What are the best popcorn poppers to make your own - movie theater quality - popcorn at home?
In this short review I will show you the best of the various types of poppers available today. I will be reviewing the top eight home use poppers to help you make an educated decision on which one is the right investment for you. Whether it's a microwaveable bowl, hot air popper, or even a fancy commercial machine, they all - ultimately - do one thing: They turn popcorn kernels into tasty treats!
So whatever popper you pick, know you can not go wrong with any of the recommended products listed in this review post.
Best Popcorn Makers
This comparison chart shows all the top rated poppers in their category, along with genuine customer ratings from Amazon. Beneath the chart you will find more detailed reviews of each of them.
| Brand/Name | Image | Output (Cups) | Standalone | Price | Rating* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PopMaize Popcorn Popper Bowl |  | 12 | No |  | 4.7 |
| Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper |  | 12 | No | | 4.6 |
| Wabash Valley Farms Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper |  | 24 | No | | 4.3 |
| Presto Poplite Hot Air Popper |  | 18 | Yes | | 4.3 |
| West Bend Stir Crazy Electric Popcorn Popper |  | 24 | Yes | | 4.2 |
| Cuisinart EasyPop Hot Air Popcorn Popper |  | 10 | Yes | | 4.2 |
| Great Northern Pop Pup Retro Style Popcorn Machine |  | 16 | Yes | | 4.1 |
*Ratings are /5 (out of five)
Let's look at each of the units in more detail!
PopMaize Popcorn Bowl Review
The PopMaize bowl has got to be the best microwave popper ever invented. It is made from food-safe silicone, which makes it lightweight and collapsible (from 5 down to 2-inches height) for compact and easy storage.
The silicone used is also very durable and easy to clean. In fact, it is even safe to wash the PopMaize bowl in the dishwasher.
It's also very easy to fill without requiring a measuring cup. Inside the bowl is a fill-line marking the amount of kernels it can safely pop. I personally was able to get it down to just 4 unpopped kernels (without burning the popcorn) after just my second time using it, which is exceptionally good!
Thanks to the suction lid, there is no worry about popped kernels overflowing and having to be cleaned out from the microwave (as was the case with another microwaveable bowl we had before).
The PopMaize silicone bowl doubles as an attractive serving bowl that holds up to 12 cups of popped popcorn, which is a standard amount among microwave popcorn makers.
Needless to say I am very happy with this easy to use unit, and if you have a microwave in your home, this is probably the best popper product on the market today!
CONS: Because it's silicone it bends and folds easily and is not firm like you might expect. It has never been a problem for us, but it is worth mentioning.
PROS: Foldable. Takes up very little space when not in use. Is easy to clean and can be used as a serving bowl... which of course means less dishes 🙂
Nordic Ware Microwave Popper Review
The Nordic Ware Microwave popcorn popper is the way we made popcorn after we originally ditched pre-packaged microwave bags. The bowl is made from unbreakable, chip-proof gemstone material with a plastic lid. I love that both parts are dishwasher safe.
You can pop and serve the popcorn in the same bowl. Like an air popper, this microwaveable bowl requires no oil for popping. However, we found that adding a little oil to the unpopped kernels, actually results in a better end product.
There is a learning curve to making the best possible popcorn with each new appliance. With the Nordic Ware Microwave Popper we learnt that we had to turn off the microwave before it gets to '1 pop per second' as instructed in the manual. When we waited this long the popped kernels started burning.
Once you've figured out the timing, it was very easy to use.
CONS: You have to use it a couple times to learn how to get it just right. It also does not fold like the other bowl we reviewed on top.
PROS: Is dishwasher safe and is a sturdy serving bowl.
Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper Review
With the Whirley-Pop you get stovetop popcorn at its best! The one-of-a-kind design of this aluminum pot features a clip on lid and a stainless steel stirring mechanism with a wooden hand crank (wooden handle) that stays cool.
The Whirley-Pop makes up to 24 cups of fresh, crisp popcorn at once in just 3 minutes.
If you are familiar with stovetop popcorn makers, you know how you have to keep the pot moving to prevent burning. The hand crank stirring system of the Whirley-Pop makes stovetop cooking a breeze. No vigorous shaking of a dangerously hot pot required.
Just make sure you are using medium heat. The lightweight aluminum pot is different from most of your regular heavy bottom cookware. Medium heat is all it needs to heat it up quickly and evenly.
CONS: It's a touch bulky and not ideal if you have limited kitchen cabinet space.
PROS: Because it's a stove-top popper, there is no need for a microwave or even electricity.
