Best Popcorn Machine

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Popcorn is a classic snack loved by all ages, perfect for movie nights, parties, or just a cozy evening at home. A popcorn machine can bring that nostalgic, fresh popcorn experience straight to your kitchen or entertainment space, eliminating the need for microwave bags or stovetop methods. Available in various styles and sizes, some machines are designed for home use with charming retro aesthetics that add a touch of fun, while others are built for commercial purposes and produce larger quantities quickly. Key factors to consider when choosing a popcorn machine include its size, ease of use, and cleaning. Ensure the machine fits your space and popcorn needs, has straightforward controls, and is easy to clean since popcorn can leave behind an oily residue. We tested ten popular popcorn machines to find the best options for different needs and budgets.

  • West Bend Theater Popcorn Maker

    10

    We think this popcorn maker is a great choice for anyone wanting to bring the movie theater experience home.

    10

    We think this popcorn maker is a great choice for anyone wanting to bring the movie theater experience home.

    Pros

    • Makes 16 cups of popcorn
    • Easy-to-use magnetic kettle cover
    • Built-in stirring system

    Cons

    • Assembly instructions could be clearer
    • Takes up counter space
    • May be small for large gatherings

    We tried out the West Bend Theater Popcorn Maker and were impressed by its performance. The 4-quart capacity is perfect for family movie nights, making enough popcorn for everyone to enjoy. We found the magnetic kettle cover super handy, making it a breeze to fill and empty.

    The one-touch kettle release is a standout feature. We just pressed a button, and all the popped kernels fell into the serving area. No more burnt fingers trying to empty a hot kettle! The built-in stirring system also did a great job, ensuring even popping and fewer unpopped kernels.

    Clean-up was a snap thanks to the removable non-stick kettle and kernel catcher tray. We loved the LED popcorn sign too – it really added to the movie theater vibe in our living room. While it might be a bit small for big parties, we found it just right for our family of four.

  • Nostalgia Popcorn Cart

    9.7

    We think this vintage-style popcorn cart is a fun addition for movie nights, but it has some drawbacks to consider.

    9.7

    We think this vintage-style popcorn cart is a fun addition for movie nights, but it has some drawbacks to consider.

    Pros

    • Stylish retro design
    • Makes up to 10 cups per batch
    • Removable kettle for easy cleaning

    Cons

    • Takes up significant space
    • Assembly can be tricky
    • Popcorn quality varies

    We tested the Nostalgia Popcorn Cart in our home theater setup. Its vintage look caught our eye right away, adding a fun carnival vibe to movie nights. The large kettle popped up to 10 cups at once, which was plenty for our small group.

    Using the machine was pretty straightforward. We poured in kernels and oil, flipped the switch, and waited. In about 5 minutes, we had a batch of hot popcorn. The taste was decent, though not quite movie theater quality. We found we needed to experiment with oil and seasoning amounts to get it just right.

    Cleaning wasn’t as bad as we feared. The removable kettle made it easier, though some kernels did get stuck in hard-to-reach spots. While we enjoyed using it, the cart is quite big. It might not fit well in smaller kitchens or apartments. If space is tight, you may want to look at countertop models instead.

  • West Bend Stir Crazy

    9.5

    We think the West Bend Stir Crazy is a great choice for most people looking for a reliable and easy-to-use popcorn maker.

    9.5

    We think the West Bend Stir Crazy is a great choice for most people looking for a reliable and easy-to-use popcorn maker.

    Pros

    • Makes large batches quickly
    • Doubles as a serving bowl
    • Easy to clean

    Cons

    • Takes up counter space
    • Plastic construction
    • Butter melting feature is hit-or-miss

    We’ve used the West Bend Stir Crazy a lot, and it’s become our go-to for movie nights. This machine pops up to 6 quarts of popcorn in about 4 minutes, which is perfect for groups. The clear lid lets us watch the kernels pop, which is always fun.

    One of our favorite things about this popper is how it turns into a big serving bowl. We just flip it over when it’s done, and everyone can dig in. It saves us from having to wash an extra dish. The non-stick surface inside makes cleanup a breeze too.

    We found the stirring rod really helps get most kernels popped. It’s not perfect, but we get way fewer unpopped kernels than with other methods we’ve tried. The on/off switch is simple to use, and we like that the cord wraps up neatly for storage. While it’s not tiny, it stores pretty well in our cabinet.

  • Presto Hot Air Popper

    9.4

    We recommend this popper for its quick, healthy popcorn and easy cleanup.

    9.4

    We recommend this popper for its quick, healthy popcorn and easy cleanup.

