From The Straits Times    |

These retro-looking snack machines are just the thing to draw oohs and aahs at a home gathering. Lim Hsiao Hui tries these two out.

Product review: Nostalgia Electrics retro series kettle popcorn makerEDITOR’S RAVE
NOSTALGIA ELECTRICS OLD-FASHIONED CARNIVAL STYLE SNOW CONE MAKER

$82, from Robinsons Centrepoint in Singapore

HOW IT WORKS Fill up the ice canister at the top with ice cubes. Cap it tightly to activate the blades, which shave the ice. Scoop the shavings into cups or shape them into balls. It takes about half a minute to make two cups of shavings.

FUN FACTOR
It makes a racket (it’s twice as loud as a blender) but the noise adds to its appeal. Simple and safe to use, it’s a great self-service machine at a party. Set out toppings for guests to create their own desserts. I made fruit slushies, coffee frappe and a dessert topped with lychee and sea coconut with the shaved ice.

EASE OF USE I just had to wash the ice canister and blades, and wipe down the inside of the cabinet before using it. Ice cubes fit into the canister nicely, but larger
chunks, such as those from ice packs sold at supermarkets and convenience stores, need to be broken up first. The cabinet is not detachable or washable, so I could only wipe it dry after use.

VERDICT
A basic and easy-to-use ice shaver in an eye-catching design.

 

Product review: Nostalgia Electrics old fashioned carnival style snow cone makerNOSTALGIA ELECTRICS RETRO SERIES KETTLE POPCORN MAKER
$220, from Robinsons Centrepoint in Singapore

HOW IT WORKS Place a tablespoon of oil and a scoop of raw popcorn into the stainless steel tub (called the kettle). Press a button at the top to start the popping.

FUN FACTOR I got a kick out of watching the popcorn creep out of the kettle and fall into the cabinet. It took about three to five minutes to get two cups of popcorn.

EASE OF USE
I didn’t fit a plug into the kettle tightly the first time, and the kettle did not heat up. But once I fixed that, it worked like magic. The kettle got hot after each session, so I didn’t allow my kids to load it. But they could turn a crank outside the cabinet that tilts the kettle to pour the popcorn out. The greasiest part of the machine is the kettle, but because there’s a socket in it, it’s not washable. I could only detach it and wipe it down with kitchen towels and a damp cloth. The small mouth made it hard to clean. The cabinet also can’t be detached and washed.

VERDICT At its price, you could buy a hundred packs of ready-to-eat popcorn, but nothing beats having it freshly popped.


This article was originally published in Simply Her May 2012.

All product and pricing information was correct at the time of the magazine’s publication. We advise readers to check with the store for the latest availability and pricing information.