The 5 Best Popcorn Makers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

How We Tested

We spent weeks researching popcorn makers, developing a standardized methodology against which to test them, and putting them through their paces in our Lab. We then collected the data and used it to determine ratings and placement on this list.

We made several rounds of popcorn in each machine, judging each batch of popped kernels on crispiness and flavor (taking note of soggy, chewy popcorn and plastic-tasting or burnt-tasting popcorn). As we popped each batch, we counted the number of unpopped kernels that were left over and how long each batch took to pop. For machines that had butter melters, we tested those, as well (if the butter dripped through and burned, or if the butter could actually melt completely). Across the board, we accounted for ease of use and ease of cleaning (taking note of interface and setup, if the appliance is dishwasher-safe, or has hard-to-reach corners).

Other Options We Tested

• West Bend Stir Crazy Deluxe Popcorn Popper: An earlier version of this list included an oil popper featuring a stirring rod meant to make all the kernels pop. While the machine does its job once you get the hang of it, we found the bulky design and steep learning curve just weren't worth the price, especially considering the number of burnt pieces we experienced. Ultimately, we decided there are better options on the market.
• Hamilton Beach Electric Popcorn Maker: This popcorn maker had several things going for it, including its easy setup and great-tasting popcorn, though its texture could have been crispier. The dealbreaker was that the butter melter drips butter right into the piping hot machine, thus quickly burning the butter. That said, it ranked pretty well in flavor, ease of use, and ease of cleaning, so this could still be a good option to go with.
  
• Cuisinart Pop and Serve: Our former best microwave pick earned top ratings for its ease of use and compact size. During testing, however, more than half of the kernels were left unpopped at the bottom of the silicone bowl. While finding the right cook time for the power of your microwave can be important to success, after several attempts, it didn't make the cut against its microwave competitors, including the Salbree and HotPop.
• Great Northern Little Bambino Table Top Retro Popcorn Popper:  A previous version of this list included the Great Northern Little Bambino Popper. While the machine is impressive with its all-out fun design, we found its setup process far too long. It was no easy task to latch the popcorn basket properly into position. Plus, it was one of the most difficult machines to clean due to its hard-to-reach corners and general size.
• Nordic Ware Pro Pop Popper: Nordic Ware’s Pro Pop had a few notable marks against it, the first being that well over half the kernels did not pop. Of the popcorn that did pop, we found it to be a bit soggy and full of oil.
  

What to Look for in a Popcorn Maker

Capacity

When it’s movie night, think about who you'll be serving—if you'll need just enough popcorn for a few friends or a whole hoard of hungry kids. Also, consider whether you want a smaller popper that's easy to reload or a larger popper that can make bigger batches.

Cooking Method

There are pros and cons to every cooking method, whether it be stovetop, microwave, or countertop appliance. If oil-free cooking is your goal, you’ll find poppers that accommodate that. Do you want the butter melted and added automatically? There are ways to do that, too. Do you like the idea of hands-off cooking, or do you take pride in your popping skills? No matter what, there’s a perfect popper for how you prefer to cook.

Cleaning

Making popcorn should be a simple task without too much cleaning required, so consider if you'd like your popcorn maker to be dishwasher-safe. With that in mind, some are really easy to wipe clean or wash by hand with warm, soapy water. Just make sure to check the manufacturer's instructions first to see what's best for your maker.

Ease of Use

Nobody likes struggling with an over-complicated appliance. Ease of use is an important factor to consider when shopping around for a popcorn maker. Are you wanting something for casual movie nights and need something simple? A silicone microwave popper could be ideal, or even an electric popper that funnels popcorn straight into a serving bowl. Wanting to go the extra mile for gourmet popcorn and don't mind some extra steps? A stovetop hand-crank popper can do the trick.

Storage

Space is a precious commodity in the kitchen. If you're wanting a smaller, more manageable popper, then the collapsible silicone models could be just what you need. However, if you've got the extra space and are a die-hard popcorn lover, then there are slightly bulkier models that will require either countertop space or a spot in the cupboards.

FAQs

How do popcorn makers work?

The exact method of popping depends on the type of popcorn maker you buy. There are electric, stovetop, microwave, and hot air poppers. Electric, stovetop, and movie theatre popcorn makers use hot oil to pop kernels and have a stirring arm that keeps kernels in motion to heat evenly and prevent burning. The oil is heated either by turning an electric unit on or heating a stovetop model over a burner.

