If you’ve made microwave popcorn before, you probably know the drill. You throw the batch inside, watch it spin around itself for a few minutes, then take it out once you hear the beep.
Next? You enjoy a plate of popcorn that’s filled with fake butter and tastes like paper.
It’s now time to upgrade and get the real deal; a popcorn machine. Using it is pretty easy, and it’s faster than the pot method. Additionally, you can make a whole batch of popcorn without one drop of oil.
I’ll show you the best popcorn poppers and you can take your pick.
In This Guide
Our Top Pick for Popcorn Poppers
Here are absolute favorite popcorn machines.
These are the best popcorn machines on the market, and there is something for everyone on this list/
Now, let's go through the various features so you can decide which one suits you best.
Time for Treats Pop Air
The best feature in this popcorn popper is the cold-touch safety. The body of the machine is always cold, so you won’t get burned if you accidentally touched it while it’s running. That’s why it’s ETL-certified; its safety features are unmatched.
Furthermore, the Time for Treats machine runs fast. It can pop up to 3.5 quarts of kernels in a total of 3 minutes. After popping, you can easily pour the popcorn through the plastic sprout on the body.
The machine is supported by a sturdy board base, which allows it to stay stable on your countertop. Plus, it comes with a measuring cup that you can use for melting butter and counting the kernels.
Pros
- Easy to use and disassemble
- ETL-certified
- Easy to clean
- No burnt popcorn
- Plastic spout for easier pouring
- Easy butter melting
Cons
- The popcorn capacity is limited
Get more information on Time for Treats Pop Air
West Bend Crazy Electric Hot Oil Popcorn Popper Machine
The West Band operates uniquely; it’s not your typical popcorn popper. Along with the hot-air technology used to pop the corn, there’s a heating plate inside the machine. Plus, it enables you to use oil, unlike most popcorn machines.
The West Bend’s design is outstanding; it comes with a built-in butter container for easier melting. Moreover, it has a stirring rod that’s operated by the motor. It helps you get even-sized kernels.
As for the safety features, the popper has a heat-resistant handle and base. That way, you won’t have to worry about getting burnt or overheating your countertop. In fact, you won’t have the time to get burnt; the popper can finish 6 popcorn quarts in a total of 4 minutes!
Pros
- Easy storage
- The cover works as a serving bowl
- Cord wrap
- Dishwasher-safe
- Large capacity
- Non-stick external coating
Cons
- The non-stick material peels off
- Hard to clean due to the unremovable surface
Get more information on West Bend Crazy Electric Hot Oil Popcorn Popper Machine
Original Salbree Collapsible Bowl
For a microwave popper, the convenience of the Salbree is unmatched. It has a collapsible design that allows you to fold it in when it’s not in use. Also, thanks to the silicone it’s made of, you can store it anywhere without taking much space.
Furthermore, the Salbree is dishwasher-safe. That way, the cleaning process will be easier than ever. The convenience features don’t end here; the popper has two side handles, so you can easily carry it into and out of the microwave.
The Salbree has a capacity for 4 quarts of popcorn. You can add some oil to the popcorn if you like, but it works well without it. Although it doesn’t pop the kernels using hot air, the popper makes surprisingly tasty popcorn.
Pros
- 18 colors to choose from
- Easy storage
- Dishwasher-safe
- Safe silicone material
- BPA-free
- Low price
Cons
- Chemical odor
- Small capacity
Get more information on Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper
Great Northern Red Roosevelt Antique Countertop Style Popcorn Popper Machine
If you want to get the closest thing to a professional popper, look no further, the Great Northern is the one for you. Its antique design will be the perfect addition to your kitchen or home theatre.
The high price of the Great Northern is not set haphazardly. The machine can make up to 45 quarts of popcorn. Plus, it comes with stainless steel containers and high-quality glass panels for maximum protection.
The Great Northern has a drawer on its bottom for the kernels that fall through the perforations without popping. That way, you can use them to make another batch. Additionally, you can use the base as a storage space for your popcorn supplies.
Pros
- Antique style design
- It comes with popcorn serving bags
- Three control switches
- Kernel drawer
- Popcorn scoop
- Stainless steel construction
Cons
- No instructions included
- A lot of customers received defected machines
Great Northern Red 8oz Roosevelt Antique Countertop Style Popcorn Popper Machine
Movie Night Popcorn Popper Machine With Cart
The popcorn popper has it all; the sturdy construction, the sleek design, and the convenience. It arrives with a metal gearbox that’ll withstand anything you throw at it. In addition, the stainless is powder-coated for extra protection.
The cart makes it was to store and move, and a great general conversation piece. All of your kids friends will want to come over on Friday and Saturday night for popcorn and a movie!
It is also available in a countertop model without the cart and comes in both red and black with different designs on it.
The popper comes with three control switches; light warmer, heater, and stirrer. That way, you’ll have full control over the process. Furthermore, you can make up to 45 quarts of popcorn using the Countertop. And although that’s a large amount, you’ll not hear a loud noise from the machine. The motor accounts for the quiet operation.
