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Meggan absolutely LOVES making popcorn at home. Whether it’s for a fun-filled family movie night or just a salty snack, investing in one of the best popcorn makers was a huge deal for her! Ever since she got one, she’s been experimenting with tasty flavors, and it’s become a total weekend staple for her and her loved ones!
In recent years, Meggan’s go-to has been the Original Whirley-Pop Popcorn Popper. It’s a fun way to make quality popping corn from her kitchen, but she also adores the super fun Great Northern Popcorn Movie Theater Style Popcorn Popper, which she rolls out for movie nights, parties, and holidays.
Meggan and I also worked together to find other awesome options out there! We researched some of the other best popcorn makers on the market, looking for features like power, capacity, and ease of use.
Whether you’re a casual snacker or a fellow die-hard popcorn enthusiast, there’s a popcorn popper out there to suit your needs. Here are our top picks for the best popcorn makers.
Our Top Picks:
- What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: Original Whirley-Pop Popcorn Popper – $34.49 at Home Depot
- Also Great: Great Northern Popcorn Movie Theater Style Popcorn Popper – $179.99 at Amazon
- Best Self Stir: DASH SmartStore Deluxe Stirring Popcorn Maker – $39.99 at Target
- Best Microwave Popcorn Maker: The Original Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper – $16.99 at Amazon
- Best Single Serve: Ecolution Micro-Pop Microwave Popcorn Popper – $11.43 at Amazon
Reviews of The Best Popcorn Makers
1. What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: Original Whirley-Pop Popcorn Popper
After testing multiple popcorn poppers years ago, Meggan found that the Original Whirley-Pop Popcorn Popper was the best pick for the job. It has a traditional aluminum design requires you to consistently crank the wooden handle to move the stir wire that pushes the kernels around in the hot oil. A clasp on one side of the lid prevents kernels from flying out, and a door on the other side allows you to pour the popped kernels right into a bowl.
It might sound like a bit of work, but she says it’s really fun to do, only takes a couple of minutes from start to finish, and can be a fun, hands-on experience for kids. Because you control how long the popcorn popper is on the stove, there aren’t a ton of unpopped kernels at the end. You can also just wipe it out with a paper towel afterward, so it’s easy to start the cleaning process.
We think the old-fashioned process gives a bit of a toasted flavor to the popcorn, which we absolutely love. Meggan also suggests trying out her clarified butter recipe to bring out your inner popcorn connoisseur!
The Specs:
- Heat source: Stovetop
- Dimensions: 16.6”L x 9.5”W x 8”H
- Yields: 24 cups
- Weight: 4.2 pounds
The Pros:
- Few unpopped kernels
- Works quickly
- Toasted flavor
- Easy to clean
The Cons:
- Bulky to store
What Others are Saying:
Both The Spruce Eats and Good Housekeeping named the Original Whirley-Pop Popcorn Popper the best stovetop popcorn popper.
Buy the Original Whirley Pop Popcorn Maker:
2. Also Great: Great Northern Popcorn Movie Theater Style Popcorn Popper
If you want to pull out all the stops, roll this movie theater-style popper out for your next movie night or party. Meggan says it’s so much fun and worth the splurge as long as you have the space to store it.
The nostalgic matinee design, with its carnival-inspired charm, looks like it’s from an old movie. It has pretty gold and red accents that also give off vintage vibes, all of which add to the overall ambiance of at-home movie nights (especially if you’re watching a classic!). Plus, we love that it comes with almost everything you need, like measuring cups, a serving scoop, 50 popcorn bags, and 3 popcorn buckets. In fact, Meggan recommends using it to make her delicious Caramel Corn recipe!
It’s also a lot less complicated to use than it may look: Just turn on the kettle heater and stirrer, overhead light, and warming deck, and add oil and kernels to the steel kettle. The heater and stirrer will do the rest, including catching all the unpopped kernels in a drawer at the bottom, so all you serve is freshly popped popcorn. To clean, simply wipe the interior with a damp cloth.
The Specs:
- Heat source: Electric oil popcorn maker
- Dimensions: 14.4″L x 13.6″W x 22.8″H
- Yields: 6 gallons
- Weight: 30.5 pounds
The Pros:
- Fun design
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Built-in stirring system
The Cons:
- Takes up a lot of space
- Pricey
What Others are Saying:
The Great Northern Popcorn Movie Theater Style Popcorn Popper has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon from more than 6,200 reviews.
Buy the Great Northern Popcorn Movie Theater Style Popcorn Popper:
3. Best Self Stir: DASH SmartStore Deluxe Stirring Popcorn Maker
There’s a lot to love about this handy popcorn maker, especially if you just want to make a small serving of popcorn. We’re personally huge fans of the fact that it comes with a storage lid to save any leftovers you don’t eat!