Microwave and hot-air popcorn makers don't require the use of any oil, though you can add oil or butter to your popcorn once it's popped. Popcorn kernels are placed in the bottom of a microwave bowl with a vented lid. The heat of the microwave pops the corn and the bowl will fill up as it pops. Air poppers contain a heating element and fan that circulates hot air around the popcorn kernels. As the popcorn pops, it moves up and out through a chute and into your serving bowl.

How tall are popcorn makers?

The height of a popcorn maker depends on the type you buy. Some microwave popcorn makers, like the silicone models on our list, measure only 1 or 2 inches high when collapsed for storage.

The height of microwave models made from plastic or glass will depend on the size of the bowl. On average, these models measure around 8 to 12 inches tall.

The tallest popcorn makers are movie theatre-style poppers. Countertop models measure about 1-1/2 to 2 feet tall, while cart-style poppers typically measure double that height.

How do you clean popcorn makers?

Check the instruction manual for cleaning recommendations for your specific model. Make sure your popcorn maker is turned off, unplugged if applicable, and cool before cleaning. Most microwave popcorn makers are dishwasher-safe. The popcorn bowl of electric models may also be dishwasher-safe, but the electrical components can't be submerged in water.

Stovetop models need to be wiped clean after each use to remove any oil residue. They often can be washed by hand, but may not be dishwasher-safe. Hot-air poppers don't get too dirty since no oil is used. They simply need to be wiped with a damp cloth, and removable parts like the feed chute and butter warming dish can be washed with warm soapy water.

Movie theatre popcorn makers take the most effort to clean. The kettle can be wiped with paper towels between uses to remove oil residue, and the interior can be periodically washed with warm, soapy water to remove oil buildup.

Do popcorn makers need oil?

Most types of popcorn makers don't require the use of oil, so you can either go without it completely or add your oil or butter once after popcorn is popped. Some types of poppers (usually stovetop and microwave models) do require a small amount of oil.

Is homemade popcorn healthier?

Some people steer away from bagged microwave popcorn due to concerns about components of the bag linings, and some people steer away from both bagged microwave popcorn and movie theater popcorn due to concerns about added fat from butter and oil.

Dietitian and therapist Corrie Van Horne, founder of Omni Counseling and Nutrition, says "Each individual has different nutritional needs and desired health outcomes, so whether cooking with low or no added fat is optimal will depend on the individual." Homemade popcorn makers give you the ability to decide what and how much is added, should you prefer butter, oil, or nothing at all. If you prefer certain oils over the hydrogenated oils that are used in some microwave popcorn bags, homemade options let you use those instead, too.

Is a popcorn maker worth it?

It's obviously very easy to throw a store-bought bag of popcorn in the microwave (if you have a microwave), but getting a dedicated popcorn maker allows you to control every single ingredient added (and the exact amount of those ingredients). Plus, you just can't beat fresh melted butter. And popcorn makers are fun—especially if you opt for a retro-inspired version. This kitchen gadget will bring a little joy into your life, and that in itself makes it worth it to us.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

The author of this piece, Collier Sutter, personally tested popcorn makers in our Lab to determine the best picks to recommend, replicating the same recipes and measuring specific data points. She also included insights from our freelance reviewers to get the home cook's perspective.

This roundup was updated by Katya Weiss-Andersson, a writer and editor who has nearly a decade of experience as a professional chef. This piece also contains additional reporting and text by Cheyenne Elwell, who tested several popcorn makers for this roundup at home. While she loves the ease of a popcorn maker, her favorite way of making popcorn is over the stovetop with butter, salt, and lots of parmesan cheese. 

Sharon Lehman, a home cook who happens to be a registered dietitian nutritionist, also contributed to this roundup. She happily makes space for any gadget that makes cooking faster and easier and specializes in small kitchen appliance testing and reviews for The Spruce Eats.

Allison Wignall, who updated this roundup, takes her popcorn very seriously. She has over 20 years of popcorn making experience, including working at a movie theater, making popcorn batches at home, and even taste-testing the best popcorn seasonings for the Spruce Eats. Her work has been featured in publications including Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living.

Sources

Corrie Van Horne is a dietician, therapist, and founder of Omni Counseling and Nutrition.