Have you ever wondered why people eat popcorn at the movies? Well, you are not alone. Popcorn is undoubtedly the preferred snack for moviegoers, since time immemorial.
Nonetheless, with the advent of big TV screens and home entertainment units, you NO LONGER have to leave home for the cinemas anymore! You can now enjoy an authentic movie night experience from the comfort of your couch.
All you have to do is to make sure that you have the best popcorn popper to guarantee a consistent supply of delicious popcorn.
So what is the most ideal popcorn popper?
After burning the midnight oil popping popcorn, we found 9 popcorn poppers to fit your needs and preferences. Our top OVERALL PICK is the Cuisinart CPM-700 EasyPop Popcorn Maker, closely followed by the West Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper as the RUNNER UP.
By the end of this review, you’ll be able to find the perfect popcorn popper and become an expert in popping popcorn.
Read along and find out what awaits…..
The popcorn makers used at home can be classified in the following categories:
Hot Air Poppers, use a circulating band of heated air to pop kernels. It does not require oil or butter and is considered the healthiest way to pop corn and are less expensive than oil models.
Hot Oil Types transfers heat from the container to the kernels, and need oil or butter to keep the kernels from sticking together and to the pan; are used mainly to provide more flavor than hot air models.
Stove Top Popcorn Maker, a most practical way of making popcorn. Simply pull out your best kettle in the cabinet and keep it on the conventional stove. Wait until the popcorn is ready. Drizzle it with your favorite butter or sprinkle it with salt.
Microwave Popcorn Makers conducts heat and can be used to cook various foods more quickly and easily. Also, it can also heat kernels and make them pop out as popcorns.
Besides, being a great household item, popcorn makers have become a must at certain venues, such as theaters or the Coney Island boardwalk. In fact, these are some great places to taste interesting popcorn recipes. Popcorn makers can also pop up in unexpected places. Such of these units are the Commercial Popcorn Makers.
Best overall – Cuisinart CPM-700 EasyPop Popcorn Maker
Pros
- FEATURES A NON-STICK HEATING PLATE
- THE MOTORIZED STIRRING ROD ENSURES EVEN MIXING
- NON-SLIP FEET FOR ENHANCED STABILITY
Cons
- NON-SLIP FEET FOR ENHANCED STABILITY
The Cuisinart CPM-700 EasyPop Popcorn Maker is hands down our number one pick for several reasons.
Firstly, this popper can make up to 16 cups of crunchy, homemade popcorn in less than 6 minutes. How can you beat that?
With the flip of a switch, this unit can pop popcorn like nobody’s business.
Moreover, the popping bowl has a special vent that allows moisture to escape, thus ensuring that no kernels are left unpopped.
What’s even more exciting is that the unit comes with a motorized stirring rod, that works by mixing your popcorn kernels in a circular motion, for an even mix.
Did we mention that the Cuisinart CPM-700 comes with a removable non-stick cooking plate? Well, it does. The non-stick plate ensures that your kernels do not stick at the base of the bowl. Furthermore, you can serve your popcorn right from the bowl when the popping process is complete.
The popper also features a measuring cup that you can use to determine how much popcorn you want to pop. You can also measure the amount of salt and oil you need to add to make your favorite popcorn recipe.
Most importantly, this popper will never burn your popcorn kernels unless you fail to follow the recommended timing. It comes with an easy-to-read manual that will help you learn how to prepare fresh, crunchy popcorn.
Cleaning the popcorn popper and bowl is extremely easy since all the removable parts are dishwasher friendly.
Runner up – Original Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper
Pros
- TAKES UP VERY LITTLE SPACE
- GREAT DESIGN FOR MAXIMUM POPPING
- EXTREMELY AFFORDABLE
Cons
- THE BOWL COLLAPSES TOO EASILY MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO WASH/WIPE AFTER USE
Wouldn’t it be great if you could find a popper that can pop your popcorn perfectly without leaving your kernels burnt?
Well, the Salbree Collapsible Silicone Microwave Popcorn Popper does exactly that! This popper is extremely simple and easy to use. Moreover, it is capable of producing delicious popcorn within no time.
