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Image: MomJunction Design Team
The best popcorn makers for home are portable and ergonomically designed to comfortably fit in your kitchen. These machines use hot-air technology, which means the swirling airflow can produce popcorn without the need for oil.
Oana Adamopoulos, a certified nutritionist, says, “The healthiest way to make popcorn may be air frying the corn kernels as it doesn’t use oil and has fewer calories. However, popcorn cooked in extra virgin olive oil is my favorite way to make this snack as it allows me to enjoy the benefits of good monounsaturated fats. Avoid adding salt or butter to your popcorn to make it healthier.”
Some table-top popcorn machines have a unique transparent lid that can be used as a serving bowl. The devices run on electricity, and are easy to clean and operate, making them suitable even for people with basic cooking skills. To enjoy the hands-on experience of popping up those kernels, we have covered some of the best popcorn makers. Take your pick from our list of the best popcorn makers for home and enjoy this crowd-pleasing food.
Top Picks
Types Of Popcorn Makers
Below are some of the common types of popcorn makers for home.
- Microwave popper: You can place these types of popcorn machines in a microwave to achieve results quickly. The microwave popcorn popper is designed with temperature-safe borosilicate glass that can be filled with kernels. It takes an average of two to three minutes to make popcorn.
- Stovetop popper: A stovetop popcorn maker is the most convenient and durable method to make popcorn in large quantities. The pot of these stovetop models is usually made of stainless steel. You can make popcorn on low heat with a desirable amount of oil.
- Hot air popcorn maker: The electric popcorn machine uses a motorized built-in fan system, which means a hot air distribution pops up the corn without oil. The hot air models of popping machines come with a plastic protective cover.
- Commercial popcorn machine: These food machines take up a lot of space as they are large and bulky. They are usually designed with metallic holding trays attached on top of the device. It is more expensive than the other poppers.
11 Best Popcorn Makers For Home
1. Best With Ventilation Technology: West Bend Popcorn Popper Machine
Image: Westbend 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 14,160 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
West Bend brings you a unique electric popcorn maker with a large lid, which can also be used as a serving bowl. It comes with a fixed cord, which can be conveniently wrapped under the device to minimize storage. The stirring rod connected to the machine is motorized to increase popping per batch. The popping surface is designed with a PTFE non-stick coating, which can be cleaned quickly and easily. Ventilation technology can improve the distribution of hot air for faster popping. This review video will give you an insight into how the product works.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Butter tray for easy melting
- Convenient storage
Cons
- Plastic odor
"While this popcorn machine does make hilarious noises due to its stirring arms, it pops corn efficiently with minimal unpopped kernels. It's useful for my weight-loss regimens, aiding in creating light, low-calorie snacks. However, the instructions can be hard to follow. In spite of this minor issue, it delivers delicious popcorn."
2. Best Air Technology: Dash Hot Air Popcorn Popper Maker
The Dash Hot popcorn maker is designed with hot air technology to pop out 16 cups of hot and fresh popcorn efficiently. It uses 1400 watts of power and allows all the kernels to pop easily. As per reviews, the machine comes with a measuring tray, which can be used as a butter melting tray. The machine’s aqua color will enhance the look of your kitchen. You can watch this video to understand the product better
Pros
- One year warranty
- Comes with a measuring cup
- Non-electrical parts are dishwasher safe
- Compact design
Cons
- The outlet for popcorn could be narrow
"I love that this popcorn maker saves my hands from burns and reduces oil use. Cleaning can be a little tricky with the plastic latches, but it pops corn impressively, and my child's joy overflows each time he flips the switch. Overall, it's been a perfect find for making healthy yet delicious homemade popcorn."
Trivia3. Best For Fast Cook-Time: Nostalgia Old Fashioned Popcorn Machine
Image: Nostalgia Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 3,979 positive reviews on Amazon.
The machine can pop up to 12 cups of popcorn per batch to keep the bucket full. Nostalgia is an old-fashioned vintage popcorn maker. Considering its size and design, it is a convenient countertop popcorn maker for your kitchen. It uses hot air technology, which means the swirling airflow can produce popcorn without oil. The tried-and-tested popcorn maker is equipped with a measuring cap to ensure that the right amount of corn kernels is used each time. The machine uses 1040 watts of power to increase efficiency. Look at this video to understand how the popcorn machine works
Pros
- Fast cooking time
- Vintage look
- Mess-free
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Makes small batches of popcorn at a time
"This tiny popcorn maker is easy to store, and it pops perfectly and rapidly even when no oil is used. The absence of a scoop or bowl catcher is a slight drawback, but the user-friendliness more than makes up for it. It has also allowed me to get creative with my toppings and involve my kid in the kitchen."
