Let’s take a moment to reflect on a nostalgic topic. Popcorn. That’s right. We all love to enjoy a bit of popcorn from time to time and we all love the good feelings and memories that it brings with it. Popcorn can be something of a comfort food, and of course it often also brings back wonderful memories from times of old.
As a child, you may have watched your mother or father make popcorn on the stove in a pan. You no doubt delighted as you saw the popcorn flying and you could smell the earthy, buttery aromas from across the room.
Popcorn takes us back to our childhood, surely. In addition, it can also be a really good treat that you can enjoy with friends in front of a movie or as a low-calorie snack. If you plan to make popcorn at home, you want to ensure you create a quality product. Afterall, your efforts ought to be rewarded.
When you spend a bit of money, you need to know that you’re getting a product that will work reliably and consistently over time. Plus, if you want to move away from those microwave popcorn packets that all taste the same, then you need a stovetop popcorn maker that will let you add as much or as little flavor and variety as you please.
In this article, we take an in-depth look at the reasons to buy stovetop popcorn poppers, as well as prices, reviews, and links to the top poppers available today. Let’s begin!
Best Stovetop Popcorn Makers Comparison Chart
| Brand/Name | Image | Output (Cups) | Material | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| StovePop Popcorn Popper Victorio |  | 6 qt. | Stainless Steel |  | 3.7 |
| Zippy Pop Red Stovetop Popcorn Popper |  | 5.5 qt. | Stainless Steel & Glass | | 3.7 |
| Zippy Pop Stovetop Popcorn Maker |  | 4 qt. | Stainless Steel & Glass | | 4.2 |
| Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper |  | 6 qt. | Stainless Steel | | 4.0 |
| BGSFF Hand Crank Stovetop Popcorn Machine |  | 6 qt. | Stainless Steel | | 3.9 |
Victorio StovePop Stainless Steel Popcorn Popper
Amazon Reviews: 3.7 stars out of 5, 160 reviews
The Victorio StovePop Stainless Steel Popcorn Popper comes complete with a gearless hand crank that helps to keep all of that delicious popcorn moving. This feature ensures that every last kernel is popped. The hand crank is easy to use and it can help you make up to 6 quarts of popcorn.
The easy-to-pour lid allows you to get all of the popcorn out of the popper without spilling it everywhere. This is because you can only open one half of the lid at any one time. This is a really convenient feature as it means you can pour just a little bit of popcorn out if you wish to.
With cool-touch handles, you don’t have to worry about scalding yourself when lifting the popper off your oven, making the popper easy to use. Another great feature is this popper’s ability to be used on any range. You can use the popper on induction ranges, gas, and even electric burners.
This particular popcorn pot looks good and it comes with a smooth silver finish that has a classic, yet modern look. The popper is very easy to use and is something of an upgrade when you compare it to using an old pan to make popcorn in. With a good reputation and the ability to make up to 6 quarts of popcorn in one go, the Victorio popcorn maker is well worth considering.
Zippy Pop Original Pop & Roast Stainless Steel Stovetop Popcorn Maker
Amazon Reviews: 3.7 stars out of 5, 80 reviews
The Zippy Pop Original Pop & Roast Stainless Steel Stovetop Popcorn Popper has a 5 ½ quart capacity and a see-through lid which means you can see exactly how the progress of the popcorn is coming along. With a hand crank that allows you to move the popcorn around, you should not have many unpopped kernels.
One of the great things about this particular popper is part of the lid can be removed. The small rubber handle ensures you won’t burn your fingers as you lift it up and the hold in the lid allows you to add flavoring whenever you please. This sets the Zippy Pop apart from many other stovetop popcorn makers as ordinarily, you would have to add flavor once the popcorn is done.
Ideal for use on an induction hob and any other hob, this popper looks good thanks to its smooth finish. You may just burn yourself on the handle as it is not heatproof, so you will have to wear oven gloves when handling the popper. The Ziggy Pop popper has a good reputation and is quite heavy-duty meaning it should last a long time.
Zippy Pop Red Stovetop Popcorn Maker
Amazon Reviews: 4.2 stars out of 5, 113 reviews
The Zippy Pop Red Stovetop Popcorn Popper is slightly smaller than the previous Zippy popper. This particular product only holds 5 ½ quarts worth of popcorn making it ideal for those who don’t need to make as much popcorn in one go. With a nice red finish, this popper looks quite modern and the patented tumbling mechanism makes it stand out. The tumbling mechanism is there to help users move the corn kernels around the pan. This movement ensures more kernels are popped every time.
