Are you a popcorn fanatic who finishes a bucket of popcorn even before the movie starts? Well, what if we told you there is an appliance that lets you make hot popcorn every day at home? Yes! Popcorn makers are designed for people who love snacking on tons of popcorn minus the excess oil, preservatives and saltiness. These appliances make drool-worthy popcorn from corn kernels healthier and tastier than store-bought popcorn.
In this article, you will learn about the different types of popcorn makers, tips to buy the best popcorn maker and a list of the 10 modern and best popcorn makers from top international brands. Time to Netflix and Chill with a big bowl of Popcorn that you don’t have to share!!
Different Types of Popcorn Makers:
Four major types of popcorn makers vary in their features, cooking process, speed and budget. Let us understand each of them in detail to know which popcorn maker is ideal for your usage:
1. Microwave Popcorn Makers:
These are not machines but silicone bowls that can popcorn kernels in a microwave. You can add the desired amount of oil and kernels to the microwave-safe bowl and set the time and temperature per the quantity. In 10-15 minutes, you can enjoy theatre-quality popcorn at home. On the flip side, the bowls get too hot to handle during the cooking process, and there is a high chance of the popcorn getting burnt.
- Pros: Affordable, Easy to use, Doesn’t require any technical knowledge, No spare parts or after-sales service problems.
- Cons: Material can get too hot, High chances of overcooked or undercooked popcorn.
2. Hot Air Popcorn Makers:
These popcorn machines use hot air to pop the corn kernels to deliver almost oil-free, healthy popcorn. The popcorn quality in this type of popcorn maker is quite fluffy and crunchy. The hot air from the in-built fan system air-pops the kernels, thus reducing the need for excess oil. You can add some butter, salt, and kernels to amp up the taste.
- Pros: Healthy popcorn machine, Uses very little oil, Tasty and fluffy popcorn.
- Cons: Slightly expensive.
3. Stovetop Popcorn Makers:
These are super convenient popcorn-making machines which have a stovetop popcorn pot. The metal pots can make big batches of popcorn at a time, allowing you to adjust the seasoning and oil easily. Place the pot on a stovetop on low heat and close the lid with a minor opening to let the popping begin.
- Pros: Easy to use, Affordable, Anyone with a stovetop can invest in this model, Easy to Clean.
- Cons: Metal can get too hot.
4. Commercial Popcorn Makers:
These expensive popcorn machines cater to commercial settings like movie theatres, fairs and gatherings. They make huge batches of popcorn quickly and efficiently using oil, kernels and seasoning. The machines have a huge metal pot with a heating system to pop the kernels and a lever on the side to release the popcorn.
- Pros: Ideal for business purposes, High quality, durability and efficiency.
- Cons: Expensive.
10 Modern and Best Popcorn Maker Machines In The World 2024:
Here is a roundup of the 10 top and best popcorn makers in the world, which will make your movie time more memorable.
1. Ecolution Patented Microwave Micro-Pop Popcorn Popper:
Make healthy and delicious popcorn in minutes with the Ecolution Microwave Popcorn popper. The best family-size microwave popcorn maker has a patented design that combines beauty and durability. It is made of borosilicate glass that can resist high temperatures and is easy to clean. The unique 3-in-1 lid allows you to measure, cover and melt butter. The wide mouth makes it easy to prepare and share, while the ergonomic handle stays cool even after popping.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Ecolution
- Type: Microwave
- Colour: Red
- Capacity: 1.5 Quarters
- Material: Borosilicate Glass
- Item Dimensions: 20.6 x 18.5 x 20.3 inches
Pros:
- Made with BPA-free, Heat resistant material.
- The dishwasher is Safe and easy to clean.
- It can make up to 1.5 Qtrs. Popcorn.
- Unique multifunction lid design.
- Cool touch, ergonomic handle.
- Wide mouth for convenience.
- It takes just 2-3 minutes for kernels to pop.
- Many colour options.
Cons:
- Many customers report issues with uneven popping.
Ratings: 4.4/5
2. Cook N Home 02626 6 Quart Aluminium Stovetop Popcorn Popper Silver:
Check out this best stovetop popcorn maker, which instantly makes delicious popcorn! The Cook N Home Aluminium popcorn maker is a simple and innovative machine that works on almost any gas-powered stovetop except induction. The stainless steel lid retains the crispiness of popcorn, while the wooden handle and knob allow you to handle the device without burns. It cooks about 6 Qtrs. Popcorn in one batch to satisfy the popcorn cravings of your entire family.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Cook N Home
- Type: Stovetop
- Colour: Silver
- Capacity: 6 Quarters
- Material: Aluminium and Stainless Steel
- Item Dimensions: 16.75 x 9.25 x 7.5 inches
Pros:
- Gained more than 78% positive reviews on Amazon.
- Simple and effective design.
- Steam vents are efficient for better crispiness.
- Minimizes burnt popcorn with the wooden handle (that you need to turn).
- Aluminium heats up quickly.
- Easy to remove the lid.
- Cleaning is hassle-free.