West Bend Popcorn Popper Machine Best With Ventilation Technology | Dash Hot Air Popcorn Popper Maker Best Air Technology | Nostalgia Old Fashioned Popcorn Machine Best For Fast Cook-Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic |
| Color | Red | Aqua | Red |
| Weight | - | 1.76 pounds | 4.3 Pounds |
| Dimensions | - | 5"L x 5"W x 13.5"H | 9"L x 7.5"W x 16.5"H |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 14,160 | 21,370 | 3,979 |
| Price | $43.14 | $24.99 | $49.99 |
4. Best One-Touch Operation: Elite Gourmet Popcorn Popper Machine
Image: Elite Gourmet Elite Gourmet is a traditionally designed hot oil kettle popcorn popper that can make up to one gallon of popcorn per batch. The machine is powered with a 300 watt motor to pop each kernel effectively. The kettle is made of stainless steel material. The built-in stirring system of this effective popping machine distributes the heat evenly to all the kernels. The warm light inside the case keeps the popcorn warm, while the plexiglass windows lets you see the popcorn.
Pros
- Convenient to use
- Mess-free
- Compact design
- One-touch operation
Cons
- The door doesn’t close securely
"This popcorn maker is super lightweight, which makes it easy to carry it to our friend's houses during movie nights. It's very effective in popping corn, and cleaning is pretty straightforward. Although a popped corn got stuck once, it didn't cause major burning issues. Despite a few glitches, it's a charming addition to my kitchen."
Did you know?5. Best Compact Design: Presto Fountain Hot Air Popper
Image: Presto Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 3,938 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
Presto’s fountain-shaped hot air popper can hold up to 20 cups of popcorn. The specially designed stainless steel restrictors can enhance the popping performance, while the wire is nested on the base for convenient storage. The one-button oil-free popcorn maker uses hot air swirl technology to make fat-free pop treats. You can use the transparent cover as a serving bowl. The 1275 watts power can ensure enough popcorn at a time.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Compact design
- Easy to operate
- Multifunctional lid
Cons
- Does not have an on/off switch
"With this bowl-style popper, the popcorn pops consistently and with a toasty, fresh flavor. Regrettably, the device is not equipped with an on/off switch. But overall, it's very easy to clean and enhances the popcorn experience with consistent popping and reduction in wild hot kennels."
6. Best Long Lasting: Slenpet Hot Air Popcorn Machine
The Slenpet has intelligent functions for thermal protection and temperature control. The machine uses hot air swirling technology to pop the kernels. As per reviews, the automatic popcorn maker will switch off on its own when overheating. The transparent dispenser is covered with a lid, which can be used as a measuring cup and a butter melting tray. It has a 99% popping rate and pops almost all the popcorn kernels.
Pros
- Long working life
- Easy to clean
- Multifunctional cap
- BPA-free
Cons
- The kernels may shoot out from the dispenser
"This popper pops corn kernels efficiently and quickly. Although slightly noisy, I've used this multiple times a week, and it's proven to be a worthwhile purchase, which makes my movie night exciting with its action-packed popping!"
7. Best Attractive Design: Disney Mickey Mouse Popcorn Popper
Image: Disney Disney Mickey mouse poppers can hold up to six cups of popcorn in five minutes and are available in a variety of themed patterns. As per testers’ experiences, the measuring spoon allows you to add the right amount of kernels and oil for the best preparation. The cord is nested on the base for convenient storage. The lid can be used as a serving bowl. The stirring rod is made of stainless steel and can be rotated to pop all the kernels evenly. So if you want a fun popcorn maker machine that is also highly effective, get this stirring popcorn maker home to entertain your guests.
Pros
- BPA-free
- One-touch operation
- Easy to clean
- Attractive design
Cons
- Popcorns may become gummy in taste if not removed immediately
"My children are thrilled with the Disney-themed design, Mickey Mouse being a personal favorite. It's easy to use and has been a great addition to my compact kitchen. Although the cord positioning isn't ideal, its charm and functionality outweigh these minor hiccups."
8. Best Heat-Resistant: Opolar Hot Air Popcorn Poppers
With a high-capacity heating chamber and 1200 watts of power, it can prepare a large bowl of popcorn in two to three minutes. It is an efficient hot air popcorn machine that can prepare oil-free healthy popcorn. The heat-resistant protective cover does not allow the popcorn to splash so that the preparation is mess-free. One-button operation is easy. The machine’s chambers are designed with aluminum for rapid heating technology.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- BPA-free
- Compact design
- Prevents mess
Cons
- May not pop all kernels at one time
"I've been popping corn with this air popper multiple times since I got it, and it's nearly flawless - it pops all but a couple of kernels, and there's no burning. A downside is that it lacks an on/off switch, which makes you unplug it to stop. Regardless, the scoop is a good size, and a year in, it's still working perfectly."
Quick fact9. Best For Efficiency: Nostalgia Classic Retro Popcorn Maker
Image: Nostalgia The popcorn maker is designed in classic retro style, and each batch can pop up to 12 cups of healthy popcorn. Its retro appearance has a power gauge with LED lighting on the front, allowing you to know the start time and run time. It also has a smooth chrome-plated on-off lever for comfortable operation. The tried-and-tested popcorn maker uses hot air technology instead of oil to make low-fat popcorn. The popping chamber is uniquely designed to generate a swirling airflow to achieve maximum efficiency.
