Product Overview
Thank you for purchasing the RETRO KETTLE POPCORN MAKER. With its stylish 1950s look, this popcorn popper will be the hit of every party! It features a large, stainless steel Kettle with a built-in stirring system and pops up to 10 cups of popcorn per batch. It includes a Measuring Spoon for oil and a Measuring Cup for popcorn kernels, so every batch pops perfectly. A tempered window and light allows you to watch the popcorn popping. With the RETRO KETTLE POPCORN MAKER, popcorn has never tasted so good at home!
Safety Information
Your safety and the safety of others is very important. We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.
⚠️ Safety Alert Symbol: This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can cause serious injury to you and others. All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol. All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury, and tell you what can happen if the instructions are not followed.
Important Safeguards
- Read all instructions before operating this appliance.
- DO NOT TOUCH the hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
- This appliance is NOT A TOY.
- Unsupervised young children and cognitively challenged individuals should never operate this appliance.
- Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
- To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse cord, plug, or any part of this unit in water or other liquids.
- Unplug from outlet when not in use, before removing parts, and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off any parts, and before cleaning.
- DO NOT operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions, or if the appliance has been damaged in any manner. Return the appliance to the nearest repair shop for examination, repair, or adjustment.
- The manufacturer does not recommend the use of accessory attachments other than what is provided by the manufacturer. Use of attachments may cause injuries.
- DO NOT use the appliance for other than its intended use.
- DO NOT use outdoors. FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.
- DO NOT place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
- DO NOT let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
- NEVER leave unit unattended while in use or when plugged into an outlet.
- Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot food.
- Always attach plug to appliance first, then plug cord in the wall outlet. To disconnect, turn any control to "off," then remove plug from wall outlet.
Additional Important Safeguards (Operating Safety Precautions)
- DO NOT touch kettle and keep door of main unit closed while operating. Kettle gets VERY HOT during operation.
- Ensure the Kettle is properly attached to brackets before operating and that the motor plug is plugged into the Kettle.
- Check Kettle for presence of foreign objects prior to use.
- DO NOT place butter, seasonings, or anything other than popcorn kernels and oil into the Kettle. Use of these substances may cause hazards and may damage the unit.
- DO NOT operate unit without oil as the popcorn kernels may burn or smoke.
- DO NOT leave Kettle motor running once popping has ceased.
- Exercise caution when emptying popcorn. Always use Crank Handle to empty popcorn, and make sure the unit is over a countertop so that residual hot oil running out will not cause burns.
- DO NOT use the appliance for other than its intended use.
Electrical Cord and Plug Instructions
❗ ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD: Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, fire, or electrical shock.
- Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
- DO NOT remove ground prong.
- DO NOT use an adapter.
- DO NOT use an extension cord.
This unit MUST be grounded. In the event of an electrical short circuit, grounding reduces the risk of electric shock by providing an escape wire for the electric current. This unit is equipped with a cord having a grounding wire with a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an outlet that is properly installed and grounded.
WARNING: Improper use of the grounding plug can result in a risk of electric shock. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to modify the plug in any way.
A short power supply cord is provided to reduce the risk resulting from becoming entangled or tripping over a long cord.
The manufacturer does not recommend using this machine in countries that do not support 120V AC even if a voltage adapter, transformer, or converter is in use.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Parts & Assembly
Assembly: Insert the Kettle into the brackets, then plug the kettle motor cord into the outlet located on the bottom side of the kettle. The kettle motor cord is located on the ceiling of the unit. Then screw in the Crank Handle by tightening in the counter-clockwise direction.
How to Operate
Before first use, clean the inside of the unit by wiping with a moist, non-abrasive sponge, towel, or cloth and then wipe with a non-abrasive dry towel. Wipe down the inside of the Kettle and be sure it is properly placed in the brackets before starting.
- First, find a flat surface near an electrical outlet before starting. Make sure your cord is away from any water source. It is acceptable to use an extension cord if needed.
- Gather your popcorn making supplies: popcorn, seasonings, cooking oil, Serving Bowl, Kernel Measuring Cup and Oil Measuring Spoon. (Kernel Measuring Cup and Oil Measuring Spoon are included with your unit.)
- Plug the appliance into the wall outlet while switch is flipped to OFF position.
- Make sure Kettle is properly secured in the support brackets, and kettle motor cord is fully plugged into the outlet located on the bottom side of the kettle. The kettle cord is located on the ceiling of the unit. NOTE: Kettle will not heat if plug is not fully inserted.
- Turn appliance ON by flipping the switch on the top of the machine. Allow the appliance to run 3-5 minutes to heat up the Kettle.
- Turn unit OFF.
- Use the supplied Oil Measuring Spoon to add 1 scoop (1 tablespoon) of your favorite popcorn cooking oil to the Kettle. For best results, it is suggested to use coconut oil.
