Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper

This is our review for the Nordic Ware microwave popcorn popper.

We are not sponsored by Nordic Ware in any way, nor were we given this product by their company.

This is strictly our personal unbiased review.

The Nordic Ware microwave popcorn popper.

Straight up out the gate, the packaging states that this is their #1 rated microwave popcorn popper. This is good to know, especially considering that they currently have a couple other microwaveable poppers available in their product line.

Before we get to testing and reviewing this popular popcorn popper, here are a few fun facts about the company.

Fun Facts About Nordic Ware

Nordic Ware is a family-owned and operated business. It was founded by husband and wife, Dave and Dotty in 1946 soon after he had arrived back from his World War II tour of duty. They initially launched their kitchenware business from the basement of their home in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Logo image linked to their website to provide courtesy credit and more company info.

Nordic Ware has an enormous amount of bakeware, cookware, kitchenware, microwave, and outdoor cookware products. Without a doubt, their most popular is the bundt cake pan.

Contact Information

Warranty Information

This microwave popcorn popper comes with a limited 5 year warranty.

Limited meaning that there are a few factors that will void the warranty for this product. As stated on their website, the following misuse will void the warranty...

• Overheating the bowl for an over-extended length of the recommended time.
• Using a dishwasher to clean it.
  
• Using abrasive cleaners, such as scouring pads, steel wool, bleach, etc..
• Using metal utensils or items that will scratch it.
  

Reviewing The Nordic Ware Popcorn popper

Popping Instructions

Ready to make some tasty, healthy and fluffy air-popped popcorn straight from the microwave?

Let's give it a go!

Package Instructions

Prep

Add 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels to the bowl.

Optionally, you can add a tablespoon or two of oil. Personally, I would just add the oil or butter after it has popped. Entirely up to you.

Cook

Microwave on HIGH for about 2-4 minutes.

Different microwave wattages vary, so listen until there's about 2-4 seconds in between popping.

Enjoy

Immediately remove the lid using an oven mitt, and allow it to cool for about 1 minute. Add butter and seasoning if desired.

Do not try to re-pop unpopped kernels.

Here's Our Product Testing...

Although the instructions state to add just 1/3 of a cup kernels to the bowl, I added 1/2 a cup (per advice provided elsewhere online)...

Could this be a mistake? Or even a disaster?

We are about to find out!

I placed the lid on top of the bowl and placed it inside the microwave.

Then set it for 3 minutes on high and let it do its thing.

And here are the immediate results that we see here as soon as I opened door...

The popcorn has popped well above the top and flowing out of the bowl. Not that it's a bad thing.

Perhaps I should have stuck to the recommended instructions stated on the package. But to my defense, there are alternate instructions and other folks that suggest using a half a cup of kernels, including a video presented on their website. So, that's what I chose to go with on my first shot.

However, I will definitely use just a third of a cup of kernels for this popper from now on.

Our Thoughts About The Nordic Ware Popcorn Popper

There are a few things that we feel are important for all of us to know from testing out this popper.

1. The quality of the popped popcorn.
2. If there are any unpopped kernels.
3. How well the popper functions overall.

Here are our results...

Perfectly Popped vs Burned

The first thing that I really wanted to know was...

How well did this cook the popcorn?

Just like cooking any food at home, especially in the microwave, we don't want to over or under cook anything that we are wanting to consume...

Despite adding more kernels than recommended, this thing cooked the popcorn perfectly. That's right. NO burnt popcorn here!

However, there was just one other crucial thing that I needed to check, as we always do...

Old Maids?

Unpopped kernels?

Yes, there were a few "old maids".

No wonder why the packaging specifically states not to even try to re-pop any unpopped kernels. Because they're obviously already aware that there will be unpopped kernels.

Like I said, just a few. But not really a big deal breaker for me.

Overall Conclusion

Personally, I prefer the fact that the popcorn was cooked perfectly. So, I can get past the few unpopped kernels.

Given the fact that this product is so versatile, it's definitely one of the best microwave poppers out there.

It's multi-functional enough to heat up and cook many other types of foods.

And it doubles as a serving bowl.

Not only that, you could use it as a storage container if you want to. Maybe toss in your kernels and seasonings into the bowl and store it away until next time. Great for college dorm rooms, the break room at the office, and even at home.

It's affordable price range from $12 to $16 (depending on color and where you buy it from - link provided down below towards the bottom of the page) is really hard to beat!

More Information About The Nordic Ware Popper

• These come in a few different colors. The two most common colors are white (as seen in the pictures for our review) and red.
• The bowl is a 12 cup capacity.
• Dimensions are 10"x10"x5".
• Made in America.
• Constructed using a propriety material that is BPA and Melamine free.
• Oven safe up 400° F.

Customer Reviews, Known Issues, And Helpful Tips

Unpopped Kernels

Many people have also pointed out that not all of the kernels pop.

Some users have suggested the following...

Heat just the bowl for 30 seconds first. (Especially if you plan to use oil, pre-heat it first.) Then add the kernels and proceed from there.

Or try using a different brand of kernels.

Oil Splatter

There's an issue with using oil. There are steam ventilation slots in the lid. The oil splatters out through the vent slots and gets all over the inside of the microwave as the kernels pop.

To combat the splatter, one woman stated that she drapes a large paper towel over the slots.

As I mentioned earlier in this article above, I personally would prefer not to use oil for microwave poppers. It just seems to cook better, and it's less messy. I simply just season the popcorn afterwards.

Warped Lid

It's bound to happen. These lids seem to get twisted at warp speed. Just kidding, sort of.

There are numerous complaints about the lids warping after frequent use. Usually right around about a year.

Some have suggested flipping the popper upside down while microwaving the popcorn. But, I don't see why one should have to, do you agree or no?

There are a couple users that accepted it for what it is and just place a plate on top of the bowl.

I would suggest contacting Nordic Ware's warranty department for a replacement - Tel: 1-877-466-7342 or email: info@nordicware.com. They also sell replacement lids on their website.

Hopefully they will come up with a better constructed lid for this popper soon to eliminate this redundant issue. However, they do have another popper similar to this one that has a dome-like lid. But, we have yet to get our hands on that particular model to provide a proper product review.

Cost And Where To Buy

I came across this microwave popper at a local store. It was priced right around $15, which is about how much they currently cost online.

If you're interested in getting one for yourself, and/or another as a gift for somebody else, click on the image directly below for current pricing and customer reviews...

This Nordic Ware microwave popcorn popper is a "Top Amazon's Choice" for microwave popcorn bowls.

Currently, there are over 4,000 customer reviews submitted to Amazon. Have a gander for yourself...

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