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Pop your way to healthier snacking Portable Shower Drink Bottle Holder
Elle Wignall is a testing editor who helps find the best home and kitchen products for consumers. She has an MA in Gastronomy and over four years of writing and editing experience in food media.
Brierley is a dietitian nutritionist, content creator and strategist, and avid mental health advocate. She is co-host and co-creator of the Happy Eating Podcast, a podcast that breaks down the connection between food and mental wellness. Brierley previously served as Food & Nutrition Director for Cooking Light magazine and the Nutrition Editor at EatingWell magazine. She holds a master's degree in Nutrition Communications from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. Her work has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, Real Simple, Livestrong.com, TheKitchn and more.
Crisp, light popcorn makes a delicious snack, whether prepared for a movie marathon, a social gathering or “just because.” The fluffy popped corn kernels have a subtly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with many tasty toppings, from honey and peanuts to Parmesan with lime. And, according to dietitians, popcorn is one of the healthier options to keep in your snacking arsenal.
“Popcorn is a whole grain, and whole grains are a good source of fiber,” says Jody Gatewood, RD, assistant state nutrition program specialist for the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend making half of your [daily servings of] grains whole grains because of their health benefits, like helping to reduce risk of diseases like diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.”
While it can be tempting to grab a box of pre-packaged microwavable popcorn or a pre-popped bag from the store—especially if you’re in a time crunch—an at-home popcorn maker can be a great, healthy investment. “The cost is a big bonus of popping your own [popcorn], just because the kernels all by themselves will be way less expensive than a bag of popcorn or microwave popcorn,” says Gatewood. And not only that but making your popcorn at home allows you to get creative with the seasoning combinations and cut out potentially unnecessary additives in premade options.
We put 10 popular, non-electric popcorn makers through multiple tests to determine which should make it to your shopping cart and why. We made batch after batch of popcorn on the stovetop or in the microwave (depending on the popper) and examined each for its texture and taste. We also took note of how many kernels were left unpopped after the recommended cooking time. Finally, we took into consideration how easy each popcorn maker was to use and clean, whether they required added fat like oil or butter, and how much popcorn each could make without scorching or overflowing. Read on to learn about all our favorite popcorn makers and how they stood up to testing.
What we like: The clever pop-top tells you when popcorn is ready, and no oil is needed to yield a big batch.
What to know: It’s very hot right out of the microwave, and the instructions are only printed on the box.
The Chef’n PopTop’s unique design made it one of the most fun poppers to use, and the resulting popcorn was impressive—especially for a microwave model. Unlike most microwave popcorn makers, the PopTop is a single silicone piece with folding tabs that collapse in to form the lid. We loved that the lid was built in, making it impossible to misplace. Furthermore, the tabs of the lid expand as the kernels pop, which helps to indicate doneness. (Plus, it’s just plain fun to watch.)
While most microwave popcorn makers suggest waiting to spritz your popcorn with oil after it's popped, this versatile popper can handle both oil-free and oiled batches with ease. When setting up for our popcorn maker test, we measured out the kernels to go into the PopTop. But since this popper has a clear line that indicates where to fill to, these measurements were technically unnecessary.
Once the kernels are finished popping (which took less than four minutes in our tests), the lid tabs act as handles to remove it from the microwave. However, we noticed that the PopTop holds onto heat even after the suggested one-minute cooling period, so you may need to grab a towel or an oven mitt when you’re taking it out. If you aren’t worried about water spots or color fading, the PopTop can go right into the dishwasher, but we preferred hand washing to avoid wear and tear.
Type: Microwave | Material: Silicone | Dimensions: 7.09”D x 7.09”W x 4.13”H | Capacity: 10 cups | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (but we recommend handwashing)
What we like: It’s easy to clean and creates really plump, crisp kernels—and a lot of them.
What to know: While popping, it steams a lot, so use caution to avoid burns. It’s also slightly pricier than other models.
Whirley-Pop is a beloved brand for a reason: Its stovetop popcorn makers churn out puffy, crunchy kernels that we could only describe as, simply, superb. While this Wabash Valley Farms model runs a little more expensive than some other stovetop poppers, we think the price point is fair when considering all the features of this Whirley-Pop.
The classic metal crank topples the kernels as they heat in a required small amount of fat (1–3 tablespoons), and while this is a fully hands-on process, it took less than three minutes for a half cup of kernels to pop. We found it best to wear an oven mitt while cranking, as the vented lid lets off steam to keep the popcorn crisp rather than chewy.
Cleanup is a breeze, especially if you regularly use your Whirley-Pop; simply wipe it out with a paper towel after use. If you plan to make popcorn less frequently than once per week, it washes out with warm, soapy water.
Type: Stovetop | Material: Aluminum, Wood | Dimensions: 16.63”D x 9.38”W x 7.94”H | Capacity: 6 quarts | Dishwasher Safe: No
What we like: This is the only silicone option we tested that survived a cycle in the dishwasher without warping or color fading.
