There are two main types of the best popcorn makers: hot air poppers and oil poppers. Both are perfect for creating snacks for movie nights that everyone will love. Hot air poppers make low-calorie popcorn anytime, while oil poppers have a richer, more indulgent flavor.
You also have options in how you want to pop your corn. For a hands-free experience, electric machines can be plugged in and filled with fresh kernels to make large batches of ready-to-eat popcorn. Alternatively, you can use microwave bowls if you don't want to buy a new appliance. For people who like it traditional, stovetop poppers let you watch the process live.
It's easy to find popcorn makers for $15 or less, but larger, more advanced machines can run up to $215 and make a lot more popcorn. No matter your budget, investing in a popcorn maker is a great idea, because you'll always have movie-ready snacks nearby.
Check out the best blenders and ice cream makers for more kitchen upgrades.
The best popcorn makers we recommend in 2024
Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Top Ten Reviews is on a mission to review everything we feature in our buyer's guides. Still, while we work hard to make this a reality—or where this isn't possible—some of our guides still feature rankings based on our team's considerable expertise and research.
While we haven't been able to test any of the units in this guide in person, we've instead honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best features to help you make the right decision for your home, all for the best price.
The best popcorn maker overall
The Presto PopLite is a compact and user-friendly air popcorn maker. It doesn't have many extra features, but it's easy to use. The PopLite doesn't require oil, so it's a quick, low-calorie snack. Just plug it in and wait for it to heat up. After two to three minutes, I could eat hot, fresh popcorn.
When I tested the PopLite, I liked the taste and quality of the popped popcorn. However, I was a little disappointed because many unpopped kernels were left. Despite this, given its price, the popcorn maker performed as I expected, and it didn't scatter popcorn and kernels all over the kitchen counter as much as some other air poppers I tested did.
This popular device briskly pumps out low-calorie, good-tasting popcorn, although some unpopped kernels may be left.
The best budget popcorn maker
This silicone bowl lets you pop kernels in the microwave without oil, resulting in a healthier snack. Cuisinart's Pop and Serve Popcorn Maker makes it easy to pop popcorn in the microwave. You can easily customize your popcorn by adding your favorite toppings, such as butter, salt, and spices, or just enjoy it plain for a nutritious treat you can serve right away.
Not only is it easy to clean, but it's also collapsible, so you can store it easily. It's fun to use, and it's a great alternative to pre-packaged microwave popcorn. In just two to three minutes, the vibrant red silicone bowl pops up to ten cups of popcorn using hot air.
Besides its storage capacity, ease of cleaning, and functionality, customers love the space-saving design and dishwasher-safe feature. Although most users love the efficiency and taste, some have burnt popcorn issues and have mixed feelings about the product. Nevertheless, the Cuisinart Pop and Serve Popcorn Maker is a fun and practical addition to any kitchen for popcorn lovers.
The best premium popcorn maker
The DASH SmartStore Deluxe Stirring Popcorn Maker has received great reviews from users because of its convenience, efficiency, and cool design. It makes up to 24 cups of popcorn, so it's great for movie nights.
One-touch operation is one of the best features for many users. Add popcorn kernels, oil, and power, and it's done. According to reviews, it's easy for kids and adults. The large lid doubles as a serving bowl, so you don't need to use extra dishes.
The stirring mechanism is often praised for even popping and preventing burnt kernels. Many say that the popcorn comes out fluffy and well-cooked, with only a few unpopped kernels left. They say they can make movie-theater-style popcorn at home.
Users have enjoyed trying various seasonings in the DASH popcorn maker's recipe book, from classic butter to more adventurous options like cheese or caramel.
Most users agree that the overall performance and enjoyment of making popcorn outweigh any minor cleaning issues, and the nonstick surface makes cleaning relatively easy.
The best compact popcorn maker
Users love the Presto PopLite My Munch Hot Air Popcorn Popper's compact design, efficiency, and health-conscious cooking method. This popcorn maker pops 8 cups in 2 minutes, making it quick and convenient for snack lovers.
