Best Popcorn Poppers for Movie Night
A movie night at home isn’t complete without hot popcorn. Microwavable popcorn may be convenient, but it’s not the healthiest nor the tastiest. Popcorn poppers make it easy to make large bowls of popcorn without much hassle.
Microwave, electric, and stovetop popcorn poppers are available to make this movie night treat at a fraction of the cost of bagged popcorn. Check out these top models and take your movie night to the next level.
Best Overall: Presto 04830 PowerPop Microwave Multi-Popper
The Presto 04830 PowerPop microwave multi-popper has PowerBase and PowerCup concentrators that focus heat energy on the kernels to ensure that every kernel pops during cooking. Use it with or without oil and add any seasonings you wish before cooking for even distribution. Cleanup is a breeze since the entire bowl and base are dishwasher-safe.
Best Value Popcorn Popper: Presto PopLite Hot Air Popcorn Popper
Reviewers recommend the Presto PopLite hot air popcorn popper for its value. Popping tests show that the popcorn popper pops faster and more efficiently than other poppers. It churns out 18 cups of popcorn in less than 2 1/2 minutes and leaves few, if any, kernels unpopped. It’s priced lower than many other electric popcorn poppers, giving it a good balance of affordability and quality.
Best for Small Spaces: Lekue Microwave Popcorn Popper
Kitchen appliances and cookware can take up a lot of space in the kitchen, so if you’re in an apartment or dorm, you don’t want something that takes up more precious counter or cabinet space. The Lekue microwave popcorn popper is a collapsible silicone bowl that takes up minimal space during storage. Users can enjoy a large bowl of popcorn in less than three minutes.
Best Microwave Popper: Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper
The Nordic Ware microwave popcorn popper is one of the most popular popcorn poppers because of its effectiveness and quality design. The molded plastic can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit so that it won’t melt in the microwave. The transparent lid lets you monitor the popping progress and keeps the kernels contained. When it’s done, remove the lid and serve directly from the bowl.
Best Countertop Popcorn Popper: Orville Redenbacher’s Hot Air Popper by Presto
The Orville Redenbacher’s Hot Air Popper by Presto pops up to 18 cups of popcorn in less than three minutes. It dispenses the popped kernels directly into your bowl, so there’s no risk of scorching. It comes with a measuring scoop that doubles as a butter melter so that you can season your popcorn right when it’s done. Since this model uses hot air, cleanup is simple.
Best Collapsible Popcorn Popper: Original Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper
The collapsible Original Salbree microwave popcorn popper fits conveniently in a drawer when not in use. The durable silicone is easy to clean and virtually indestructible. This model features special handles to prevent burning your fingers when removing from the microwave. The base is available in more than a dozen colors, including pink, lime, and aqua.
Best Electric Popcorn Popper: Cuisinart CPM-100MR Hot Air Popcorn Maker
The 1,500W Cuisinart CPM-100MR hot air popcorn maker pops 10 cups of popcorn in less than three minutes. It heats up quickly and sends popped popcorn through the chute and into your bowl for seasoning. The chute and butter warming tray remove easily and are dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup.
Best High-capacity Popcorn Popper: Olde Midway POP-P800-BLK Popcorn Machine
If you need a large amount of popcorn for your business, party, or a special event, the Olde Midway POP-P800-BLK popcorn machine pops up to three gallons of popcorn per batch. The tabletop machine has an attractive retro style, making it fun to use. The machine features a warming deck and heat light to keep popped popcorn warm until ready to serve.
Most Stylish Popcorn Popper: Ecolution Original Microwave Micro-Pop Popcorn Popper
The Ecolution Original Micro-Pop popcorn popper has a fun and functional kettle design. The round container is specially designed to spread hot air evenly and prevent scorching. It’s made from borosilicate glass for anyone who has concerns about cooking in plastic materials. Additionally, it’s made from 70% recycled materials.
Best Splurge: Whirley Stainless Steel Induction Popcorn Maker
If you prefer to cook popcorn the old-fashioned way — on the stove — check out the Whirley stainless-steel induction popcorn maker. The stainless-steel pot works on all cooktops. It comes with a vented lid to allow steam to escape and ensures your popcorn stays crisp. The stirring system prevents kernels from sticking and burning to the bottom so that you have flavorful and fluffy popcorn every time.
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