But that’s not all…
If you are struggling for space in your kitchen, then worry no more. Apparently, the popper is made of collapsible silicone that is space-saving and virtually indestructible. This makes it easy to clean and store without worrying about damaging the bowl.
What’s more, the popper bowl is dishwasher-friendly, so you don’t have to fret about big cleanups after a night of watching your favorite movies.
One of the most exciting aspects of this popcorn popper is that it is available in over 18 different colors. This allows you to select the most ideal color that matches the theme of your kitchen.
In terms of safety, the unit comes with easy grab handles that allow you to remove the bowl from your microwave without burning your fingers. However, you should always take extra care when handling hot products in a microwave.
Best value – Great Northern Popcorn Popper
Specifications
- Dimensions: 17 x 10 x 8 inches
- Weight: 2 lbs
- Material: steel
First up the list is the amazing Great Northern Popcorn Stainless Steel Stove Top. True to its name, this stovetop can pop up to 6-1/2 quarts of popcorn in just a matter of minutes.
Sounds impressive, right?
Well, with this stovetop popcorn maker at your disposal, you can make pan after pan of delicious popcorn for an unforgettable movie night experience.
Besides, the stovetop features a non-stick, stainless steel bottom and an innovative stirring handle that lets you cook fresh, crunchy popcorn without burning your kernels.
Moreover, it has a duplex heat pad, which works by distributing heat evenly to ensure that no kernel remains unpopped. Beyond that, its unique housing design and vented lid dispel moisture during the popping process, thus ensuring that your popcorn remains hot for a long time.
When it comes to safety, you do not have to worry about burning your fingers. This impressive stovetop popcorn maker comes with wooden handles and knobs for safe handling.
Another feature that caught our eyes is the easy pour lid. Apparently, this lid makes it easy to transfer your freshly popped popcorn into a separate bowl.
The best part is that you do not have to struggle with cleanups after popping your popcorn.
The Great Northern Popcorn Maker is extremely easy to clean. You just need to wipe it with a paper towel and store it appropriately.
Pros
- Pops up to 6-1/2 quarts of popcorn
- Wooden safety handles
- Very easy to clean
Cons
- The unit does not work on induction ranges
DASH Popcorn Machine: Hot Air Popcorn Popper + Popcorn Maker
Specifications
- DIMENSIONS: 10 X 9.5 X 5.5 INCHES
- WEIGHT: 2.4 LBS
Pros
- SLEEK, COMPACT DESIGN
- VERY EASY TO USE AND CLEAN
- DOES NOT REQUIRE OIL
Cons
- THE WARRANTY PERIOD IS ONLY 12 MONTHS
The DASH Hot Air Popcorn Popper is the ideal kitchen appliance for those who want to enjoy a bucket of tasty popcorn without gaining weight. This popcorn maker from DASH positions itself as the ultimate option for easy and healthy popping.
The unit does not use oil or any added preservatives to pop your popcorn kernels. Instead, it uses hot air. This significantly reduces your calorie and fat intake, thus ensuring that you stay as healthy as ever.
True to its word, making popcorn with this popper is quick and easy. All you have to do is to use the measuring cup provided to add kernels to the heating plate and push the start button. It’s as easy as that!
Another fascinating feature is that the measuring cup also doubles as a butter-melting tray. This makes it easy to melt and spread the butter evenly during the cooking process.
Amazingly, this popper can pop up to 16 cups of fresh, crunchy popcorn at any given time. Considering this, it is not surprising that the DASH popcorn maker is the go-to option for large parties and family gatherings.
The unit does not take up much space despite its large cooking capacity. It has a sleek, compact design that makes it ideal for RV’s, college dorm rooms and small kitchens.
Air Popcorn Makers Reviews
Presto 04821 Orville Redenbacher Hot Air Corn Popper
Using Presto 04821 Orville Redenbacher Hot Air Corn Popper is the healthy way to eat popcorn as popcorns are made using only air. There are virtually no calories or cholesterol with this method of popping popcorn.
The best thing about this product is that it is well made and well designed and is easy to use. Holds a large amount of corn and quickly gets to work. The corn pops rapidly and blows it all out into your bowl leaving no un-popped corn.
