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After researching dozens of popcorn poppers, we bought the 10 best models available today to test in a head-to-head kernel-popping extravaganza. We exploded thousands of kernels over the course of a week to determine which models are the fastest, which are the easiest to use, and which ones are capable of popping every single kernel without burning any of the finished delicious snacks. We paid close attention to any useful features and which ones helped us to mix up our favorite flavorings into each batch. This hands-on, comprehensive review will help you purchase the perfect popper for your personal preferences and budget.
Want to kit out your home with the best kitchen appliances on the market today? Our experts can help you sort the best from the rest. Our in-depth reviews run the gamut of kitchen basics like the best toaster ovens and best electric kettles to more nuanced options like the best juicers and best pizza ovens.
If you want a hot air popper, the Presto 04820 PopLite is hard to beat. With an average batch time of two minutes, you can crank out yummy popcorn during the TV commercial break. In several test trials, we never found a single unpopped kernel in the hopper. We love that this unit includes a measuring cup on the lid top that doubles as a butter-melting tray so your butter and popcorn will be ready to go simultaneously.
The only real drawback to the Presto PopLite is that it does not include a bowl. While some users may not have the right size bowl, this is not a major issue for most. This model is a great choice for those looking for a hot air popper that's quick and leaves no kernels unpopped.
We loved the crisp, even popcorn this machine made.
The Ecolution Original is the easiest-to-use popcorn popper in our review. You measure the perfect amount of kernels using the lid, then add optional butter into the same part. Once the kernels are added to the popper, press start on your microwave and prepare for a yummy snack. We feel the lid is especially useful for shaking in extra seasonings after cooking the corn. Once you've concocted your perfect batch of tasty snacks, you can eat it directly from the glass popper. With an average cooking time of 1:45, the Ecolution Original is about as quick as it gets.
We noticed during testing that the Ecolution left a few kernels unpopped. Unfortunately, trying to pop them by adding extra time means you will burn some of the popcorn previously popped to perfection. Furthermore, this device only cooks relatively small portions at a time. If you want to make a large serving for a group, you will have to make several additional batches. If you usually pop kernels for more than one person, it may be wise to consider a more suitable model. Despite its shortcomings, the Ecolution is still an excellent popper for those who want quick and easy popcorn in small batches.
Our favorite of the microwave models, this popper was easy and consistent to use.
Entire machine must be flipped when cooking is complete
Difficult to clean
We recommend the Presto 5204 Orville Redenbacher's Stirring Popper for those looking for popcorn popped in hot oil. Although this type of popper takes a bit longer and costs a bit more than hot air or microwave models, we found that the Presto 5204 was quicker and cheaper than much of the competition. Best of all, the popcorn produced by this model was very evenly cooked, and there were no uncooked kernels. It's great that the popper itself is also the serving bowl.
There are a few downsides to the Presto 5204. For instance, flipping the entire machine over to get out your popcorn when it's ready is a pain — other poppers with a similar design have removable stirring plates allowing you to remove the bowl from the base of the cooker. Also, you cannot immerse the cooking parts in water because they are permanently connected to the electronics. Therefore, one must be careful when washing. Even with its flaws, it's still hard to beat the price and performance of the Presto 5204 when it comes to producing a tasty snack.
This affordable hot oil popper was a pleasure to use.
If simplicity is what you are after, we highly recommend the Cook N Home 02626 6 Quart. This 6-quart aluminum model requires a stove as a heat source, but sometimes that is ideal — we think this would be a fun and useful addition to any camping kitchen. Our panel of testers loved the degree of popcorn crispiness that the Cook N Home produced. Furthermore, we found this popper to be an efficient machine, leaving no kernel unpopped.
There are a few drawbacks that come along with this model. Because of its manually-powered design, it requires continuous stirring during the entire process to ensure it cooks evenly. It also takes a tad bit longer than several automatic electric models. Regardless, the Cook N Home is a great choice for those seeking a stovetop popcorn popper.
Not everyone wants another bulky kitchen appliance or giant serving of popcorn every time they need a snack. If this is you, check out the DASH Turbo POP. At only ten inches tall, it's hard to find a smaller popper. The Turbo also makes a small batch of popcorn, ideal for those who want a snack-size serving for themselves or the kids. Unlike many hot air poppers, the DASH has an on/off switch that allows you to leave it plugged in, which is not only convenient but also alleviates the dangers of having a child mess with a dangerous power outlet.
Our testing team found some flaws with the DASH Turbo POP. It makes a mess — unless you have a large bowl, it sort of shoots popcorn all over the place, which is especially silly considering it only makes small batches. Also, we found that the batches are done so quickly that the butter tray doesn't have enough time to do its job. Finally, it leaves a relatively large number of kernels unpopped, which is a bummer considering that many of the top models pop every last one. Despite the drawbacks, we still think this is a fantastic appliance for anyone seeking a compact model for small batches.
