As a professional popcorn maker, with years of experience in making popcorn with a saucepan, frying pan, wok, and microwave, this particular device is not a waste of money, it is a waste of time. (Time = money). The reason why there are recipes for popcorn in the instructions is because what it produces is tasteless and meaningless for consumption. It is better to take a good non-stick saucepan, a little butter, and salt. Simple and traditional. P.S: I am sharing this recipe with you without the need to buy any device.