Construction could be a LOT better.....
The Whirley-Pop model we bought is different from the one shown---the gears are PLASTIC--bad idea #1--and the handle is plastic and set very close to the pot...bad idea #2.The lid stayed on for the first 2-3 uses, then just failed. It's almost impossible to handle piping-hot oil and attempt to keep the lid on. I consider it a definite hazard. The handle on our model is built so that one's hand is directly over the stove burner. Add attempts at controlling the entire contraption with oven mitts and you have a recipe for disaster. I'm too afraid to wrestle with it again--I'm afraid I'll burn myself.Which is a shame, because the popper really makes excellent popcorn. I'd buy another one if it were better-constructed and had METAL GEARS.