Hi Amy,

I'll bet your popcorn is what failed! I use a minimal amount of Canola Oil and I put in about 1/3 cup of seeds in the thing. Absolutely great all the time. I have used corn from "Farm Fleet", (20# for less than $8), and I've used the other inexpensive brands also. I get huge kernals and incidentally, I eat all the seeds. If there's one my teeth can't handle, its very rare. I keep my pop-corn seeds refrigerated. I suggest you do the same. It keeps it dry. I hope I helped! I'm 81 years young and been around the block once or twice. This is a good "popper". Enjoy!

george