West Bend 82505 Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine Electric User Manual

West Bend 82505 Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine Electric

Specifications

• Item Dimensions LxWxH 5 x 11.7 x 7.5 inches
• Item Weight 4 Pounds
• Is Electric Yes
• Capacity 6 Quarts
• Special Feature Popcorn
• Material Plastic
• Brand West Bend

Introduction

Since its establishment in 1911 in West Bend, Wisconsin, West Bend has been a pioneer in the development of electric kitchen equipment. Consumers have always been first in all we do, and we strive to always deliver superior performance, quality, and value. A wonderful and healthful snack option is popcorn. You can enjoy it with butter and seasonings or eat it plain for a healthier snack. For any event, it may be dressed up or down. Any dinner party, backyard barbecue, or cold winter night in front of the fire is complete with it. America’s preferred popcorn popper is the Stir Crazy No. 82505 6-Quart Popcorn Popper by West Bend.

What’s in the box?

• West Bend 82505 Stir Crazy Popcorn Popper
• Clear Cover

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

To prevent personal injury or property damage, read and follow all instructions and warnings.

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed including

• Read all instructions.
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles and hot pads or oven mitts.
• To protect against fire, electric shock, and injury to persons do not immerse cord, plugs, or other electric parts in water or other liquids.
• Close supervision is necessary when this appliance is used by or near children.
• Always unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts and before cleaning.
• Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, after the appliance malfunctions, or has been damaged in any manner. This appliance has no user serviceable parts.
• Do not attempt to repair this appliance yourself.
• Return appliance to the nearest authorized service facility for examination, repair, or adjustment.
• The use of accessory attachments not recommended by West Bend may cause fire, electric shock, or injury.
• Do not use this appliance outdoors.
• Do not let cord hang over the edge of the table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
• Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
• To disconnect, turn any control to “OFF,” then remove plug from wall outlet.
• Do not use appliance for other than intended use.
• Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot oil or other hot liquids.
• Extreme caution must be used when unloading popcorn. Always turn the unit away from you and over a countertop so that residual hot oil or water running out will not cause burns.
• A popper that is plugged into an outlet should not be left unattended.
• A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce risks resulting from becoming entangled in or tripping over a longer cord.
• Longer extension cords are available, but care must be exercised in their use. While use of an extension cord is not recommended, if you must use one, ensure that the marked electrical rating of the extension cord is equal to or greater than that of the appliance. If the plug is of the grounded type, the extension cord must be a grounding-type 3-wire cord. To avoid pulling, tripping or entanglement, position the extension cord so that it does not hang over the edge of the counter, table or other area where it can be pulled on by children or tripped over.
• Do not use an outlet or extension cord if the plug fits loosely or if the outlet or extension cord feels hot.
• This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to fit into a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug.  If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician.  Do not attempt to modify the plug in any way.
• Avoid contact with moving parts.
• This popcorn popper will not shut off automatically.
• To avoid overheating, add corn and oil before operating.
• For household use only.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

BEFORE USING FOR THE FIRST TIME

Please check all packaging material carefully before discarding. Accessory parts may be contained within the packaging material.

Wash the butter lid, cover, stir rod, and knob in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Wipe the nonstick surface of the popping plate with a damp, soapy cloth, then rinse with a clean, damp cloth. Do NOT immerse the popper base in water or any other liquid. The cover and butter lid are top-rack dishwasher-safe.

Assemble the stir rod to the popper base; fit the stir rod into the notch next to the screw in the popper base. Screw the securing knob onto the screw in the popping base to secure the stir rod in place.

USING YOUR STIR CRAZY® CORN POPPER

1. Place the base on a dry, level surface, away from any edge.

2. Put vegetable oil and corn into the popping base. Spread corn evenly over popping surface. Do not substitute butter, margarine, shortening, or lard for vegetable oil as these will burn or smoke excessively. Do not add more corn or oil than recommended. Specialty oils may be used, but some experimentation may be necessary to find the best popping results and flavor you prefer. Do not use more than 3 tablespoons of any oil.
   If using a gourmet/premium grade of corn, use less than amount of corn specified.

3. Place the cover on the popping base, making sure the handles of the cover fit securely into the handles of the popping base. If buttered corn is desired, divide recommended amount of refrigerated butter into 6 equal-sized pats and place in a single layer in the butter well. Snap the butter lid on top of the butter well. Popcorn will be buttered as it pops.

4. Plug cord into a 120 volt, AC outlet only. Press the “ON/OFF” switch to “ON,” the light will be illuminated. The stir rod will rotate as long as the corn popper is on. Do not shake popper during popping cycle. In 4 to 5 minutes the popping cycle will be completed. Turn “ON/OFF” switch to “OFF” ( O ).