Presto Poplite Hot Air Popcorn Machine Review
The Presto Poplite is an absolute bestseller not only among hot air poppers but popcorn poppers in general. The huge plus? The hot air technology pops corn without any added oil!
Because the air-popped popcorn leaves the heat source after popping, there is also no risk of it burning (as is quite common in microwaveable bowls).
It also works very quickly. In less than 2.5 minutes it can produce up to 18 cups of popcorn per cycle. The removable butter warmer in the chute doubles as measuring cup for the right amount of kernels it can handle in one go.
We've been using this air popper in a slightly older version for a long time and love it.
Although the housing and chute cover are made from plastic, the inside part that 'cooks' the corn is actually stainless steel. The Presto Poplite comes with a variety of color options. I love this red one. There also is a black and several different white versions.
CONS: The first few kernels go all over the place. It's easily remedied by covering the shoot and bowl with a kitchen towel. It also does not have an ON and OFF switch. Meaning it starts working the second it's plugged in.
PROS: It's quick, efficient, and stays clean. It does not require any oil or butter which is ideal for those who are fat intake conscious.
West Bend Stir Crazy Electric Popcorn Makers
The Stir Crazy Popper by West Bend is one unique looking appliance. I probably would never have known about it if we hadn't received one as a wedding gift. The shape reminded me of a UFO when I first saw it.
The kernels and a little oil (I prefer coconut oil) are placed on the non-stick heating surface. A stirring rod keeps them moving to ensure even heating and no burning of popped kernels.
The plastic lid doubles as serving bowl. If you place a little butter in the butter well, it drizzles over the popcorn as it melts in the popping process.
We had a lot of fun with our Stir Crazy appliance. My only caveat is, that it is rather bulky and takes up a lot of cabinet space.
CONS: It's a bit bulky. Not ideal if you have severely limited kitchen cabinet space.
PROS: Comes with a bowl (less dishes).
Cuisinart EasyPop Hot Air Popper Review
This Cuisinart air popper is a great looking small appliance that would make an elegant style statement in your kitchen. Of all hot air popcorn makers, this happens to be the one sitting on my countertop currently.
It makes up to 10 cups of popcorn at a time. Compared to lower priced air poppers it has some really useful additional features. Instead of starting up when being plugged in, it has an on/off switch and a nifty way to roll up the cord for storage. It is also fairly quiet compared to other hot air poppers.
All removable parts (the cover and butter melter) are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The plastic parts are BPA-free which is very important when heating food in plastic containers.
The color options include red, white and metallic red, which looks especially classy.
CONS: A little pricier (granted the added features are worth it).
PROS: It comes with an ON and OFF switch (most air poppers don't). It operates relatively quiet and is beautiful to look at.
Great Northern Pop Pup Retro Style Popcorn Machine Review
This Great Northern Pop Pup Popcorn Machine gives you a full experience of movie theater popcorn at home. It not only tastes like theatre popcorn, but the machine also looks just like the machines you see at the movies.
A stainless steel kettle pops the corn, which can then be inverted into a removable serving tray (which is dishwasher safe). At 9.8 x 11 x 18.8 inches, it is small enough to fit on even the smallest kitchen counter.
It can pop 2-½ ounces of kernels at a time, which makes 16 cup of popped corn. For something bigger, check out the Great Northern Movie Theater Style Popcorn Machine or check out my commercial popcorn machine review here.
The warm-keeping light is a function that is unique to this type of machine and is designed specifically to keep the popped corn fresh, crispy, and warm.
So - whether you run a charity event, concession stand, have a lot of friends over to watch sports, or simply like to make large amounts of popcorn, nothing makes more of a statement than one of these classy ones.
Why Own a Popcorn Popper?
Here are just a few reasons why homemade popcorn trumps pre-popped or pre-packaged microwave popcorn bags:
- Healthy
Plain popcorn kernels (and sometimes a pinch of salt with a little oil) are literally the only ingredients. Pre-packaged microwave popcorn bags contain not only popcorn kernels and fake butter, but also a whole list of chemical additives that can pose serious health risks.
For example:- Diacetyl is the chemical used to synthetically add butter flavor.
- PFOA, the chemical used to line the microwave bags is considered a 'likely carcinogenic'.
- Trans-fat is added to imitate melted butter. - Environmentally friendly
Using a popcorn making appliance results in minimal waste. Pre-packaged microwave bags don't exactly yield the largest amount of popcorn. If you are getting together with family or friends for a movie night, you likely have to use several bags to make enough for everyone. All of these bags create trash that you wouldn't have when using an actual popcorn popper.
