The appeal of a prepackaged bag of popcorn is perfectly understandable. Toss a folded paper package in the microwave, hit a button (imagine! a snack so popular that it merits its own button on an appliance panel), and three-ish minutes later, you have a bowl full of fluffy, crushable kernels.
However, once you progress beyond the most occasional popping, you quickly realize that when you make it yourself, not only do you hold the keys to even more flavor options, but you’re also spending pennies on the dollar and easing up on the disposable individual packaging.
There is a wide range of popcorn makers on the market, with varying functions, ease of use, and the quality of the popcorn they produce. Ultimately, we found no perfect combination of “ideal popcorn” and “unbelievably easy, perfect popcorn” is possible with just a little elbow grease.
Because we’re cooks first and foremost, our favorite is the Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Maker, which consistently makes superb, endlessly customizable popcorn. Read on for all of our favorite options.
#01. Great Northern Popcorn 83-DT5676 Popcorn Machine
- FRESH POPCORN – Enjoy fresh, movie theater popcorn anytime with the classic stovetop popcorn maker! The wooden handle that moves the internal stirring mechanism ensures consistently great popcorn, less burning, and fewer old maids.
- STOVETOP POPPER – This stove top popcorn pot makes it easy to pop movie theater popcorn in minutes! Perfect for your next family game night, birthday party, or even just a quiet movie at home.
- EASY TO USE – Simply heat 1-2 tablespoons of your preferred oil, add ¼-1/2 cup kernels, and use the handle to stir continuously as the kernels pop. Once the popping begins to slow, remove the pot from heat, season as you like, and enjoy!
- QUICK CLEAN UP – Clean up is a snap with the stovetop popcorn popper, simply wipe with a paper towel once the pot has cooled down and store. Hand wash and dry as needed.
- PRODUCT DETAILS – Material: Metal and Wood; Dimensions: (Diameter)9.5” x (Height)6.5”; makes approximately 5 quarts of popcorn; NOTE: not compatible with induction stove tops.
- Make 5 Quarts of Popcorn in Just Minutes
- Unique Spinner Stirring Mechanism Prevents Burning
- Real wood handles and knobs!
- Easy Clean Up: Just wipe with a paper towel and store for later use!
- Great Northern Popcorn Quality and Dependability!
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Product information
| Brand |
Great Northern Popcorn Company |
| Color |
Silver |
| Capacity |
5 Quarts |
| Special Feature |
Electric Stovetop Compatible |
| Material |
Aluminum |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH |
17 x 10 x 8 inches |
| Item Weight |
2 Pounds |
| Is Electric |
No |
| Product Dimensions |
17 x 10 x 8 inches |
| Item Weight |
2 pounds |
| Manufacturer |
Great Northern Popcorn |
| ASIN |
B005T3P6PM |
| Domestic Shipping |
Item can be shipped within U.S. |
| International Shipping |
This item can be shipped to select countries outside of the U.S. |
| Country of Origin |
China |
| Item model number |
6250 Aluminum Stove Top Popper |
| Date First Available |
October 6, 2011 |
#02. Cook N Home 02626 6 Quart Aluminium Stovetop Popcorn
- Lid has steam vents to keep popcorn crisp; wooden handle and knob stays cool and is comfortable
- Makes popcorn in a few minutes and is easy to pour; mixes kernels so they do not stick or burn
- Aluminum for even heat distribution
- Durable all metal gear