- Add 1/4 cup (2 oz.) popcorn kernels to the Kettle using the supplied Kernel Measuring Cup. NOTE: DO NOT overfill or pack kernels into Kernel Measuring Cup as this will crowd the Kettle. Doing so may result in more unpopped kernels and cause kernels to smoke or burn.
- Turn the unit ON and close the door. In no time at all, you will hear the popping begin. Fresh, hot popcorn will begin to burst out of the flip lids on the Kettle! NOTE: Steam produced during the popping process is normal.
- Once the kernels have stopped popping, turn the unit OFF and tip the Kettle using the red knob on the Crank Handle to release the popcorn. NOTE: Do not allow motor to continue to run after popcorn is done popping.
❗ IMPORTANT: Extreme caution must be used when emptying popcorn. Always make sure the unit is over a countertop so that residual hot oil running out will not cause burns.
Helpful Tips
❗ NEVER leave the unit unattended while operating.
Smoking
If your KETTLE POPCORN MAKER begins to smoke during cooking, it may be due to grease build up. In order to reduce smoking, make sure that you clean the inside of the Kettle between uses.
Popcorn
The KETTLE POPCORN MAKER is designed for all regular and premium brands of popping corn. Yellow corn generally pops better than white corn, while some brands of kernels have a harder outer shell and may result in fewer popped kernels. Try different brands to find which you like best.
If you notice you are experiencing a lot of unpopped kernels, try adding more oil to the Kettle. More oil may help pop more kernels.
Always use fresh popcorn. Dried out, stale, or old popcorn pops poorly as it has lost its moisture content and may scorch. We recommend storing popcorn in an airtight container in a cool place.
Occasionally popcorn does not pop. This is usually the result of environmental factors such as freshness and moisture content of the popcorn, or variances of popcorn type. Unpopped kernels do not necessarily indicate a defect in the appliance.
When filling the Kernel Measuring Cup, make sure to not fill above the marked line. Underfilling can cause less kernels to pop and more unpopped kernels to come out of the unit. Overfilling can cause popped corn to burn and smoke, as it will overfill the Kettle.
Seasoning
For more buttery popcorn or when adding seasonings, a spritz of olive oil, water, or butter will allow the seasonings to better stick to the popcorn.
❗ IMPORTANT: DO NOT place butter, seasonings, or anything other than popcorn kernels into the popcorn Kettle. Use of these substances may cause hazards and may damage the unit.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Make sure appliance is unplugged and completely cooled before cleaning. Unplug the outer plug to the outlet as well as the Kettle motor plug inside the Main Unit.
- After Kettle motor has been unplugged and Kettle has completely cooled, turn Crank Handle clockwise to loosen and remove from Kettle.
- Remove Kettle from support brackets.
- Fill the Kettle with a small amount of hot, soapy water. NOTE: To protect the kettle cord receptacle from getting wet, never allow water or liquid of any kind near or in the kettle cord receptacle. Never place any parts in the dishwasher. Always wash by hand.
- Allow the Kettle to sit for 15 to 20 minutes to cut the grease. (Time required to cut grease may vary – use your own judgment depending on the amount of cleaning necessary.)
- Carefully empty water from the Kettle, taking care to not get water into the kettle cord receptacle. If necessary, use the scrubber side of a cleaning sponge to scrub the inside of the Kettle.
- Rinse inside of the Kettle carefully and dry with a non-abrasive towel. Wipe the outside of the Kettle with a damp cloth and then dry.
- Use a slightly damp, non-abrasive sponge, towel, or cloth to wipe down the inside and outside of the main unit. Then wipe with a non-abrasive towel to dry. For stubborn soils, a citrus degreaser may be used on the panel windows and door. IMPORTANT: Not all citrus degreasers are the same and some may contain chemicals that may damage your unit! We recommend testing the degreaser on a small, inconspicuous spot on the unit to ensure the chemicals do not damage your panels.
- Reattach Kettle to Main Unit and then reattach the Crank Handle by inserting Crank Handle into the Kettle. Turn the Crank Handle counter-clockwise to tighten.
Recipes
The KETTLE POPCORN MAKER makes hot, fresh, theater style popcorn anytime! Enjoy your freshly popped corn in a variety of ways:
- Regular theater style popcorn – add butter and salt.
- Add a pinch of sugar and salt to popcorn for a sweet kettle corn taste.
- Flavored popcorn – add seasoning from any gourmet popcorn seasoning kit.
- Try some of these fun recipes
NOTE: 1 Gallon = 16 Cups
Parmesan Popcorn
- 1 Gallon of Popped Corn
- 1 Tsp. Garlic Powder
- 3 Green Onions, finely chopped
- ½ Tsp. Cracked Pepper
- 1 Tsp. Sea Salt
- 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (more or less to taste)
- 3 Tbsp. Olive Oil, heated
Instructions: Pop corn kernels using the KETTLE POPCORN MAKER as directed under HOW TO OPERATE. Combine garlic powder, green onions, cracked pepper, sea salt and parmesan cheese. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, drizzle hot olive oil over popcorn. Toss until well coated. Slowly add in dry ingredients while continuously stirring popcorn until well coated. You may also shake the dry ingredients over popcorn in a large paper or muslin bag.
