In a Hurry? Check Our Top 3 Picks
Your Netflix marathon will not be complete without a tub of freshly made popcorn. And what’s more convenient than having the best popcorn poppers on your kitchen countertop? You can whip up homemade popcorn anytime you want.
Store bought and movie theater popcorn may be laden with too much salt. It can also have too much fat than what you really want. Not to mention, you’re not even sure if it’s freshly made. Moreover, there is something comforting about the smell of a fresh bowl of homemade popcorn. And you can be sure that it’s made with fresh ingredients. And you’re also sure that it’s clean.
So buying your own popcorn maker is worth it. And it can save you moolah in the long run too. You can make popcorn at home whenever you want. Hover through our best picks. These are reputable brands that you surely will not regret buying.
Here is the List of Best Hot Air Popcorn Poppers:
- Presto 04820 Hot Air Popper
- TWOBIU Hot Air Popcorn Popper
- Cuisinart CPM-100 Popcorn Popper
- West Bend Popcorn Popper
- Presto 04868 Hot Air Popper
- Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper
- PopAir VKP1162 Popcorn Popper
- SIMBR Hot Air Popcorn Maker
- Ozeri Movietime Popcorn Maker
- Homdox 1200 Popcorn Maker
Top 11 Best Hot Air Popcorn Poppers (A Product Review)
1. Presto 04820 Hot Air Popper
There are plenty of reasons why Presto 04820 is Amazon’s #1 Best Seller. Aside from its appealing design in white and yellow, it can make as much as 18 cups of popcorn in only 2.5 minutes! It can also pop 30% faster than other brands, leaving virtually zero unpopped kernels. As it is a 2-in-1 popcorn maker machine, you can make popcorn and melt butter at the same time with its removable butter warmer.
You can make your popcorn with lesser calories as this poplite hot air popcorn maker does not need butter or oil to pop, unlike with microwavable popcorn. The machine comes in stainless steel, so it cooks fast and evenly.
Unlike leading microwavable popcorn brands, you don’t need to buy the premium kernels for hot air popper. Presto uses both regular and gourmet popcorn, so you can save up to 70% more. It also produces tasty popcorn with up to 42-percent lesser calories than microwavable popcorn! Get your popcorn without oil, saturated fats, additives or preservatives, artificial flavors, or added salts. However, you can always add salt, butter, or caramel according to your preference.
Special Features:
- Pops kernels up to 30% faster
- Saves 70% than microwavable popcorn brands
- Multifunctional design
- Affordable
- Oil-free
- Chute serves without spilling
- Built-in cord storage saves space
Reasons to buy:
This electric popcorn machine pops quicker with no unpopped kernels.
2. TWOBIU Hot Air Popcorn Popper
Among the Cuisinart easypop hot air series on Amazon, Cuisinart CPM-100 EasyPop is the most affordable hot air popper a staggering $31.80 only! While other models range all the way up to over $50.00, the CPM-100 gives you all of the most notable features of the Cuisinart poppers at a brilliant offer. Despite being affordable than other Cuisinart poppers, CPM-100 can turn 15 cups of unpopped kernels into 15 cups of a natural, tasty popcorn in only under three minutes!
Aside from its quick popping mechanism, its particular model has a default color that comes in a rich crimson. It also comes equipped with a one-key on/off switch for effortless operation and adequate cord storage and. On top of its simple functionality, the pieces and parts of this machine is easy to disassemble for easy washing in your dishwasher, beating dishwashing by hand any day!
Although the price is slightly higher than other best popcorn makers, the extra moolah you have to spend on this appliance is worth it.
Special Features:
- Can make up to fifteen cups of air-popped corn in less than three minutes
- 1500 watts of power
- No oil required
- Removable chute and butter warming tray
- BPA-free
- All removable parts are dishwasher safe
- Cord storage
- On/off switch for smooth operation
Reasons to buy:
This easypop hot air popped corn maker can make you a healthier tub of air-popped corn for your snack time! With its quick popping methods, make air-popped corn more conveniently anytime.