- Works on gas, electric, glass, ceramic, not induction compatible
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Product information
| Brand |
Cook N Home |
| Color |
Metal |
| Capacity |
6 Quarts |
| Special Feature |
Gas Stovetop Compatible |
| Material |
Wood, Aluminum |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH |
16.75 x 9.25 x 7.5 inches |
| Item Weight |
1.75 Pounds |
| Included Components |
6 Qt Stovetop Popcorn Popper |
| Is Electric |
Yes |
| Product Dimensions |
16.75 x 9.25 x 7.5 inches |
| Item Weight |
1.75 pounds |
| Manufacturer |
Cook N Home |
| Country of Origin |
China |
| Item model number |
02626 |
| Date First Available |
March 14, 2019 |
#03. West Bend Stir Crazy Movie Theater Popcorn Popper
- Popcorn Popper Machine: Enjoy movie theater style popcorn whether enjoying an at-home movie night or celebrating a special event; This movie popcorn maker makes up to 4 quarts of popcorn in minutes
- Premium Popcorn Machine Popcorn Kettle: Made of non-stick stainless steel, the removable stir-style popcorn kettle is easy to use and clean; Magnetic kettle cover attaches to the top of the machine for easy filling and emptying
- Convenient Features: A patented quick release lever tilts the kettle and empties popcorn into the serving area, where a tilt door makes serving simple; A motorized stirring rod ensures more pops per batch, while a kernel catcher tray catches unpopped kernels
- Space-Saving Design: Enjoy theater-style popcorn at home without sacrificing space; This small popcorn machine boasts a small footprint and easily fits on countertops
- Accessories Included: Serving scoop, ¼ cup kernel cup and 1 tbsp. oil spoon
- Dimensions: 10.87 (W) x 10.27 (D) x 17.72 (H) inches
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Product information
| Brand |
West Bend |
| Color |
Red |
| Capacity |
4 Ounces |
| Special Feature |
Manual |
| Material |
Plastic |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH |
10.27 x 10.87 x 17.72 inches |
| Item Weight |
7.5 Pounds |
| Included Components |
1 Theater Popcorn Machine |
| Is Electric |
Yes |
| Product Dimensions |
10.27 x 10.87 x 17.72 inches |
| Item Weight |
7.5 pounds |
| Manufacturer |
West Bend |
| Country of Origin |
China |
| Item model number |
82515 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer |
No |
| Date First Available |
June 29, 2016 |
#04. DASH Hot Air Popcorn Popper Maker
- QUICK plus EASY: Simply measure and add your popcorn kernels to the high-capacity heating chamber, then push the one Touch start button, for Hot and fresh popcorn in minutes. It’s so easy, even your kids can do it.
- HEALTHIER: The Dash Popcorn Machine uses hot air (no oil or added preservatives from a microwave bag) to quickly and efficiently pop 16 cups of hot and fresh popcorn. Perfect for parties, large group gatherings, or a quiet date night in.
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL: The included measuring cup doubles as a butter melting tray on the top of the machine – simply add a tablespoon of butter while your popcorn pops and pour once melted for movie theater-style popcorn.
- COMPACT: The DASH Popcorn Machine is your must-have for that first apartment, smaller kitchen, college dorm life, or camper/RV traveling. Plus, its sleek design and trendy color options will accent any kitchen space; makes a perfect gift.
- INCLUDES: The DASH 16 cup Popcorn Machine includes a measuring cup for popcorn kernels and melting butter, recipe book.
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Product information
| Brand |
DASH |
| Color |
White |
| Capacity |
8 Pints |
| Special Feature |
Manual |
| Material |
Plastic |
| Included Components |
Dash Fresh Pop Popcorn Maker, measuring cup, and recipe guide. |
| Is Electric |
Yes |
| Package Dimensions |
10.67 x 10.2 x 5.39 inches |
| Item Weight |
2.29 pounds |
| Manufacturer |
Store Bound |
| Country of Origin |
China |
| Item model number |
DAPP150V2WH04 |
| Date First Available |
February 18, 2019 |
#05. West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Machine
- CONVENIENT: Vented clear cover doubles as a 6-quart capacity popcorn bowl
- EASY CLEANUP: Plate is nonstick Coated for easy clean up
- IMPROVED POPPING: Stir rod is motorized and improves popping, get more popped corn, larger kernels per batch
- EASY TO STORE: Permanently attached cord wraps neatly under the unit for no-tangle storage
- Aligning cover and heating base handles allow entire unit to be securely grasped
- Convenient nesting lid is ideal for small storage
- 120 Volts
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Product information
| Brand |
West Bend |
| Color |
Red |
| Capacity |
6 Quarts |
| Special Feature |
Popcorn |
| Material |
Plastic |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH |
11.5 x 11.7 x 7.5 inches |
| Item Weight |
4.4 Pounds |
| Included Components |
West Bend 82505 Stir Crazy Popcorn Popper, Clear Cover |
| Is Electric |
Yes |
| Product Dimensions |
11.5 x 11.7 x 7.5 inches |
| Item Weight |
4.4 pounds |
| Manufacturer |
The Legacy Companies USA |
| ASIN |
B00KL8SM92 |
| Domestic Shipping |
Item can be shipped within U.S. |
| International Shipping |
This item can be shipped to select countries outside of the U.S. |
| Country of Origin |
China |
| Item model number |
82505 |
| Date First Available |
June 15, 2014 |
#06. Presto 04821 Orville Redenbacher’s Hot Air Popper
- Pops fast-up to 18 cups of popcorn in less than 2-1/2 minutes with almost no unpopped kernels
- Pops without oil for only 30 calories per two cup serving and 0 calories from fat! That’s 89-percent fewer calories than corn popped in oil. The product video can be reviewed before using the product.
- Easy to clean because it pops with hot air;
- Butter melter doubles as a measuring cup. Please review the User Manual before use.Base and cover simply wipe clean; Measures 14 H inches
- Product Built to North American Electrical Standards.
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Product information
| Brand |
Presto |
| Color |
White |
| Capacity |
1 Liters |
| Special Feature |
Manual |
| Material |
Plastic |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH |
6.94 x 9.77 x 11.71 inches |
| Item Weight |
2.1 Pounds |
| Included Components |
Specialty Electrics; Popcorn Machines; electric popcorn poppers |
| Is Electric |
Yes |
| Product Dimensions |
6.94 x 9.77 x 11.71 inches |
| Item Weight |
2.1 pounds |
| Manufacturer |
Presto |
| Country of Origin |
China |
| Item model number |
268534 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer |
No |
| Date First Available |
October 2, 2001 |
#07. Elite Gourmet EPM330M Automatic Stirring Popcorn Maker
- HOT OIL POPCORN TIME: The Elite Gourmet popcorn machine can pop up to 3 quarts of popcorn at once for family and friends, you can enjoy fresh and delicious popcorn right at home.
- QUICK-HEAT TECHNOLOGY allows popcorn to pop 40% faster than traditional stirring popcorn makers – no preheating, no waiting.
- ELECTRIC STIRRING: Motorized stirring rod stirs the popcorn, heating it evenly to get better popping performance and to increase the popping rate for crisp and fresh popcorn without burning.
- HEALTHY AND FLAVORFUL: No preservatives added for hot and fresh popcorn as a healthy snack. Add your own flavors for cheesy popcorn, butter popcorn, salty popcorn and much more.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Nonstick popping hot plate is simple to clean, wipe gently away crumbs or residue in no time.
- 2-IN-1 TRANSPARENT COVER can be used as a reversible 3Qt serving bowl, simply flip and serve.
- VENTILATED DESIGN: Vent holes design can avoid steam or condensation buildup in the clear lid, make the popcorn keep crispy.
