Nothing beats watching a good movie or tv series while munching on some popcorn. It makes the whole experience more fun and enjoyable. Plus, it makes everyone feel nostalgic by having a movie theater experience at home. Having a popcorn maker within reach is convenient as it allows you to make freshly popped popcorn in a matter of minutes.
Popcorn makers come in different types, allowing you to choose one that perfectly fits your preference and needs. So, to help you get the best one, we've provided a buying guide and a list of the top 10 recommended products that you can purchase online. Also, we've included tips on how you can host a movie night, so stay tuned!
Quick List - Top Popcorn Makers
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Table of Contents
Buying a popcorn maker is not as complicated as you might think it is. You just have to consider some important pointers to make sure you get the best one. So, read further to know the things you need to keep in mind when purchasing one.
Popcorn makers come in four types: stovetop, hot air, commercial, and microwave. Each of them works differently, and one of these will surely fit your needs and preference.
A stovetop is a traditional popcorn maker that requires a stove or a source of heat to be able to pop kernels. It is the best popcorn maker to use if you want to achieve movie theater-like popcorn in the comfort of your home.
It is also a great alternative if your kitchen does not have enough space for a commercial popcorn maker as its size and appearance resemble a stove pot. The only difference is that it has a built-in lid and a hand crank, which you need to turn several times to prevent the popcorn kernels from burning and sticking.
Thus, you will need to put in a lot of effort and have patience when using it. Oil is essential with this type of popcorn maker so that the kernels would pop perfectly with a taste similar to popcorn from movie theaters.
With the use of electricity, you can now make homemade popcorn effortlessly, thanks to a hot air popcorn maker. Not only is it convenient and reliable, but it is also a healthier way to make popcorn as it uses hot air instead of oil. Plus, you get to control the amount of ingredients or flavors you want to put in your popcorn.
However, take note that the popcorn it produces has a blander taste compared to the other types, especially if you don't sprinkle a little bit of salt or flavor on it. This type of popcorn maker is very easy to use as you just have to put the kernels on it, press a button, and wait for the popcorn to pop.
This is ideal for those who live in an apartment, condominium, or dorm as it does not take up too much space. Also, it is portable, so you can carry it without a hassle whenever your friend or relative invites you for a movie night at his or her house.
Commercial popcorn makers are those that you always see on snack bars in movie theaters. This type of popcorn maker takes up a lot of space, so if you are planning to get one for your home theater or kitchen, make sure to check if it would fit the space where you plan to put it.
Its large tempered glass window makes the popping process fun to watch. It is the most expensive type of popcorn maker and investing in it is a great choice if you often host movie nights, parties, and family reunions, or you need it for commercial purposes, hence the name.
If you have a microwave in your kitchen and you do not want to invest in a pricey popcorn maker, perhaps a microwave popcorn maker is the perfect one for you. This is your best bet if you prefer to make popcorn out of fresh kernels instead of flavored pre-packaged microwave popcorn in a fast and easy way.
It is usually made of silicone material, and it can be flattened or folded when you need to store it. It also has a cover to prevent making a mess inside your microwave. Also, to prevent the popcorn from burning, you have to set the microwave's timer depending on the portion of the batch and the power of the microwave.
Remember that the higher the power, the more heat it produces, so it is best to try setting the timer for 1 to 2 minutes on your first use and try 3 to 5 minutes if there are still some unpopped kernels.
There are two methods of popcorn popping: hot oil and hot air, and considering these are important as they must match your preference or needs.
You might be iffy about seeing the kernels swim in a sea of oil, but don't worry as it will get better and you'll realize that the amount of oil you put in is just enough once you get to see and eat big, fluffy, and crunchy popcorn.
The hot oil popping method is what most people prefer as it makes the popcorn tasty and makes dry flavorings cling easier to the popcorn. With this, you can use different types of oil such as olive oil, vegetable oil, or your preferred oil. The only downside is that it makes the popcorn greasy and makunat when left uneaten.
On the other hand, the hot air popping method is the best way to make low-calorie and low-fat popcorn as it blows hot heat to pop kernels and makes it fluffy and crunchy without using oil.
This is a great popping method for those who want to lessen their calorie intake. When it comes to the taste, some find it too bland and dry. So, sprinkling a little bit of seasoning or flavoring won't hurt just to make it tastier.
