Product review: Bella Dome Popcorn Maker

A couple of months ago, I was in the market for a new popcorn popper. I did some research online and when price was actually a concern for me, I decided on the Sunbeam hot air popper. Anyway that was total garbage and I brought it back.

When I got home with my new popcorn maker, I was really excited to try it. So what did I do? I went to you tube to figure out how to use it, like I always do. So, I couldn't find the same brand, but I did find one that was very similar. The basic principle was the same. The one thing that was really frustrating about the new popcorn maker, was that it was not clear in any way shape or form whether or not you had to use oil, or nothing. I read and reread the instruction manual. It didn't state one way or the other. So, I went to their facebook page. I asked them what I should do. It took them several days to reply to me. They told me that I could use any kind of oil that I wanted to, or I can just pour the popcorn on the heating plate with nothing at all. I find that if you don't use any oil at all, the popcorn kernels tend to burn a little bit before they pop but if you use oil, I use sunflower oil, then the kernels pop properly, and don't scorch.

The popcorn tastes great. Don't use a lot of oil, you won't need it. I like to use some Kernels popcorn seasoning that I buy at Wal-Mart. All in all, it's a good buy, but it takes up SO much room, and the popcorn needs oil, which is not health conscious.

PROS:

• Popcorn tastes great, very close to movie style, in my opinion.
• Pops properly, not many if any kernels are left unpopped if you follow directions, and wait for the popping to slow to no pops in a 4 second time span. If you leave it longer, they will scorch.
  
  
• You can make a LOT of popcorn at once.
  
  
• You can use the dome lid as the serving bowl, if you want to. ( I don't, and the reason for it, will be a CON)

CONS:

• The lid that you are supposed to be able to use for a bowl, as vents in it. Which is nice, but, if you want to put anything on the popcorn, instead of it pooling at the bottom of the bowl, it would run through the vents, and gather at the little extra lid that they include to put there, and then you can't swoosh your popcorn around in it. Yes, that is the scientific term. I'm very articulate. LOL
  
  
• You almost HAVE to use oil if you want your popcorn to taste good, and not burn, which adds unwanted calories.
  
  
• It is HUGE, so it takes up a lot of counter space, or cupboard space. It's also hard to maneuver into and out of any spot you put it in.
  
  
• The lid doesn't fasten to the bottom part when the popcorn is popping, and if you have curious kids, that could make for a big mess, and burned fingers!

TIPS:

• Use sunflower oil for the best tasting popcorn.
• Ensure that you don't preheat the plate. I can't remember what the manual says, but never preheat the plate. When I did this a couple times, the popcorn kernels burn before they start to pop. Putting the oil on the plate, then the corn, THEN turning it on, allows the kernels to all heat at an even pace, without scorching. Trust me, I have used this popper often enough to know. LOL.
• Don't put in too many kernels, or you will have a lot of unpopped ones left over, and of course you will run out of room in the bowl/dome.
• Use some Kernels brand popcorn seasoning, or just sea salt for great tasting popcorn
• Don't tell your doggies that you're making popcorn. They try to steal it! Heehee

Product Review: Ninja Professional Blender

I thoroughly researched this product before I bought it, because I noticed it was on sale at Canadian Tire. I really wanted a blender that could make better coconut milk, almond milk, etc, and the blender I had was fine, but that was it, it was only fine. Not great. I had to do a lot of prep work to get my coconut milk and almond milk to turn out well, and I don't always feel like doing that, and don't always have the time.

There were a few Ninja blenders on sale at Canadian Tire in my area, so I looked into them all. The most affordable for me at this time, was the $99 dollar version, which is usually $149.

It was the Ninja Professional Blender. It is 1000 watts of awesomeness. Most Blenders are from 250-700watts, 700 being really on the higher end, and not many are at that point. The next Ninja up is 1500 watts, so I imagine it would turn water into air LOL, if this blenders power at 1000 watts is any indication. It also has blades that go up the stem, through the middle of the larger jug, 6 in total, in 3 spots. I've yet to try a carrot in there, but that's going to happen soon enough. I did try almonds, coconut, frozen strawberries, and ice. All were an awesome success.

The only thing I don't like about this blender, is that the mason jar trick doesn't work with this one. Mason jars do not fit into it, like it does on older blenders, and even the bullet style blenders. Boo!! I was so hoping it would, because it means you have more single serve cups and less clean up right?

Anyway, I hope to be able to buy the better one in the future, but really, this actual one is great, I just would like a little more power for the things I want to do, such as making smoother coconut milk, and then drying the pulp to make flour. This one does the trick, but I imagine the other one would do it a little better. :)