Many users highlight PopLite's simple operation, which requires no oil and allows for a healthier popcorn option. This one-button popcorn popper is easy to use, so it's great for adults and kids. The reviews often say it's easy to set up and start popping, so it's an awesome choice for spontaneous movie nights or gatherings.
The PopLite's performance is frequently commended. Users say it produces light, fluffy popcorn with virtually no unpopped kernels. Many users love experimenting with different seasonings and toppings to enhance their popcorn experience. The hot air popping method is known for creating a low-fat snack that appeals to health-conscious consumers.
This design eliminates the need for additional bowls, so you can serve right after popping. Users also like the built-in serving bowl. Many reviewers say the portion size is great for snacking and portion control, so it's good for everyone.
Despite its ease of cleaning, some users have noted that the exterior can get warm during use, requiring caution when handling. However, most users agree that the convenience and overall performance of the PopLite outweigh any minor concerns.
The best large capacity popcorn maker
The VEVOR Commercial Popcorn Machine has received positive reviews from users who like its performance, design, and capacity. With an 8 oz kettle, it can make 48 cups of popcorn a batch, making it perfect for parties, events, and home theaters.
Users rave about the three-switch control system, which makes it easy to pop popcorn and keep it warm. The switches control the kettle heat, stirring mechanism, and light, so it's easy to use. Many people say how fast it heats up and starts popping, and some say they can get fresh popcorn in just a few minutes.
People rave about the VEVOR machine's popping performance. Users say it makes light, fluffy popcorn with minimal unpopped kernels. A stirring mechanism ensures the popcorn pops evenly, which is a big advantage over traditional poppers. They compare the popcorn to movie theater popcorn.
Reviews often highlight its steel frame and tempered glass doors, with users appreciating its durability and aesthetics. Its retro design adds a fun touch to any setting and makes it a great conversation piece. Users also love the included accessories, like scoops and spoons.
Some users say the kettle takes extra effort to clean, especially if popcorn residue builds up. However, most agree that the delicious results make the extra effort worthwhile.
How to choose the best popcorn maker for you
Choosing the right popcorn maker can enhance your movie nights and snack time. Here are some things to look for:
Type of Popcorn Maker: Air popcorn makers use hot air to pop the kernels, making them a healthier option. Stovetop popcorn makers allow you to control the oil and seasoning, allowing you to customize flavors. They require a bit more attention while cooking.
Electric popcorn makers often have built-in heating elements and can produce large batches quickly. They may also include fun features like stirring arms for even popping.
Capacity: A larger capacity (up to 16 cups) may be helpful if you're preparing for parties or movie marathons. If you're just snacking, a smaller model might be fine.
Ease of Use and Cleaning: Choose a model with simple controls and easy-to-follow instructions. Non-stick surfaces and removable parts make cleaning easy.
Safety Features: To prevent overheating, ensure the popcorn maker has cool-touch exteriors and automatic shutoffs.
Price: Set a budget and look for models with the best features for that price. A good warranty can also help.
How we choose the best popcorn makers
We spent days testing popcorn makers and followed their use manuals to the letter. We used only the best quality ingredients – name-brand popcorn, butter, salt, and oil when called for – so each popcorn popper would be tested and evaluated in the same fashion. In addition, we used the same testing approach for each model by doing such things as timing the popping process carefully, examining it thoroughly by hand, and, of course, tasting it.
We checked written materials about popcorn makers in general and carefully read the websites and consumer reviews for each of the poppers we tested. We also examined the fine print of warranties. We documented everything significant that we learned about each popcorn maker and scored and ranked each accordingly.
We also considered cost when testing and evaluating popcorn makers, and we found models that perform very well at any price. The higher-priced models tend to yield greater amounts of popcorn, but if you don’t want to spend very much, a good, inexpensive machine might work quite well for your needs.
