I purchased the Whirley pop stovetop popcorn popper because a friend of mine recommended it. I have other poppers just like this and I like them all the same. The one thing I did notice about this popper is that the gear on top appears to plastic and not very durable. I'm not sure if this is how it has always been made, but it is very noticeable on this one and pan seems for very light and not very high quality.