- Economical
If you've never bought a bag of popcorn kernels, you'll be surprised to learn how affordable they are. A big bag results in a LOT of popped corn (enough to feed an army). When compared to pre-packaged microwave bags, you can save up to 70%!
We make homemade popcorn several times a week and all of our different cookers have more than paid for themselves by this calculation.
How To Choose The Best Popcorn Popper
So you have decided (or maybe I have convinced you 😉 ) that you need a home popcorn maker. The next question is, which one? There are different aspects to consider when choosing the one best for you and your home.
1. Type
Essentially, all models fall in 2 categories: they are either standalone small appliances or need an outside heat source.
Within the latter category, that heat source is either the microwave or the stovetop. If you avoid using the microwave altogether or just plain don't own one, your option is a stovetop or a stand-alone countertop appliance.
Then, among the countertop ones there are two more categories: hot air poppers or ones that require oil or butter.
If you are avoiding fat for health reasons or you just hate the buttery or oily texture, air poppers are the way to go. With just high heat and a revolving fan, air poppers do a great job of making fat-free popcorn.
Of course you could still melt butter separately and add it in after if you really wanted to. Most of the ones that require oil or butter will automatically mix the butter in as it cooks the popcorn.
2. Size
Considering the size is important when deciding which appliance to buy. Air popper machines are usually the smallest standalone appliances because they require a separate bowl to collect the popped kernels. Where as the foldable silicone microwave bowl I mentioned above is the overall smallest as they can be folded and stuffed in even the tightest shelf space.
Stovetop poppers are bulkier but can easily be stored nesting with your other bowls and cooking pots.
Theatre style countertop poppers will take up the most space. You'll have to consider if you have counter space to spare. They look so nice that you may not even want to hide it, so there's that.
Without any extra counter space to store and display a bigger standalone machine, you will at least need to find some cabinet space to put it once you're done using it.
3. Output
Have a look at how much popcorn you get in each batch. If you have regular family movie nights, you need a popper that can produce more than one serving. Otherwise, making enough for a family or group of friends can turn into a laborious and time-intensive activity. So much for a relaxing evening, right?
With that said, we are a family of 3 and have never had issues with any of the smaller ones listed on this page!
4. Material
You may also need to pay attention to the material the popper is made of. If you are avoiding non-stick coatings on your cookware or plastic in general, you want to make sure that the appliance you choose isn't made of these. Look for stainless steel in stand-alone appliances or silicone with the microwave poppers.
5. Cleaning Ease
You've enjoyed your crunchy popcorn, but now it's time to clean (and possibly put away) the popper. If you prefer not having to hand wash, pick a popper type that is in part or entirely dishwasher safe.
Or choose a hot air popper that does not require much (if any) cleaning after use.
6. Aesthetic Appeal
With most (small) appliances, function is more important than appearance. However, the question of aesthetic appeal arises when your machine is going to get a permanent spot on your kitchen counter (see 2. Size). If you are going to see it every day, you should at least not hate the way it looks.
Choosing Popcorn Kernels
The poppers I've listed on this page will pop any conventional popcorn kernels you can find at your local grocery store. Since you're ordering your popper online though, why not order a batch of kernels as well?
This here is one of my favorites: Great Northern Popcorn Packs
It will probably last you a few months, but the good news is that unpopped corn doesn't rot - ever. Meaning it will likely still be good years later if you keep it dry. Oh and, did I mention it's super affordable to stock up on popcorn kernels?
Even if (God forbid) famine ever hits the land, at least you will have one thing to barter with: An unlimited supply of fresh popcorn. Not a bad deal if you ask me 🙂
Happy Popping!
Conclusion
In conclusion, owning a popcorn popper can greatly enhance your popcorn-making experience at home. Whether you prefer the convenience of a microwaveable bowl, the efficiency of a hot air popper, or the traditional stovetop method, there is a popcorn popper out there to suit your needs.
We have reviewed the top eight popcorn poppers available, highlighting their features, pros, and cons. From the collapsible and dishwasher-safe PopMaize Popcorn Popper Bowl to the versatile Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper, each popper offers its own unique benefits.
Making your own popcorn not only allows you to enjoy movie theater-quality popcorn in the comfort of your home, but it also gives you control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and tastier snack. Plus, with the wide range of popcorn flavors and seasonings available, you can get creative and customize your popcorn to suit your preferences.
In addition to convenience and taste, popcorn poppers provide consistency and versatility. You can achieve consistent results in terms of size, shape, and taste of your popcorn, which is important for a satisfying snacking experience. Moreover, many poppers allow you to experiment with different types of popcorn, such as flavored or gourmet varieties, providing you with endless options.