The popper is designed for your convenience. There’s a storage cabinet beneath it so you can store your bags, kernels, and scoops. Plus, its dimensions allow for kitchen storage.
Pros
- Easy to clean using water
- Storage cabinet
- Large capacity
- Sturdy construction
- It comes with wheels for easy transportation
- Fast popping
Cons
- Sharp metal edges
- A lot of kernels end up unpopped
Get more information on Movie Night Popcorn Popper Machine With Cart
5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Popcorn Popper
In order to get the best popcorn machine on the market, there are a few aspects that you should pay attention to.
1. The Popcorn Machine Type
All popcorn machines pop the kernels, but not all of them do it in the same way. There are five different types of popcorn poppers, so you can choose the one that fits your budget and usage.
Commercial Popcorn Poppers
These are the most expensive popcorn machines available. They’re larger than other types, and they make larger amounts of popcorn.
They’re only suitable for homes if you have a home theatre. Otherwise, they’re made for vending machines and cinemas.
Electric Popcorn Poppers
Electric poppers are ideal for home use. They’re available in various price ranges, and they have all the features you need. They also consume little energy.
The West Bend Crazy Electric Hot Oil Popcorn Popper Machine is a good option if you want to get an electric popper.
Stovetop Popcorn Poppers
The stovetop machines adapt the style of the traditional popcorn pots. However, they operate in a modern way, using stirrers and gears. They don’t require electricity to work, so they’re suitable if you want an energy-saving machine.
Professional Popcorn Poppers
These poppers operate in the same way as commercial machines, but they’re cost-effective and much smaller. They’re fit for home use and they’re usually designed to impress. The Great Northern Red Roosevelt Antique Countertop Style Popcorn Popper Machine is one of the best professional popcorn poppers.
Microwave Popcorn Poppers
These popcorn poppers are the easiest to use. They don’t require electricity or oil to work. You just pop them into the microwave and wait for the magic to happen. They’re convenient if you want a unit that won’t take storage space. If you’re looking into getting one of them, don’t miss the Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper.
2. Storage
A good popcorn popper won’t require much effort on your part to store it. If you have a small kitchen, you don’t have to live with a unit that’s hard to store. That’s why ease of storage is one of the aspects that you should pay attention to.
Some poppers are collapsible, and others are compact-sized. You can choose whatever fits you the most, but we recommend that you get one with a cord wrap, so it doesn’t get tangled.
3. Popcorn Capacity
Some machines can make about 50 quarts of popcorn per batch, and others can make only 4 quarts. You should choose the capacity that suits your needs and the number of your family members, so you don’t get a large popper for nothing.
4. Construction Material
The material of the popper will determine its price and its popping quality. Stainless Steel poppers are the best quality out there, but they’re heavy. Alternatively, silicone poppers are low-quality, but they’re lightweight and easy to store.
It’s necessary that you get a machine that’ll last for a few years. You don’t want to pay a hefty amount only to get a popper that’ll work for two months and break down. That’s why you should choose the materials wisely.
5. BPA-Free Materials
BPA is short for Bisphenol A, which is a synthetic element that goes into the production of plastic. It’s been proven to cause a lot of health issues. That’s why we advise against getting any material that contains it.
This is especially important with popcorn poppers because they generate heat every time they’re used. You don’t want to get exposed to food made that way. The Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper is your best choice in this case.
The Verdict
Let's take a look at our popcorn popper machines one more time:
The best overall popcorn machine is the West Bend Crazy Electric Hot Oil Popcorn Popper Machine. Its safety features are incomparable. Plus, it enables you to use oil and butter with your popcorn. On top of that, its price is moderate and its size is fit for kitchen countertops.
If you want to upgrade and get a professional popcorn popper, the Movie Night Popcorn Popper Machine With Cart is your best bargain. The sturdy construction will last for years. Besides, its unique design will be a nice addition to your home theatre.
Where Does Popcorn Come From?
From your new popcorn popper, of course.
All kidding aside, you may be wondering where popcorn comes from.
Generally speaking, popcorn corn is a different variety than the corn almost everyone enjoys at a summer BBQ.
We all know what popcorn kernels look like, they appear to be dry kernels of corn. The tick is that they are not completely dry, there is a tiny bit of moisture in them that "pops" when they are heated, producing the popcorn we all know and love. You can learn more about where popcorn comes from at The Modern Farmer.
How to Season Popcorn
Popcorn can be seasoned in any way you would like, or even enjoyed plain (which is my favorite).
Good popcorn doesn't need much else, but it can be a great vehicle for other seasonings and treats!
Here are some ideas on how to season popcorn:
- Salt
- Melted Butter
- Sugar and Salt
- Cocoa powder or drizzled chocolate
- Caramel
- Melted cheese
Still want some more ideas and inspiration? Check out these easy popcorn recipes and this home seasoning guide for popcorn.
Last update on 2022-08-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Leave a Reply