7 Best Popcorn Makers for Your Favorite Movie Night Snack
Just add salt or get really creative with the toppings.
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There's a reason popcorn is one of our favorite snacks: it's satisfying, customizable, and best of all, easy to prep! While you can make popcorn on your stovetop or pop a bag in the microwave, the best popcorn makers simplify this process. They're also a great option if you're looking for a healthier snack as it's much easier to control the amount of butter, salt, and oil in popcorn that's not pre-packaged. And we found the best options that are true pop stars!
Our Top Picks
For the healthiest popcorn, look for something that doesn't require oil. Air poppers are electric popcorn makers that circulate hot air around the popcorn kernels to cook them, much like the way best air fryers function. Microwave popcorn makers are a more basic option: They're glass, silicone, or plastic bowls with vented lids that you simply fill with kernels and pop in the microwave.
Other poppers require adding a little oil to the mixture to get the party started, and the results are more flavorful. Stovetop popcorn makers include hand cranks that you turn to ensure even popping. They're safer and more reliable for popcorn-making than typical pots because you don't have to continuously shake them. These are great for old-fashioned recipes like kettle corn or candy corn popcorn balls. Or you can go for an electric stir model that functions much the same way, except the machine does that cranking for you.
Once you have your basic recipe down, don't be afraid to spice things up. Make Ree's spicy Sriracha popcorn or elevate your popcorn and make snack mix!
Make up to ten cups of popcorn, with or without oil, in this microwavable silicone bowl. It's collapsible, making for easy storage, and you can eat out of it to save on extra dishes. And speaking of which, it's dishwasher safe, too!
This dishwasher-safe microwave popper makes 1.5 quarts, so it's ideal for solo snacking. The BPA-free borosilicate glass takes less than three minutes to finish a batch, doesn't absorb smells, and it comes in six fun colors! Just make sure you have a microwave with a turntable design.
A handy measuring cup is affixed to the top of this popper. Use it to pour kernels into the machine, place a bowl under the plastic chute, and watch fresh popcorn appear in just two to three minutes! It makes up to 18 cups per batch, so it's great for big recipes or big families.
West Bend Electric Hot Oil Popcorn Popper Machine
This electric model, which uses stir rod technology to to pop extra-large kernels, makes up to six quarts of popcorn. Simply add a little oil with the kernels, pop the lid on, and turn it on. Melt butter in the lid well for a movie night indulgence or simply add salt when it's done. Bonus: The vented cover doubles as a serving bowl!
Whirley Pop Stainless-Steel Induction Popcorn Maker
Sure, you can make stovetop popcorn in any pot, but we guarantee it won't be as charming as this vintage-looking spinner! What's more, the wooden crank means you don't have to shake dangerous hot oil in the pot. Just heat oil, add your kernels, and stir until the popcorn reaches the top of the pot to prepare six quarts. It's friendly to all cooktop kinds, including induction.
We can see why this air popper has thousands of positive reviews! Between the 18-cup capacity, the two-minute speed, and the affordable price, it was bound to be a popular pick. The measuring scoop can also be used to melt butter, and it's got a built-in cord wrap for easy storage.
Pretend you're at the movie theater with this retro popping machine! It uses the same stirring concept as stovetop models and makes four quarts in just a few minutes. It has a tilted door at the bottom for easy serving, and the kettle is removable for easy cleanup.
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