The glass lid lets you see exactly how your popcorn is doing so you know when it’s done and when it needs a little longer. The small silicon port lid can be removed from the glass lid. This feature is there so you can add as much or as little flavor as you please when you please.
Dishwasher safe, the Zippy Popcorn Popper looks good and it will stand out from your other kitchen gadgets thanks to its red finish. Ideal for use on a gas stove and scratch resistant, this popcorn popper is well worth considering if you want to make a small batch of popcorn at any one time.
Whirley Pop Stainless Steel 6 Quart Stovetop Popcorn Popper
Amazon Reviews: 4.0 stars out of 5, 51 reviews
The Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper has a 6-quart capacity and a unique stainless steel finish. With a patterned lid and wooden handles, this popper stands out from the crowd. With the ability to make popcorn in just 3 minutes, this popper means business.
The hand crank allows you to move the popcorn around the pan so every kernel is popped and nothing sticks.
The steam release feature lets the popcorn stay nice and fluffy. Made from stainless steel, the pan is very rugged and is likely to last a long time. The wooden handles stay cool while the rest of the pan heats up. The coolness of the handles means you can pick it up when you need to and without burning your hands.
This popcorn maker can be used on induction hobs and gas stovetops, allowing you to make 6 quarts of popcorn whenever you wish.
BGSFF Hand-operated Popcorn Pot Stovetop Popper
Amazon Reviews: No reviews on Amazon
The BGSFF Hand-operated Popcorn Pot Stovetop Popper can make up to 6 quarts of delicious popcorn at any one time and comes with an easy to clean finish. The hand-operated handle ensures that as many corn kernels as possible are popped so you have more popcorn. The sleek yet modern design makes this popper stand out a little from the other poppers in this range.
The stirring system that has been patented ensures that no popcorn is burnt, meaning you have more popcorn to enjoy once it’s all cooked. With a wooden handle on top of the lid that allows you to keep the popper still while you’re using the stirring system, this is a reasonably good popper that should work well.
Why Buy a Stovetop Popcorn Maker In the First Place?
If you would like to make popcorn whenever you please, then a stovetop popper is a fantastic choice. You will be an instant hit with the party or movie night you are attending.
Also, as if popcorn needed any more reason to be amazing, did you know that you can use a popcorn popper to help you lose weight? Popcorn can help you to lose weight as it is high in fiber and it is a fabulous replacement for other higher-calorie snacks.
Furthermore, buying corn and making popcorn at home is much cheaper than buying it in bags from supermarkets or even online stores. This is because you’ll often be able to find the raw ingredients to make popcorn, thus saving you the mark-up of other ready-made products.
At the end of the day, the important people in our life are important. As such, there is a certain sense of pride and fulfillment that comes with making your friends and family happy by preparing for them a scrumptious and healthy snack.
The Benefits of Owning a Stovetop Popcorn Popper
Owning a stovetop popcorn popper lends itself to an amazing number of benefits:
Parties
If you are about to host a party - or you’re about to attend one - you might find that popcorn is the ideal party treat. Kids of all ages love popcorn and providing some is a good way to ensure they don’t eat too many candy bars.
What’s more, you can make a whole new batch of popcorn if it looks like you’re running out. It’s vegan/vegetarian/gluten free, your healthy friends will love it, and everyone cherishes their old popcorn memories.
Movie nights
If you plan to enjoy a movie night or two, why not make some popcorn? You don’t have to invest in expensive popcorn if you have a stovetop popper at your disposal.
When you buy a stovetop popcorn maker, you give yourself and anyone else who’s joining you a real chance to enjoy a lot of popcorn. When you go to a movie theater, chances are you’ll buy a big tub or portion of popcorn. When you have a popper at home you can make just as much if not even more popcorn.
Game nights
Do you and your friends or family get together and enjoy playing a few games? Well, here’s where making some popcorn can add a bit more excitement to the evening. While playing games, you’re likely to enjoy a few snacks that may not be as good for you as you’d hoped. This is where making your own popcorn can come in and make a real difference. You can enjoy a lot of popcorn while you enjoy playing games and not have to worry too much about calories. Also, you can turn the popcorn into a reward for the winner, and the loser has to prepare it!
Afternoon snacks
Popcorn is the ideal afternoon snack, even if it is traditionally enjoyed in the evening. If you are looking to lose a bit of weight or you simply want to eat a little healthier in the afternoon, then popcorn is the way forward.
