Popcorn is a staple for movie nights, but it’s also a nutritious choice for anytime snacking. It’s low in calories (when it’s not smothered with butter, salt or hard-to-pronounce ingredients), and it’s also a whole grain, which means it’s a good source of dietary fiber. There are plenty of reasons to increase your intake of fiber, from supporting digestion and regular bowel movements to decreasing your risk of cardiovascular disease and supporting a healthy weight. Plus, nothing beats the taste of fresh, hot popcorn. So before you reach for a bag of microwave popcorn, allow us to present our case for investing in an at-home popcorn maker.
Besides being fun to use, a dedicated popcorn maker allows you to enjoy freshly popped popcorn whenever you want. If you snack on popcorn often, it can even help you save money in the long run since popcorn kernels are way less expensive than bags of microwave or pre-popped stuff.
Making popcorn at home is also a healthy choice, since you’re in control of what goes on your popcorn. You can choose to make plain popcorn, cook it in a healthy fat, like olive oil or avocado oil, or get creative with popcorn recipes for seasonings and add-ins.
Our Test Kitchen put a total of 22 different poppers to the test, including electric, microwave and stovetop models. Our selections included previously tested poppers as well as new-to-us models. We scrutinized the taste, texture and uniformity of batch after batch to find the best poppers for perfectly plump and crunchy popcorn. They also measured how many kernels were left unpopped and considered how easy each popcorn maker was to use and clean.
Our recommended popcorn makers include best-in-class appliances for electric, microwave and stovetop popping. Keep reading to find out which popcorn makers made the cut.
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What we like: Simple to use and easy to clean, it consistently cooks large batches of popcorn fast.
What to know: There’s no power switch, so you have to add your kernels before plugging the unit in.
The Presto Poplite Air Popper was named our best overall popcorn maker after our Test Kitchen rated it five stars for design, performance, ease of use and ease of cleaning. It’s small enough to fit in a cabinet and has a cord wrap for easy storage.
The built-in measuring cup holds a maximum half-cup of kernels, which expands to about 16 cups of popcorn—perfect for families and parties. The measuring cup can also be used to melt butter, but in our experience, the butter melts more slowly than the popcorn pops. Both of our test batches were finished in under two minutes, which is faster than all of the microwave poppers we tested.
A word of caution: The first batch of popcorn out of the Presto had that new-appliance taste, but it dissipated with repeated use. All of our test batches were evenly cooked, with very few unpopped kernels and not a single burnt piece of popcorn in our bowl.
Hot air poppers are one of the healthiest ways to make popcorn since no added fat, salt or other ingredients are needed. The “naked” popcorn out of this popper is delicious on its own but can also be a blank canvas for your flavorings like cinnamon and sugar or a vegan Parmesan alternative. Since this popper doesn’t require oil, there’s hardly any mess to clean. Maintenance is as simple as emptying any crumbs or unpopped kernels after each use and wiping the popper down with a cloth.
Type: Electric | Capacity: 18 cups | Material: Plastic | Dishwasher-safe: No
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What we like: The Hotpop’s collapsible design takes up barely any space, and handles make it easy to lift in and out of the microwave.
What to know: The manufacturer says it’s dishwasher-safe, but the color faded after just a few cycles.
If a pricier popcorn model isn’t in your budget or you only make popcorn occasionally, the Hotpop Microwave Popper is a great choice priced under $20. The silicone bowl is lightweight and collapses flat, so you don’t need to clear off a shelf to make space for it. It also comes with a lid that helps keep the popcorn from exploding all over your microwave.
The bottom of the bowl has built-in fill lines for either a third or half of a cup of kernels, which should pop into roughly 10 to 16 cups of popcorn. You can expect a bit less than this, since we routinely measured about two teaspoons of unpopped kernels after starting with a third of a cup of kernels. It may be tempting to increase the cooking time to get more kernels to pop, but we don’t recommend it since that can increase the likelihood of burnt popcorn.
The silicone gets hot but cools off pretty fast, so it can double as a serving bowl. The space-saving design is ideal for small kitchens, apartments and dorm rooms, but this is one of the larger microwave poppers, so double-check that it’ll fit the dimensions of your microwave before adding it to your cart.
Type: Microwave | Capacity: 15 cups | Material: Silicone | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
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What we like: This line’s color choices and matte finish offer a high-end appearance at an affordable price.
What to know: This popper needs 15 minutes to cool down between batches.
