West Bend
West Bend Stir Crazy 6-Quart Electric Popcorn Popper 82505
$39.991,500+ bought last month
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Hamilton Beach Electric Hot Oil Popcorn Popper 73400 Review
Our verdict
The Hamilton Beach 73400 is a no-fuss oil popper for $35 that delivers movie-theater-style popcorn. Its 800W motor heats oil fast, and the butter tray melts topping as kernels pop. But the 4-qt capacity is smaller than competitors, expect about 4 quarts per batch, not enough for a party crowd.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Budget-minded snackers who want hot-oil popcorn with melted butter, and don't need huge batches. Great for small households or single servings.
Skip if
You want large batches (6+ quarts) or a stir-free machine. The West Bend Stir Crazy offers a 6-qt capacity and a stirring rod for similar money.
- Capacity 4 qt
- Popping method Oil
- Oil needed Yes
- Wattage 800 W
- Butter tray Yes
- Dishwasher safe No
- Capacity of 4 qt - smaller than 89% of the 10 models we track
Pros
- Low price at $34.99, cheapest oil popper with a butter tray
- 800W wattage heats oil faster than the 600W West Bend Stir Crazy
- Butter tray melts topping as popcorn pops
- Lightweight at 3.0 lb, easy to move and store
- Over 2,600 ratings indicate a well-reviewed product
- 250+ units bought last month, consistent demand
Cons
- 4-qt capacity is 33% smaller than the West Bend Stir Crazy's 6 qt
- No stirring mechanism, requires manual shaking to avoid burning
- Not dishwasher safe, must hand wash the kettle and lid
- Moderate noise level may be loud for some
- Some user patterns suggest more unpopped kernels than competitors
Specifications
| Capacity | 4 qt |
|---|---|
| Popping method | Oil |
| Oil needed | Yes |
| Wattage | 800 W |
| Butter tray | Yes |
| Dishwasher safe | No |
| Weight | 3.0 lb |
| Footprint | Medium |
| Color | Black |
| Noise | Moderate |
Overview
The Hamilton Beach 73400 is an entry-level hot oil popcorn popper at $34.99, making it one of the most affordable ways to make oil-popped popcorn at home. It features an 800-watt heating element that heats oil quickly, a 4-quart capacity, and a built-in butter tray that melts butter over the popcorn as it pops. The machine is lightweight at 3.0 pounds and has a moderate noise level.
However, the 4-quart capacity is smaller than the 6-quart West Bend Stir Crazy ($39.99) and it lacks a stirring mechanism, so you may need to shake the machine to prevent burning. It is not dishwasher safe, which means hand washing is required. With over 2,600 ratings and a 4.2-star average, most buyers find it reliable for the price, but some note that unpopped kernels are common.
If you prioritize batch size and stirring, the West Bend Stir Crazy offers a larger capacity and a built-in stirrer for just $5 more. The Hamilton Beach is best for occasional popcorn making where cost is the main concern.
Performance notes
At 800 watts, the Hamilton Beach 73400 heats oil more aggressively than the 600-watt West Bend Stir Crazy, which can mean faster popping but also a higher risk of burning if not shaken. The 4-quart capacity is suitable for 3-4 servings; a full batch yields about 4 quarts of popped corn. The butter tray sits on top and uses steam from popping to melt butter, effective but not as controlled as a separate melting cup. Noise is moderate, you'll hear the pop rhythm clearly but it's not deafening. The lack of a stirring rod means kernels at the bottom can scorch; occasional shaking is advised. Overall, performance matches its price point: functional but basic.
What buyers say
The Hamilton Beach 73400 holds a 4.2-star average from over 2,600 reviews, with 250+ units sold last month. This is a solid but not stellar rating, the West Bend Stir Crazy earns 4.6 stars from 14,800 reviews and sells 1,500+ monthly, indicating stronger buyer satisfaction. Patterns in the Hamilton Beach reviews suggest praise for its low price and the butter tray, but frequent mentions of small capacity and the need to shake the machine. A notable portion of buyers compare it unfavorably to the Stir Crazy, citing more unpopped kernels. Still, for the price, most feel it's a decent value.
Similar popcorn makers to consider
- Cuisinart
Cuisinart EasyPop Hot Air Popcorn Maker CPM-100
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Hamilton Beach 73400 dishwasher safe?
No. The manufacturer states that the popcorn popper is not dishwasher safe. Hand washing the kettle, lid, and butter tray is recommended to avoid damage.
How much popcorn does the Hamilton Beach 73400 make per batch?
It has a 4-quart capacity, which yields about 4 quarts of popped popcorn. That's roughly 3-4 servings, suitable for small households or individual movie nights.
Does the Hamilton Beach 73400 require oil?
Yes. This is a hot oil popcorn popper, so you need to add oil (and kernels) to the kettle. The butter tray on top melts butter or margarine as the popcorn pops.