Pros
- Convenient countertop size
- Rubber-feet for stability
- Easy cord storage
- Highly efficient
Cons
- May overcook at times
"While the machine's instructions could be more precise, it heats up quickly and offers perfectly popped popcorn in no time. The capacity, although slightly low, fits my healthier lifestyle well. Hence, it gets the nod of approval from me."
10. Best Low-Fat: Mueller Ultra Pop Popcorn Popper
Image: Mueller Home Prepare delicious popcorn at home or workplace conveniently with the Mueller Ultra Pop popper. It doesn’t need oil or butter and works with hot air. Measure the popcorn kernels, add them to the heating box, and press the button to get delicious, perfect popcorn out of this brilliant popcorn maker machine. Cleaning is easy, as it works on hot air and no oil; you need to wipe and clean the machine.
Pros
- Compact design
- One-touch operation
- Small and portable
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- May not be durable
"The unit is simple to use, reasonably sized, heats quickly, and even has a convenient butter-melting spoon. However, it does tend to overheat. Nevertheless, its affordability, good yield, and easy cleanup make me glad about my purchase."
11. Best Noise-Free: Simbr Popcorn Popper
Simbr is a stylishly designed noise-free model that can produce delicious and healthy popcorn quickly. With 1200 watts of power, it can eject maximum kernels within a short time. As per reviews, the anti-slip mat helps the machine remain stable during the pop-up time. The chambers allow uniform heating to produce healthy popcorns. The pot liner is designed with a non-stick coating to ensure the corns do not stick to the wall.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Practical design
- Oil-free
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Can be messy
"My late-night purchase of a popcorn maker turned out surprisingly well. It's easy to use, turns kernels into movie-theatre-style popcorn quickly, and cleans up simply. And its flat-folding feature makes storage a breeze. Do remember to vent the lid after use to avoid sogginess. All in all, it's my go-to appliance for a great snack."
How To Choose The Right Popcorn Poppers?
Here are a few tips you must consider before choosing the right popcorn maker machines.
- Design: Large-capacity popcorn makers are ideal for entertainment purposes, but they will take up a lot of space. Compact popcorn makers are ideal for personal use and will occupy less space in your kitchen.
- Duration: High-powered machines eject the kernels more effectively than low-powered machines. A machine with a power exceeding 1000 watts can be the right choice.
- Ease of use: Choose a popcorn machine that does not have complex functions. Machines with one-touch operations are ideal. Choose a device with non-stick chambers for easy cleaning.
- Feature: The built-in stirring mechanism allows a uniform heat flow to eject all the kernels evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do popcorn makers work?
Most popcorn makers run on electricity and use hot air to pop the corn kernels. Since they utilize air for cooking, you don’t need oil to make popcorn. However, the kettle-equipped machines use oil to make popcorn.
2. How tall are popcorn makers?
The height of these popcorn makers can vary from 10 to 19 inches depending on the brand or model. Going through the product details provided by the manufacturer can give a precise assessment.
3. Are popcorn makers worth it?
Yes, these machines allow you to make popcorn within three minutes without needing to stir the kernels. Their rate of unpopped kernels is low, and the hot air technology-enabled machines will enable you to make healthy, oil-free popcorn.
4. How do I clean a popcorn machine?
The devices with hot air technology can be wiped clean with a damp cloth as they don’t use oil. However, home experts suggest that oil-based machines should be washed only if the corn kettle is detachable. Since the cleaning process may vary as per the model, going through the care instructions provided by the manufacturer can help.
5. What kinds of popcorn can I make?
Once the corn kernels have popped and are out of the machine, you can flavor them with butter, caramel, cheese powder, or whatever you fancy. Some machines also come with a recipe book.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Sakshi John is experienced in reviewing kitchen appliances and furniture. She believes in providing detailed information to her readers through her well-researched articles. Here, she has selected the best popcorn maker machines after considering factors such as design, ease of usage, reviews and power consumption. You may read through the article to understand the products’ features, pros and cons, and the things you need to keep in mind when purchasing a popcorn maker for your kitchen.
The Bottom Line
Enjoying movie nights at home gets more fun when you have the best popcorn maker in your kitchen. These homemade popcorn makers make popcorn healthier by using hot air technology instead of oil for cooking–the Nostalgia Old Fashioned Popcorn Machine is a good example. For faster popping and easy cleaning, we recommend the West Bend Popcorn Popper Machine. And if you have a small family or limited space in your kitchen countertop, a compact popcorn maker, such as the Presto Fountain Hot Air Popper, is a good option. When you buy a popcorn maker with simple and easy operation, you can enjoy a bucket of popcorn hassle-free.
Infographic: What Are The Advantages Of Using A Popcorn Maker At Home?
Popcorn maker machines for homes provide user-friendly controls and efficient popping mechanisms, enabling you to create delicious popcorn in the comfort of your own home. Explore the following infographic to discover why investing in a popcorn maker is completely worthwhile.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Michael G. Coco, Jr. and Joe A. Vinson.;(2019); Analysis of Popcorn (Zea Mays L. var. Everta) for Antioxidant Capacity and Total Phenolic Content
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6356482/
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