Cons:
- Delicate material and prone to dents.
- Not dishwasher-safe and induction stovetop compatible.
Ratings: 4.6/5
3. Elite Gourmet EPM330R Automatic Stirring Electric Popcorn Makers:
Check out this best electric hot air popcorn machine, a real crowd pleaser, as it can pop up to 12 cups of popcorn per batch. You can achieve a movie theatre-like popcorn taste with this device, which is very simple to operate. Open the lid, load the kernels and oil or butter, press start and watch the magic begin. In 3-4 minutes, you can flip the bowl and serve your guests super fresh, hot popcorn. That’s not all! The motorised stirring and ventilated design ensure superior performance, surpassing your popcorn machine.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Elite Gourmet
- Type: Electric Hot Air
- Colour: Red
- Capacity: 3 Quarters
- Material: Metal
- Item Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 8 inches
Pros:
- Traditional hot oil kettle design.
- Non-stick plate for better performance.
- Transparent cover for better visibility of contents inside.
- Simple on and off button.
- Automatic stirring to prevent kernel burning.
- Easy to clean surface.
- Reversible cover that serves as a family-size bowl.
- The serving bowl is dishwasher-safe.
Cons:
- No major cons.
Ratings: 4.3/5
See More: Top Sandwich Makers
4. Presto Poplite 04820 Popper Makers, 1 Size, yellow:
The Presto Poplite is rated one of the best hot air poppers with its oil-free and fluffy output. The unique vertical design allows the device to pop fresh popcorn directly into a bowl. It comes with a handy measuring cup that doubles as a butter melter. The incredible machine takes about 2-3 minutes to pop about 18 cups or two large bowlfuls of popcorn. Since it uses hot air for popping, you need not worry about excess calories from oil.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Presto
- Type: Electric Hot Air
- Colour: Yellow
- Capacity: 18 Cups
- Material: Plastic
- Item Dimensions: 6.62 x 9.5 x 12.31 inches
Pros:
- Convenient Vertical design.
- Leaves almost no kernels.
- Healthy popcorn maker which uses no oil.
- Unique chute design that pops straight into a bowl.
- 2-in-1 measuring cup and butter melter.
- Affordable pricing.
- Features a built-in wrap for easy storage.
- It has a non-stick surface for mess-free popping.
Cons:
- The product comes with a trigger warning of Cancer and birth-causing chemicals known to the State of California.
Ratings: 4.4/5
5. Cuisinart CPM-700 EasyPop Popcorn Maker, Red:
Bring home the Easypop Popcorn maker from Cuisinart to make tasty homemade popcorn whenever you want. The machine can pop up to 16 bowls of popcorn in a single batch to cater to large families. It has a popping bowl with built-in ventilation to let moisture escape. With a simple switch flip, you can convert the popping bowl into a serving bowl, which is also dishwasher safe. A motorized stirring arm also evenly mixes the kernels and reduces the chances of burning.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Type: Electric Hot Air
- Colour: Red
- Capacity: 16 Cups
- Material: Plastic
- Item Dimensions: 10.1 x 9.05 x 12.3 inches
Pros:
- Comes with a spacious popping bowl.
- Motorized stirring arm for even stirring.
- The non-stick aluminium cooking plate is removable.
- Rubber feet to prevent slipping.
- In-built cord storage.
- A popping bowl functions as a serving bowl, too.
- Easy to clean, and removable parts are dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- The side clips are delicate and susceptible to breakages.
Ratings: 4.4/5
6. Original Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper, Silicone Popcorn Makers, Collapsible Bowl BPA Free:
This small and collapsible popcorn maker is a huge favourite on Amazon, with more than 19,000 5-star ratings. The best microwave popcorn popper is a fuss-free device that requires no oil to pop the kernels. Add some corn and your favourite toppings, and toss it into a microwave to begin the popping. The bowl also has a silicone lid and an instruction pamphlet to make things easy.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Salbree
- Type: Microwave Silicone Bowl
- Colour: Turquoise (comes in 15 colours)
- Capacity: 16 Cups
- Material: Silicone
- Item Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 2.25 inches
Pros:
- Collapsible design for compact storage.
- Food grade, BPA-free, PVC-free and heat-resistant material.
- Easy to use and has no breakable parts.
- Requires no oil for popping.
- Reusable bowl and long-lasting.
- Easy grab handles for convenient handling.
- Dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- Leaves a sticky residue on top with long-term usage of the product.
Ratings: 4.6/5
See More: Best Meat Grinders For Home
7. West Bend Hot Oil Theatre Style Popcorn Popper Machine with Non-stick Kettle:
Are you looking for the best theatre-style popcorn maker? Check out this amazing appliance, which brings a theatre-like effect to your home. The 4-quart capacity machine makes delicious theatre-quality popcorn and perfectly sits on the countertop without occupying too much space. It has a removable non-stick popcorn kernel kettle, a tilt door for easy serving and a motorized stirring rod for even popping.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: West Bend
- Type: Theatre popcorn machine
- Colour: Red
- Capacity: 4 Quarts
- Material: Plastic
- Item Dimensions: 10.27 x 10.87 x 17.72 inches
Pros:
- Easy to use theatre-style popcorn machine.
