This popcorn maker is a great alternative to those unhealthily microwavable brands. You make the popcorn to your liking, with very little oil. For me I use a whole mess of salt and real melted butter...we are talking about snack food after all. The best results, though, do come from using less oil. The unit is quick and easy: oil, kernels, and switch it on, that's it. It even pops right into the serving bowl. The vents at the top help the hot air move through the popping chamber making the popcorn light fluffy. But this is no air popper; you know this is the real deal when you taste it. Another thing I found useful was the bottom lid on the severing bowl. It prevents a mess by catching the salt and crumbs that can slip through the vents. Getting the bottom plate attached is a pain but it's a one time operation. Overall, this is a great value and I am quite satisfied with its performance.