The Best Hot Air Popcorn Maker
We looked at the top 6 Hot Air Popcorn Makers and dug through the reviews from 15 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Hot Air Popcorn Makers.
Our Review Process
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Our Picks For The Top Hot Air Popcorn Makers
- 1. West Bend Nonstick Plastic Hot Air Popcorn Maker
- 2. Cuisinart Removable Chute Dishwasher Safe Hot Air Popcorn Maker
- 3. DASH Removable Dishwasher Safe Parts Hot Air Popcorn Maker
- 4. PRESTO Orville Redenbacher’s Butter Melter Hot Air Popcorn Maker
- 5. Nostalgia Compact Street-Corner Stand Design Hot Air Popcorn Maker
- 6. Hamilton Beach Built-In Measuring Cup Hot Air Popcorn Maker
With a 6-quart capacity, this hot air popcorn maker is an excellent choice for families. The vented cover is specially designed to double as a serving bowl, once your popcorn has been cooked. The base also fits inside the cover when it comes time to store it away.
Choice of ColorsYou'll find this hot air popcorn maker comes in a choice of red, blue or black.
It takes just 3 minutes for this hot air popcorn maker to have your movie snack ready to eat. The built-in butter warming tray is an added bonus, as you won't have to melt your butter separately. You can even get the appliance in a choice of white, pink or metallic red.
Fast PoppingThis hot air popcorn maker has a large 10 cup capacity.
With its aqua color, simple design and quick operation, this hot air popcorn maker can effortlessly pop up to 16 cups of kernels at once. It also comes with a measuring cup/butter melting tray that fits right on top.
Easy CleanupSpend a cozy night at home watching movies with this popcorn maker at the ready. It's easy to clean up, too!
Talk about high productivity! This hot air popcorn maker can pop as much as 18 cups in under 2 1/2 minutes, which is more than enough for a big party. This popcorn maker even comes with its own measuring cup/ butter melter.
From the ExpertsThis hot-air popcorn maker comes from one of the most trusted brands in snacking.
Buying Guide
Making popcorn in a frying pan was the original way to enjoy this snack at home, but inventors first introduced hot-air popcorn makers for consumers in the 1970s. However, once the microwave was invented, its ease of use made hot-air poppers practically obsolete.
Now, like so many bygone things, these popcorn poppers are back in a big way because many consider them as a healthier way to make the beloved snack. They do not use oil; you only need hot air.
Hot-air popcorn makers work by spinning popcorn kernels in central chambers. As the kernels reach the outside, they encounter hot air generated by an electrical element. It takes a few minutes for the tiny amount of water in every kernel to convert into steam. The kernel’s hull cannot resist the pressure and explodes; when the air hits the starchy fibers inside, you have popcorn. It then travels out through a plastic chute and lands in a bowl.
Most hot-air popcorn makers have built-in or included cups to measure the kernels, but you can also use these to melt butter or add seasonings. The best thing about these poppers is that no oil is required, so they can pop large amounts of kernels without having to stop and add anything, and there’s virtually no cleanup afterward! Many people eat the popped kernels without embellishment, but you should feel free to add salt, sugar, nuts, chocolate chips, candies or other mix-ins to make the most of movie night!
Hot-air poppers come in different colors, and some even have decorative details that you might like. They do cost more than other popcorn makers, but you will save money in the long run over constantly buying microwave popcorn, as bulk popcorn kernels are much cheaper.
Why we recommend these hot air popcorn makers?
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Our experts reviewed the top 6 Hot Air Popcorn Makers and also dug through the reviews from 15 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Hot Air Popcorn Makers.
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The Best Bang For Your Buck
DASH Removable Dishwasher Safe Parts Hot Air Popcorn Maker
Key Takeawy
With its aqua color, simple design and quick operation, this hot air popcorn maker can effortlessly pop up to 16 cups of kernels at once. It also comes with a measuring cup/butter melting tray that fits right on top.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
What to Look For
- Some hot-air popcorn makers can produce more popcorn than others, so get a bigger one if you plan to feed many people.
- Only add the recommended amount of kernels; otherwise, the machine may overheat.
- For cleanup, read the manufacturer’s instructions. The chute and measuring cup might be safe to put in the dishwasher but not the central part of the unit.
- Always empty the base after popping because un-popped kernels can burn the next time you use the popper.
- Do not add anything to the machine before the kernels. Sprinkle on salt and add butter and goodies after the popcorn is in your serving bowl.
More to Explore
While air-popped popcorn may be healthier than oil-based options, there are countless ways to make it deliciously decadent. Wait until the popcorn is popped, and then you can get to work. One choice is to pour caramel sauce over it, mix it and give it a few minutes to harden into homemade caramel corn.
This snack will stay fresh for weeks and makes a great gift. Another favorite is Parmesan garlic popcorn: mix in fresh Parmesan while the popcorn is still hot and add some garlic salt and parsley. Last but not least, you can add in white chocolate chips, sprinkles and some other candies. That one is a real crowd pleaser!
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