A disappointing surprise.

We were quite excited to get the new Toastess popcorn maker. We were waiting for it to come down in price and when we're able to get it, we finally did. Our hopes we're high, what with the stirring rod and futuristic see through bowl.

The instructions are easy enough, but I think it's greatest flaw is that you have to tip this thing upside down once its done to get the popcorn in the bowl. What a mess! Unless you grasp both hot sides for dear life, you are bound to get hot butter and oil dripping out the sides. The butter dispenser on the top is a nuisance as well. You're supposed to place the butter pats on top so that they can melt while the popcorn is popping. The problem is that some of the butter hits the hot surface and starts to brown, thus browning the popcorn, covering it in a slick oil as well. Not tasty.

In addition, an odd side affect as well. We only used this machine twice and I'll tell you why. Each time we used it our infant daughter got terribly ill, vomiting all day until she was weak as a leaf. The first time it happened we took her to the clinic and they couldn't find a thing. We didn't make the connection. The second time we made it and the same thing happened! I suspect that it is the teflon surface that's heated beyond what teflon should be heated to. She ate some of the popcorn as well. Very odd. Regardless, it was what drove us to return the item and she hasn't been sick like that since. Go figure.

Advice, stick to either chemical laden microwave popcorn or get yourself the best darn pot and make it on the stove...in my opinion, the best method of all. Hot air poppers are okay, but they are too noisy.

See you in the movies!