3. Cuisinart CPM-100 Popcorn Popper
Among the Cuisinart popcorn maker series on Amazon, Cuisinart CPM-100 EasyPop Hot Air Popcorn Popper is the most affordable hot air popper a staggering $31.80 only! While other models range all the way up to over $50.00, the CPM-100 gives you all of the most notable features of the Cuisinart poppers at a brilliant offer. Despite being affordable than other Cuisinart poppers, CPM-100 can turn 15 cups of unpopped kernels into 15 cups of a natural, tasty popcorn in only under 3 minutes!
Aside from its quick popping mechanism, its particular model has a default color that comes in a rich crimson. It also comes equipped with a one-key on/off switch for effortless operation and adequate cord storage and. On top of its simple functionality, the pieces and parts of this popcorn popper is easy to disassemble for easy washing in your dishwasher, beating dishwashing by hand any day!
Although the price is slightly higher than other best popcorn popper brands, the extra money you have to spend on this appliance is worth it. Have a longer-lasting popcorn snack time for the whole family without having to worry about replacing old parts with its sturdy structure!
Special Features:
- Can make up to fifteen cups of popcorn in less than 3 minutes
- 1500 watts of power
- No oil required
- Removable chute and butter warming tray
- BPA-free
- All removable parts are dishwasher safe
- Cord storage
- On/off switch for smooth operation
Reasons to buy:
Have the Cuisinart easy pop hot air popcorn maker for your healthier popcorn during snack time! With its quick popping methods, make popcorn more conveniently anytime.
4. West Bend Popcorn Popper
The west bend popcorn maker Air Crazy is suitable if you want to satisfy the crunch taste appetite in an affordable and fun way. Popcorn is a highly delicious and healthy snack, but it requires the right popper in making tasty ones.
Aside from its durable and BPA-free plastic material, one of its amazing features is the powerful 1400 watt motor that can pop a family-sized portion popcorn in less than 2 minutes. This machine has a lesser tendency to overheat because of a sturdy base. Have a healthier snack as this popper also does not need oil.
With its simple and effective operation, this west bend air popped corn maker offers a versatile and sleek-looking attractive design to the table. It comes with bells and whistles that you’d want. Its power cord is also retractable for quick and easy storing, but remember that with this feature, the popper is not dishwasher-friendly at all. West Bend’s new and improved chute design provides more efficient kernel distribution, making four quarts of popcorn in only two minutes!
The best and most rare feature that you should know, especially for coffee lovers, is that it can also roast coffee with a manual on how to prepare popcorn with blue cheese or bacon grease. Have air-popped corn and roasted coffee at the same time with the best popcorn maker for roasting coffee. And you can easily mix your coffee with the stirring rod that comes with your purchase.
Special Features:
- Prepares healthy and delicious air-popped corn in 2 minutes
- Cool-touch base
- Easy to reach ON/OFF
- Permanently attached cord
- Improved chute design
- Butter melter on top
- Can roast coffee
- Has a considerable price
- Comes with a stirring rod
- Durable and BPA-free
Reasons to buy:
This West Bend Hot Air Popper provides quick and convenient air-popped corn making along with its butter warmer and easy to use operation. It can also roast coffee and has an improved chute design for your better satisfaction!
5. Presto 04868 Hot Air Popper
Proving Presto’s high-quality products, here comes another hot air popper of their brand. However, Presto 04868 Orville Redenbacher enters the line-up with its unique and innovative design, and even distribution. Its design comes in carnival red uniquely equipped with a stainless steel restrictor to optimize better popping performance.
Meanwhile, the small base expands up into the popping chamber, having a dome-shaped lid that doubles up like a bowl after popping all the corn.This bad boy can pop twenty cups in only 3 ½ minutes! However, to use the machine, you must plug or unplug the device as it does not have an on/off switch, unlike with other brands. It also is not dishwasher safe, which may be inconvenient to some.
Considering its exceptional design, large yielding capacity, and Orville Redenbacher´s face on the front, it’s easy to assemble and is also affordable. It also guarantees crispy treats as the cover doubles as a serving plate. Although it is not dishwasher safe, you can easily clean it with soap and water.
