West Bend Hot Air Popcorn Popper

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Product registration is not required to activate warranty.

Important Safeguards

CAUTION

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 hot pads or oven mitts. Cover and measuring/butter cup become hot during operation.
• Always unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts and before cleaning.
• Close supervision is necessary when this appliance is used by or near children.
• Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, after the appliance malfunctions, or has been damaged in any manner. For service information see warranty page.
• The use of accessory attachments not recommended by West Bend may cause injuries.
• 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.
• To protect against electric shock, do not immerse cord, plugs, or other electric parts in water or other liquids.
• Do not attempt to repair this appliance yourself.
• A popper that is plugged into an outlet should not be left unattended.
• This popper will not shut off automatically. To avoid overheating, add popcorn kernels before operating.
• 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.
• 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.
• Do not use an outlet or extension cord if the plug fits loosely or if the outlet or extension cord feels hot.
• During use, do not remove cover. Do not remove cover or measuring/butter cup from the appliance until you have not heard a kernel pop for at least 1 minute.
• 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 popper cover and measuring/butter cup with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Wipe the exterior of the popper base and popcorn chute with a soft, damp cloth and dry. It is not necessary to clean inside the popcorn chamber.

Note: DO NOT immerse the popper base in water or any other liquid. Once removed, the measuring/butter cup and cover can be washed in a dishwasher, top rack only. DO NOT put the popper base into the dishwasher. This will permanently damage the product and will void the warranty.

Using Your Hot Air Popcorn Popper

This popper uses hot air to pop the corn. DO NOT place anything other than popcorn kernels into the popping chamber.

1. Remove the cover and measuring/butter cup. Ensure the vents are clear of popcorn pieces before each use. For a single serving, use the measuring/butter cup to measure to the line, or use a standard measuring spoon to measure 2 tbsp. For a family serving, use one full scoop of the measuring/butter cup, or use a standard measuring cup to measure 1½ cup of popcorn kernels. DO NOT attempt to pop more than 1½ cup or less than 2 tbsp. of popcorn kernels at one time.
2. Pour popcorn kernels into the popping chamber. DO NOT put oil, butter, shortening, salt, or anything other than popcorn into the chamber. Place the cover in position, then place the measuring/butter cup into the cover.
3. If buttered popcorn is desired, place 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter, cut into 4 equally-sized pats, into the measuring/butter cup. Note: Do not use cold butter as it will not melt completely in the short popping cycle. DO NOT remove the measuring/butter cup during the popping cycle. If unbuttered popcorn is desired, it is still necessary to place the measuring/butter cup into the cover. Never run the popcorn popper without popcorn or the cover and measuring/butter cup in place.
4. Place a 4 quart, or larger, heat-resistant bowl below the popcorn chute to collect popcorn as it pops. 1½ cup of popcorn kernels will yield between 3 and 4 quarts of popped popcorn. Note: We recommend using a bowl that is at least 5.5" deep when popping corn.
5. Plug the cord into a 120 volt, AC outlet ONLY. With the cover and measuring/butter cup in place, press the “ON/OFF” switch to the on position, toward the “I” symbol.
6. Popcorn will begin to pop, and the cycle will be done within 3 minutes. After popcorn has completed popping, turn the “ON/OFF” switch to the off position, the “O” symbol. Popcorn cycle has completed when there is a gap of 3 seconds between kernels popping. Unplug the popper from the outlet. Let the popper sit, with the lid and measuring/butter cup in place, for at least one minute after completion of the popping cycle. Unpopped kernels may still pop unexpectedly. Use caution when handling the Popcorn popper, it will be hot after popping cycle. Always use hot pads or oven mitts to handle the hot appliance.
7. If butter was melted in the measuring/butter cup, pour over the top of the popped corn and sprinkle with salt or other popcorn seasonings as desired. Note: If butter was not completely melted during the popping cycle, DO NOT keep running the popper to melt it. Place the measuring/butter cup in the microwave and microwave for 10 seconds to finish melting the butter.
8. If you wish to pop an additional batch of popcorn, let the popper cool for 5-7 minutes, then remove any unpopped kernels and loose popcorn from the popper by inverting the popper. Use oven mitts or hot pads when handling the hot POPPER. If butter was melted in the butter cup, clean and dry the measuring/butter cup and replace in the cover. Repeat steps 1-7 above. After 2 batches, let popper cool 15 minutes before additional uses.
• A small amount of smoke and/or odor may occur upon heating due to the release of manufacturing oils – this is normal.
• Some minor expansion/contraction sounds may occur during heating and cooling - this is normal.

