How come some people say the gears are plastic and some say metal??
1799968
I think they used to be metal. Every one Ive seen are now plastic. But really... It doesnt matter. People who are having issues with the plastic gears deserve the problems they are having. Instructions say 3/4 cup popcorn. If you're using any more then its your problem. 3/4 makes a LOT... And plenty for two people. Once resistence is felt, STOP spimming tge thing and let it pop like crazy then slowly lift it off the burner. I just made some last night... Probably 10 maybe 15 unpopped kernals... Nothing burnt. I use about three caps of veg oil... Let it heat up till you see small whisps of heat, drop in 1/4 stick of butter and 3/4 cup kernals, stir it slowly then a tbl spoon of kosher salt and yer gtg... I think they used to be metal. Every one Ive seen are now plastic. But really... It doesnt matter. People who are having issues with the plastic gears deserve the problems they are having. Instructions say 3/4 cup popcorn. If you're using any more then its your problem. 3/4 makes a LOT... And plenty for two people. Once resistence is felt, STOP spimming tge thing and let it pop like crazy then slowly lift it off the burner. I just made some last night... Probably 10 maybe 15 unpopped kernals... Nothing burnt. I use about three caps of veg oil... Let it heat up till you see small whisps of... » Read More I think they used to be metal. Every one Ive seen are now plastic. But really... It doesnt matter. People who are having issues with the plastic gears deserve the problems they are having. Instructions say 3/4 cup popcorn. If you're using any more then its your problem. 3/4 makes a LOT... And plenty for two people. Once resistence is felt, STOP spimming tge thing and let it pop like crazy then slowly lift it off the burner. I just made some last night... Probably 10 maybe 15 unpopped kernals... Nothing burnt. I use about three caps of veg oil... Let it heat up till you see small whisps of heat, drop in 1/4 stick of butter and 3/4 cup kernals, stir it slowly then a tbl spoon of kosher salt and yer gtg... « Show Less
1799969
Well, all I know is that my popper has metal gears. I proved that by checking the gears with a magnet. So that's my answer about my popper's gears, definitely metal.
1799970
Hello and thank you for your inquiry. We have two different stove top poppers. Our aluminium popper has plastic gears whereas our stainless steel popper has metal gears. That's what will determine the difference. Thank you.
1799971
I suppose it is possible that some were made with plastic gears and some were metal. The one I got when ordered from Amazon has plastic gears. I havent found this to be a problem. No need to force the gears. When the resistance makes it hard to turn, I have found that that is a good indication that the batch is done. If you force it, the gears will probably break...so don't force it.
1194996
I bought it as a gift for my mom, but I believe they are metal. It works really great..
1286321
The mesh portion is metal. The black portions (which I think are there to hold the mesh metal together) are plastic.
628038
Although servos such as these are commonly plastic geared, these ones are actually metal geared.
1430837
The motor output connection and shaft are metal and the grinders themselves are plastic or Teflon.
707217
I think it's metal incased in a plastic coating. Very good unit, I highly recommend it.
2033404
Outside is metal. Inside is the same as any cheap mixer -- plastic gears, and generally quite failure-prone. I opened mine up after it broke, and was disappointed.
567719
Not sure which parts to look at for you. It looks like metal, but the outer center of the wheel is plastic. Most of the parts are metal.
1470464
Hi Jennifer,I cannot visually see the gears because they're encased in a gear box. But I cannot imagine them to be made of plastic. I used the tiller on some pretty hard soil, also embedded with rocks. The tiller did fine. In fact, the tiller prongs (made of metal) sustained the heavy tilling without being bent or broken. I'm pretty happy with its overall performance. My only regret is that I didn't buy it sooner. Good luck on your experience.
1260288
The only metal visible are the shafts and handles. From the way it sounds, I'd guess the gears are plastic. Personally, due to history with an old drop spreader and corrosion, I think for this application, plastic is a superior material. Stainless steel? $$$$
1816751
This is made in a sturdy fashion with metal gears. I have no problem with mine.
180371
I think the product is made of plastic. It sounds like plastic. Even the part which looks metal is made of plastic painted steel color. It works OK whether or not it is plastic or metal.
1137456
Gee I gave it to my grandson, but I think it is metal. That's what surprised me, was so much of it is metal. The wheels of course are plastic, but it seemed to be made quite well, and my grandson (3 yrs. old) is rough on his toys!!
1902713
There are some small bits that Might be metal (collars of couplings). The rest is 100% PLASTIC. Stainless finish...plastic....flex hose...plastic...threads on couplings....plastic.
1955922
There's a small rubber band at the left front. The rest of the area is plastic gears
117
They look metal and upon further investigation, they are 'metalized plastic'. They look good though and seem to hold up well.
228839
It's stainless steel everywhere where it counts - in the tiny gear that drives the whole thing. That's plastic. The rest of the beautiful stainless steel piece will last forever, but the gear will be trash in no time, rendering the stainless useless.