    Pros

    • Fast popping in under 3 minutes
    • Uses no oil for healthier snacking
    • Simple to clean with removable parts

    Cons

    • Some kernels may fly out when starting
    • Butter melting feature is basic
    • Plastic construction feels less durable

    We tested the Presto Hot Air Popper and found it delivers on its promise of quick, oil-free popcorn. In just over 2 minutes, we had a big bowl of fluffy popcorn ready to enjoy. The lack of oil means fewer calories, which we appreciate for guilt-free snacking.

    Cleanup is a breeze with this model. The removable top and measuring cup rinse clean easily. We like that there’s no oily residue to scrub off after use. The compact size doesn’t hog counter space, and the cord wrap keeps things tidy.

    While it works well, we noticed a few minor issues. Some unpopped kernels do shoot out when it first heats up. The butter melting feature is basic – room temperature butter works best. We also wish the construction felt a bit sturdier, as the plastic seems somewhat flimsy. But for the price and performance, we think it’s a solid choice for popcorn lovers.

  • Great Northern Matinee Popper

    9.3

    We think this popcorn machine is a great choice for anyone wanting to bring the movie theater experience home.

    9.3

    We think this popcorn machine is a great choice for anyone wanting to bring the movie theater experience home.

    Pros

    • Makes up to 3 gallons of popcorn per batch
    • Attractive vintage design
    • Easy to use with 3-switch control

    Cons

    • Kettle can be tricky to clean
    • Takes up counter space
    • Some assembly required

    We tested the Great Northern Matinee Popper and were impressed by its performance. The 8-ounce stainless steel kettle popped corn quickly and evenly. We liked how the heated deck kept our popcorn warm and crispy.

    The machine’s red and gold design caught our eye. It added a fun, nostalgic touch to our kitchen. We found the controls simple to use. The separate switches for the kettle, stirrer, and warming light gave us flexibility.

    Clean-up was mostly easy. The old maids’ drawer collected unpopped kernels well. But we did find the kettle a bit tricky to clean thoroughly. The machine isn’t tiny, so make sure you have enough counter space. Assembly wasn’t hard, but took some time. Overall, we think this popper is great for movie nights and parties.

  • Superior Popcorn Majestic Machine

    9.1

    We think this popcorn maker is a solid choice for movie buffs who want theater-style popcorn at home.

    9.1

    We think this popcorn maker is a solid choice for movie buffs who want theater-style popcorn at home.

    Pros

    • Makes large batches quickly
    • Keeps popcorn warm
    • Fun vintage look

    Cons

    • Tricky to clean
    • Takes up counter space
    • Some quality control issues

    When we tried out the Superior Popcorn Majestic Machine, we were impressed by how fast it popped corn. The big 16-ounce kettle churned out about 6 gallons of popcorn in no time. This is great for movie nights with friends or family game nights.

    We liked that the machine keeps popcorn warm after it’s popped. The heated deck made sure our snacks stayed fresh and crispy, even after an hour. The old-fashioned look of the machine added a fun touch to our kitchen too.

    Cleaning wasn’t as easy as we hoped. The kettle doesn’t come apart, so it was hard to reach all the nooks. We also found some sharp edges while wiping it down, so care is needed. Despite these snags, we think popcorn fans will enjoy bringing that movie theater feel home with this machine.

  • Great Northern Perfect Popper

    9

    We think this popcorn machine is a great choice for anyone wanting to bring the movie theater experience home.

    9

    We think this popcorn machine is a great choice for anyone wanting to bring the movie theater experience home.

    Pros

    • Makes up to 4 gallons of popcorn per batch
    • Comes with a detachable cart for easy mobility
    • Built with quality materials like stainless steel and tempered glass

    Cons

    • Takes up significant space
    • Assembly can be tricky
    • Pricier than some other options

    We’ve been testing the Great Northern Perfect Popper for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The 10-ounce kettle heats up quickly and can make enough popcorn for a small party in just minutes. We like how the built-in stirrer ensures even popping and reduces the number of unpopped kernels.

    The detachable cart is a nice touch. We found it easy to wheel the machine from room to room, which is great for parties. The storage cabinet in the cart is handy for keeping popcorn supplies organized. The large working shelf provides ample space for serving bowls and toppings.

    Cleaning this machine is pretty simple. The reject tray catches unpopped kernels, making disposal easy. We just wiped down the interior with a damp cloth after use. The vintage look of the machine is charming, and it adds a fun touch to our home theater setup. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, we think the quality and features make it worth the investment for popcorn lovers.

  • Elite Gourmet Popcorn Maker

    8.7

    We think this popcorn maker is a solid choice for most people looking for fresh, homemade popcorn without the fuss.