The one-touch power button is super simple to use, too. All you have to do is just add kernels, a little oil, and press the power button! The built-in butter melting tray doubles as a vent and doesn’t require any additional tinkering, which makes it a breeze to use. When you are done with it, the base of the popper nestles right inside the bowl, so you can tuck it away in the cupboard until next time.
The Specs:
- Heat source: Electric oil popcorn maker
- Dimensions: 13”L x 13”W x 9.9”H
- Yields: 24 cups
- Weight: 5.8 pounds
The Pros:
- Lid also measures kernels and stores popcorn
- Hands-free stirring
- Recipe guide included
- Compact and easy to store
The Cons:
- Flipping it can be tricky
What Others are Saying:
The DASH SmartStore Deluxe Stirring Popcorn Maker was named the best electric oil popcorn maker by Good Housekeeping. It also has a 4.4-star rating from more than 3,500 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the DASH SmartStore Deluxe Stirring Popcorn Maker:
4. Best Microwave Popcorn Maker: The Original Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper
The Original Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper has a collapsible, space-saving design — just pull up on it when you want to use it and then recollapse it when you’re done.. When you want to use it to make popcorn, fill kernels to the line and microwave for 2 to 4 minutes — no oil needed! The lid will contain all the kernels so you won’t have a mess.
The easy-grab handles are made of cool-touch silicone, so you never have to worry about burning your fingers when you take it out of the microwave. Because it’s silicone, it’s dishwasher-safe, and it also comes in a myriad of fun colors like green, red, and purple.
The Specs:
- Heat source: Microwave
- Dimensions: 8”L x 8”W x 2.25”H
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
The Pros:
- Does not require oil
- Cool-touch handles
- Dishwasher safe
- Collapses for space-saving storage
The Cons:
- Not as involved as other models
What Others are Saying:
The Original Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon from more than 32,700 reviews.
Buy the Original Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper:
5. Best Single Serve: Ecolution Micro-Pop Microwave Popcorn Popper
The Ecolution Micro-Pop Microwave Popcorn Popper is a healthier way to make popcorn, because no butter or oil is needed to pop the kernels. (And while you can still add some melted butter in the dual-function lid if you want, you can also top it with Meggan’s cinnamon sugar for a sweet and salty combo!)
It features durable, temperature-safe borosilicate glass that only takes a few minutes to pop via hot air. All you have to do is place the kernel-filled container into the microwave for three minutes, and you’re good to go! When you’re done using it, just toss it into the dishwasher for quick and easy cleaning. We also love that it comes in amazing colors, ranging from aqua blue to hot pink!
The Specs:
- Heat source: Microwave
- Dimensions: 7.5″L x 6″W x 5.13″H
- Capacity: 1.5 quarts
- Weight: 1.12 pounds
The Pros:
- Lid measures kernels and melts butter
- No oil or butter required
- Dishwasher-safe
- Works quickly
The Cons:
- Small yield
What Others are Saying:
The Ecolution Micro-Pop Microwave Popcorn Popper has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon from more than 64,200 reviews.
Buy the Ecolution Micro-Pop Microwave Popcorn Popper:
Other Popcorn Makers to Consider
Chef’n PopTop Microwave Popcorn Popper
This microwave popper has a cool design that’s easy to use. Once you fill the recessed cup in the bottom of the popper with up to 5 tablespoons of kernels, fold in the top, and place in the microwave. But without a lid, we fear things could get messy. We think that the best silicone option is the one we recommended above. The Chef’n PopTop Microwave Popcorn Popper is available at Amazon for $21.59.
Cuisinart EasyPop Popcorn Maker
This popcorn popper looks like it takes too much work to operate. When it’s done, you have to strategically flip it over and hope that popcorn kernels don’t go everywhere. If you have kids or pets, this just screams disaster. The Cuisinart EasyPop Popcorn Maker is available at Amazon for $49.99.
West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine
This model has an electric hot plate with a rotating stir rod that both keeps the corn moving and pushes the popped kernels to the top, away from the heat, so they don’t burn. This also makes it effective at popping more kernels. Still, we like the DASH SmartStore Deluxe Stirring Popcorn Maker better because of its simple-to-use functionality. The West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine is available at Amazon for $42.16.
Why You Can Trust Us
Hi, I’m Belle, an award-winning content creator and an adjunct professor who works in restaurant PR in the Midwest. Over the course of 20 years, I’ve held almost every position imaginable in various restaurants, including ownership of a Korean-concept hot dog cart (that was named after my dog’s teeth). My writing and on-camera work can be seen on the Better Homes & Gardens website.