Drew Barrymore’s aptly named Beautiful line of home goods combines style and functionality at affordable prices. Her popcorn maker is no exception. Like other hot air poppers, it’s compact and made from plastic components but comes in on-trend colors, like sage green and cornflower blue, and has a matte finish that looks more expensive than its $35 price tag implies.
It’s lightweight and small enough to fit in a cabinet but also looks good displayed on counters. We appreciated the cord wrap on the bottom of the unit to keep the cord neat and tidy when not in use. Operation is as easy as plugging it in, pouring in the kernels, and hitting the power switch. The machine does the rest of the work, using circulating hot air to heat the kernels and blow them into a bowl you set below the popper’s chute. There’s a built-in measuring cup for kernels that you can also use to melt a pat of butter to drizzle over your finished popcorn.
We think this popper is worth considering if you prefer fancier-looking kitchen gadgets, but its performance came in second to that of the other air popper on our list, the Presto Poplite. Our test batches took around two minutes from start to finish, but about one-quarter of the kernels we added to the machine remained unpopped in each batch. The dispensing chute made a bit of a mess, sending popcorn and unpopped kernels flying. The corn that did pop and land in our bowl was light, crisp, and tasted good, with zero scorched bits or off odors.
Type: Electric | Capacity: 16 cups | Material: Plastic | Dishwasher-safe: No
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What we like: The retro aesthetic and five color choices of the Popsmith make for a standout design.
What to know: It’s an expensive investment for a single-use gadget.
For large batches of popcorn made the old-fashioned stovetop way, we like The Popper by Popsmith. It’s made from extra-sturdy stainless steel with an enamel-coated exterior that comes in five fun color choices. This popper may rival other designer cookware, but there’s more to it than just good looks.
Like all high-quality stainless cookware, the bottom of the pot is multi-clad to promote even heat distribution and cooking. The hand crank and turning mechanism spins smoothly, but it does get a little tiresome to use. The texture of our first test batch of popcorn was a little off, but we figured out it was due to condensation buildup. On our second batch, we removed the lid as soon as the pops slowed to let the steam escape, and we had perfectly crunchy popcorn.
It’s also safe for use on gas, electric and induction stovetops and can go straight into the dishwasher for a hands-free deep cleaning. During our test, we did note that the interior of the pot started to develop a patina from the cooking oil, which is normal for stainless steel cookware and doesn’t impact its function.
If you don’t want to measure popcorn kernels and cooking oil, Popsmith also sells pre-portioned kits in classic butter or kettle corn flavors. Overall, this popper and the popcorn kits are a splurge compared to others on this list, but they make a great gift or addition to a high-end cookware collection.
Type: Stovetop | Capacity: 6 quarts | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
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What we like: The glass design is sturdy, attractive and allows you to monitor the popcorn as it cooks.
What to know: The Ecolution made the smallest amount of popcorn, with a noticeable amount of unpopped kernels, compared to other models.
The Ecolution Micro-Pop is our go-to if you’re shopping for a single-serving microwave popper and has been a budget-friendly favorite of ours in past tests. It’s priced similarly to the collapsible silicone microwave models on this list, but the bowl is made from heat-safe borosilicate glass, which is durable, free from the chemicals commonly found in plastic and resists staining and scorching.
We tested the 1.5-quart model, but it’s also available in a 3-quart capacity. The smaller version is perfectly sized for a dorm room or making a quick after-school or evening snack for one person. If you want to make enough popcorn to share, go for the bigger version.
We’re fans of the overall design, but especially the multipurpose lid, which can be used to measure kernels and melt and distribute butter over the popcorn during cooking. We noticed quite a few unpopped kernels remained after three minutes in the microwave, but all of our batches were free from burnt pieces.
The glass is quite hot out of the microwave, but the handle stays cool, and the bowl cools down in minutes, so you can use it as a serving bowl. It’s also super easy to clean. All parts are dishwasher-safe and came out of the dishwasher looking as good as new.
Type: Microwave | Capacity: 1.5 quarts | Material: Borosilicate glass | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
The Bottom Line: The Best Popcorn Maker
After testing 17 different styles of popcorn makers, we named the Presto Poplite Air Popper (view at Amazon) our top choice. It quickly and consistently popped large batches of popcorn without oil and left very few unpopped kernels behind. If you prefer making popcorn in the microwave, the Ecolution Micro-Pop Microwave Popcorn Popper (view at Amazon) remains one of our favorites for its sturdy glass design, compact size and ability to double as a serving bowl.
