Best Overall
Presto PopLite Plus Hot Air Popper
- This popcorn maker works only needs 2.5 minutes to pop up to 18 cups.
This popcorn maker works only needs 2.5 minutes to pop up to 18 cups.
- Its parts are not dishwasher safe.
Its parts are not dishwasher safe.
With many popcorn makers out there, Presto’s PopLite Plus Hot Air Popper stands out from the crowd. It doesn’t require any oil or butter, making it quick and effortless to use. For a quick and effective pop, Presto’s machine also has a chute that directs all the popcorn into your bowl, plus it comes with a measuring cup that doubles as a butter tray.
If you’re low on inspiration, the manufacturer has a list of delicious recipes for seasoning salts and flavored varieties like caramel, chai spice, and cheesy popcorn. Plus, there’s a simple to follow and easy to access manual online, so you won’t need to dig around in your kitchen drawers to find the paper one any time you want to make a bowl. We also love that the popcorn maker leaves very few kernels unpopped, maximizing the amount you get every time.
This popcorn maker also tops our list because of its space-conscious features. At 9 inches wide by 14.25 inches tall, it’s tall enough to funnel popcorn into large bowls but won’t won’t take up tons of counter or cupboard space. The cord can also be wrapped around the device in a neat storage design to avoid it getting tangled.
Keep in mind, this pick isn't dishwasher safe, so you'll need to wash the measuring cup and cover by hand after use. The manufacturer also advises to let the device cool before washing.
Product Details: Type: Air popper | Dimensions: 9 x 13.75 x 6 inches | Capacity: Up to 18 cups | Cook Time: 2.5 minutes | Care: Hand wash
Best Budget
Salbree Original Microwave Popcorn Popper
- This silicone popcorn maker comes in 21 different colors.
This silicone popcorn maker comes in 21 different colors.
- It tends to leave behind some unpopped kernels.
It tends to leave behind some unpopped kernels.
This compact, easy-to-clean, and reusable popcorn popper from Salbree reduces waste by eliminating the need for single-use popcorn bags. It works inside your microwave in the same way that a discardable popcorn bag does and evenly pops kernels without any butter or oil. Simply open the bowl to its full size, add the desired amount of kernels, cover tightly with the included lid, and microwave for up to four minutes.
This is our top budget pick because of how easy it is to use and clean. You can also use the popper as a bowl to enjoy your freshly popped snack, meaning fewer dirty dishes to clean afterward. The BPA-free silicone is also very durable and dishwasher safe.
With 24 colors to choose from, you can easily match your favorite popper with the aesthetic of your kitchen. Purchase different colors so each member of the family has their own for movie night. This popcorn maker doesn’t need any oil or butter to pop kernels to perfection, and we like the convenience of temperature-safe handles that make it easy to remove from the microwave immediately after popping.
Because this budget-friendly popcorn bowl heats in the microwave, it may leave behind several unpopped kernels. Plan for a 2 to 4 minute cook time, listening for a three-second pause between pops to ensure you pop as many kernels as possible without burning anything.
Product details: Type: Microwave | Dimensions: 9.6 x 5.7 x 9.6 inches; 9.6 x 2.2 x 9.6 inches (collapsed) | Capacity: 16 cups | Cook Time: 2 to 4 minutes | Care: Dishwasher safe
Best Splurge
Great Northern Little Bambino Table Top Retro Popcorn Popper
- This is a great pick for entertaining as it looks like a traditional movie theater maker.
This is a great pick for entertaining as it looks like a traditional movie theater maker.
- This appliance is not kid-friendly because the component parts get very hot. It also requires some disassembly to clean thoroughly.
This appliance is not kid-friendly because the component parts get very hot. It also requires some disassembly to clean thoroughly.
If you need a practical way to quell nostalgia, look no further than the Great Northern Little Bambino Popcorn Popper, which is among the best popcorn makers on the market. Not only does it earn its spot because of its retro design in red and black color options, but also because of its thoughtful features and effective cooking capabilities.
It comes with a pull-out tray for easy serving, a warming lamp to keep kernels warm even after cooking, and a stirring system to reduce burnt kernels. You’ll also get a 2.5-ounce stainless steel kettle, a measuring spoon for adding oil, and cup for scooping or adding toppings.
Great for large groups, this popcorn maker can produce up to one gallon of popcorn per batch. It’s best handled by an adult, since it can get quite hot when cooking and poses a burn risk to children.
Despite having a dishwasher-safe tray, this machine requires a bit of effort to clean—there’s not much space between the metal popper and the sides, so it can be difficult to wipe it down after use. However, if you have any initial difficulties with the machine, Great Northern Popcorn Company does offer a limited one-year warranty on its products.