The texture of air popped corn is just so much drier that you end up wanting to dump butter on it just to give it some flavor. This popcorn maker is great. It is easy to use. It is easy to clean. It makes great popcorn in just a few minutes.
You don’t need oil if you want a nutritious crunchy snack, or you can add butter for a more celebratory bowl! It’s perfect. I highly recommend this product.
Product Features
- Electric popper uses hot air, not oil, for a healthy, low-calorie treat
- Faster and more economical than microwave-bag popcorn
- Produces virtually no un-popped kernels with either regular or gourmet popcorn
- Makes up to 18 cups in less than 2-1/2 minutes
- Handy measuring cup doubles as a butter melter;14 by 9 by 6-1/2 inches
Pros: lovable popcorn popper
Cons: keep eye on popper
Review Cuisinart PartyPop CPM-800 Popcorn Popper
The Cuisinart CPM800 Popcorn Maker is considered to be one of the best in its category. With this product, you have the luxury to make popcorn the way you like it.
All you have to do is put the kernels inside the popcorn maker, and the popcorn pops right up into its plastic serving bowl so you can just turn the bowl over and dig right in. From the health point of view, this popcorn maker puts the crunch back into homemade popcorn than microwave popcorn.
Other important features include the cool touch handles on popping plate which stays cool to the touch and conventional popper also adds a healthier alternative to microwave popcorn. With this quick-and-easy popcorn maker, YOU choose the flavoring.
One-half cup of kernels and 1 tablespoon of oil yield up to 10 cups of fresh popcorn. Popcorn pops into 4-qt. The bowl that flips for serving, and both the bowl and popping plate are dishwasher safe.
Product Features
- Pops up to 10 cups of popcorn in under 5 minutes
- Popcorn pops right up into its plastic serving bowl, just turn the bowl over and dig right in!
- Simple design delivers one-switch operation
- Included measuring cup eliminates guess work
- Elegant stainless steel base adds classic style to this popper
- Conventional popper adds a healthier alternative to microwave popcorn
Pros: easy handling popcorn maker
Cons: not as advertised
Review Nostalgia Electrics Hot Air Popper – OFP501
The Nostalgia Electrics Hot Air Popper- OFP501 is rather an old fashioned popcorn popper. It is apparent that they did not give much thought to the design other than trying to make it look like an old fashioned popcorn cart.
When it is popping the corn, most of the kernels are thrown out before they pop. Some end up in the container and some end up on the floor. Making popcorn is a multiple step process.
The only healthy thing about this popcorn maker was the fact that you could eat the kernels raw because they didn’t pop! I poured in the amount as I was instructed and as my nieces and I waited excitedly to hear the popping sound, nothing happened.
This popcorn maker may look like it’s fun to use, but don’t fall for it. It is by far the worst popcorn maker that I have ever used. Don’t even think about wasting money on it.
Product Features
- Nostalgia Electrics
- Old Fashioned Popcorn Popper
Pros: old fashioned popcorn popper
Cons: worst popcorn maker
Review Toastmaster 6203 Hot Air Popcorn Popper
The Toastmaster 6203 Hot Air Popcorn Popper is one of the worst popcorn makers I have ever used. We had a horrible experience with this popper as the Kernels flew everywhere during popping.
Not only that it is loud and only pops half the kernels while spitting out lots of un-popped kernels into the bowl which then start to pop in the bowl because of the heat and popcorn goes flying all over the place. The popcorn came out very stale tasting. It was hard and chewy and just awful.
It was so bad; I didn’t even want to eat it. When I make air popcorn, I put some flax oil (healthy oil) on top of it with some salt and sometimes some parmesan cheese. But this popper was so bad that I didn’t even enjoy the popcorn with the toppings on it.
There are better poppers available on the market at a similar budget which is a good option than this popper.