If you want a party-pleaser or a model to show the kids what popcorn poppers looked like in the good ole days, the Nostalgia Old Fashioned Popcorn Machine is the way to go. It has a vintage look and happens to be pretty speedy for a hot air model.
This popper is on the pricey side; you'll have to drop a few extra dollars for the extra style. Sadly, we found that this model is more difficult to load than more modern-looking models and sometimes spits out unpopped kernels. However, if you're looking for a fully functioning popper that looks more like a neat decoration than a kitchen appliance, you'll probably love the Nostalgia Old Fashioned Popcorn Machine.
This whimsically styled machine made okay popcorn, but wasn't our favorite for daily use.
The best thing about the Original Salbree is that it is an absolute no-brainer to use. Just measure out the recommended amount of kernels, put the lid in place, and pop away! We are huge fans of collapsible silicone, and it's great that the popper can be used as the serving bowl. You can also throw the lid back on after adding butter or other seasonings to give the batch a fair shake. This model comes in a wider variety of colors than any popper that we've seen in case you're looking for a specific color to match your other cookware or just have a favorite color in mind.
Unfortunately, the Original Salbree falls short where it matters most — it doesn't do a very good job of popping corn. It leaves many kernels unpopped, and if you try to pop them by adding extra time, the ones that are already cooked get burnt. It's still a good choice if you're looking for a specific color, want a collapsible popper, or like the idea of a straightforward cooking process.
The Salbree's silicone construction made it easy to go from microwave to living room to dishwasher.
The first thing we noticed about the DASH DAPP150V2AQ04 Hot Air is that it has an on/off switch. Some of the alternative hot air style popcorn poppers in our review turn on as soon as they are plugged into the wall. An on/off switch can be nice if your outlet is in an awkward place because you can leave it plugged in all the time. Also, this model's melting tray doubles as a kernel measuring scoop, a feature we always love to see that makes the process even easier.
Our testers found that the DASH is slower than other hot air poppers with similar designs. Also, this device left unpopped kernels in the hopper, and it actually blew some kernels out into our serving bowl. This is not a problem that we've encountered with other hot air poppers.
The ability to turn this model on and off without unplugging it makes it a great choice for users with hard to reach outlets.
If you're in the market for a full-sized popcorn popper for a business or special event, look no further than the West Bend Hot Oil Theater Style. Once it's set up, this model is straightforward to operate. All you have to do is add oil, add kernels, close the door, and turn it on, and within a few minutes, you'll have a giant batch of popcorn.
Although the West Bend Hot Oil Theater Style is easy to operate, you will need to supervise the popping process because if you don't turn it off in time, you can easily burn your snack. This model also requires more time for initial setup, especially compared to models ready to go right out of the box. Due to its larger size and substantial batches, it takes more time and effort to clean than smaller models. Flaws aside, we still think the Theater Style is an excellent choice for anybody looking for a full-sized popcorn popper.
The West Bend Hot Oil Theater Style is the way to go for making large batches.
The The Original Popco is very similar to other silicone microwave popcorn poppers. It is collapsible, easy to use, and easy to clean. There is no need for a serving vessel with the Popco — you can eat the popcorn directly out of the popper. If you like to add seasonings, the lid helps keep the popcorn in the bowl while the popper is shaken around to evenly distribute any added special ingredients. Silicone versions are also very easy to store, thanks to their collapsible design.
During our popping time trials, we found that the Popco was slower than other silicone microwave models. Sadly, this model left many kernels unpopped while it burned others.
We loved that the Popco model was collapsible for easy storage.
Credit: Laura Casner
Why Trust GearLab
After thorough research into the world of popcorn poppers, we purchased our selection at full price for head-to-head testing. We compared, assessed, and scored each model for the evenness of the finished popcorn, how long each model took to complete a batch, and how easy each popper was to use. While ease of use was purely subjective, for evenness, we judged the quality of the popcorn but also counted the number of kernels left over, and time to pop was purely scored by the stopwatch.
Ross Patton and Michelle Powell led this review. Before her time at GearLab, Michelle worked in the food service industry for more than a decade, during which she managed an artisanal bakery in Santa Cruz, California, and even competed in the Southwest Regional Barista Competition. Since becoming our Research Analyst, she has tested hundreds of kitchen-related products, ranging from prep tools such as stand mixers and coffee grinders to cooking appliances, including sous vide machines and toaster ovens. For the last ten years, Ross has professionally reviewed hundreds of products and has recently written many home office and appliance reviews ranging from hand blenders to outdoor solar lights. With a formal education in Environmental Science from the University of Nevada, Ross is no stranger to authoring lab reports or crunching numbers.
The Poplite pops corn directly into your bowl of choice.
Nothing beats a bowl of fresh popcorn when you settle down for a good movie.
This model is perfect for larger applications.
