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Beat the store-bought bag of popcorn. Popcorn Buckets
There’s nothing like curling up on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn to watch a movie. In the past, the easiest route was popping a bag of popcorn, but traditional microwave popcorn bags are often filled with less-than-good-for-you ingredients and are less sustainable. Nowadays, it’s easy to make your own popcorn in a reusable maker for even tastier, fresher results.
Many options are available, including stovetop, electric, and microwave, that will help you make delicious popcorn to jazz up in your own way, from adding parmesan to sea salt and black pepper. Whether you choose a crank-yourself stovetop model for movie theater-style popcorn, a microwave version that makes popping simple, or an electric version to plug in and go, there are stellar choices at every price point to meet your needs.
We made bowls and bowls of popcorn, testing each maker multiple times for consistency, taste, and unpopped kernels to come up with the best recommendations for stovetop, microwave, and electric popcorn makers.
It makes incredible popcorn, and the color-changing aspect adds a fun and useful element.
You need to be hands-on with the popcorn the entire time, and it’s clunkier to store.
There’s a reason we chose this popcorn maker as our best overall — it makes stellar popcorn. This classic Whirley Pop stovetop maker gets a modern upgrade with color that changes from red to yellow as the popcorn maker heats up and back to red as it cools down and your popcorn is ready. This is a great feature, especially when kids are involved.
During testing, we found that it makes a big batch of consistently tasty, crunchy, and chewy popcorn with very few, if any, kernels left over. Although it’s necessary to be hands-on the entire time with a consistent crank, the process is simple. We noticed a bit of scorching on the bottom of the pan when done, but not on the popcorn itself.
We do recommend wearing an oven mitt as the steam from the popcorn is hot. It’s easy to clean, too. If used often, simply wipe it out after it cools down (you’ll know when it returns to full red color), or use a little bit of soapy water if you are storing it away for a while.
Dimensions: 16.69 x 9.84 x 7.95 inches | Capacity: Yields 24 cups, 6 quarts | Material and care: Aluminum and metal with nylon gears. Wipe down after use; for longer storage, use dishwasher soap and water to rinse out and dry thoroughly
Food & Wine/Samantha Lande
Food & Wine / Samantha Lande
There’s only one piece, so there is no separate lid to worry about.
The colors faded slightly in the dishwasher.
This simple silicone microwave popper has a unique-piece pop open design, making it fun and functional. It folds up small enough for easy storage and pops open in the microwave when the kernels are done popping. It also has a fill-to-edge indicator so you can ditch the measuring cup, and overall, we felt the silicone to be more durable than some of the other ones we tested.
This model requires no oil or butter to make a delicious batch. The easy-hold tabs make it simple to remove from the microwave, and the results of this test were chewy, evenly cooked popcorn. Although dishwasher safe, we recommend hand-washing this one for longevity. We noticed that colors fade and get spotty in the microwave.
Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 4 inches | Capacity: 10 cups | Material and care: Silicone. Dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing is recommended
Food & Wine / Samantha Lande
Food & Wine / Samantha Lande
Food & Wine / Samantha Lande
Food & Wine / Samantha Lande
This popper can fit in any sized microwave, a nice feature of melting butter over the top.
It has a small yield, only enough for a snack for one person.
For those who prefer glass over silicone, this small but mighty popcorn maker produces evenly popped, chewy popcorn. The small size is great for single servings or smaller microwaves like in a dorm room, and we appreciate its large handle for easy carrying.
The manufacturer states that the suggested use is a microwave with a turntable for best results. The lid doubles as a measuring cup for the kernels and a place to put a pad of butter to melt onto the popcorn while it pops. You can choose from a variety of different colors, too, making it a fun gift. When it came time to clean, it was easy to rinse out, but it can also be placed in the dishwasher. If you love this model but want enough for your entire family, Ecolution makes a 3-quart size as well.
Dimensions: 7.5 x 6 x 5.13 inches | Capacity: 1.5 quarts, yields about 4 cups | Material and care: Borosilicate glass. Dishwasher-safe (top rack recommended)
Food & Wine / Samantha Lande
Food & Wine / Samantha Lande
Food & Wine / Samantha Lande
Food & Wine / Samantha Lande
It makes an abundance of great-tasting popcorn, similar to a batch you’d get at the movie theatre.