Special Features:
- Large popping capacity of 5 quarts
- Equipped with a lid that can be used as a serving bowl
- Large vented cover produces crispy treats
- Eye-catching mushroom shape and red color
- Can make 20 cups in only 3.5 minutes
- Has a steel restrictor
- Easy to assemble
- Affordable
- Easy to store
- Easy to clean
Reasons to buy:
It is one of the most affordable yet quick popcorn machine in the market, along with its durable material and easy to wash and easy to assemble design. You can also use the lid as a serving bowl.
6. Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper
You can now achieve a healthy alternative to bagged popcorn eating with this Salbree silicone popcorn maker microwave without oil. While having healthy snack time, you can also save a tremendous amount of money by avoiding bagged air popped corn. This adorably-designed silicone bowl microwave popcorn popper that comes in 18 different color options
And it can make delicious popcorn in just 3-4 minutes. Bring the movie theater experience at home using this brand. It’s one of the best microwave poppers on our list.
Aside from its function, you can also skip using oven mittens, as you can use its complementary exclusive handles to remove the popper directly from the microwave or while shaking the popper upon seasoning your popped corn.
It also ensures high-quality silicone material that is durable and non-porous, which does not allow bacteria and other harmful microbes to stick to it. It’s also dishwasher safe for a more convenient cleaning method. It is also efficient for users who are physically disabled as it is among the lightest popped corn makers available.
You can also bring it anywhere as it is highly portable and can be flattened down into a compact shape. If you are looking for a campfire popcorn maker, then this appliance is perfect for you, but you might need to have a microwave in your cabin or inn. Inside the bowl, there is also a 1/4-cup and 1/2-cup measurement lines, so you can skip purchasing additional measurement cups. You can make your mind at ease as this popper only costs $15.90 on Amazon, which is a budget-friendly option.
Special Features:
- Collapsible, space-saving design
- Built-in lines for precise measurements
- Convenient, easy-grab handles
- Easy to clean
- Portable
Reasons to buy:
If you love using silicone bowls, you’ll also love this product. This popcorn maker brand is a durable yet lightweight popcorn maker.
7. PopAir VKP1162 Popcorn Popper
For any electrical appliance, safety is critical, especially for home and family use. Fortunately, PopAir Electric Popcorn Popper always puts safety first among the rest with its ETL certified product, so you can be sure that it is safe to use in your kitchen. This certification only means that the chances of causing fire are quite slim, making it efficient to use. Aside from its safe popping method, this one of the best hot air popcorn poppers in the market can also do one batch of popping in under 3 minutes, which is equivalent to around four quarts of popcorn at a time. For better convenience, it can simultaneously pop and melt butter. The spout is noticeably more extensive than those of most competing models, allowing an easy popcorn loading and dispensing. Although it is hot inside, it has a cool-touch exterior. It also features a broader base for added stability.
Special Features:
- A cool-touch body keeps you from burning your hands
- A broad base sits stable on any level surface
- Large chute for fast loading and dispensing
- Fast operation (Produces 3.5 quarts of popcorn in under 3 minutes)
- Has a measuring cup that also melts butter while the popcorn is popping
Reasons to buy:
As this air popper does not require oil, it is a healthier alternative for health-conscious people or those who have a strict diet. Aside from its sturdy structure, it also provides quick popping time and a butter warmer, along with a safe ETL certified product.
8. SIMBR Hot Air Popcorn Maker
This machine is notorious as it gives a theater-quality air popped corn at such an affordable price. It is also convenient to pop kernels with its one-click operation, which can pop up to 80 grams of corn at a time. Although it produces less per batch, a single batch lasts less than two minutes, so it is about two times faster than other popcorn makers.
Aside from its classy design, it also comes with an anti-slip mat that keeps the machine firmly on the table, thus avoiding slipping. The uniform heating feature by its distinct turbine allows this air popper to produce healthy and tasty air-popped corn quickly and efficiently. Worry less about the residues sticking to the inside wall of the popper with the help of its non-stick pot liner. Its air-duct design only produces low noise when working, so you can avoid disturbing others while preparing your snack.
Special Features:
- A uniquely-designed turbine that allows uniform heating
- Anti-slip mat keeps the popper in a single place
- A heat-resistant body protects the user from burns
- Easy operation
- Easy to clean
- Air-duct design
Reasons to buy:
Enjoy a fun time at the kitchen with this convenient and uniquely-designed popcorn maker anytime you want without disturbing your family. It has a smooth operating system and a heat-resistant body to prevent you from burns.
9. Ozeri Movietime Popcorn Maker
Ozeri will surely amaze you with its fresh innovations. Although it is newly commercialized to the market, it is already making a significant contribution to the world of air poppers. Ozeri Movietime is among its outstanding models, making it a decent popcorn maker because of its notable indications. The best part is, it fits your tight budget while boasting its large capacity.
It can pop a whopping 26 cups of popcorn per batch. So you can count on this machine if you are hosting a binge-watching or slumber party. It also produces a batch in 2.5 minutes that outperforms most models by up to 50%.
Moreover, it has a see-through chute for a traditional movie-theatre experience you always wanted. Have an ultimate, savory taste using its removable buttercup that automatically melts the butter. Get all of these perks while being safe with its North American electric standards certification. It is simple to clean and has an auto-sleep technology for the best and safest popcorn making experience.
Special Features:
- Works with a wide variety of popcorn kernels, from regular to gourmet
- Butter melt adds a savory taste
- Extra-large capacity of 26 cups in a single batch in only 2.5 minutes
- Certified North American electric standards
- Has a removable buttercup
- Has an auto-sleep technology
Reasons to buy:
Despite being new in the market, the Ozeri air popper proves its quality as it has all-in features at an affordable budget.
10. Homdox 1200 Popcorn Maker
An all-black or white elegantly designed coloring and transparent details made this air popper stand out, among others. It also makes as one of the best picks for ultra-modern kitchens with its speed champion popping time.
This brand can make a single batch in as little as only two minutes. Even at this speed rate, it does not skimp on efficiency with its impressive popping rate of 98%. It has a unique wind tunnel delivering hot air continuously for even heating while keeping the noise to a minimum. And since there is even heat, the popcorn kernels pop evenly. Thus, you don’t have to deal with unpopped popcorn.
As the popping chute is transparent, you can keep an eye on the whole process and remove it for easy cleaning.
Special Features:
- Removable chute makes cleaning a breeze
- Impressive popping rate, up to 98%
- Super-fast heating gives the first batch in 2 minutes
- Has an instruction manual
- Has an on/off switch
- Has a butter warmer
Reasons to buy:
Make your snack healthier, quicker, and safer with this air popper. Be guided as the package also comes with an instruction manual and enjoy a tastier snack.
11. Cusinart Pop and Serve
This cuisinart pop and serve microwave popcorn maker is simple, basic, and fuss free. It boasts of a red collapsible silicone bowl. It’s easy to store and you can also use it as a serving bowl.
It features a steam vent on the lid. So your air popped corn stays fresh, crisp even if it has been hours already. It can make 10 cups of popcorn perfect for the entire family.
It’s fast, easy to use and you just pop the bowl into the microwave. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of corn kernels that you’re using but it will take just a few minutes.
Special Features:
- Collapsible silicone bowl
- Has a lid with vents
- Yields 10 cups of popcorn
- Comes in 18 perky color options
Reasons to buy:
It’s a basic microwavable popcorn maker that whips up crispy and fresh air popped corn. It’s affordable too.
Buying Guides: Things to Consider in Choosing the Best Popcorn Maker
You should always avoid panic-buying, especially when it comes to cooking and food appliances, as it may compromise your family’s health and wellness. R
There are tons of popcorn makers in the market, but you might have zero knowledge on how to choose the best among them. Here are the things that you must keep in mind before buying the best overall popcorn maker.
Consistency
When it comes to a microwave popcorn popper, you can typically expect to find a crunchy puff or two with some burnt edges, and unpopped kernels strewn about the bottom of the bag. However, hot air popcorn machines pride themselves on being able to pop and distribute popcorn kernels evenly while leaving no unpopped popcorn behind. When choosing between brands, it is essential to look at which poppers more consistently yield a more tasty snack?
Clean-up
It would be safe to say that we are pretty spoiled in this day and age, with our microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators, and so on and so forth. As such, many people lose their minds at the idea of having to wash something by hand, yet, while many poppers are simple to clean and merely require a wipe-down with a damp towel, some are indeed dishwasher-safe for those who prefer convenience and timeliness.