To create this guide for the very best popcorn poppers out there, I worked with Meggan to learn about which models she loves and what qualities she would consider when picking out the best popcorn maker for your lifestyle. I then researched highly recommended models and read hundreds of online reviews to find the best options out there. From there, we compared them side by side and rated them on design, ease of use, and overall value to come up with our list of the best popcorn makers.
Everything to Know Before Buying a Popcorn Makers
What to Consider Before Buying a Popcorn Makers
You can’t go wrong with any of our top picks for the best popcorn makers, but there are several important factors to consider before making a purchase. Here are a few things Meggan says to keep in mind:
- Type: There are a few different types of popcorn makers, including air poppers, stovetop poppers, microwave poppers, electric stirring poppers, and hot air popcorn carts. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so consider which one aligns best with your preferences and lifestyle.
- Size: Consider where you will store it and how often you will use it. Even though a large countertop popcorn maker might seem impractical, Meggan LOVES using it for entertaining. She was willing to make space in her garage to store it when it’s not in use.
- Capacity: Make sure to choose a capacity that suits your snacking needs, whether you’re making popcorn just for yourself or a whole group.
- Convenience: Consider how easy the popcorn maker is to use and clean. Look for features like dishwasher-safe components, simple operation, and minimal cleanup requirements. Meggan cautions that surfaces that are not stainless steel are prone to rust.
How Do You Make Popcorn on the Stove?
If you don’t currently have a popcorn maker, Meggan says you can easily make popcorn on the stove in a regular deep saucepan!
Here’s how to do it:
- Add a few tablespoons of oil to the bottom of the pan (avocado oil is her favorite, but vegetable oil will work, too).
- Add a single kernel of corn to the pot, cover the pot, and turn the heat to medium-high. When that single kernel pops, you know the oil is hot enough.
- Add more kernels to the pot (she uses ½ cup for a 3 ½ quart saucepan).
- Shake the pan occasionally and tip it into a large bowl as needed to remove popcorn.
- Microwave a few tablespoons of butter in a small dish, drizzle of popped corn, and toss.
- Sprinkle it with salt (or your seasoning of choice!) to taste.
Can You Make Popcorn in an Air Fryer?
Using an air fryer to make popcorn is not ideal because it isn’t completely enclosed on the inside, meaning your popped corn might fly everywhere. The fan and vents that allow air to circulate are above the basket, which makes it easy for kernels to get airborne and make a mess. When that happens, a kernel can get lodged inside the heating element and short out the air fryer.
How Do You Use a Popcorn Maker?
Using a popcorn maker is a straightforward process that varies slightly depending on the type of popcorn maker you have. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions specific to your popcorn maker for the best results and safety precautions. With a popcorn maker, you can enjoy freshly popped popcorn anytime without the hassle of stovetop or microwave methods.
Here’s a general guide on how to use a typical air popper:
- Measure the kernels: Most air poppers come with a measuring cup or scoop. Use this to measure the desired amount of popcorn kernels. Typically, you’ll use around ¼ to ½ cup of kernels per batch, depending on the size of your popper and how much popcorn you want to make.
- Add kernels and oil (optional): Open the lid or chute of the popcorn maker and add the measured popcorn kernels into the popping chamber. Make sure not to overfill it, as the kernels need space to pop without getting stuck.
- Start popping: Close the lid or chute of the popcorn maker and plug it in, or turn on the burner (if you are cooking it with a stovetop method). The heat will begin to warm the ingredients and start to pop the kernels.
- Wait for popping to finish: As the popcorn pops, you’ll hear the kernels popping and might see them flying around. The popping process usually takes 2-4 minutes, depending on the popcorn maker’s capacity and settings.
- Turn off the popper or heating element: Once the popping slows down significantly or stops altogether, turn off the popcorn maker and unplug it from the power source. Be careful when opening the lid or chute, as hot air and steam may escape.
- Enjoy your popcorn!: Carefully open the popcorn maker and transfer the freshly popped popcorn to a serving bowl. Add any additional seasonings or toppings if desired, and enjoy your delicious homemade popcorn!
The Best Popcorn Recipes
You haven’t lived until you try Meggan’s Caramel Corn recipe, which transforms air-popped popcorn into a sweet and addictive treat with just a few baking staples.
Here are some other great movie night snacks to make!
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
Belle DuChene is an award-winning digital content producer who has a passion for all things lifestyle including food, fashion, and French culture. (And French wine, of course!) Over the course of 20 years, she's held almost every position imaginable in various restaurants and has eaten her way through the side streets of more than 20 countries. Always a student, her kitchen looks like a library of culinary school textbooks and she will sit for the level one sommelier exam with the Court of Master Sommeliers this summer. Belle owns an award-winning content creation agency, teaches communications at three colleges and universities, and tutors in French. In addition to Culinary Hill, her writing and on-camera demonstrations have been published on BHG.com.