Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Ok, let me start of by saying I am a very picky and an admitted indecisive buyer. I gather the most research and info available when making a purchase, especially on electrical type products. For the most part, all the reviews on this machine were VERY GOOD with a very small amount of negative reviews. However, I always tend to read the worse first. With that said, My machine arrived much quicker than estimated delivery date. A total of 2 days from purchase to delivery. I had no visible flaws with the machine when pulled out of the packing. NO dents, NO scratches, NO missing parts. To be honest I have been to the local party store and checked out their commercial grade paragon machine that they use for rentals and big events. I also checked out another professional model for about $500 at another local store. I believe the brand was Gold Metal?? I can tell you now, that the difference between this machine and the other higher priced models are extremely miniscue if any. To be honest, the construction was very similar if not the same. The Roosevelt 8oz is built with heavy glass doors, and stainless steel. The kettle mechanism is built and no different than the other higher end models. Not sure if the components or motor used are the main factors in price, but I have to say I was not expecting much in durable quality as the higher priced machines I saw in person. The result? I was extremely surprised to find the Roosevelt was on par in quality. Keep in mind, I found the machine brand new on Amazon for $130 brand new with free shipping. Two hours later, when I showed my wife the machine I purchased, the price was now at $200. Not sure how or why, but apparently I got a great deal. Timing is everything I guess. Assembly was extremely fast and easy. No tools required. The only thing that caused me a slight problem.. and I still don't know why, was lining up the kettle with the two holders, and turning pin. For some reason I struggled with this for several minutes before getting it put in place. Now, I have read some reviews where some people mention the doors not aligning properly with the top, or sealing correctly. Well, its not suppose to. Its made to have a gap for ventilation. My bottom flip drawer opens and closes properly, it does not pop out of place as some have mentioned. As far as cleaning? I have not removed the kettle, but did not find it a nightmare to wipe completely clean. Not sure why some are mentioning having to use a screwdriver to get the lid off, etc. etc.. to clean properly. Keep in mind,, you are talking about oils and the like. You are not suppose to clean with water and soap. This is a no, no. You can easily lift the lid on one end.. clean out that side, then lift the lid on the other end, and clean that side as well. Its not recommended or necessary to take out the popper to soak or wash out with soap and water. My experience is that cleaning is not as bad as some people make it out to be. Performance? Exrtemely quick. Once you turn the machine on and put the oil in, it is within 2 minutes that the oil is melted and hot enough for popping. Another 3 minutes or so, and you should have 1 cup of kernels popped and ready to eat. In an 8 ounce machine, 1 cup of kernels is more than enough for a family of 4. We have also had a few parties where the machine popped continuously for about 2 hours. Not a glitch, or a problem in producing a lot of popcorn. Just recently my son used it for a fall festival at school. He actually was making popcorn continuously for 3 hours. No problem. Now, keep in mind. If you are buying this machine to use mostly in a commercial setting where you are making tons of popcorn for a lot of people? you might want to go with a bigger kettle and holding bin. Could this machine handle it? Sure, but an 8 oz kettle is only going to accommodate 6-7 bags a batch. You would be popping non stop. However, is ideal for a larger type family? Excellent. Now, in the fairly short time owning the machine, we have used it more than the average family would. Not to mention a few events we brought the machine to for numerous people. It performed flawlessly. For a family setting, or home theater, I would have to say this machine is more than Ideal. THE CONS: Truly, as of today as I write this, there really are none. My goal is to update this review over time to see if any problems occur. However, some advice to keep in mind. THIS MACHINE... or ANY MACHINE is not going to make movie style type popcorn simply by putting in the oil and kernels. This solely depends on the INGREDIENTS you USE in the machine. The MAIN ingredients to use with this popper to achieve this is COCONUT OIL, and FLAVACOL seasoning. I do not buy the pre made packs. I find it way too expensive, and found buying a 9 pound jug of coconut oil (Snappy popping coconut oil $19.99) and a quart of (Flavacol seasoning $3.99 ) and 12 pound bag of Kernels $14.99. You are looking at about .25 cents a batch. Trial and error with your brand of kernels can yield different result. When buying bulk with kernels be sure to pour them in containers to keep them fresh longer. Personally, the best ratio I have found for this machine is 1/3 cup of coconut oil, 1 cup of kernels, and a slight smidgen short of a teaspoon of flavacol ( for 8 oz kettle). Of course this is dependent on your personal taste. I don't like my popcorn too salty. The directions for the Roosevelt would recommend using a slightly smaller portion of kernels to the mix. However, I have found no problems with using this amount as other users who have recommended the same measurements. Of course I cheated and was given access to a small storage room in the local AMC theatre and went out and bought the same ingredients and products. I figure if it taste good there,, it should taste the same at home.. And, yes.. it does. Now that I think about it, and before ending. I will say there is indeed one CON to this machine. If you order the machine without the cart (like I did), then decide to go ahead and purchase the cart... YOU CAN"T. They only sell the carts with the machine at the time of purchase You can not order a cart for this machine later on down the line. :( Bummer.