If you often have movie nights with the whole family, one with 8 to 9.5 quarts of capacity is a good choice as it produces 32 to 38 cups of popcorn for 4 to 6 persons. However, if you will use it for commercial purposes, make sure that it has at least 42 quarts of capacity or more so that you'll never run out of popcorn.
The last thing to consider is its popping time. Most popcorn makers in the market pop kernels in just 2 to 3 minutes. But take note that the bigger the capacity, the longer it takes to pop kernels, so those models with big capacity usually make popcorn in 4 to 6 minutes.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Russell Hobbs Fiesta Popcorn Maker|24630-56 | ![]() | Simple and Fun Way to Make Popcorn | |
2 | Electric Popcorn Maker | ![]() | The Best Budget-Friendly Hot Air Popcorn Maker | |
3 | Just Pop It! Snack Maker | ![]() | Enjoy the Experience of Making Popcorn in a Traditional Way | |
4 | Verly Popcorn Machine | ![]() | High-Performance Commercial Popcorn Maker | |
5 | Multifunctional Popcorn Popper | ![]() | A Multipurpose Popcorn Maker That Can Also Make Meals | |
6 | Nostalgia Popcorn Maker|RKP530 | ![]() | Vintage-Style Popcorn Maker for Your Home Theater | |
7 | Popcorn Maker|AS938 | ![]() | This Mini Vintage Popcorn Maker Is Best for Retro-Themed Parties | |
8 | Baumann Popcorn Maker | ![]() | Make Movie Theater-Style Popcorn Effortlessly | |
9 | Microwave Popcorn Maker | ![]() | A Large Microwavable Popcorn Bowl for Movie Nights With Your Loved Ones | |
10 | Popcorn Maker | ![]() | Level Up Your Live Sports Streaming Experience |
There's nothing more annoying than running out of popcorn while watching a movie. This popcorn maker from Russell Hobbs is the best way to have uninterrupted movie nights as it's portable because of its small size and light weight, allowing you to carry it to your living room so that you won't have to stand up and go to the kitchen to make more popcorn.
This is very simple and easy to use as it only has one button for turning it on and off. It uses 1200 watts of power, so it can pop kernels in less than 5 minutes. It comes with a kernel scoop and can make up to 12 cups of popcorn per batch so you'll have enough popcorn for everyone.
Plus, its cover is detachable, which makes cleanups a breeze. This is ideal for those who live in dorms and apartments as it won't take up a lot of space no matter where you put it. Also, it's perfect for those who are watching their diet as it uses the hot air popping method instead of oil.
If you're looking for an excellent hot-air popcorn maker at an affordable price, this one is perfect for you! Despite its low price tag, it does its job well just like the other models. It is equipped with turbine heating technology which helps pop kernels perfectly and evenly and allows you to have popcorn in just 2 to 3 minutes.
It comes in a simple design, so using it is pretty straightforward. Its heating chamber can hold 50 to 80 grams of kernels, and it protects itself from overheating with its automatic turn-off feature. Take note that this is not dishwasher-safe, and wiping it with a wet and dry cloth is enough to properly clean it.
There's something special about stovetop popcorn makers that make the whole popping process fun. If you want to experience making popcorn in a traditional way, this stovetop popcorn maker is the perfect one for you! With this, you can make up to 16 cups of fresh and hot popcorn for 2 to 3 persons.
Its easy-to-turn knob stirs the kernels with its mixer and spatula blade as you continuously crank it during the whole popping process. Its lid hatch makes it easier to put the ingredients without lifting the whole lid.
To prevent the popcorn kernels from sticking together, the pot also has a non-stick surface. Also, its cover is lockable, so it won't make a mess as the kernels pop. What's more is that it has built-in steam vents so that you'll get evenly cooked popcorn.
Commercial popcorns makers are not only meant for business purposes, but they are also good investments if you always host movie nights and parties. So, if you're looking for one, check out this product from Verly.
It is 27 inches tall and 19 inches wide, so if ever you want to purchase it, make sure that there's a large space on your countertop for it. It uses 1300 power units and it can heat up to 245°C with overheat protection, making it perfect for continuous use.