It’s by far the most expensive machine we tested, and with anything stainless, it can scratch easily.
Made to mimic how movie theater popcorn is made, this stovetop version is on the higher end but worth it if you love great homemade popcorn. Made of solid aluminum (the handle is wood), including the gears, this popcorn maker has a lifetime guarantee. It’s a bit bulky to store, but the sleek black coating will make this retro product look stellar right on your range for display.
To use, simply add oil, and when it’s hot, add the kernels and start churning once you hear a few pops. If you’d like, you can even add in salt. While other popcorn makers in our test yielded chewier popcorn, we could only describe it as perfectly crunchy. Similar to our best overall pick, this model produces almost 24 cups of popcorn, so in just a few minutes, you’ll have popcorn perfection — enough to share with your entire household. This one requires a hand wish, but we’d welcome taking the extra step to ensure longevity at this price point.
Dimensions: 11.6 x 8 x 16.6 inches | Capacity: 24 cups | Material and care: Aluminum. Simply wipe out for constant use, or use soapy water when using less frequently
The simple-setup machine doesn’t require oil to pop.
You need an outlet, and it’s not as nice-looking as the stovetop models.
Our best electric pick is a quick and simple setup that doesn’t require any oil to produce perfectly popped popcorn, making the Presto Air Popper a healthier option. Instead, it uses hot air to direct popped kernels from its chute directly into the bowl. In just a few minutes, it produces around 18 cups of popcorn or two large bowls.
If you do want to add butter to your batch, there is an included butter warmer that doubles as a measuring cup that rests on top of the machine. Simply add your desired amount, and it will melt while the machine is popping. When testing, we noted its plastic construction felt thicker and sturdier than competitors, and because of this, it also does not get as hot. The results were very light, nicely crisp, large kernels.
This one couldn’t be easier to clean — the butter warmer can be washed with soap and water, and the rest of the machine, including the clear plastic cover and cup, can just be wiped down with a damp cloth. Because there’s no oil, it doesn’t get very dirty.
Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 13.7 inches | Yields: 18 cups | Material and care: Plastic. Wipe down with a damp cloth
It makes large batches and comes with easy-to-use flavor packs.
It's not exactly a set-it-and-forget-it tool. You will have to oversee
For a stovetop model that makes large batches, is easy to use, and looks good while doing it, we like the Popper. It works with pre-batched packets of kernels with seasoning salt and coconut oil base for popping (either classic butter or kettle corn), and it's fun to experiment with your own popcorn flavors. Just pre-heat the stovetop to medium for two minutes, drop in the contents of the packet, and start turning the popper’s handle once the popping begins. It’s stainless steel, dishwasher-safe, compatible with all stovetops, and comes in five colors.
We've found cleaning in the sink or putting it in the dishwasher is easy. While making great popcorn is not difficult in the Popper, it is a more manual device, so you must stay close by when using it. Over time, we have found the turning mechanism causes some natural wear and tear on the color around the exterior rim as it shifts slightly while you spin it, but nothing super noticeable. And yes, at almost $200, it is a bit pricey for what it is, but if you are popping for a crowd or have open shelving and keep your cookware on display, we think the Popper is worth the splurge.
Dimensions: 9 x 7 inches | Capacity: Unknown | Material and care: Stainless steel. Hand wash or dishwasher-safe
Our favorite pick was the Original Whirley Pop color-changing popcorn popper with nylon gears. Most of the stovetop models performed very well, but this color-changing model was our clear winner. It made perfect popcorn with each test (no kernels left to spare) and changed color when it got hot. We liked the Ecolution Micro-Pop Microwave Popcorn Popper if you’re only looking to pop for one, and for an electric model, we recommend the Presto Air Popper.
Your first decision comes down to whether you want a stovetop, electric, or microwave popcorn popper. A stovetop model produces superior quality and tasty popcorn. While all of them are easy to use, the stovetop requires more hands-on work because you need to crank the entire time, about three minutes. If you prefer popcorn without oil, we recommend an electric or microwave pick. Finally, microwave popcorn makers are a straightforward way to produce better-than-store-bought popcorn, but still in a way that feels familiar.
The makers we tested ranged in capacity from around four cups, perfect for an individual-sized snack, to up to 24 cups, enough to feed a whole family. Think about how many people you plan to feed with each batch, and determine the correct size for you from there.