Choosing a Popcorn Maker
A popcorn maker should be quick and simple to use, pop the majority of the kernels without burning them and be sized for the amount of popcorn you typically cook. Here are some things to consider as you shop for a popcorn maker:
Popcorn Popper Type
The first and most important factor to consider is the type of popcorn popper you want. There are pros and cons to using electric, microwave and stovetop poppers. They differ in how fast they cook, how much popcorn they make per batch and the style of popcorn they produce.
Electric poppers don’t require much user effort beyond adding the kernels and grabbing a serving bowl. They don’t require added fat for cooking, which is a healthy choice, but the taste of plain, air-popped corn isn’t for everyone. These usually cook the fastest, with each batch taking about two minutes from start to finish.
Microwavable poppers are also pretty quick, taking three to four minutes per batch. They require less hands-on work, but this sometimes comes at the expense of popcorn crispiness and even cooking. It’s common to find unpopped kernels and overcooked popcorn with this method. Some microwave poppers can be used with or without a bit of oil. They can also double as a serving bowl, as long as the popper itself doesn’t get too hot to handle.
Stovetop poppers take longer to pop and are the most hands-on since you need to measure cooking oil and kernels and turn a hand crank during cooking. The hand crank helps move the kernels around as they heat to cook evenly and prevent burning. Your effort will be rewarded with extra crunchy and flavorful popcorn that most closely resembles what you’d find in a movie theater.
You should also consider the material a popper is made from and how much storage space you’ll need. Most electric poppers are compact and have plastic components. Microwave styles are silicone or glass, and those made from silicone typically collapse for compact storage. Stovetop poppers are made from aluminum or stainless steel, which is durable but bulky and takes up the most real estate.
Popcorn Popper Capacity
Consider how much popcorn you typically serve. Are you making a batch of popcorn for yourself or enough for the whole family to share on movie night? Most microwave poppers have smaller capacities that are ideal for serving one or two people, while stovetop and electric poppers are capable of making bigger batches.
Most poppers list capacity under specifications, which is the maximum amount of popped popcorn the popcorn maker can make per batch. Capacity may be listed as quarts or cups. The poppers we tested ranged from 1.5 quarts, which is about six cups, to six quarts, which is about 20 cups. If you’re not sure how much popcorn to expect, you’ll get roughly four cups of popcorn from two tablespoons of kernels.
If you’re feeding a crowd, some poppers are better suited for continuous use. Microwave and electric hot air poppers typically pop quickly and can make multiple batches of popcorn without cleaning in between. Stovetop poppers may take longer to cool down and usually need to be cleaned before using again. Double-check the manual to see if a popper needs to be cooled between uses.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Popcorn Popper
Making popcorn isn’t too messy of a job, and most poppers are simple to clean. Electric poppers require the least amount of cleaning since their electric parts can’t come into contact with water. Hot air poppers don’t use oil, so all you have to do is shake out any crumbs and wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.
Most microwave poppers are made from dishwasher-safe materials, like silicone. Dishwashing can prematurely age plastic and silicone, which can be avoided by hand-washing. If your microwave popper doesn’t require oil, they usually rinse clean without any scrubbing.
Stovetop models tend to be the dirtiest of the bunch since they require cooking oil, but they’re no harder to clean than any other pot or pan. A quick wash with a sponge and dish soap should remove leftover oil, but you must let the pot cool down before cleaning.
Whichever type of popper you choose, be sure to read the manual for cleaning instructions and follow them to maintain the appearance and function of your popper.
EatingWell / Russell Kilgore
Our Popcorn Maker Testing
To find our top five popcorn makers, we tested a total of 22 different popcorn makers. We included multiple electric, microwave and stovetop models to find the standouts in each category, and we re-tested some past winners to see how they’d hold up against newer models. All popcorn makers were used to cook multiple batches of popcorn and then rated for design, performance, ease of use and ease of cleaning.
We made the maximum batch of popcorn each popper could handle according to manufacturer directions and recorded how long it took to pop each batch of popcorn, how much popcorn each popper made and how many unpopped kernels remained. We also assessed the texture of the finished popcorn, noting if it was consistently crunchy or if any models produced pieces that were soggy or burnt.
Because each type of popcorn popper operates differently, our testing methodology was customized for each. Here’s a quick recap of how specific features were tested with each style of popper:
- Electric Poppers: We paid special attention to the chute that directs popcorn into the bowl and noted if popcorn went flying or if it consistently landed in the bowl. We also considered noise levels and, for those models that include a butter-melting dish, if it actually melted the butter in the time it took to pop the corn.