You also wouldn't have to worry about safety, as it is made with stainless steel and sturdy glass. Plus, it has 3 switches for powering it on or off, putting it on warm mode, and activating its built-in stirring system.
If your family wants a variety of snacks for movie night, this stirring popcorn maker is a great option as it's also perfect for frying eggs, sausages, and roasting meats. Using this is hassle-free as it stirs kernels automatically, however, take note that this requires to be preheated.
To make crunchy popcorn, the vents on its cover release moisture, and also melts the butter placed on the top of it. You can expect fewer unpopped and burnt kernels with it as it has a non-stick cooking plate. Also, you can flip the entire machine safely to use the cover as a serving bowl, thanks to its heat-resistant handles.
With this retro popcorn maker from Nostalgia, you can recreate the movie theater experience at home. Since it measures 19.5 inches tall and 12 inches wide, it needs a permanent spot inside your house. Although it only makes 10 cups of popcorn, its design makes it perfect to put or display in your home theater or movie room.
Its stainless steel kettle comes with a stirring system, which can hold up to 2.5 ounces of popcorn kernels. Plus, the door can be easily tilted to scoop the popcorn out without any hassle.
The machine also comes with an interior light so you can easily see what's inside. Also, cleaning this is pretty straightforward because it has a large space inside, allowing you to clean every corner and side in a breeze.
This popcorn maker is just too cute not to display! It's a perfect small replica of an old-fashioned popcorn stand, and its vintage design makes it perfect to use when hosting a retro-themed movie night. Aside from its lovely appearance, it operates well as it can make 16 cups of fluffy popcorn in less than 3 minutes.
It has a removable cover so that you can easily clean its inner part with a soft damp cloth. Most customers are satisfied with their purchase and say that it pops kernels perfectly and evenly. Since it doesn't require oil and operates with minimal noise, buying it is worth it as it serves its purpose well.
This popcorn maker from Baumann works exactly the same way as stovetop popcorn makers, except that you won't have to spend time and energy stirring it as it is motorized. It makes perfectly popped kernels since the popping plate is non-stick, preventing the kernels from sticking and burning.
What's also great about it is that its cover has a built-in butter well where you can place butter to make your popcorn taste richer. It makes up to 24 cups of popcorn per batch, and you just have to flip the entire popcorn maker to use the cover as a serving bowl.
It requires oil to successfully pop kernels, so this might not be a good choice if you want to make oil-free popcorn. Also, take note that it has no power button, so it starts automatically when plugged, and you have to unplug the power outlet to turn it off.
If you have a microwave in your kitchen, perhaps this microwave popcorn maker is all you'll ever need when making popcorn. One of the main highlights of this product is that it can be folded from 5.7 inches to 2.4 inches, allowing you to store it easily.
Another good thing about it is that it is dishwasher safe, so you don't have to spend a lot of time cleaning it. Its whole body, including the lid, is made of food-grade silicone material that can resist up to 230 degrees Celcius, so you don't have to worry about it melting inside your microwave.
You can measure the amount of kernels that you want to put in it using its measuring lines, and it usually takes only 2 to 4 minutes to pop kernels perfectly. It can make up to 15 cups of popcorn, so this will be your best bet if you often watch movies all by yourself or with your family and friends.
Filipinos love sports, and one of the best ways to bond with the whole family is to watch them live on TV. To make the experience more enjoyable and fun, perhaps, this popcorn maker is a great option.
With this, you can choose between a basketball or a soccer ball design, depending on your preference. Plus it's portable, so you can make popcorn without missing the action! Most reviewers are satisfied with the good performance and excellent quality of this product.
They also say that it's convenient to use as it can make 1 bowl of popcorn per batch. You can even use the cover as the serving bowl! Just like the other models on the list, it can make popcorn in just a few minutes and is very easy to use as it has only one button.
Phone projectors, home theater systems, and streaming devices let you immerse yourself in an exciting cinema experience at the comfort of your home. For more guides and product recommendations, check out our other articles below!
Author: Erika Nollora Ceguerra
No. 1: Russell Hobbs|Fiesta Popcorn Maker|24630-56
No. 2: |Electric Popcorn Maker
No. 3: Just Pop It!|Snack Maker
No. 4: Verly|Popcorn Machine
No. 5: |Multifunctional Popcorn Popper
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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