Product Features
- No oil needed – uses hot air to pop kernels
- Provides a healthy alternative for low-fat snacks
- Removable lid for easy refilling
- Pops up to 4 quarts per cycle
Pros: no oil needed
Cons: Do not buy this product
Oil Popcorn Makers Reviews
ReviewNostalgia Electrics RKP-630 Traditional Hot-Oil Retro-Style Kettle Popcorn Maker
The Nostalgia Electrics RKP-630 Traditional Hot-Oil Retro-Style Kettle Popcorn Maker looks great – has a good weight to and appears to be nice quality. We have ordered this popcorn maker this Christmas, and when the popper arrived it was in great shape went together easily, popped the 1st batch of popcorn the popcorn this machine makes tastes great.
However, the plastic door cracked after the 6th use and the stirring mechanism gets jammed if you don’t keep the kettle clean. I have attempted to contact the company and had yet to talk to them about the issue. I think I can’t take it back to the store I purchased since I have already used it. However, It may be my only option. I’m hoping that I can receive a new door because it looks good and does pop pretty well.
The machine required a lot of cleaning, and the small kettle ejects a lot of un-popped kernels. In general, it makes a mess because it is hard to get the popcorn out without it getting all over the place.
Product Features
- Retro-style popcorn maker produces up to 1 gallon per batch
- Large 2-ounce stainless-steel kettle with built-in stirring system
- Warming light; kernel catcher; tempered window for easy viewing
- Includes measuring spoon for oil and measuring cup for kernels
- Measures 10-1/2 by 11-1/2 by 20-1/2 inches; 90-day warranty
Pros: looks great and has a good weight
Cons: inferior quality parts
West Bend 82306 Stir Crazy 6-Quart Popcorn Popper
The West Bend Stir Crazy 82306 Popcorn Maker is a good machine & makes decent popcorn. The stirring rod is what makes the difference with this popper. Not only will it pop more kernels but it will pop far more with the less expensive brands.
It’s typical to get no more than a tablespoon or less of un-popped kernels. The popcorn turns out perfectly done, from the earliest to the last pop. I love this popper. Not only does the popcorn taste better, but it’s cheaper. We save so much more making this popcorn than buying the “reduced fat” microwave stuff.
Granted this isn’t fat-free, but I use healthy oils (canola or peanut) instead of vegetable oil. This popper makes a nice sized batch of popcorn. You can melt butter on it–optional. The popper is a clear bowl, so it is fun to watch the kernels pop.
The only problem with this product is that it doesn’t have an on/off switch–you have to unplug it to stop popping. Besides this, it is an excellent product, and I recommend it.
Product Features
- Popcorn popper with motorized stirring rod to ensure all kernels pop
- Produces up to 6 quarts in about 5 minutes; built-in butter well
- Nonstick coated popping surface
- Heat-resistant handles and base; plastic cover doubles as serving bowl
- Measures 12 by 8-1/2 by 10 inches; 1-year limited warranty
Pros: ideal for preparing homemade popcorns
Cons: doesn’t have an on/off switch
Review Wabash Valley Farms Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper
The Whirley Pop Vintage Stovetop Popcorn Maker is considered to be one of the best popcorn makers in its class. We bought this product for Christmas, and it turned out to be an easy to handle popcorn maker.
All you have to do is just pour oil and kernels into the aluminum pan, place it on a burner, and start turning the stay-cool wooden handle. With this product, you can make great buttered, plain, cheddar, hot and spicy and sweet popcorns easily. Using this product, you will forget the microwave bags, and you will not go back. The one drawback is that you have the pot to wash when you are done, and you must be sure to keep kids away from the very hot pot. This is a great product for the popcorn lovers, and I simply recommend this popcorn maker.
Product Features:
- Steam vents keep popcorn from getting soggy
- In just 3 minutes, you can enjoy up to 6 quarts of popcorn, puffed up to 42 times original kernel size
- You can make great buttered, plain, cheddar, hot and spicy and sweet popcorns
Pros: great for popcorn fans
Cons: pot needs regular washing
Paragon Popcorn Makers
Paragon has a quite large selection of popcorn machines and matching popcorn machine carts. Paragon equipment line includes popcorn machine supplies, hot air popcorn machines, cotton candy and snow cone machines.
Paragon popcorn makers are available in 4oz, 6oz, 8oz, large popcorn machines, and more. Paragon popcorn machines are best for your home, office, movie theatre, or school. Just pop in your favorite movie and sit back and relax while your Paragon Popcorn machine delivers mouth watering popped popcorn every three minutes.
