Questions and Answers
1. Sometimes I get a lot of unpopped kernels and scorched corn. Why?
A number of things may be causing this:
a. You may have forgotten to use the PowerBase
concentrator or PowerCup
concentrator. Quality of popped corn will diminish if
the PowerBase
concentrator or PowerCup
concentrator are not
both
used.
b. Your PowerCup
concentrator needs to be replaced.
c. You were not using the High setting on your microwave oven.
d. Your microwave oven may have areas where microwave energy is not evenly distributed. Next time you use the popper, try
positioning the popper in a different location inside the microwave oven.
e. Your microwave oven and the Presto
popper do not work together. Presto’s engineers tested a wide variety of microwave ovens
in the design phase of the unit and did not find a microwave oven, in which the popper fit, which did not perform superbly. It is
possible, however, that an oven exists which does not work well with the popper. Presto would be very interested if you have such
an oven. Please write or call Presto if you believe this is the case.
2. How many unpopped kernels are considered normal for a batch of popped corn?
The number of unpopped kernels will vary depending on the quality and freshness of the corn used, the microwave oven used, and
the condition of the PowerCup
concentrator. If the instructions are followed correctly, as indicated on pages 2 and 3, on the first use
you will usually get anywhere from 1 unpopped kernel to 1 teaspoon unpopped kernels. Fresh corn and premium corn will give you
the best results. You should always get fewer unpopped kernels than microwave bagged corn. If you consistently get a lot of unpopped
kernels, review this Question and Answer section.
3. How many batches of popcorn should I be able to pop with each PowerCup
concentrator?
The number of uses will vary from microwave to microwave. When popping with oil, you should be able to make up to 12 batches
with each concentrator. When popping without oil, you should be able to make up to 24 batches with each concentrator.
4. After the initial use, the PowerCup
concentrator looks dark and discolored. Should I continue to use it?
Yes. The concentrator does discolor after use and will become more discolored the more you use it. The discoloration is normal and
does not affect popping.
5. What can I do to maximize the number of uses I get out of each PowerCup
concentrator when popping with oil?
After each use, wipe concentrator with a damp cloth to remove salt and oil residue. Do not soak concentrator in water or use abrasives
to clean it. Always remove concentrator from popping bowl before coating popcorn with toppings, such as caramel sauce.
6. There is oil residue, salt, and other seasonings on the concentrator after I make salted or flavored popcorn. May I wash the con-
centrator?
As water tends to cause the layers of the PowerCup
concentrator to separate, washing is not recommended. Between batches, oil
and salt residue can be easily removed by wiping the concentrator with a damp cloth. Prior to storage for later uses or after making
flavored popcorn, you may feel a more complete cleaning is needed. You may rinse the concentrator under warm water and gently
wipe away any food residue. Do not scrub or use abrasives. To remove excess moisture from the concentrator, pat dry with a towel
prior to storing in your popper.
Note:
Do not attempt to dry the concentrator in the microwave. Drying in the microwave will damage both the concentrator and
popper.
7. How will I know when my PowerCup
concentrator needs to be replaced?
If you notice you are getting more unpopped kernels than usual, it is time to replace the concentrator.
Important: Always replace the concentrator immediately if the top layer is torn or cracked.
8. The PowerPop
popper fits in my microwave oven only when I remove the glass tray or turntable. Is it safe to use the microwave
without the tray or turntable?
No. If your microwave oven comes with a glass tray or turntable, it should never be operated without the tray or turntable in place.
Use without the tray or turntable results in short PowerCup
concentrator life. It will also damage the popper and could destroy your
microwave oven.
9. Sometimes I find the PowerCup
concentrator on top of the popped corn with numerous unpopped kernels underneath. What has
happened?
Unpopped kernels were under the concentrator prior to popping, or the concentrator was not positioned tightly against the bottom of
the popping bowl enabling unpopped kernels to slip under the concentrator during popping. When those kernels popped, they pushed
the concentrator up, allowing more unpopped kernels to fall underneath the concentrator. Always make sure your concentrator is
seated tightly against the bottom of the popping bowl and that all of the kernels are on the concentrator before you begin popping.
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