When choosing a popcorn popper, consider factors such as ease of use, cleaning, capacity, and additional features like butter melters or serving bowls. By selecting the right popcorn popper for your needs, you can elevate your popcorn-making game and enjoy delicious, homemade popcorn whenever you desire.
So, go ahead and invest in a popcorn popper that suits your preferences. With the right popper, you can elevate your movie nights, gatherings, or solo snacking sessions to a whole new level of popcorn perfection. Happy popping!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, popcorn poppers can be worth it if you frequently enjoy popcorn and want a healthier, more affordable way to make it at home. Air poppers, for example, allow you to make popcorn without oil.
Yes, popcorn kernels can vary in quality. Higher-quality kernels typically pop better, with fewer unpopped kernels and fluffier popcorn.
It depends on the type of popcorn machine. Air poppers don’t require oil, while stovetop or theater-style machines often use oil to cook the kernels.
Yes, an air popper device makes good, healthy popcorn, though some find the texture slightly drier than oil-popped varieties.
Yes, microwave popcorn has an expiration date, usually within 6 to 8 months. It may still pop after that date but might lose freshness and flavor.
You can pop popcorn on the stovetop using a pan with oil, or in the microwave using a paper bag or microwave-safe bowl.
An air popper typically takes 2 to 4 minutes to pop a full batch of popcorn.
Freshly popped popcorn is best consumed within a day, but it can last for a couple of days if stored in an airtight container.
You can improve popcorn at home by adding butter, oil, seasoning, or experimenting with different popping methods like stovetop or air popping.
Butter adds rich flavor, while oil helps cook the kernels more evenly. It’s a personal preference based on flavor and health goals.
Yes, freshly popped popcorn (whether air-popped or stovetop) generally tastes better and is healthier than microwave popcorn, which often contains preservatives and added oils.
Popcorn cooked with coconut oil can be healthy, but coconut oil is high in saturated fat, so moderation is key.
Many people prefer stove-popped popcorn because it offers more control over flavor and texture. It’s also healthier without the additives in microwave popcorn.
Yes, premium popcorn kernels tend to pop more fully and consistently, producing fluffier popcorn with fewer unpopped kernels.
Yes, if you want a healthier, oil-free way to make popcorn. It’s fast and convenient but might lack the rich flavor of oil-popped varieties.
The best popcorn makers depend on your preference. Air poppers are healthy, while stovetop or electric poppers often produce richer-tasting popcorn.
Stovetop pans, air poppers, and electric popcorn makers are all good options depending on whether you prioritize health (air popper) or flavor (stovetop).
Orville Redenbacher and Bob’s Red Mill are often praised for their high-quality, consistent popping performance.
For machines, larger mushroom-style kernels are often preferred since they produce a fluffier, rounder pop, perfect for coating with flavor.
High-quality brands like Orville Redenbacher tend to produce consistent results with a higher percentage of popped kernels.
For home popping, medium-sized yellow or white kernels are great, offering a good balance between fluffiness and crunch.
Stovetop popping with oil gives you the most control over the flavor, while air-popping is the healthiest method.
Oils like avocado, coconut, or olive oil are considered healthy for popping popcorn due to their higher smoke points and good fats.
Air-popped popcorn is the healthiest, as it doesn’t require any oil or butter.
Air-popping is the healthiest method, as it doesn’t involve added fats or oils.
Nutritional yeast, herbs, or a light drizzle of olive oil are healthy toppings for popcorn, adding flavor without excess calories.
Orville Redenbacher is one of the most popular and trusted popcorn brands for its quality and flavor.
The key to perfect popcorn is using the right amount of oil (if needed), the right heat, and high-quality kernels that are properly stored to maintain moisture.
Yellow corn is the most common and best for popcorn, producing large, fluffy pops.
Oils like canola, vegetable, or coconut oil are commonly used for stovetop popcorn due to their high smoke points.
A heavy-bottomed pan with a lid, like a cast-iron skillet or stainless steel pot, works best for stovetop popping.
Any standard popcorn kernels will work in an air popper, but medium-sized yellow or white kernels often perform best.
Most popcorn is made from yellow or white corn, with yellow corn typically providing larger, fluffier pops.
Air poppers are healthier, while microwave poppers are more convenient. The choice depends on your priority.
Air-popped popcorn is much healthier because it doesn't contain added fats, oils, or artificial ingredients often found in microwave popcorn.
For health, air-popping is best. For flavor, stovetop or electric poppers offer richer, more customizable results.