5. If butter is not completely melted in butter well, use a pastry brush to push any remaining butter through the buttering holes. Snap butter lid securely back onto the butter well. This cap must be on the cover before the popper is inverted.

6. Make sure handles of cover are placed into handles of popper base. Using hot pads or oven mitts, grasp handles firmly and turn popper upside down, turning popper away from you.  Lift popper base away from cover, being careful of escaping steam. Always turn the popper away from you, over a countertop, so that residual hot oil or hot condensation running out will not cause burns.
   Tip: Popcorn is done when there is a 1-2 second pause between pops or if the cover has lifted or is turning. To avoid scorching, follow step 6 as soon as popping cycle is complete.

7. Popcorn is now ready for serving.  Sprinkle popcorn with salt if desired.

Popping Additional Batches of Popcorn
If you plan to pop more corn immediately, transfer popcorn from serving cover to another serving bowl. Wipe the interior of the bowl and butter lid to remove excess condensation. Follow steps 2 through 6 above.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Always use fresh popcorn. Dried out, stale, or old popcorn pops poorly as it has lost its moisture content and may scorch.
• Store popcorn in airtight containers made of glass or plastic to avoid moisture loss in the kernels. Be sure that the container is stored in a cool place, do not store in the refrigerator. Most refrigerators contain little moisture and can dry out kernels, resulting in poor popping.
• This popcorn popper can accommodate both regular and premium popcorns. Premium and gourmet popcorns may not yield results as good as regular popcorn. If premium or gourmet popcorn is used, you may notice an increase in the number of unpopped kernels.
• If popcorn does not pop, it is usually the result of environmental factors such as the freshness and moisture content of the popcorn, or variances by popcorn type. Unpopped kernels do not necessarily indicate a defect in the appliance.
• Instead of popping with vegetable oil, try one of these healthy choices, extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, coconut oil, corn oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil. Specialty oils may also be used, but some experimentation may be necessary to find the best popping results and flavor you prefer. Do not use more than 3 tablespoons of any oil.
• Add flavor to your oil while popping – add a garlic clove or minced garlic, onion slices, or jalapeño peppers.
• When done popping, start layering flavors. We find a light misting of olive oil, (many great infused olive oils are also available) lemon or lime juice, balsamic vinegar, or even water will help any additional seasonings adhere to the corn.

CLEANING YOUR STIR CRAZY® CORN POPPER

Clean Popper After Every Use – Your corn popper should be cleaned after each use. Always allow popper to cool completely before cleaning.

Cleaning Cover – Wash cover and butter lid in warm, soapy water with a dishcloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Do not use scouring pad or abrasive cleaners on cover as these could cause scratching. The cover and butter lid may be washed in an automatic dishwasher, top rack only.

Cleaning Stir Rod
Remove stir rod from base by unscrewing securing knob. Wash rod and securing knob with warm, soapy water using a dishcloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Replace stir rod after cleaning base, making sure it fits into notched area around screw. Secure with securing knob.

Cleaning Popper Base
Clean non-stick surface of base with a damp, soapy dishcloth, sponge or nylon- scouring pad. Wipe surface with a damp cloth and dry. Do not use abrasive scouring pads or powders on non-stick finish as scratching may occur. After consistent use, the non-stick finish may discolor. To remove discoloration, use a soft cloth saturated with lemon juice or vinegar and rub over finish. Then wipe the finish with a damp cloth and dry. To use the cord wrap, wind the cord around the post at the bottom of the appliance for easy, tangle-free storage. Store the popper base inside the cover.

DO NOT PLACE POPPING BASE IN AN AUTOMATIC DISHWASHER OR IMMERSE IN WATER OR ANY OTHER LIQUID.

POPCORN IDEAS & RECIPES

Popcorn is the perfect blank canvas for creating treats. You can create decadant concoctions with chocolate and candies or healthy, guilt-free snacks that everyone can enjoy. Here are some recipes and ideas to get you started, but really, once you start your imagination can take over.