- Non-stick stainless steel kettle for non-stick popping.
- Dishwasher-safe bowl and parts.
- Single press for kettle tilt to dump popcorn.
- Stir Crazy rod for even popping.
- The door tilts for effortless serving.
- Sits neatly on any kitchen countertop.
Cons:
- It can only handle small batches of popcorn.
Ratings: 4.5/5
8. DASH Turbo POP Popcorn Makers, 8 Cup Popcorn Machine – White:
DASH Turbo is a great addition to your kitchen as it can make deliciously tasty and healthy popcorn every day at home. The best hot-air popcorn popper has an innovative cyclonic airflow design, allowing faster popping. The high-capacity heating chamber instantly creates a popping effect with the touch of a button. The machines have no oil or preservatives, thus giving you a guilt-free popcorn-snacking experience. The sleek design makes the machine portable and convenient to use.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: DASH
- Type: Hot air popcorn popper
- Colour: White
- Capacity: 8 Cups
- Material: Plastic
- Item Dimensions: 10.47 x 6.85 x 5.51 inches
Pros:
- Faster and more efficient popping.
- Small and portable design.
- It takes 3-4 minutes to make fresh popcorn.
- Includes a measuring cup that also doubles as a butter melting tray.
- Requires no oil for popping.
- Doesn’t waste many kernels.
Cons:
- The chute is narrow and not long enough, so there are chances of popcorn spilling around.
Ratings: 4/5
9. Great Northern Popcorn Original Stainless Steel Stove Top 6-1/2-Quart Popcorn Popper:
Treat your family and friends to theatre-style popcorn with this best stovetop maker. You can directly use it on a gas or electric-powered stovetop and even over a campfire for an outdoor movie screening. The stainless steel kettle can make 5 Quarts of popcorn in a single batch. The kettle ensures even cooking and minimal kernel wastage thanks to the duplex heat pad. The vessel has a moisture-release vented lid to retain the crispiness of popcorn and a wooden stirring handle to prevent burning.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Great Northern Popcorn Company
- Type: Electric stovetop popcorn popper
- Colour: Silver
- Capacity: 5 Quats
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Item Dimensions: 10.47 x 6.85 x 5.51 inches
Pros:
- Simple and fuss-free design.
- Works for indoor and outdoor stoves (campfires).
- Bigger kettle capacity to make more cups of popcorn in a single batch.
- Wooden stirring handle for even cooking.
- Easy to clean and use.
- Moisture-release vents to prevent popcorn from getting soggy.
Cons:
- Doesn’t work on induction ranges.
Ratings: 4.6/5
10. The Original Korcci Microwaveable Silicone Popcorn Popper:
Here is a super affordable microwaveable silicone popcorn popper that makes you forget store-bought popcorn packets. The collapsible bowl uses no oil for popping and wastes almost no kernels. It is easy to clean and store, making it a great option for carrying it around. The bowl has two side handles for convenient handling and a lid with moisture vents for crispy and fluffy popcorn.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: KORCCI
- Type: Microwave Silicone Popper
- Colour: Red
- Capacity: 2.5 Quats
- Material: Silicone
- Item Dimensions: 9.4 x 9 x 2.4 inches
Pros:
- Simple and easy-to-use design.
- Affordable pricing.
- Requires no oil for cooking.
- It takes about 3-4 minutes to pop the entire batch.
- Side handles for better handling.
- Very easy to clean.
Cons:
- The bowl needs to bone dry before use, an important instruction missing in the manual.
Ratings: 4.7/5
Those are the 10 modern and best home popcorn makers in the international market, which promise to make your movie time all the more memorable. You can decide which type of popcorn popper is ideal for your usage, filter all the best-rated products, and compare the reviews. We would also love to know your experiences if you used any of these machines before.
DISCLAIMER:
The ratings and reviews are based on the user ratings and comments on Amazon.com, based on individual user experiences. Stylesatlife takes no responsibility for determining the actual ratings based purely on the product’s quality or performance.
1. What size popcorn machine do I need?
One of the essential things to look for in a popcorn maker is its capacity or size. You can choose a model based on the bowl capacity, measured in the number of cups or quarts. For personal use, you can opt for a smaller model of 6-10 cups and bigger models of 3-6 Quarts for family gatherings and movie parties.
2. Why are my kernels not popping well in the popcorn maker?
Many complain of kernel wastage even after investing in a best-rated, branded popcorn maker. The reason could be poor quality kernels, which result in bad, uneven popping. It’s better to mix fresh kernels with hot oil (if the maker allows oil usage) for better results.
3. Are microwave popcorn poppers safe?
Yes! Microwave popcorn makers are made from food-grade silicone, which is BPA-free and heat-resistant. You can check for signs like material that is losing its elasticity, melting in the corners, releasing smoke or smell, etc. and discard the popper immediately.