Product details: Type: Electric | Dimensions: 9.75 x 18.75 x 11 inches | Capacity: 2.5 ounces of kernels; 4 quarts popped | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Care: Hand wash; removable tray is diswhasher safe
Best Stovetop
Wabash Valley Farms Whirley-Pop Popcorn Popper
- This durable popcorn maker has a 25-year limited warranty.
This durable popcorn maker has a 25-year limited warranty.
- The design makes for bulky storage since the hardwood handle does not fold or collapse.
The design makes for bulky storage since the hardwood handle does not fold or collapse.
The classic design of the Original Whirley-Pop Popcorn Popper doesn’t rely on plastic to pop excellent popcorn. Designed to perfectly cook popcorn on the stovetop or an open flame, this classic popper is made from durable aluminum to evenly conduct heat and produce delicious kernels. The steam vents allow some moisture to escape to give a fluffier batch of popcorn.
You’ll need a little bit of oil to get going, since it’s not an air popper like other models on this list. It has a crank handle to help turn the kernels for more crisp and even cooking. To use this popcorn maker, hold the wooden handle with one hand and slowly turn the crank with the other. Because of this, you won’t be able to multitask while cooking—this popcorn maker requires adult supervision—but it lets you control how crunchy or fluffy your pop will be.
This pick isn’t dishwasher safe, but the lid is completely removeable for easier cleaning. Additionally, this stovetop appliance comes with a 25-year warranty, so you can rest assured that it is built to last.
While using this traditional method to cook popcorn has its perks, there are also some drawbacks. Storing this popcorn maker is a bit awkward and you do have to be more hands-on with the manual cranking mechanism. However, using the Original Whirley-Pop Popcorn Popper is an experience in itself, and ideal for anyone who wants better control over the taste and cooking level of their popcorn.
Product details: Type: Stovetop | Dimensions: 16.5 x 8 x 9.5 inches | Capacity: 6 Quarts | Cook Time: 3 minutes | Care: Hand wash
Best Small
Ecolution Micro-Pop Microwave Popcorn Popper
- This popper is clear, so you can see when the popcorn is done cooking.
This popper is clear, so you can see when the popcorn is done cooking.
- Because it is made of glass, it is fragile and less durable than other models.
Because it is made of glass, it is fragile and less durable than other models.
If you’re looking for the best popcorn makers for individual serving sizes, this 1.5-quart option is a great choice that’ll perfectly cook smaller quantities. Available in a variety of colors, the Ecolution Micro-Pop Microwave Popcorn Popper has a wide mouth and stout design that makes the process of popping and pouring into a bowl very streamlined.
After measuring the exact amount of kernels using the perforated lid, you can place butter inside, where it will melt and drip through the holes to saturate the popped popcorn below. Because this pick is clear, unlike silicone microwave popcorn makers, you can watch your kernels pop and know exactly when it is finished.
Simple to clean, this BPA-free popper is dishwasher safe, making it super easy to clean up after you’re done snacking. Keep in mind that, because it’s made of glass, you’ll need to be more cautious when handling it than some of the plastic options on our list. The manufacturer recommends using an oven mitt when taking this out of the microwave.
Product Details: Type: Microwave | Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.13 x 6 inches | Capacity: 1.5 quarts | Cook Time: 2 to 3 minutes | Care: Dishwasher safe
Best Stirring
West Bend Stir Crazy Electric Hot Oil Popcorn Popper
- The lid doubles as a serving bowl.
The lid doubles as a serving bowl.
- It has a longer cook time of 4 minutes.
It has a longer cook time of 4 minutes.
Perfect for making large quantities, the West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine electric popcorn machine is just as easy to clean as it is to use. With a butter tray, a lid that also serves as a serving bowl, and a stirring rod to improve the number of kernels popped, this machine has all the bells and whistles of a large, entertainment-style popper. However, the simple and small design is ideal for normal household use.
The clear lid ensures you check on the popper's progress as it cooks, making sure that nothing gets burned in the process. While it’s not the fastest pick on our list, in four minutes, it can make up to 6.75 quarts of popcorn—enough for four to six people.
Though a bit bulky, you can place the popper on top of the lid for more compact storing, and a convenient cord wrap keeps it out of the way when not in use. The sturdy handles make it more portable, too.
The heating element’s nonstick coating makes it easy to clean, no matter how many sticky or salty seasonings you add. When you’re done cooking, the lid is top-rack dishwasher safe, leaving you with less dishes to hand wash at the end of movie night.
Product details: Type: Electric | Dimensions: 13 x 10 x 10 inches | Capacity: 6 quarts | Cook Time: 4 minutes | Care: Wipe clean heating element, cover and butter lid are top-rack dishwasher safe