Brands like Orville Redenbacher are known for a high popping percentage with minimal unpopped kernels.
The best popcorn machine depends on your preference, but air poppers and stovetop popcorn makers are both highly recommended for home use.
Premium popcorn brands like Orville Redenbacher or Bob’s Red Mill tend to pop best, producing fluffier and more consistent popcorn.
The quality and moisture content of the kernels determine how well they pop. Fresher, premium kernels pop better.
Air-popped popcorn is healthier since it doesn’t require oil, making it a lower-calorie snack option.
Orville Redenbacher popcorn is often considered better due to its consistent quality, flavor, and high popping percentage.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not reflect my opinion of any products listed though. Thank you for your support in making Leelalicious possible. I really appreciate it!
Emannuel Hobbs
An air popcorn maker is a fairly simple machine, but you need to be aware of a few features before you make your purchase. One of the first things you must consider is the company behind the product model.
Thanks for doing the research for me Konrad & Regina
Stephanie Raffaele
Awesome Review Regina!
If you are going to be popping large amounts of popcorn, it might be a good idea to purchase a larger cup capacity. Popping large amounts with a smaller machine can cause it to overheat and overall shorten its lifespan.
Konrad Braun
Stephanie,
That is true. Although I have to yet overheat any of my various poppers despite using them to pop multiple bowls of popcorn in one go. For those concerned about that though, we also wrote a review specifically for bigger popcorn machines.
I personally would love having a huge theatre style model in my basement home theatre but lo-and-behold I don't own a home theatre (yet) 🙂
Konrad
Gary Krajick
I have the biggest popper and the inside top of machine is galvanized, not stainless steel and it seems to start to rust after several uses. So keep it wiped dry after each use.
Konrad Braun
Thanks Gary,
That is solid advice.
One thing I might add is: if you usually salt your popcorn, wait until it is popped and out of the popping machine so as to not get salt inside the machine. Same with salty butter. If you can, never put it inside a machine (unless it's a plastic or silicone bowl) as it too will encourage rust on metal parts.
Anyhow, great tip Gary,
Konrad
Melissa
STILL LOOKING for a 4 QT stovetop popper that's dishwasher safe.
Regina
How about this one >> http://amzn.to/2zlJGnx
Peter W.
Getting the biggest one you listed. Not running a business where I need a commercial popcorn popper but I think it would be a terrific machine to have in my basement for when all the grand-kids come over or I have my buddies over watching the gray cup or Stanley cup for that matter.
Konrad Braun
I love that.
Winning the heart of grandkids with popcorn instead of candies is a huge win in my books.
Konrad
Carole Hamer
Great article Regina, I Enjoy making popcorn to my kids and family, so I like how you reviewed all the popcorn poppers types, in my opinion hot air popcorn maker is the best one, because its more healthy than other ones, it uses hot air to pop without using oil, and it help anyone making popcorn easily with no skills needed, Thanks!
Konrad Braun
Yes, airpopers are definitely super easy to use. And they are one of the cleanest poppers you can use (in regards of not needing to add anything except kernels). In fact, we just recently picked up another air popper because of this.
We also did a thorough hot air popper review over here and talk some more about the many benefits of using air poppers vs other madel types.
Konrad
Natasha Lance
Wowza!
I have done my popcorn research, and read through quite a few blog posts on popcorn makers (really 😉 ), and this is one of the most informative ones I have read-if not THE most informative. I especially enjoy the fact that you added information about environmental effect, not enough people are thinking in that way, and perhaps your article can inspire them to (or, in the very least, remind them to).
Thank you for the great article, keep up the fantastic and thorough work!
Natasha
Konrad Braun
Thanks Natasha!
We really appreciate your kind words.
Konrad
Jagger
Hi Regina,
I’m a huge popcorn fan, so I found your info very informative and useful.
I already own an Orville Redenbacher Presto that works great. It looks very similar in design to the West Bend Stir Crazy Electric Popcorn Popper you have listed on your page.
I used to do microwave popcorn until I found out some of the dangers you mention above. Once I found those out, I switched to popping my own like you suggest.
Great article! Keep up the great work.
Regards,
Jagger
Konrad Braun
Thanks Jagger,
Although the silicone (microwave) bowls are rated "safe for cooking", I can appreciate when people go the extra mile to not use food-safe silicone/plastics. Same goes for microwaves. I understand they are deemed to be safe for regular use, but I use the microwave maybe once a month (at most). It's convenient, sure. Especially for popping popcorn, but if given a choice, I avoid using microwaves as well.
Anyhow, thank you for the kind comment!
Konrad