Last Updated on July 9, 2023
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I’ve covered Aldi long enough to know that the grocer sells some random stuff. You know, like off-the-wall stuff that you look at and say, “do I really need that?” and then get because you really don’t need it but, man, it sure is different.
Since our site’s earliest days, Aldi has been selling a carnival-style popcorn maker. I can only assume it’s been a success for the grocer, since it seems to come back every year.
What We Know:
The Ambiano Kettle Popcorn Maker is an ALDI Find, which means it’s only in stores for a short time. Aldi has been selling some variation on this product going back to 2015 under the Kitchen Living label, with models since 2016 under the Ambiano label. Since 2017, the popcorn maker has come out each year in early December.
At the time of this post, it retails for $39.99. That’s the same price it’s been at least going back to 2017, and it costs a lot less than most other kettle popcorn makers of this style. In recent years, this device has been made by Wachsmuth & Krogmann, a frequent contributor to Aldi products. The company backs the popcorn maker with a 3-year warranty.
It comes with:
- the kettle popcorn maker
- A removable plastic tray
- A stainless steel nonstick kettle
- a dual measuring spoon for accurate oil and kernel measuring
- a manual
The stainless steel kettle.
The measuring spoon.
According to Aldi, features include:
- the ability to pop up to 10 cups
- an easy-to-use crank handle to empty the kettle after popping
- a light switch to illuminate the interior while popping
- an easy-access door with handle
What We Don’t Know:
While we’ve been sorely tempted to buy one of these more than once, we’ve yet to pull the trigger, which is why this is an open thread rather than a full review. To that end, we don’t know how well it works. If you do, we’d love to hear from you.
Have experience with this popcorn maker? Feel free to let us know in the comments.
I bought one of these a few years ago and it wasn’t worth the money. It made smaller batches than microwave popcorn bags and it generated a lot of smoke. Plus it’s a real pain to clean.
Thank you! I considered buying one for my son in law.
Thank you for your comment. I pop my own popcorn using an air popper for the caramel popcorn I make for my business. I haven’t decided if I’ll purchase one.
You get what you pay for. If you need a fancy one that pops more, you pay more. Plain and simple. None of them even the carnival ones will clean themselves, so don’t buy it if you don’t like to clean….grease oils and butters will always be a mess! AMBIANO is an excellent new company. I love their mini chopper and mini deep fryer. They make smaller things with individuals in mind rather then families, so yes expect small quantity…but if you need more then cook more batches
Tommy, great comment!…….
My daughter and son in law bought us this Ambiano Popcorn Maker for Christmas!! We opened it and made a few batches. Once we got the hang of it we figured out it made about 6 to 8, 16oz. Cups of popcorn which is just perfect. We truly enjoy it and hope it lasts.
Did you make 6-8, 16 oz cups all in one batch? If so, I would love to know how. I bought it because it says on the box easily pops 10 cups, however, with regular yellow popcorn, using the measuring scoop provided we only got about 3-4, 8 oz cups out of a batch. I have a large family and it took nearly an hour to pop enough popcorn for us to enjoy.
Our company purchased one of these and I need to know if it can pop the prepackaged 8oz popcorn or will I have to modify it.
This popcorn kettle was so worth the money. Not only cute but popped a lot. Fill it up and make another batch and it will pile up. Plenty for a get together .
It worked once and burned out..not worth it
We lost our measuring spoon. Can anyone please tell me what the measurements are on each end?
The metal flaps are not very heavy and allow a lot (nearly a quarter) of popcorn kernels to escape and go unpopped. The stirer is also a little too elevated and with occasionally catch popcorn underneath and start to burn it, smelling up the place. This also does not allow the popcorn to coat with salt very well. Popcorn tends to come out a little chewy as well, even if you use Ghee or high temperature oils.
My wife bought this for me for Christmas about 3 years ago and we’ve been using it 3-4 times a month since. It’s an awesome little machine and makes perfect movie theater/carnival style popcorn. The key to get this taste is to use coconut oil and Flavacol. Don’t use virgin coconut oil (unless you like the coconut taste), only use refined or the butter flavored yellow coconut oil. I use Snappy’s brand, but other brands will probably produce the same results. Don’t use any type of oil other than coconut oil because they will burn and stink up your house! Plus coconut oil has such a low melting temperature it makes it very easy to clean the kettle.
Here’s my procedure for making perfect popcorn with this machine (use the measuring scoop provided):
1. Add coconut oil to the kettle and wait about 30 seconds for the oil to melt and heat up. A butter knife helps to get the oil out of the scoop.
2. Add popcorn (be careful, the kettle will be hot!).
3. When the popping slows to about 1-2 kernels per second, immediately turn off the kettle and dump the remaining popcorn, gently shaking the kettle a few times with the handle.
4. Remove the tray and sprinkle 1-2 pinches of Flavacol over the hot popcorn, gently toss to evenly distribute.
Repeat the same steps if you need more, don’t clean the kettle until you’re done, just remove any remaining bits before you start the next batch so they don’t burn. I’ve made 10+ batches in a row without a problem, just make sure the kettle is turned off between batches.
To clean the kettle after it cools to the touch; remove the kettle (take off the handle and disconnect the cord), carefully fill with hot water, wait about a minute , dump the water and wipe out with a paper towel, repeat if necessary. Don’t submerge the whole kettle in water, this is dangerous and will damage it!
Hopefully this helps people make great popcorn with this machine! Keep in mind that this is what works for me and some experimentation might be necessary!