Presto PopLite 04820 Troubleshooting

Popped and unpopped kernels flying out and missing the bowl .

Check that the butter melter cup is in place. If it is not, then this is the cause of the unpopped kernels flying out.

Kernels may fly everywhere when using the popper if the bowl is too small. Use a larger bowl that is able to catch kernels coming out the chute.

Some kernels are more appropriate than others. Refer to the link for the Presto PopLite manual.

Large portion of kernels remain unpopped.

Always use fresh kernels, or make sure kernels were properly sealed prior to usage. Freshness of kernels is maintained in tightly sealed container at room temperature. When kernels are refrigerated or frozen, they lose freshness and cause them to remain unpopped.

Each kernel brand is slightly different from the next, and it is best to try a variety of kernel brands to determine the one that best fits your ideal popcorn standard.

Popped and unpopped kernels are burnt in the chamber while using the popper.

Unplug device, remove the cover, and check the kernel level. Scorched kernels can be caused by filling the popping chamber above the kernel level indicated inside the chamber. Take out the popped and unpopped kernels in popping chamber, then allow chamber to cool for 15 minutes before reusing.

First, unplug the popper. Check the end of the chute for any obstacles that would keep popped and unpopped kernels from exiting the popping chamber, and thus cause scorched kernels. Remove the obstacles from exit and resume popping.

The popper was working fine and suddenly shut off.

Check that the popper was not disrupted by cord being suddenly unplugged. If this occurred simply place plug in appropriate outlet.

Unplug device, remove the cover, and check the kernel level. Overheating is caused by filling the popping chamber above the kernel level indicated inside the chamber. When overheating occurs, the popper will shut off immediately. Take out the popped and unpopped kernels in popping chamber, then allow chamber to cool for 15 minutes before reusing.

The popper will not show any sign of powering up.

Check that the plug is in the appropriate outlet.

If popper is plugged into the appropriate outlet but is not responding, check the power cord for any noticeable damage. If there is noticeable damage then you will need to replace power cord. Click here for Power Cord replacement guide. Some damage cannot be diagnosed by looking at the cord, go to the Power Cord replacement guide.

If the popper is plugged into the appropriate outlet, and the power cord has been thoroughly checked then the motor is bad. Click here and follow along with the Motor Replacement guide.

During use, the popper produces smoke (this does not include water vapor).

Unplug device, remove the cover, and check the kernel level. Smoking can be caused by filling the popping chamber above the kernel level indicated inside the chamber. Take out the popped and unpopped kernels in popping chamber, then allow chamber to cool for 15 minutes before reusing.

First, unplug the popper. Check the end of the chute for any obstacles that would keep popped and unpopped kernels from exiting the popping chamber. Remove the obstacles from exit and resume popping.

Unplug the device, remove the cover, and empty the popping chamber of popped and unpopped kernels. Check the bottom and sides of the chamber. If there is any sign of build-up in the Popping Chamber , then check out the Popping Chamber Base replacement guide and check out the Popping Chamber Shaft replacement guide.

If popper is smoking and the chamber was not overfilled, there were no blockages at the chute exit, the cover groove was clean, then the motor is bad. Click here and follow along with the Motor Replacement guide.