From the line of Paragon popcorn machines, the Theatre Six Popcorn machine is considered to be one of the best.
Theater Six Popcorn Machine
With the standard lower heating element and “Old Maid’s Tray,” the six will provide an ample supply of popcorn that will stay fresh throughout the day. This feature is found on all machines six and higher. Although the Theater 6 is economical to purchase and operate, it uses the latest technology to ensure years of service.
- Lower heating element for long lasting popcorn.
- Old Maid’s Tray for catching un-popped popcorn.
- 3-year factory warranty.
- 20W x 14D x 26H
- 62 lbs
- Volts:120
- Watts: 1200
- Amps: 10
The Nordic Ware Popcorn Popper
The Nordic ware microwave popcorn popper is one of the most popular microwave popcorn poppers available on the market today. Preparing popcorns through Nordic Ware Popcorn Popper is one of the easiest things as it cooks in mere minutes, and there are no greasy pots and pans to clean up.
The kids can make it themselves with minimal adult supervision. When you cook regular popcorn in a microwave popcorn popper, not in a bag, you eliminate the risk of suffering an inhalation disorder from inhaling the harmful chemicals contained in microwave popcorn.
All you have to do is buy ordinary popcorn kernels and place ½ cup of the kernels in the bottom of the three-quart Nordic Ware Popcorn Popper bowl. Put the lid on, cook for about four minutes on high, and you can make up to 12 cups of microwave popcorn. Nordic Ware cooks microwave popcorn without any added oils, so it is low-fat popcorn at its best.
Product Features
- Material: High-Density Plastic
- Size/Capacity: 3-qt.
- Dimensions: 9.875″ x 9.875″ x 5″
- Origin: United States
- Cleaning & Care: Hand wash with Mild Cleanser
Nostalgia Electrics Popcorn Makers
Nostalgia Electrics Popcorn Makers are usually modeled after the antique popcorn carts of the early 1900s. These popcorn makers are world-famous for appliances that are the life of the party and encompass the best of yesteryear with all the technological advancements of today.
Old Fashioned Popcorn Maker by Nostalgia Electrics
Watch the delicious, hot, movie-style popcorn being made and enjoy eating it in the comfort of your own home, whenever you want!
Old Fashioned Popcorn Maker Features
Capacity to cook and pop 1/4 cup of corn at a time
Easy to clean
Electric, table top appliance
Separate switches for motor and interior light
Large holding capacity
Nostalgia Electrics Green Hot Oil Kettle Popcorn Maker KPM508
THIS GREEN LARGE HIGH-END KETTLE POPCORN MAKER popper will take care of all your Popcorn Needs! Kettle Corn – – Old Fashioned Kettle Popcorn Maker makes Hot, Fresh, Theater-style Popcorn anytime.
Features:
- A modern replica of 1900’s corner vendor cart.
- Each batch takes two teaspoons of cooking or flavored popcorn oil and 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels.
- To make popcorn, just turn on the machine and close the door.
Presto Popcorn Makers
Presto popcorn makers are recognized for their quality, innovation, and durability. The PopCornNow continuous corn popper was among the first poppers to use hot air instead of hot oil to “explode” kernels into crisp, plump puffs of popcorn. This new popping method produced a lighter, healthier snack and the popper quickly became a favorite of health conscious Americans.
Similarly, the PowerPop microwave multi-popper had been on the market for years and had a reputation for leaving hundreds of un-popped kernels. The PowerPop features an exclusive combination of a reflector that was built into the unit’s base, and a special disposable popping cup enabled the PowerPop to concentrate microwave energy so effectively that virtually every kernel would pop.
The PowerPop was also designed to pop with or without oil so consumers could have a choice of delicious buttery popcorn or light, low-fat snack.
