Paragon - Manufactured Fun Rent-A-Pop Popcorn Machine, 8 oz, Red (1108150)

(I updated below this original review) After much research, we settled on this popcorn maker based on reviews. When we received it, the box seemed to have been re-taped shut. We were alarmed at first, thinking we got someone else's return (the machine sold on Amazon was not directly shipped from Paragon....), but the popcorn maker seemed to be new with all the adhesive protective material still on it. However, I am not sure if ours is defective, but when we first turned on the kettle, as per directions, it smoked horribly. And this was even before putting in the popcorn kernels and oil! I read somewhere on-line that this is common at first due to the kettle coating. Not sure if this is true or not. So far, three batches and it still smokes badly. The movie theater projector has to cut through a smoke screen to project onto the movie screen! Our movie theater is large (30 ft by 30 ft), so imagine how much smoke this thing makes that is fogs up such a large room. Contacted paragon and I am still waiting to hear back to find out what the issue is. Sadly, we may be returning this....UPDATE: I spoke with Paragon on the phone, who immediately sent me a new kettle. This was impressive. After the new kettle arrived and I installed it, I reluctantly tried it and hoped this time all would work well. However, I never expected this new kettle would actually not even heat up! So, I went from an overheating, smoking one to one that does not even go on.I once again reached out to Paragon over the telephone. Their customer service continued to be quite exceptional, and after we went through some troubleshooting they decided to send me a whole new machine, and a label to return the defective machine to them, so they can test it out and find out what the issue is, since they had tested the replacement kettle before sending it to me and it should have worked. We're thinking the outlet/wire for the kettle was probably faulty from the start and overheated the first kettle, then shorted so that the new kettle would not even go on. Needless to say, going to Fedex to send back a 60lb machine was no easy task... The new machine arrived today. While it seems like the same 8 oz model, this one actually has tempered glass on all sides (doors acrylic), whereas the one I sent back was all acrylic. I am very happy with this turn of events. After I test out the new machine, I will once again update this review.Suffice it to say, while it was a bumpy start to my popcorn machine/Paragon relationship, their superb customer service has made me a customer for life. They could not have been more proactive, and are also very friendly. I may also add, my purchase from Amazon did not originally come from Paragon. I am not saying the company selling these on Amazon sells duds, but it is food for thought. My replacement came directly from Paragon and I am thinking I will deal directly with them on any purchase going forward. Amazon also seems to list what seems like the same Popcorn maker elsewhere on their site, so keep that in mind as well.

The media could not be loaded. Glad I spent the money and got a great commercial popper. This one is made for the abuses of the rental environment, and the quality of build did not disappoint. Last one I will ever need to buy for sure. AAA++

Well built, easy to clean. Sturdy handles to transport from event to event. Every part can be replaced easily if needed from paragon. Pops great doesnt leave any burnt or many kernels. Every part in the popper comes apart to clean, not like many other manufacturers. Bottom has a warmer which is great to keep product hot which many others do not include. Happy so far with it for my production business.

Donated this to the local high school concession stand for Junior class.