    8.7

    We think this popcorn maker is a solid choice for most people looking for fresh, homemade popcorn without the fuss.

    Pros

    • Quick 4-minute popping time
    • Easy to use and clean
    • 2-in-1 cover doubles as serving bowl

    Cons

    • Plastic parts feel a bit flimsy
    • Some kernels may go unpopped
    • Lid can get hot during use

    We tried out the Elite Gourmet popcorn maker and found it simple to use. Just add kernels, turn it on, and wait a few minutes. The clear lid lets you watch the popping action, which kids love.

    The machine popped most kernels, leaving just a few unpopped at the bottom. We liked that we could add our own toppings for healthier snacks. The nonstick surface made cleanup a breeze – just a quick wipe and we were done.

    One thing to note: the plastic lid gets warm during use, so be careful when handling it. While not the sturdiest build, it got the job done for casual movie nights at home. For the price, we think it’s a good value for fresh popcorn without the microwave.

  • Great Northern Pop Heaven

    8.7

    We think the Great Northern Pop Heaven is a top choice for anyone looking to bring movie theater-quality popcorn into their home or event space.

    8.7

    We think the Great Northern Pop Heaven is a top choice for anyone looking to bring movie theater-quality popcorn into their home or event space.

    Pros

    • Large 12-ounce kettle for high output
    • Easy-to-use 3-switch design
    • Built-in warming deck keeps popcorn fresh

    Cons

    • Bulky size may not suit small kitchens
    • Requires regular cleaning for best results
    • Higher price point than basic poppers

    This popcorn maker impressed us with its sturdy build and theater-like performance. The 12-ounce stainless steel kettle pops corn quickly and evenly. We found the 3-switch setup simple to use, letting us control the kettle heater, stirrer, and warming light separately.

    The Pop Heaven’s 5-gallon capacity is perfect for parties or big events. We liked how the heated deck kept our popcorn warm and crispy, while the reject tray caught unpopped kernels. Clean-up was a breeze – we just wiped the inside with a damp cloth after use.

    While it’s on the larger side, measuring about 18 x 15 x 30 inches, the tempered glass panels give it a sleek look. The included accessories like measuring cups, scoops, and popcorn bags were a nice touch. If you’re after that authentic movie theater popcorn experience at home, we think the Great Northern Pop Heaven is hard to beat.

  • Presto PopLite Air Popper

    8.6

    We think the Presto PopLite is a great choice for anyone who wants quick, healthy popcorn at home.

    8.6

    We think the Presto PopLite is a great choice for anyone who wants quick, healthy popcorn at home.

    Pros

    • Makes popcorn without oil
    • Pops up to 18 cups in 2.5 minutes
    • Easy to clean

    Cons

    • Can be noisy
    • Shoots out a few kernels at start
    • Butter melter isn’t very effective

    We’ve been using the Presto PopLite for movie nights, and it’s become our go-to popcorn maker. It’s super fast, popping a big bowl of fluffy kernels in just a few minutes. We love that it uses hot air instead of oil, making it a healthier snack option.

    The machine is pretty simple to use. We just pour in the kernels, turn it on, and wait for the popcorn to come flying out. It’s fun to watch, but watch out – a few unpopped kernels tend to shoot out at the start. We learned to put our bowl a little farther away to catch them.

    Cleaning up is a breeze. Since there’s no oil, we just wipe down the chute and base. The built-in cord wrap is handy for storage too. While the butter melter isn’t great, we found it works better to melt butter separately and drizzle it on after popping.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a popcorn machine, there are several key factors to consider. We’ll walk you through the most important features to look for.

Size and Capacity

Think about how much popcorn you want to make at once. Home machines typically produce 1-4 ounces per batch. Larger commercial-style poppers can make 8 ounces or more.

Popping Method

The two main types are:

  • Hot oil poppers: Use oil to heat and pop kernels
  • Hot air poppers: Use heated air to pop kernels without oil

Hot oil tends to produce richer flavor, while hot air is a healthier option.

Ease of Cleaning

Look for machines with removable parts that are dishwasher-safe. Non-stick coatings also make cleanup simpler.

Kettle Material

Aluminum heats quickly but may not last as long. Stainless steel is more durable but pricier.

Additional Features

Some helpful extras include:

  • Built-in butter warmer
  • Stirring mechanism to prevent burning
  • Warming light to keep popcorn fresh
  • Storage compartment for supplies

Price Range

Basic home models start around $20-$30. Mid-range machines cost $50-$100. Commercial-quality poppers can run $200 or more.

By considering these factors, you’ll be able to find a popcorn machine that fits your needs and budget.