Try mixing and matching any of these for a healthy snack

• Aged and grated Parmesan,
• Provolone, or Romano cheese
• Basil
• Black pepper
• Celery flakes
• Chili powder
• Chives
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Cocoa powder
• Crushed red peppers
• Cumin
• Dill
• Garlic powder
• Lemon, orange, or lime zest
• Nutritional Yeast (great nutty flavor)
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Paprika
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Sea salt
• Sugar
• Thyme

Try mixing and matching any of these for a decadent treat

• Bacon
• Blue cheese
• crumbles
• Cake mix
• Cake or brownie crumbles
• Candy pieces or Bite-sized
• candies
• Chocolate chips
• Chopped candy bars
• Cocoa powder
• Crushed cookies
• Dry cheese sauce powder
• Graham cracker pieces
• Hot cocoa mix Marshmallows
• Melted chocolate or
• Almond bark
• Nuts
• Peanut butter
• Powdered drink mixes
• Powdered sugar
• Pretzels
• Reduced balsamic
• vinegar (fruit infused is delightful)
• Salted peanuts
• Sweetened cereal
• Toasted or grated coconut

Joel’s Blue Cheese Bacon Popcorn

• 4 slices bacon
• ⅓ cup popping corn
• 1 tbsp. reserved bacon grease
• ⅓ cup crumbled blue cheese fresh ground black pepper

Fry bacon until crisp; cool and crumble. Using 1 tbsp. of the reserved bacon grease, pop your corn in the popper.  When finished popping, and while still warm, add the crumbled blue cheese, bacon, and generously sprinkle with fresh ground black pepper.

Herb Infusion

• ⅔ cup popping corn
• 2 tbsp. popping oil of choice
• 4 tbsp. coconut oil, melted
• nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp. mixed dried herbs: dill, parsley thyme and oregano (add cayenne to the mix if you like spice)
• Garlic or sea salt to taste

Follow basic directions to pop popcorn. Set popcorn aside in a large mixing bowl, drizzle melted coconut oil over the corn and toss to distribute. Sprinkle with the herb blend and add garlic or sea salt to taste, toss again

S’mores ‘n More

• 8-10 cups popped popcorn (we liked ours lightly buttered and salted)
• milk or dark chocolate, melted, for drizzling
• 4 tbsp. butter
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 24 graham crackers, broken in bite size pieces
• OR 2 cups of graham breakfast cereal
• 2 to 4oz. of milk chocolate, shaved or cut into pieces

In a large mixing bowl, mix the popped popcorn, and half of the all the other ingredients until well mixed, spread out on wax or parchment paper, sprinkle remaining crackers or cereal and marshmallows over the top and drizzle with the remaining melted chocolate.  Allow it to cool and set before eating

Confetti Cake Popcorn

• 8-10 cups popped popcorn (either plain or buttered and salted)
• 1 to 1½ cups cake mix (white, yellow, or chocolate)
• white, milk or dark chocolate
• ¼ cups vegetable shortening
• ¼ cup sprinkles (round, multicolored)

Microwave the chocolate for one minute or until melted.  Add the vegetable shorting and stir until melted and well mixed.  In a large mixing bowl, combine the popped popcorn with the dry cake mix, drizzle with the melted chocolate and mix well to evenly coat.  Add the sprinkles and toss, spread to cool and dry on parchment or wax paper.

Say Cheese Popcorn

8-10 cups popped popcorn, buttered 1½ oz. (1 envelope) dry cheese sauce ¼ cup melted butter mix (from a box of macaroni and cheese) In a large mixing bowl, mix the popped popcorn and the other ingredients until well mixed.

Lime Fiesta Popcorn

• ⅓ cup popping corn
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tbsp. popping oil, your choice
• ½ tsp. cumin
• 1 lime, use for zest and juice

Follow basic directions to pop popcorn.  When popping cycle is complete, squeeze juice of the lime over warm popcorn then add lime zest, chili powder, and cumin, toss to coat.

PRODUCT WARRANTY

Appliance 1 Year Limited Warranty

West Bend (“the Company”) warrants this appliance from failures in the material   and workmanship for one (1) year from the date of original purchase with proof of purchase, provided that the appliance is operated and maintained in conformity with the Instruction b Manual. Any failed part of the appliance will be repaired or replaced without charge at the Company’s discretion. This warranty applies to indoor household use only.

This warranty does not cover any damage, including discoloration, to any non- stick surface of the appliance. This warranty is null and void, as determined solely by the Company, if the appliance is damaged through accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, scratching, or if the appliance is altered in any way.

THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, PERFORMANCE, OR OTHERWISE, WHICH ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COMPANY BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, FORSEEABLE, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR SPECIAL ARIsING OUT OF OR IN cONNECTION WITH THIS APPLIANCE

If you think the appliance has failed or requires service within its warranty period, please contact the Customer Care Department through our website at www.westbend.com “Support -> “Contact Us”. A receipt proving the original purchase date will be required for all warranty claims, hand written receipts are not accepted. You may also be required to return the appliance for inspection and evaluation. Return shipping costs are not refundable. The Companv is not responsible for returns lost in transit.

REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts, if available, may be ordered online at www.westbend.com.

This manual contains important and helpful information regarding the safe use and care of your product. For future reference, attach dated sales receipt for warranty proof of purchase and record the following information Date purchased or received as a gif Where purchased and price, if known Item number and Date Code (shown bottom/back of product)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it have gluten free mode?

Yes, 4 modes actually they are automatically assigned by the NSA via IEEE 802.11ax and completely tamperproof.

Is there a lip around the edge that prevents the oil on the cover from dripping back in or does it get recycled by going back down into the base?

There is no lip on the inside of the cover. The cover sets inside of a lip in the base that prevents oil from escaping and making a mess. I’ve used my popper several times now, it’s works great and no mess.

Can the lid be removed to pop the corn into the air (to make more fun for kids like old fashioned ones?)

Yes, it can be removed if you want the popped corn to fly into the air.

How do you know the plastic is BP a free? I can’t see that anywhere listed on the product.

I looked the product up online.

Can i remove the wire stirring rod to clean it?

On the Deluxe model the rod is not removable. Instead, the whole plate is removable from the base for easy cleaning.

Can I use it without adding oil?

It’s not recommend. But I have used very little oil in the past and it worked fine. But I wouldn’t recommend using it without oil.

Can this popcorn maker be used without oil, like an air popper?

Yes, oil is to be used for this popper.

Mine is an old one. But it lets oil drip into the burner element from the outer edges and center where the knob is. Does the new one do the same?

We have had ours about six months.it gets used at least twice a week . We have never had oil drip on the heating element and burn

Why does the popcorn taste like plastic? Noticed other purchasers have the same issue.

I got the deluxe version and never noticed a plastic taste from the first batch. I always pop with evoo and use 3 tbsp with 3/4 cup of corn.

Do you think it tastes better to mix the oil and Parmesan cheese together before heating or sprinkle the Parmesan on top of the bowl when finished?

I mix the oil and Popcorn salt in the bottom of the Stir Crazy before adding the popcorn. I have never used Parmesan cheese, but I would think it would work the same.

Does it get hot enough to roast coffee beans?

This is our 3rd popper. We’ve worn out the other 2 over the past 43 years together. What a great idea about the coffee beans. I haven’t a clue, but, what I can do next time we use it, is have my husband point his temperature laser thingy at it and tell you the temperature. I don’t know how hot you need to roast coffee beans. Maybe knowing the temperature will help. Please let me know if the temperature is not enough.

Makes great popcorn but when the arm goes around it makes loud grating sounds like the popcorn is getting stuck under the arm-is this normal?

In my experience that noise is normal. I’ve made about 20 batches in it so far. I thought that noise was unusual, too, at first, as the arm in my previous unit was designed closer to the heating plate so that no kernels could get under it. However, I think the new higher distance is a purposeful design change. When a batch is done popping there are usually two popped kernels “caught” under the arm but they are not burnt nor do they appear to be doing damage and they are easy to remove.

Can I get a new metal turner?

I not sure you might have to contact west bend.

Is the popper lid plastic? Does the lid ever melts because its to hot?

Yes, the dome cover is plastic, but it won’t melt. I’ve used mine tons of times, and it isn’t melting at all. The heat is concentrated at the bottom, where the kernels of corn are, not on the rim where the cover rests.

Can you put sugar in the machine to make carame popcorn?

Yes I have. I’m not sure if it was the reason for our first stir crazy popcorn makers demise but we did. And it was GOOD! Watch though, if you use too much caramel sugar, the stuff will get everywhere inside of the heater base and it will drip caramel forever.

How many watts?

850 watts of popping power.

Do you mix oil with the kernels and it pops in oil or do you drizzle the oil on top (I don’t use butter)?

You mix the popcorn kernels with the oil in the bottom. You do not have to use the top drip unit at all if you don’t want butter

I just used my brand new popper last night, and there was a slight plasticy smell as the popcorn popped, and worse, there was an off taste .?

Yes, we had the same experience. Strong taste and smell of plastic. We thought it might just be due to it being new, so I did a couple rounds of just hot oil, attempting to burn off anything on the surface. Tried another batch the next night. No luck. Same plastic smell and taste. We loved our old Stir Crazy, but we are afraid to use this one. Can’t help but feel we are getting some unwanted chemicals while eating our popcorn.

Any way of getting rid of the plasticy smell that lingers in the popcorn?

I first washed it in light soap. Then I’d say it took a good couple (3 or 4) uses to get the smell out. Now I only wipe it out after using and wash if it actually gets dirty or contaminated.

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