Popular Presto Popcorn Maker Models are:
Orville Redenbacher’s® hot air popper by Presto
Presto® PopLite® hot air corn popper
Presto® PowerPop® microwave multi-popper
[amazon_link asins=’B071FDNC6K,B00005IBXK,B00006IUWB’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’thewisy-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’524742b5-8b47-11e7-a829-a1519457123b’]
General features of Presto Popcorn Makers are:
1. Pops with hot air, not oil, for a healthy, low-calorie treat.
2. Pops up to 18 cups of gourmet popcorn in less than 2 1/2 minutes with virtually no un-popped kernels.
3. Butter melter doubles as a handy measuring cup. Chute direct popcorn right into your bowl.
Cleaning Popcorn Makers
Usually, the popcorn makers feature tempered glass panels, stainless steel clean out trays, aluminum corner posts, etc. and these are the parts that need maintenance. The best way to maintain is to clean it. If not cleaned properly, then the popcorn can come out chewy or not to your satisfaction. Some ideas that can be used, while cleaning a popcorn maker:
- Let the machine completely cool down before beginning any cleaning.
- Clean it after each use. Do not cut corners and allow build up. Never store unless completely cleaned. Make certain all kernels are removed from the machine before cleaning begins.
- Use the best-supported products. Plated and anodized cookers are designed to be cleaned with a clean cloth after every use. The cooker has electrical elements, never submerge it to clean. If the popcorn maker’s interior burns with an oil stain, then use special stain removal kits to correct the condition.
- Use standard household cleaners and glass cleaners, as they are effective for cleaning the walls of the machine.
- Always use a clean-white cloth.
- Steel trays and aluminum corner posts are best cleaned using soap and warm water.
- Before keeping the cooker in storage, wipe down it’s inside and outside.
61 Calorie Popcorn Recipe
This 61 Calorie Popcorn Recipe is very simple to make, tastes delicious, and perfect low-fat diet. Moreover, when you think of popcorn, you may think of the buttery movie-theater variety – heavy on trans fats and calories. However, you can make popcorn in your own home that tastes just as good – without all the extra fat.
Ingredients
1/2 cup kernels
Flavored cooking spray (butter, olive oil, or garlic)
Garlic salt or cinnamon
Directions
Place popcorn in a 2 1/2-quart microwave-safe container; cover and cook on high power 4 to 5 minutes, or until popcorn is popped but not scorched. If the microwave oven does not have a rotating turntable, use oven mitts to grasp and shake the covered container after 3 minutes of cooking.
Quickly pour the popcorn onto a baking sheet and coat with cooking spray.
To further flavor the popcorn, immediately sprinkle with your favorite seasoning blends such as garlic salt or cinnamon.
Makes four servings 61 calories per serving, 10 percent from fat.
How To Prepare Dilly Lemon Munch
Popcorn is a great treat and can be made in a variety of ways and flavors. This Dilly Lemon Munch Recipe is very simple to make, tastes delicious, and is a quick time recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 quarts popcorn popped in 1/4 cup of oil
- 2 tablespoons shredded lemon peel
- 1 teaspoon dill weed
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon low-sodium salt
How to Prepare:
Toss popcorn with lemon peel and dill weed. Flavor enhances as popcorn stands. Per 4-cup serving: 184 calories; 0 grams of fat.
Yield: 2 quarts.
You will also like these posts….
- Best Selling Brewing Systems
- Best Popcorn Makers Reviews
- Homemade Pizza Cookers Reviews – Homemade Pizza Makers
- Wood Pepper Grinders
- Best Wine Cooler Reviews-Wine Bottle Cellar
- Best Bakers Racks for Kitchen
- Best Wine Aerator Buy and Use
- Best Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition Knives
CEO
Shahid Maqsood is an experienced writer and journalist with 10+ years in the industry. He is the CEO and founder of TheWisy, where he writes daily articles covering topics like books, business, news, sports, and more. Shahid holds an MBA from Virtual University of Pakistan and a Master's in Mass Communications. He is based in Faisalabad, Pakistan. His work spans multiple platforms like dosttrusty.com and newsbreak.com,Quellpress.com , airriflehunting, and bruitly.com showcasing his versatility and depth. Shahid's insightful articles reflect his expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness, making him a respected and reliable voice in digital content creation. His contributions engage and inform readers, embodying professionalism and passion in every piece.