In general, popcorn makers are relatively easy to clean, but some are dishwasher-safe. If that’s an important consideration, consider one that won’t fade with prolonged use. Others have multiple pieces or components to them. If you prefer an all-in-one machine, take that into consideration when choosing your popcorn makers. Regardless of what model you choose, it's important to take a close look at your machine’s cleaning instructions.
In order to find the best popcorn maker, we made multiple batches of popcorn, following the manufacturer’s instructions. With each test, we timed how long it took to pop and measured the number of unpopped kernels to determine how well the popcorn maker performed. We also recorded how each batch tasted, noting the popcorn's texture and consistency. We looked at the amount of popcorn kernels each batch produced and evaluated how much hands-on effort was required to produce a successful batch. Finally, we also assessed how easy it was to clean and if any special design features added to the experience.
Popcorn makers work in a variety of ways depending on what type you use. Microwave popcorn makers often don’t require oil. The kernels are placed on the bottom of the maker, and a lid is put on top (in many cases loosely or the lid is vented). The heat from the microwave allows the kernels to pop. In most stovetop models, a combination of oil, kernels, and heat makes the popcorn. To avoid burning, those kernels need to constantly move around. There are also electric popcorn maker options that tend to use hot air circulation to pop the kernels.
The oil you use for a popcorn machine is often dependent on what type of machine you are using or what flavor you are trying to achieve. We used coconut oil for testing, which was an excellent oil to get that yellow color and good flavor, although it can be higher in saturated fat than some other oils. Most movie theaters use coconut or canola oil. If you are looking for a healthier oil, avocado oil, which has a high heat point, or olive oil would work, too, in most makers that require oil.
Yes. Many of the popcorn makers can be used without oil; in fact, many of the microwaves and electric models don’t allow for adding oil until after the popcorn is done. Most stovetop versions require some oil. Always look at the individual instructions for your popcorn maker.
Instructions for stovetop popcorn makers vary but always involve adding some kind of oil and kernels. For the models we tested, once the oil was hot and the kernels started to sizzle, turn the hand crank until the popping slows to an occasional pop and there are a few seconds in between, or you hit resistance and cannot crank anymore.
Technically you can make popcorn in an air fryer, but it’s not necessarily recommended to do so. It takes longer than making it on the stovetop or in the microwave. You also run the risk of getting a kernel caught in the heating element, which can cause a fire or smoke or lead to a broken air fryer. It’s also not always successful after one round, which means you have to try and try again. If you plan to make popcorn, we highly recommend a stovetop or microwave model.
Lékué Popcorn Maker ($20 at Amazon)
We liked this popcorn maker, and it was one of the only microwave versions we tested that allowed you to use oil. However, it was a higher price point than some of the other microwave versions, and the oil didn’t always distribute well. The bowl itself was a little flimsier, too.
Crate & Barrel Stovetop Popcorn Popper, Black ($40 at Crate & Barrel)
This stovetop maker fell in line with the other stovetop makers for its quality, but this Crate & Barrel exclusive didn’t stand far enough above the other options to make it a top contender.
West Bend Stir CrazyPopcorn Maker ($40 at Amazon)
This electric model popped evenly without burning, but it took longer to finish, and we felt the flavor was a little muted in comparison to others.
We tested many other popcorn makers that didn’t make the cut. We were most surprised by the Cuisinart Pop and Serve Popcorn Maker. While Cuisinart generally makes all-around good products, their microwave popcorn maker had a vented lid that made the kernels a little soggy, and it did not hold up well in the dishwasher. The Original Hotpop left a ton of unpopped kernels, and the Original Salbree wasn’t quite as good as the other makers. The Wabash Valley Farms Original Whirley Pop Aluminum was a solid popcorn maker, but in comparison to the other stovetop models, it easily got scuffed up and gained hard-to-remove scorch marks. We also tested a few other electric models, like the Cuisinart Easy Pop Air Popper and the Dash SmartStore, which also didn’t perform up to par with the others.
Wine Caps Samantha Lande is a freelance writer with over a decade of experience covering food and drink. She has tested many products for various national outlets. She is also an avid home cook and is very discerning about the products that live in her kitchen. For this article, she tested each popcorn maker multiple times in her home kitchen.