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.
• While we recommend using regular white or yellow popcorn, this popcorn popper can also accommodate premium and gourmet popcorns. However, premium and gourmet popcorns may not yield results as good as regular popcorn; 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.
• This popper is not intended for use with seeds, beans, or anything other than popcorn.
• We recommend using a deep bowl for popping popcorn. Use a bowl that is at least 5.5" deep when popping corn, and be sure that the bowl is flush to the popper to collect popped corn. If too shallow a bowl is used, hot popcorn and kernels can ricochet from the bowl and can pose a burn hazard. Do not stand, or allow children to stand, too close to the popper as it is operating.
• This popper pops using hot air. It does not require any oils or fats to pop the corn, and they should never be used in the popper. DO NOT use microwave popcorn.
• Push the cord into the back of the appliance for easy, tangle-free storage.
• 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.
• Melted chocolate or marshmallow is a great way to bind and layer decadent ingredients with popcorn, or to create popcorn balls, bars, or pops. For a more traditional binder, boil 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of corn syrup, then add your other ingredients toss and form. Or while still warm, roll balls or pops in crushed candies, coconut, chopped nuts, sprinkles.

Cleaning Your Hot Air Popcorn Popper

Your popcorn popper may be cleaned after every use. Note: Do not immerse the popper base in water or any other liquid. Do not use any abrasive cleansers or scrubbers on any part of the popper.

1. Unplug the appliance from the electrical outlet. Allow the entire appliance to cool, with measuring/butter cup in place, before cleaning.
2. Remove the cover and measuring/butter cup from the popper base. Separate the cover and measuring/butter cup. Wash in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly. The measuring/butter cup and cover may be washed in a dishwasher, top rack only.
3. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the exterior of the popper and the popcorn chute. DO NOT wipe inside the popping chamber. Check during every cleaning that no pieces of popcorn are lodged into the vents; ensure that the vents are clear before each use.

This appliance has no user serviceable parts.

Popcorn Ideas & Recipes

Popcorn is the perfect blank canvas for creating treats. You can create decadent 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:

• Nutritional Yeast (great nutty flavor)
• Sea salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Rosemary

• Paprika
• Thyme
• Celery flakes
• Parsley
• Crushed red peppers
• Black pepper
• Lemon, orange, or lime zest
• Cocoa powder

• Basil
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Chives
• Sugar
• Dill
• Aged and grated Parmesan, Provolone, or Romano cheese

Try mixing and matching any of these for a decadent treat:

• Chopped candy bars
• Chocolate chips
• Marshmallows
• Salted peanuts
• Bacon
• Blue cheese crumbles
• Reduced balsamic vinegar (fruit infused is delightful)
• Cake mix
• Cake or brownie crumbles

• Nuts
• Candy pieces or Bite-sized candies
• Hot cocoa mix
• Sweetened cereal
• Melted chocolate or Almond bark
• Toasted or grated coconut

• Powdered drink mixes
• Dry cheese sauce powder
• Peanut butter
• Cocoa powder
• Powdered sugar
• Pretzels
• Graham cracker pieces
• Crushed cookies

Joel's Blue Cheese Bacon Popcorn

• 4 slices bacon
• 10 cups Popped Popcorn
• 1½ cup crumbled blue cheese
• fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp. reserved bacon grease or 1 tbsp. olive oil, optional

Fry bacon until crisp; cool and crumble. Using fresh, warm popcorn, add the crumbled blue cheese, bacon, and generously sprinkle with fresh ground black pepper. If desired, stir in some of the reserved bacon grease or olive oil to enhance flavor and help seasonings to stick/ adhere.

Herb Infusion

• 8-10 cups popped popcorn
• 4 tbsp. coconut oil, melted
• 2 tbsp. 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

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)
• 16oz. 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)
• 12oz. white, milk or dark chocolate
• 1½ cups vegetable shortening
• 1¼ 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 cup melted butter
• 1½ oz. (1 envelope) dry cheese sauce mix (from a box of macaroni and cheese)

Mix the popped popcorn and the other ingredients until well mixed.

Lime Fiesta Popcorn

• 8-10 cups popped popcorn
• 1 lime, use for zest and juice
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1½ tsp. cumin

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 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 Company is not responsible for returns lost in transit.

Valid only in USA and Canada

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 gift:
• Where purchased and price, if known:
• Item number and Date Code (shown bottom/back of product):

English 8

L5990B 0821 West Bend® Printed in China