- Microwave Poppers: Since most microwave models are made of silicone, we evaluated the sturdiness of the bowl and whether any materials became too hot to touch or to use as a serving bowl during cooking.
- Stovetop Poppers: We provided feedback on the comfort of the pot handles and whether they become too hot to touch during cooking. For poppers with a turning handle, we considered how easy or laborious they were to turn.
We Also Considered
Lékué Popcorn Maker ($21 at Amazon): This is another collapsible silicone model that performed well in previous tests (it was previously featured as being the best for easy cleanup) but was edged out of the microwave popper category by the Ecolution and Hotpop models. We preferred the design of those models because they have handles that make moving the poppers in and out of the microwave easier, which the Lékué lacks.
Wabash Valley Farms Original Whirley-Pop Popcorn Popper ($36 at Amazon): Another previously tested favorite, the Whirley-Pop makes undeniably excellent popcorn. While we’re fans of the old-fashioned aesthetic of this popper, the aluminum material didn’t feel ultra-durable and isn’t compatible with induction or glass stovetops. During repeat testing, this popper cooked each batch of popcorn quickly, but the crank tended to stick, and the lid made it awkward to pour popcorn into a bowl.
Chef’n PopTop Microwave Popcorn Maker ($22 at Amazon): This is a previously tested favorite for a lot of reasons. The origami-style folded top is unique and fun to watch expand as the popcorn cooks, and the design means you don’t have to fiddle with a separate lid. However, it took some practice to figure out how to close it, and it caused popcorn to spill all over our microwave during testing. Ultimately, it was dethroned by the efficiency and durability of the Ecolution.
Common Questions
What is the best type of popcorn popper for home use?
The best popcorn popper for home use depends on the amount of kitchen space you have, how much popcorn you regularly make, and whether you prefer plain popcorn or popcorn cooked in oil.
If you have a microwave, collapsible silicone microwave poppers are the easiest to store, and they can be used to cook popcorn with or without oil. Microwave poppers are also ideal for making smaller portions of popcorn.
A stovetop or electric popper is better for cooking large batches of popcorn. Stovetop poppers can be bulky to store but are a good choice if you prefer the taste and texture of oil-cooked popcorn. Hot air electric poppers are compact and best for making plain popcorn.
How do I clean a popcorn popper?
The steps to clean your popcorn maker depend on the type of popper you have. Start by checking the included manual for the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. The manufacturer’s instructions will let you know which, if any, parts of your popcorn popper can be placed in the dishwasher.
After making popcorn, make sure your popcorn maker is turned off and unplugged, if applicable, and left to cool down before cleaning. Most electric air poppers can’t be submerged in water and only require a quick wipe-down to remove any bits of popcorn. Some parts, like measuring cups and butter melting trays, can be washed by hand with regular dishwashing soap and a sponge.
Microwave poppers are typically made from dishwasher-safe materials, but we noticed the dishwasher can lead to fading or discoloration of these poppers. We recommend hand-washing them to keep them looking like new.
Stovetop poppers can be washed by hand, and some may be dishwasher-safe, depending on their material. Since stovetop poppers require oil, it’s best to hand wash these poppers soon after use to prevent stuck-on grease.
What is the healthiest way to pop popcorn?
Hot air cooking is the healthiest way to pop popcorn since it doesn’t require any oil and contains just one ingredient—popcorn! Plain popcorn is a healthy snack since it counts toward your daily servings of whole grains, is low in calories and is a good source of dietary fiber.
Air-popped popcorn can still be flavored to your liking, but you’re in control of how much you add. You can add some melted butter and a sprinkle of salt, or get creative with salt-free herbs and spices, like cinnamon or garlic powder.
Our Trusted Expertise
This article was updated by Sharon Lehman, RD, a registered dietitian, recipe developer and experienced home cook. She’s been writing about food and cooking, including testing products for the Dotdash Meredith Food Group, for seven years. Each popcorn popper included in this article was tested in our Test Kitchen, and the testing results are interpreted and presented here.
A previous version of this article was written by Elle Wignall, a testing editor for Dotdash Meredith’s home and food brands. Some of her original insights and research are incorporated into the most recent version.
This article was edited by Katie Tuttle, a commerce editor and contributor to publications such as Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats.
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