What to know: Since you aren’t actively churning the popcorn as it pops, any added oil can get unevenly distributed.
Made of BPA-free, bright red silicone, the Lékué Popcorn Maker is as easy to use as it is to clean. Simply pour your popcorn kernels to the fill line indicated inside the bowl, add a bit of oil and place the lid on top, and after microwaving for three to four minutes, your popcorn will be ready to enjoy. When you’re finished using the Lékué, you can toss it in the dishwasher for fuss-free cleanup.
While the Lékué Popcorn Maker does make a great bowl of popcorn, we were perhaps most impressed with its ability to cycle through the dishwasher without warping or changing color. Additionally, the collapsible design of this model means it takes up less cabinet space than any of the other popcorn makers on our list.
When popping our popcorn, we had to do some experimentation with the kernels-to-oil ratio, as the included instructions were a bit vague. We found the sweet spot to be 100 grams of kernels and 2–3 teaspoons of oil. When we used more oil than that, it didn’t evenly spread onto the popped kernels, so they varied a bit in shape and color. Still, we found our popcorn to be pleasantly crunchy after popping it in the Lékué.
Type: Microwave | Material: Silicone | Dimensions: 7.87”D x 7.87”W x 5.7”H | Capacity: 2.8 liters | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
What we like: It’s perfect for one person and easy enough for a child to use as an after-school snack.
What to know: It left a lot of kernels unpopped, and the popcorn came out slightly chewier than other models.
If you don’t want to commit a lot of money to a one-use gadget, or if you’re only in need of a single serving of popcorn at a time, the Ecolution Micro-Pop is a solid option. Its sturdy, heat-resistant glass design is incredibly cute and petite, and the attached handle comes in handy for lifting the popper out of the microwave.
While silicone popcorn makers are often opaque, we loved that the transparent glass of this model allowed us to visually monitor the kernels as they popped. We were also impressed by the nifty “3-in-1” lid—it functions as a measuring cup for the kernels, and it’s perforated so you can add a pat of butter to melt over the popcorn as it cooks. We think this see-through popper makes a great option for independent kiddos making after-school snacks.
We did find a few drawbacks to this petite popper. Our popcorn turned out a little chewier with the MicroPop than with other models we tested, and nearly one-third of our kernels were left unpopped after three minutes in the microwave. Additionally, the small size of this popper is more suitable for single servings as opposed to feeding a crowd.
Type: Microwave | Material: Borosilicate Glass | Dimensions: 7.5”D x 6”W x 5.13”H | Capacity: 1.5 quarts | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
What we like: It’s fun to watch this popcorn maker change colors as you crank, and it made some of the crunchiest popcorn out of all the models we tested.
What to know: You have to crank by hand the entire cooking time, and the popper gets very hot over the stovetop.
Making popcorn on the stovetop should generally be left to the adults due to the high temps and steam, but the Whirley-Pop Color Changing Popcorn Maker provides a way to keep kids entertained and involved in a hands-off way. With its mesmerizing, heat-induced color changing design, this model adds a little bit of magic to the popcorn-making process. As the kernels pop, kids can watch the color of the pot change from red to vibrant yellow.
We‘ll note that the changing color isn’t an indication of popcorn doneness, however. You’ll still need to listen for the popping cadence to slow down to verify that it’s done. You’ll also need to crank the nylon gear through the entire process, which can get tiring—although, notably, it only took around two-and-a-half minutes for us to pop the entire pot.
This stovetop popper yielded a huge batch of consistently crunchy popcorn, with almost no kernels left unpopped. And, like other Whirley-Pop models, this one is easy to clean with either a quick paper towel wipe or a scrub in warm, soapy water.
Type: Stovetop | Material: Nylon, Aluminum, Wood | Dimensions: 17.36”D x 9.88”W x 8.11”H | Capacity: 6 quarts | Dishwasher Safe: No
Our top choice, the microwavable Chef’n PopTop Popcorn Popper (view at Amazon), comes with an attached lid that conveniently expands to indicate when popping is complete. After numerous tests, we found that the PopTop gave us large batches of delicious popcorn that cooked quickly. We also loved the small-but-mighty Ecolution Micro-Pop Microwave Popcorn Popper (view at Amazon) for its cute, sturdy glass design and budget-friendly price tag. We think it makes a great option for after-school snacking or small dorm kitchens.
When considering a non-electric popcorn maker for home use, there are several factors that may impact your decision. Some of these include:
Non-electric popcorn makers use heat from either the microwave or stovetop to agitate kernels into popping. Whether you use a stovetop or microwave popcorn maker comes down to personal preference and comfort level. While microwavable poppers require less hands-on work, this sometimes comes at the expense of popcorn crispiness and even cooking. Stovetop models require some practice to master cranking, which helps move the kernels around as they heat to evenly cook. Stovetop poppers usually require added fat and can be more of a hassle to clean, but you’re likelier to get plump, crunchy popcorn reminiscent of that good stuff at the movie theater.