Traditional Popcorn Balls
- ½ Cup Popcorn Kernels
- ½ Cup Corn Syrup
- ½ Cup Granulated Sugar
- ½ Tsp. Salt
- 1 Stick of Butter, softened
Instructions: Pop corn kernels using the KETTLE POPCORN MAKER as directed under HOW TO OPERATE. Mix corn syrup, sugar and salt together in pot and dissolve over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Add popcorn to pot, stirring and tossing consistently until popcorn is evenly coated at low heat. Remove from heat. Use softened butter to form balls while popcorn mixture is still warm. Wrap individual balls in plastic wrap, tie and store at room temperature.
Chunky Monkey
- 1 Gallon Popcorn
- 1 (12-oz.) Bag Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 1 (12-oz.) Bag Peanut Butter Morsels
- 1 (4.2-oz.) Bag Banana Chips, broken into small pieces
- 1 (11-oz.) Bag Peanuts
Instructions: Pop corn kernels using the KETTLE POPCORN MAKER as directed under HOW TO OPERATE. Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter morsels over stove, as packaging recommends. Line cookie sheet with wax paper. Toss together popcorn and banana chips. Spread popcorn and banana chip mixture evenly over cookie sheet. Drizzle melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over popcorn and banana chips. Sprinkle peanuts over chocolate and peanut butter mixture. Allow to cool. When chocolate and peanut butter has hardened, break up the Chunky Monkey into pieces. Can be stored in plastic freezer bags.
Popcorn Peppermint Bark
- 1 Gallon Popped Corn
- 1 (12-oz.) Bag Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate Chips
- 1½ Cup Peppermint Sticks, crushed
Instructions: Pop corn kernels using the KETTLE POPCORN MAKER as directed under HOW TO OPERATE. Melt chocolate chips over stove, as packaging recommends. Line cookie sheet with wax paper. Spread popcorn evenly over cookie sheet. Drizzle melted chocolate over popcorn. Sprinkle crushed peppermints over chocolate. Allow to cool. When chocolate has hardened, break up Popcorn Peppermint Bark into pieces. Can be stored in plastic freezer bags.
Returns & Warranty
❗ IMPORTANT: SHOULD YOUR UNIT NOT WORK OR IF DAMAGED WHEN YOU FIRST TAKE IT OUT OF THE BOX, PLEASE RETURN IT TO THE PLACE OF PURCHASE IMMEDIATELY.
Retro Kettle Popcorn Maker / CKKPTT25CR
Should you have any questions, please contact us via email or at the customer service number listed below between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, Central Standard Time.
Distributed by: Nostalgia Products LLC, 1471 Partnership Dr., Green Bay, WI 54304-5685
Customer Service Phone: (920) 347-9122
Customer Service Inquiry: To submit a Customer Service inquiry, go to www.nostalgiaproducts.com and fill out the Customer Service Inquiry form and click the Submit button. A representative will contact you as soon as possible.
Product Warranty Terms
Nostalgia Products LLC (the "Company") hereby warrants that for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase, this product will be free of defects in material and workmanship under normal home use, provided that the product is operated and maintained in accordance with the operating instructions. As the sole and exclusive remedy under this warranty, the Company will at its discretion either repair or replace the product found to be defective, or issue a refund on the product during the warranty period. This warranty is only available to the original retail purchaser of the product from the date of initial retail purchase, and is only valid with the original sales receipt, as proof of purchase date is required to obtain warranty benefits. All warranty claims must be brought to the attention of the Company within the warranty period and no later than 30 days of the failure to perform. This warranty does not cover normal wear or damage caused by shipping, mishandling, misuse, accident, alteration, improper replacement parts, or other than ordinary household use. You may be required to return the product (with shipping prepaid by you) for inspection and evaluation. Return shipping costs are not refundable. The Company is not responsible for returns damaged or lost in transit. Unless otherwise specifically permitted by the operating instructions, this warranty applies to indoor household use only. In order to obtain service under this warranty, please contact the Company at the telephone number listed above or by filling out the Customer Service Inquiry Form located at www.nostalgiaproducts.com. Warranty valid only in USA and Canada.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, which are hereby excluded to the extent permitted by law. In no event shall the Company be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or in connection with this product or the use thereof. Some states, provinces or jurisdictions do not permit the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the foregoing exclusion or limitation may not apply to you.
This warranty does not apply to re-manufactured merchandise.
❗ Failure to comply with the operating instructions will void this warranty.
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