponge. The butter tray and lid can be hand-washed with mild soap. Avoid abrasive scrubbers to protect the nonstick coating.
Does the butter tray actually work well?
Yes, the butter tray sits on top of the popping chamber. As the popcorn pops, the heat melts the butter and it drips into a small spout. Users generally find it convenient, though you may need to warm butter slightly if it's cold.