While stovetop poppers are made of metal, such as aluminum, microwave models typically come in silicone or heat-safe glass versions. Aluminum popcorn makers heat quickly and efficiently so the kernels don’t soak up too much of the cooking oil. Microwave-friendly glass poppers allow you to view the kernels as they pop, while dishwasher-safe silicone poppers are generally the easiest to clean.
Are you making a batch of popcorn for yourself or for the whole family? Some popcorn makers are specifically designed to yield single servings, while others boast a large capacity capable of feeding a crowd. When choosing a microwavable popcorn maker, be sure to check the dimensions. Some will fit comfortably in a small microwave, making them a great choice for dorm kitchens or other compact living spaces, while others may be more suited for larger microwaves. Also, some models will collapse for easy storage, leaving one less single-use gadget standing on precious counter space.
For this article, we conducted multiple real-world tests of popular non-electric popcorn makers, accounting for features and potential drawbacks that would be important for consumers to know before making purchase decisions. We followed manufacturer’s instructions and recorded how much popcorn each model made, how long it took and how consistent the batch of popcorn was. After multiple tests of each popcorn maker, we ranked the products for their ease of use, design, performance and ease of cleaning.
Franklin’s Original Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Machine ($80 at Amazon): Unlike some of our favorite stovetop models that allow you to put all the ingredients in at once, this stainless steel option required a few extra preheating steps. It yields deliciously crunchy popcorn, but we felt the price point was inexplicably high for a popcorn maker that requires more work.
Crate & Barrel Stovetop Popcorn Popper ($40 at Crate & Barrel): While we weren’t blown away by the performance of this popper, we loved the matte black design, which was more scuff-resistant than aluminum models. We think it would be a good option for those who prioritize style over function.
Salbree Original Microwave Popcorn Popper ($30 at Amazon): This silicone popcorn maker cooked the kernels evenly, but it didn’t particularly wow us. Additionally, it might be a little tall for smaller microwaves.
Hotpop Original Silicone Microwave Popcorn Popper ($18 at Amazon): The Hotpop left more unpopped kernels than most of the other silicone options, and we found that the operating instructions weren’t very helpful. While you can technically use oil in the Hotpop, the manufacturer warns that it may scorch and stain the popper.
Cuisinart Pop and Serve Popcorn Maker ($15 at Amazon): While this popcorn maker boasts a lower price point, our tests found that the unique perforated lid allowed for too much condensation build-up while popping, resulting in a chewier popcorn.
While there are many different types of popcorn makers, we focused our tests on models that use the heat of your stove or a microwave to make popcorn. Heat is the key ingredient that allows you to a humble kernel into an airy, healthy snack. Each popcorn kernel contains a small amount of water encased in its tough shell or hull. As the temperature inside the popcorn maker rises, the water turns into steam, creating pressure against the hull. This buildup continues until the hull can no longer contain it, causing the kernel to explode and flip inside out, transforming it into popcorn.
Depending on the type of popcorn maker you have, there are a few ways you can clean it. Most microwavable poppers are dishwasher safe; however, in our tests we found that dishwashing sometimes caused discoloration and water stains. Metal stovetop popcorn makers typically require handwashing, and some metals like aluminum will clean easier than others, like scratchable stainless steel. Allow popcorn makers to cool before you wash them, but be sure to clean them shortly after use for best results and fewer stains.
Some popcorn makers require adding a fat like oil or butter, but not all do. Check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model to be sure.
According to Jody Gatewood, it makes a lot of sense to reach for a popcorn maker over pre-assembled microwavable bags, which often contain unwanted additives and oils. “If you just do popcorn by itself, it’s a good source of fiber—almost four grams [per serving]—and it’s low in calories,” says Gatewood.
It’s what we put on that popcorn that really tilts the scale from healthy snack to movie theater treat. “If you can, do some air-popped popcorn and just add maybe a drizzle of butter and a little bit of salt…or if you like something a little sweeter, a little cinnamon and sugar,” says Gatewood. “That’s going to make it a little bit healthier.”
If you regularly snack on popcorn or want to add it to your diet, it might be more cost-effective and health conscious to pop it at home. “There are health benefits to having your own popcorn and controlling what you put on it, and it’s also a way to save money,” says Gatewood. That said, one-use appliances and gadgets can add clutter to a kitchen, so if you’re working with limited space, you may wish to forgo adding a popcorn maker to your kitchenware collection.
Elle Wignall is an editor in our testing lab in Des Moines, Iowa. She has a master’s degree in food studies, as well as four years of experience in food and lifestyle media. For this article, she interpreted the results of 10 tested popcorn makers, utilized her own expertise in the kitchen and consulted with Jody Gatewood, registered dietitian and assistant state nutrition program specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. This article was edited by Kayleigh Drake, a former EatingWell commerce editor and contributor to publications such as Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats and Simply Recipes, and it was reviewed by Brierley Horton, M.S., RD, senior commerce editor, who has 15 years of experience reporting, writing, and editing nutrition and health content.
Large Ice Ball Mold U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition.