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The Best Popcorn Maker

Last updated on May 9, 2023

We looked at the top 15 Popcorn Makers and dug through the reviews from 36 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Popcorn Makers.

AMC offers free popcorn refills

Our Review Process

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Make movie night at home just as special as movie night out with a delicious bowl of homemade popcorn. Find your favorite recipe and make it a gourmet popcorn or just add some butter for a classic favorite. The best popcorn maker will pop every last kernel without burning any and that can be a tough thing to find. There are several different types of popcorn makers out there so let’s see which are the best right now.

First let’s explore what it is that makes corn pop. When you buy popcorn kernels at the grocery store it is a kernel made with a hard shell around it. Inside the shell is some moisture and starch along with the kernel. When heated, the moisture makes the shell pop off and the starch, moisture and corn instantly mix to create the puffy white food we love to eat. There must be enough moisture inside the shell, the heat has to rise enough, and the shell has to open for the corn to pop. If one of these is missing, your kernel will stay a kernel.

So now that we have a simple understanding of the process, we can think about what makes a good popcorn maker. There are a couple of different types of popcorn makers. There is the old-fashioned type that looks like a pot with a lid but features a handle that turns the blade on the bottom of the pot. In this version, the kernels sit on the bottom of the pot as it heats up on the stove. The blade turns the kernels so they don’t burn before they can pop open. Other machines work similarly but have a bigger display unit with all the mechanics showing for a fun popcorn experience.

If you want a simple way to make kernels pop in the microwave without getting the bags, you will need a special bowl and lid. This type of popcorn maker creates a steamy interior with a lid that sits snug against the silicone bowl in the microwave. This makes sure that the popped corn doesn’t burn while the last of the kernels continue to pop. These options are made from food-grade silicone for a safe cooking experience.

There is no better way to enjoy movie night than with a bowl of perfectly popped corn with your own personal topping to make it a great treat. Find the best popcorn maker for you and you’ll be halfway to that cozy night in with an exciting new movie.

Our Picks For The Top Popcorn Makers

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Ecolution Dual-Function Lid Popcorn Maker, 3-Quart

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Ecolution

Dual-Function Lid Popcorn Maker, 3-Quart

Whether you're planning a family game night or a movie night with friends, this popcorn maker is a must-have item! It makes up to 3 quarts of popcorn at a time and is constructed from a borosilicate glass that is not only durable, but also temperature safe. The ergonomic handle and butter-melting lid add to the appeal of this model.

Overall Take

Multiple Color OptionsYou'll find this popcorn maker comes in a variety of colors that include red, yellow, teal and pink.

 Runner Up

West Bend Nonstick Popcorn Maker, 6-Quart

West Bend

Nonstick Popcorn Maker, 6-Quart

Not only does this popcorn maker produce fresh and delicious popcorn, but the lid also doubles as a serving bowl. Families can make up to 6-quarts of popcorn at once with the touch of a button. The machine is even available in a choice of red, black or blue.

Overall Take

All-In-One OptionThis popcorn maker nests inside the lid to take up less storage space.

Pros
" Fast pop time"
 We Also Like

Korcci Space-Saving Ultra-Fast Popcorn Maker, 2.5-Quart

Korcci

Space-Saving Ultra-Fast Popcorn Maker, 2.5-Quart

Available in blue, black, aqua, green and red, this popcorn maker produces a healthy and delicious snack quickly. Simply add the popcorn kernels, install the lid and microwave for up to 4 minutes. The popcorn maker is dishwasher safe for easy clean up and collapses flat for taking up a minimum amount of storage space.

Overall Take

Most EconomicalYou'll love the budget-friendly price tag on this popcorn maker

 Strong Contender

Hamilton Beach Built-In Measuring Cup Popcorn Maker, 18-Cup

Hamilton Beach

Built-In Measuring Cup Popcorn Maker, 18-Cup

This red popcorn maker takes just a few minutes to work, and the built-in measuring cup makes it even easier to use. Pop as many as 18 cups in just one batch.

Overall Take

Quick and ReliableYou will love using this great popper, whether for a fast and healthy snack or a big batch fit to feed a crowd of guests.

Pros
" Pops every kernel. Quickly melts the butter before the popcorn is finished."
Cons
"Doesn't have an on-off switch. The power cord is rather short."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
22

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the popcorn makers available to purchase.
15

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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36

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Tech Gear Lab, Kettle and Brine, The Spruce Eats, Mashable, BestReviews.

168,558

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 15 Popcorn Makers and also dug through the reviews from 36 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Popcorn Makers.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

Korcci Space-Saving Ultra-Fast Popcorn Maker, 2.5-Quart

User Summarized Score

9.4
11,829 user reviews

Our Take

Available in blue, black, aqua, green and red, this popcorn maker produces a healthy and delicious snack quickly. Simply add the popcorn kernels, install the lid and microwave for up to 4 minutes. The popcorn maker is dishwasher safe for easy clean up and collapses flat for taking up a minimum amount of storage space.

What to Look For

  • Make sure you have the freshest kernels for the highest levels of moisture. An old bag of kernels will have dried out a bit and won’t pop like they should.
  • Popcorn needs a higher temperature to make the moisture cause pressure on the kernel so make sure you heat it up appropriately.
  • If using a microwave, be sure to check the power level before popping the corn and match it to the power level recommended on the bag of kernels.

Popcorn Maker Rankings

1. Ecolution Dual-Function Lid Popcorn Maker, 3-Quart

Overall Score: 9.9
Reviews Included: 1

2. West Bend Nonstick Popcorn Maker, 6-Quart

Overall Score: 9.6
Reviews Included: 5

3. Korcci Space-Saving Ultra-Fast Popcorn Maker, 2.5-Quart

Overall Score: 9.5
Reviews Included: 1

5. PROPER POPPER Lightweight Easy Clean Popcorn Maker

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 1

6. Dash Compact One-Touch Popcorn Maker, 4-Quart

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 1

7. Great Northern Popcorn Vintage Popcorn Maker, 3-Quart

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 2

8. popco Original Toxin-Free Popcorn Maker, 15-Cup

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 5

10. Salbree Space Saving Microwave Popcorn Maker

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 6

More to Explore

Here are a few fun facts about popcorn:

  • Roughly 17 billion quarts of popcorn is eaten in the U.S. every year.
  • Nebraska is the leading producer of popcorn at roughly 250 billion pounds per year.
  • Illinois has an Annual Popcorn Day since popcorn is their official state snack.
  • One quart of popped corn is equivalent to two tablespoons of kernels.
  • One cup of popcorn kernels is about 1,600 kernels in total.
  • Studies show that autumn is when most popcorn is consumed.
  • Unpopped kernels are referred to as “spinsters” or “old maids.”

More to explore