Analysis and Test Results
Munching this delicious snack is a favorite pastime, so we gladly took to the task. Most of our testing took place in the lab, where we examined each model, made numerous batches per device, timed the poppers, and counted unpopped kernels. Although we must admit, the real judgment took place where it should — in the living room watching our favorite movies or conversing with best friends.
Ease of Use
The main reason to purchase a popcorn popper is to alleviate as much effort of your kernel cooking as possible. For this section of our review, we looked at what steps are required for preparation for each batch, how much attention we had to pay while the popcorn was cooking, how hard each model is to clean, and what types of additional covers, hoppers, butter dispenser, or other additional accessories are included with each model.
This plug and play model was a breeze to use.
Credit: Laura Casner
It's hard to top the Ecolution Original when it comes to ease of use. With this model, you just measure kernels with the lid, dump them in the popper, and toss the popper in the microwave. This model can be moved around while hot without oven mitts thanks to the handle, unlike many other microwave models.
The Ecolution popper combines the control of making your own popcorn with the convenience of a microwave pouch.
Credit: Laura Casner
The Presto 04820 PopLite and DASH Turbo POP are similar in operation. First, you use the scoop to measure kernels into the popping chamber, then put the cover and measuring cup in place, and lastly, turn the device on.
The first step to using the Dashi is to add kernels with the included measuring cup.
Next, hit the power switch.
After a minute or so, you will have a delicious treat!
If you like melted butter, you can simply add it to the measuring cup and set it on top of the lid, and it will melt while the popcorn is popping. The Cook N Home 02626 requires hands-on attention during the popping process. You need to constantly crank the handle until cooking is complete, but this may be a fun activity for kids while out camping or for those that love to have full control of the cooking process in the kitchen.
The measuring scoop doubles at a butter melter.
Credit: Laura Casner
Evenness
Chances are that you're going to end up with some leftover kernels when you make bags of microwave popcorn. An even more frustrating situation is when some cooked popcorn is burnt, yet there are still leftover kernels in the batch. Popcorn poppers help to alleviate this problem, but there is still a degree of variability between models in the number of leftover kernels and overall crispiness. Our expert panel of delectable snack connoisseurs subjectively judged the finished popcorn produced by each model for crispiness and consistency. We also counted the number of uncooked kernels that each popper left behind.
The Presto hot air popper impressed us with the evenness of its finished product.
Credit: Laura Casner
The Cook N Home 02626 6 Quart blows us away when it comes to evenness. Being able to crank and stir the popcorn around until the last kernel is popped gives the finished product a perfectly delectable crispiness. When it comes to hot oil models, we found that the Presto 5204 Orville Redenbacher's Stirring Popper left no straggling kernels but did not burn any of the cooked popcorn either. As far as hot air models go, the Presto 04820 PopLite was the best that we tested for even cooking capabilities — leaving no stragglers behind.
This machine popped every kernel evenly, down to the very last one.
Credit: Laura Casner
Microwave models tend to either leave straggling kernels or burn a little of the popped corn, but the Ecolution Original provided the best consistency that we've seen out of this popcorn popper type.
Of microwave models, the Ecolution left the fewest unpopped kernels.
Credit: Laura Casner
The DASH Turbo POP did reasonably well during this portion of our assessment, but it left quite some unpopped kernels compared to the top models, and it can make quite a mess if you don't have a large enough bowl.
The Dash tends to make a bit of a mess and leaves some kernels unpopped.
Credit: Jason Peters
Time to Pop
It's nice for those on the go to know how long it takes to make a bowl of delicious crunchy snacks. If you don't have access to or don't care to use a microwave, you will be happy to hear that some of the popcorn poppers in our review were not far behind microwaves. For this part of our assessment, we timed each device, cooking a batch from start to finish.
We timed each machine multiple times to ensure we got the best measurements of their performance.
The Ecolution Original was impressively quick, with an average time of 1:45, which is no surprise considering that microwaves usually prepare food faster than other cooking methods. Just behind was the hot air Presto 04820 PopLite at 2:00. The Cook N Home 02626 6 Quart took 3 minutes, but considering the crispiness, we think the extra time is worth it. With a popping time of 1:40, the DASH Turbo POP was the fastest model during our assessment. However, this is presumably due to its smaller size and smaller portions. Finally, the Presto 5204 Orville Redenbacher's Stirring Popper took an average of 3:30 per batch, but hot oil models tend to be the slowest type.
The Ecolution made a hefty serving of tasty popcorn in under two minutes.
Credit: Laura Casner
Conclusion
Our goal is to provide the most accurate and detailed product reviews possible to take the guesswork out of buying new things. Whether you want a manually-powered popper, a quick microwave popper, an old-fashioned hot oil popper, or a healthy hot air model, we have the details you need to choose with confidence to make the best purchase for your goals and budget. So start the movie and grab a bowl!