What’s great about stovetop popcorn poppers is they can be used any time of the day or night. Let’s imagine you want to take some popcorn to work with you so you can enjoy it during lunch. You can make a small batch of popcorn in the morning before you head to work or even the night before.
Special occasions
Whatever the occasion, if it’s even remotely special, chances are a nice bit of popcorn will go down well. Have a wedding coming up? Want to celebrate something? A bowl or two of popcorn is likely to be enjoyed. What’s more, is you can make as much popcorn as you wish without it costing you very much. You can please crowds of many sizes!
Flavor it as you please
If you are fortunate enough to have a stovetop popcorn maker, you will have the chance to flavor popcorn as you please. Whether you would like to add salt, sugar, syrup, herbs, spices, or anything else, the only limits are your imagination. As such, you ought to get all of those flavorings at the ready and be prepared to enjoy a world of flavor thanks to your stovetop popper.
What is the Best Stovetop Popcorn Popper?
While all of the stovetop popcorn poppers that we’ve seen are the best on the market right now, there can only be one ‘Winner’. The Zippy Pop Original Pop & Roast Stainless Steel Stovetop Popcorn Maker wins this competition thanks to its see-through lid and the little silicon port lid that lets you add flavoring when you please.
While this particular popper may not be able to make as much popcorn in one batch as some of the others, we think its features make it stand out from the crowd. What’s more, its ability to be used on any type of hob you please makes it a very convenient stovetop popcorn popper to own.
Buying Ingredients in Bulk
As mentioned, if you plan to make a lot of popcorn, it may be cheaper for you to buy your ingredients in bulk. Here are a few popular options I recommend:
- Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popcorn Kernels (8 Lbs)
- Great Northern Popcorn Company (24 x 8oz Popcorn Packs)
- Amish Country Popcorn (6 lb Bag)
Having a lot of popcorn kernels to handle means you’re more likely to use them. This could prove ideal if you’re looking to lose weight or you’re a lover of popcorn who can’t get enough of it.
While you’re shopping for kernels, don’t forget to shop for the flavorings and ingredients. You’re likely to save a bit of money there as well. Here is a popular flavoring pack:
Now get popping and enjoy a handful or two of freshly-made popcorn. There really is nothing quite like it. It’s a super-snack.
Common Questions
Cleaning a stovetop popcorn popper is generally easy. Most poppers can be washed with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. Some models may be dishwasher safe, but it's best to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning recommendations.
Yes, stovetop popcorn poppers can be used with oil and flavorings. You can add oil to the pan before popping the kernels for a traditional buttery taste. Additionally, you can sprinkle salt, sugar, herbs, spices, or any other desired flavorings onto the popped popcorn.
Stovetop popcorn poppers offer several advantages over microwave popcorn packs. They allow you to have more control over the flavorings and add as much or as little as you prefer. Stovetop poppers also eliminate the need for pre-packaged microwave popcorn, reducing waste and providing a more economical option.
Most stovetop popcorn poppers can be used on a variety of stoves, including gas, electric, and induction ranges. However, it's always best to check the specific product's instructions to ensure compatibility with your stove.
The capacity of stovetop popcorn poppers varies, ranging from around 4 to 6 quarts. The size of the popper determines the amount of popcorn it can make in a single batch. Consider your needs and the number of people you'll be serving when selecting a popper.
Stovetop popcorn poppers are generally made from stainless steel or other durable materials to withstand high heat. The durability may vary between different brands and models, so it's a good idea to read reviews and choose a popper known for its longevity.
Yes, stovetop popcorn poppers are suitable for making popcorn for parties or special occasions. You can make large batches of popcorn to cater to a crowd, and it can be a cost-effective alternative to buying pre-packaged popcorn.
On the other hand, if you plan on using it for larger parties on a regular basis or are considering to use it in a professional setting, I would recommend looking at getting a commercial popcorn machine.
Some stovetop popcorn poppers have a small opening or port in the lid that allows you to add flavorings while the popcorn is popping. This feature enables you to infuse the popcorn with flavor as it cooks. However, not all poppers have this feature, so it's essential to check the specific product's design.
The cooking time for popcorn with a stovetop popcorn popper can vary, but it typically takes around 3 to 5 minutes. The cooking time may depend on factors such as the heat level and the specific popper model. It's important to monitor the popcorn closely to prevent burning.
Stovetop popcorn poppers are primarily designed for making popcorn, but some models can be used for roasting nuts or other small snacks. However, it's important to consider the specific design and functionality of the popper before using it for other purposes.
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