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Product information
| Brand |
Elite Gourmet |
| Color |
Mint |
| Capacity |
3 Quarts |
| Special Feature |
Programmable |
| Material |
Aluminum, Plastic |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH |
10.6 x 8.7 x 8.2 inches |
| Included Components |
Popcorn Popper |
| Is Electric |
Yes |
| Product Dimensions |
10.6 x 8.7 x 8.2 inches |
| Item Weight |
2.4 pounds |
| Manufacturer |
Elite Gourmet |
| Country of Origin |
China |
| Date First Available |
April 7, 2021 |
#08. Presto Poplite 04863 Popper
- Invest in the best! In test after test, the Presto Poplite hot air popper out pops other leading hot air poppers
- Faster than a microwave. Pops up to 18 cups of gourmet corn in less than 2 1/2 minutes
- Economical. Uses regular or gourmet popcorn for about a third the cost of microwave bags
- Chute directs popcorn right into your bowl. Butter melter doubles as a measuring cup
- Easy to clean. Pops without oil so base and cover simply wipe clean. Built in cord wrap for convenient storage
- Material Type: Plastic
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Product information
| Brand |
Presto |
| Color |
Red |
| Special Feature |
Manual |
| Material |
Plastic |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH |
9.25 x 5.81 x 13.75 inches |
| Item Weight |
2.05 Pounds |
| Included Components |
Specialty Electrics^Popcorn Machines^electric-popcorn-poppers |
| Is Electric |
Yes |
| Product Dimensions |
9.25 x 5.81 x 13.75 inches |
| Item Weight |
2.05 pounds |
| Manufacturer |
Presto |
| Country of Origin |
China |
| Item model number |
04863 |
| Date First Available |
May 26, 2016 |
#09. Cuisinart CPM-700 EasyPop Popcorn Maker
- Popping bowl with built-in ventilation and bowl cover; motorized stirring arm for even mixing
- Brushed stainless steel base with embossed logo with On/Off switch
- Removable non-stick aluminum cooking plate; pops up to 16 cups of popcorn
- Non-slip feet with cord storage
- Limited 3-Year Warranty
- NOTE: Refer user manual before use
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Product information
| Brand |
Cuisinart |
| Color |
Red |
| Special Feature |
Manual |
| Material |
Plastic |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH |
10.1 x 9.05 x 12.3 inches |
| Item Weight |
4.2 Pounds |
| Included Components |
Cuisinart CPM-700 EasyPop Popcorn Maker, Red |
| Is Electric |
Yes |
| Product Dimensions |
10.1 x 9.05 x 12.3 inches |
| Item Weight |
4.2 pounds |
| Manufacturer |
Cuisinart |
| ASIN |
B008XBAD9G |
| Domestic Shipping |
Item can be shipped within U.S. |
| International Shipping |
This item can be shipped to select countries outside of the U.S. |
| Country of Origin |
China |
| Item model number |
CPM-700P1 |
| Date First Available |
September 25, 2012 |
#10. DASH SmartStore™ Deluxe Stirring Popcorn Maker
- GOURMET POPCORN: Enjoy up to 24 cups of movie-theater-style popcorn with the Dash SmartStore Stirring Popcorn Maker. Plus, with a storage lid included, you can easily store and preserve any leftover popcorn.
- COMPACT STORAGE: The Base of the Popcorn Maker nests inside the Bowl, while the Lid provides closure for quick, clean, easy storing.
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL: The Lid is equipped with built-in measuring cups to easily add the desired amount of kernels, whether it’s 8, 16, or 24 cups, while the Bowl allows for easy transportation from kitchen to couch.
- MAKE IT MELT: The built-in Butter Melting Tray adds butter while you cook, while doubling as a steam vent to make the best popcorn you have ever had.
- QUICK + EASY: Equipped with a Stirring Bar to ensure kernels pop thoroughly and to allow for any size kernels. Simply add oil, kernels, and press the Power Button on your Dash Deluxe Popcorn Machine!
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Product information
| Package Dimensions |
13 x 13 x 9.8 inches |
| Item Weight |
5.74 pounds |
| Manufacturer |
DASH |
| Country of Origin |
China |
| Date First Available |
January 19, 2021 |
Popcorn begins its life as a regular ear of corn that is then slowly dried until it becomes the familiar golden kernels used for popping. Perfect popcorn happens at the sweet spot where each kernel of corn retains a tiny amount of its original moisture content so that when it’s heated, it rapidly converts to steam and causes the kernel to explode. Once exposed to the cooler air, the steam dissipates, and the puffed starches set, forming a piece of popcorn.
The shape of the popcorn depends on the type of corn: from the familiar “butterfly” shape of standard yellow popcorn, the domed “mushroom” popcorn that you might associate with caramel corn, down to the tiny “ladyfinger” varieties sometimes found in specialty stores.