Best Popcorn Machines In 2022

Our top pick for the best popcorn machine is the Presto 04820 PopLite Hot Air Popper. This popper is the most ideal first step you need to take you away from microwave popcorn, and pops the kernels a respectable 30% faster than what you’re used to, so there’ll be no more waiting around impatiently waiting for the ding.

It has one of the best success rates around, leaving you with almost zero unpopped kernels for you to fill bags upon bags of popcorn for the whole family, and maybe any lingering neighbors wondering what that glorious popping sound is. The simple plug and pop design is easy to use, and the cord hook means you can store it out of the way comfortably until next time.

For those not all about spending too much on a full-blown machine, the Great Northern Popcorn Company Original Stove Top Popper comes from the same company and won’t take up space in your kitchen. It doesn’t have as large of a capacity as the Roosevelt, but you’ll still get 5 quarts of popcorn in a minute, so there’s always that.

The stovetop design is easy to use and safe, with wooden knobs and handles to protect you and too-eager popcorn fanatics from burning their fingers. The stirring mechanism, while not automated, is awesome for producing top-quality popcorn with no burned bits, giving you greater value for money with every round. The vented lid also releases moisture, because if there’s anything worse than burned popcorn, it’s sad, soggy popcorn.

The Cuisinart EasyPop Hot Air Popcorn Maker uses a whopping 1500 watts to deliver you the perfect batch of popcorn in 3 minutes to give you and your family their popcorn fix almost as soon as the craving strikes. It’s about more than speed, though, and it also provides everything you’ll need for the best popcorn in town including a butter warming tray and recipe book so you can take that next step towards popcorn making brilliance.

It’s also easy to clean, with dishwasher safe parts so you can set and forget until next time you get a hankering, and the removable chute prevents damage during cleaning. There’s no oil required, and you’ll get at least 10 cups with every batch to satisfy the whole family.

At less than $20 and a 6-quart capacity, the West Bend Stir Crazy Electric Popcorn Popper is one of the best pop for your buck options available for single dudes, popcorn-loving couples, and small families. It creates large batches, maybe more than you can handle in one sitting, while offering a greater flavor explosion compared to stove top options.

The motorized stirring rod means you need not wait by the pan until it’s finished (although that doesn’t take long anyway), and the heat-resistant materials ensure safety when handling. There’s also a vented cover to prevent damp and moist popcorn, and this also doubles as a serving bowl for your friends, family, and guests to dig their pining mitts in while it’s still hot.

Very similar to the Great Northern Popcorn Company’s cheaper option, the Wabash Valley Farms Stovetop Popcorn Popper is a great manually operated device for those who want to feel like they’ve earned the popcorn they munch on throughout the night.

It boasts a 6 quart capacity that prepares your favorite movie snack in just 3 minutes, while the patented stirring system works to minimize burned and unpopped kernels to ensure you get as much as you can from each batch. It’s also safe to hold and handle, with stay-cool wooden handles excelling in protecting users from nasty burns.

Another example of the wonders of the past, the Great Northern Popcorn Company Pop Pup Retro Style Popper is compact but effective and delivers a fantastic, mouth-watering popcorn to your mouth in just 4 minutes. It’s not as large as it looks, which is great for finding somewhere to put it, but it still has a large enough capacity to produce a 1 gallon batch with each round.

This popcorn machine also has a built-in stirring system and the whole look is completed with a warming light to ensure each toasty bite is as satisfying as the last. As for serving, you’ll get a useful pull-out tray along with a measuring spoon and cup to make sure everyone gets their fair share.

The Hamilton Beach Popcorn Popper-Hot Oil produces a substantial 24 cup with every batch to ensure you never run out of popcorn ever again. Despite the large quantity, it’s still speedy, bringing your favorite snack in just minutes all with the quality you’d expect from movie theater popcorn, and maybe exceeding these expectations.

The butter well on top of the lid – which doubles as a serving bowl – helps to add flavor for those who like their popcorn a little salty, while the nonstick popping plate prevents burned-on food and surface damage to keep it operating at a high level consistently whenever movie night rolls around.

Our final pick is also our choice for the best popcorn machine if you’re looking for great value. The Lekue Microwave Popcorn Popper/Maker is a simple and easy-to-use option that’s completely no-nonsense and hassle-free while still delivering quality performance you’d expect of much larger and more expensive products.

It delivers hot, delicious popcorn in less than 3 minutes, and the dishwasher safe parts save you with worrying about doing the washing up after you’ve scarfed down your third bowl in 45 minutes. The suction lid keeps the popcorn from overflowing, and when you’re finished, the bowl collapses for you to easily keep it in a drawer or cupboard without taking up too much room.

Who said microwave popcorn can’t live up to movie theatre standards? Actually, we said that. But that was before we tried the Ecolution Original Microwave Micro-Pop Popcorn Popper. If you want to make microwave popcorn the quick and easy way, don’t settle for the microwave popcorn that comes in bags. It will never live up to your expectations. 

This awesome glass popcorn popper makes gourmet popcorn quicker than any other product on this list. Just measure out the kernels using the lid (explained in the instructions) and pop it in the microwave. You can even use the lid to melt butter over the top of your popcorn. 

We’ve already featured one West Bend popcorn maker on this list. This one is a much cheaper version that gives you basically the same results. It doesn’t look quite as upmarket as the first maker we featured but other than that, they’re pretty hard to tell apart. This is a standalone popcorn maker – you plug it into the mains, pour your kernels in, and it makes popcorn. No need for a microwave or stovetop. 

One of the best things about the West Bend 82505 Stir Crazy Electric Hot Oil Popcorn Popper is the six-quart capacity popcorn bowl. Not only does this allow you to make large portions of popcorn, but you can also turn it upside down and use it as a sharing bowl when it’s ready. The plate is non-stick, so it’s easy to clean when you’re finished. Plus, it has a no-tangle storage system for the cord, making it easy to store as well.