Orville Redenbacher's PowerPop
Microwave Popcorn Multi-Popper by Presto

This is our review for Orville Redenbacher's PowerPop Microwave Multi-Popper made by National Presto. Stock number 04830. PowerBase and PowerCup concentrators help ensure that nearly every kernel pops.

Orville Redenbacher Presto Microwave Popcorn Popper

Orville Redenbacher's PowerPop Microwave Multi-Popper by Presto

Most people are actually surprised to discover that this microwave popcorn popper actually works, just as advertised. Yup, it is NOT one of those "As Seen on TV" info-commercial gimmick products! It really does perform and does exactly what it claims, as it's supposed to.

Fun Facts About Presto's PowerPop

Presto first introduced the PowerPop Microwave Popcorn Popper in 1994. So yes, it has been around for quite a while. There are quite a few people that have owned and used theirs for many years. I'm talking like 10-15 years, and still going strong with kernel popping.

Over the years, they have made a few minor adjustments to improve on the product. One important health and safety improvement was the development of it being BPA-free (safe plastic).

It is also endorsed by Orville Redenbacher, who are definitely a major player in the popcorn industry. It should almost speak for itself knowing that their name and reputation are apart of this product.

Made in the USA.

Presto PowerPop Multi-Popper 04830 Review

Quick Overview

We will be going over everything that we know and can about the Presto PowerPop microwave popcorn maker.

We will be reviewing the parts, where to get new replacement parts if needed, the assembly directions, how to use it, maintenance for cleaning and storing it, briefly go over some important pros and cons, and also answering some frequently asked questions and concerns along the way.

You're welcome to provide your own ratings and reviews, too.

Brand Details

National Presto Industries, Inc.
Founded: 1905
Headquarters: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Website: GoPresto.com

PowerPop Microwave Multi-Popper Parts & Assembly

This basically comes in 4 separate parts. It has a base, the popping and serving bowl, microwave heating discs, and the lid:

PowerBase
Popping and Serving Bowl
PowerCup Concentrators
Lid Cover

FAQ: What are PowerCup Concentrators? They are basically cardboard disc plates with microwave safe metals that concentrate heat waves for a uniform and controlled temperature to properly ensure maximum popping performance. They are basically similar to what are used for microwaving and oven baking Hot Pockets, Lean Pockets, pot pies, some breakfast and dinner bowls, and even other microwaveable popcorn bags.

Dimensions: 10 inches wide by 6 1/2 inches tall. Ideal to fit in most microwaves.

Replacement Parts

Replacement parts can be acquired by visiting the National Presto Industries, Inc. website.

The PowerCup concentrators can possibly be found at your local store, if they happen to sell this microwave popper, and/or carry the concentrators in stock themselves.

They can also be found online at various websites...

Shop for replacement PowerCup Concentrators here.

Assembly Directions

You obviously want to follow the instruction manual that comes boxed up with the product. Assembly is quite very simple. Even a competent small child can handle it.

First, attach the PowerBase to the bottom of the popping and serving bowl. Press the base to the bottom of the bowl, then twist until it locks into place. Both the base and the bowl have locking tabs.
Insert a PowerCup concentrator disc into the inside bottom of the bowl. The bowl has little clips to hold the disc in place.
All that's left is placing the lid on top of the bowl.

Now you're ready to either pop off some kernels, or store it away for future use.

Microwave Cooking Directions For Use

The cool thing about using this Presto microwave popper is that you get to control the ingredients. You can make popcorn in this with or without oil, and/or salt.

1. Place 1/3 of a cup of kernels into the bowl. You should end up with an even layer of kernels in the concentrator disc.

Optionally, you can drizzle about 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil or butter flavored oil over the kernels. You can also opt to sprinkle a dash of salt - feel free to go ham on it like the Salt Bae dude. lol.
If you are not going to be using oil, then it's not recommended to salt it up prior to cooking because the salt will not likely adhere to the popcorn.
You can also season your popcorn however you want to after it has finished popping.

2. Attach the lid and place the popper centered inside the microwave.

3. Set the timer for about 5 minutes and fire it up. All microwaves vary, and so popcorn can take anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes to be done. Stay near the microwave and listen until there are about 2-3 seconds between kernels popping.

4. Using the handles on the bowl, carefully remove from the microwave with caution - contents will be hot.

5. Enjoy it just as it is, or season it as your heart so desires.

Proper Preventive Maintenance and Care

Cleaning

Cleaning this popper is simple.

The bowl and the lid are dishwasher safe. So you should be good to go there. Or just clean with soap and water in your kitchen sink.
The base and the cardboard like concentrator discs can be wiped clean with a damp cloth or paper towel.
The concentrators should be wiped clean after each and every single use. This will help prevent potential build up and can help extend their life span to gain more usage.

Storage

There's a couple ways to store away your Presto microwave popcorn popper.

You can keep it disassembled after cleaning it after each use and pack it away like that.

Or, since it is so compact, you can easily put it away fully assembled.

If you are like myself, I keep most of my regularly used popcorn products and equipment in a cabinet right above my microwave.

Important note: The PowerBase and PowerCup Concentrators should NOT be submerged in water.

Pros

Easy to use
Control ingredients
BPA free
No electric cords
Affordable

Cons

Replacing the PowerCups
PowerCups not environment friendly

Final Thoughts & Highlights

Presto developed this microwave popper and put on the market back in 1994. It was made available to consumers as a solution and alternative means for microwaving popcorn without the use of pre-packaged microwaveable bags. Provides better personal choices for healthy lifestyle snack attacks, without unwanted oils and unknowing chemicals that could be found in some packaged food products.

This popper is very quick to assemble, simple to use, makes popcorn fast in under 3 1/2 minutes, and easy maintenance. Some notable highlights include:

Compact and storage friendly
No electrical cords to hassle with
Fast and easy
Popular among consumers
Dishwasher safe parts
Affordable price point.

Being that it is so compact, it can fit in almost any normal sized microwave. It can be used at home during movie night, snack time at the office, sudden need for munchies in a student dorm, or while vacation traveling and cruising in your RV.

Rating The Presto PowerPop Micowave Popcorn Multi-Popper 04830

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