Timeliness
One of the advantages of air poppers is that they can whip up a tasty snack faster. Especially if you are going to make it in batches, you want the most efficient popcorn maker. This will ensure that you have a steady supply of air popped corn.
Aesthetic Appeal
Air poppers are like eye candy. The sight of corn popping out of the machine will make you feel like a kid again. There’s something nostalgic about the way this machine churns out puffed corn kernels. It’s rather fun to watch the popping process.
Affordability
The increasing popularity of online shopping and second-hand stores also comes with bargain shopping as a trend. Expensive and high-end brands are much accessible, even without having to spend outlandish amounts that seem reminiscent of Mr. Gatsby.
Accessories
Different brands come with different accessories. Some may be useful to you while some maybe not. Some air popped corn makers can come with a lid, a measuring cup, or a stirring rod. So check the brand if it comes with the inclusions that you think you’ll be needing.
How to Use Hot Air Popcorn Popper
You can never know how fun it is to make air-popped corn yourself if you don’t dare to try. Skip microwave popcorn makers and try these healthier options. It’s more fun to watch! Also, making your popcorn with this method is more airy and fluffy instead of being oily. You can also add how much fat and salt you want to put on your air-popped corn instead of buying pre-packaged microwave popcorn, which can be too salty or oily for your tastes.
Step 1: Gather your equipment and ingredients.
The pieces of equipment you need are the best popcorn makers, a large bowl, measuring spoons (skip this if your air popcorn popper has its custom measuring device), and knife. Depending on what flavor you want, your ingredients for your popcorn may vary. However, the must-have you need are ½ stick (¼ cup) of butter or margarine (more or less as desired), salt, and popcorn kernels.
Step 2: Plugin the popcorn maker. Place the bowl under the spout of the popcorn maker.
Step 3: Measure out your kernels (use your hot air popcorn maker measuring device, if not, anything between 1/2 to three-quarters cup should be sufficient).
Step 4: Pour the kernels into the popcorn maker from the top.
Step 5: Place the plastic guard that comes with your popcorn maker on top or place your popcorn maker’s measuring cup over the hole on top of it. Cut off your desired amount of butter or margarine (2-4 tablespoons typically). If your popcorn popper has a butter warmer feature, place the butter in the measuring cup and allow it to melt as the popcorn pops.
Step 6: Turn the machine on. Do not attempt to detach the top cover while the popcorn popper is still on. Avoid touching the inside of the popcorn maker while it is on as it may burn you. Always wait for the corn to stop popping, and if it does, tilt the machine towards the spout until you pour the remaining popcorn. Turn the popcorn maker off and pour melted butter onto it. You can sprinkle salt on it according to your desired taste. Air-popped corn should come out light and fluffy with a salty, buttery flavor that melts delightfully in your mouth!
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Microwave VS. Air-popped Popcorn
What’s the difference between microwave cooked popcorn and those churned in an air popper?
Basically they’re just the same. If you’re going to use the same corn kernels and the same flavorings, there is no difference. Let’s take a look at two arguments.
Oil content
Some people may argue that microwave cooked popcorn has more oil, more fats or sugar. If you’re going to buy a bag of microwavable popcorn with the works, it will have more sugar and more calories. But if you’re going to buy just the plain popcorn, with no added flavors, it’s also a healthy choice. It’s also better if you’re going to make one in your microwave rather than buy at the grocery store. So you’ll be able to control what flavors you add into it.
But be careful not to put electrical tape, scotch tape to the bag. It can ruin your microwave. Also, do not use staple, pins or anything metal to close the bag of corn kernels. This can destroy your microwave.
Flavor
Air popped corn tasted dull and flat. The reason why you use these popcorn makers is to remove oil from the equation. So in the absence of oil, the corn kernels will taste dry and bland. Oil popped corn is nevertheless tastier. You can always add oil to your popcorn, but that would negate the lower calorie option. Most people buy air poppers so that they can control what they put into it. So adding oil and caramel to the equation will be a matter of choice.
Why Hot Air Popcorn Is Super Healthy
Isn’t air-popped corn considered junk food? No, they’re not! Here are several reasons why homemade air-popped corn is healthier than whatever you buy in the grocery store.
- Popcorn is wrongly labeled as junk food.
Well, if you have it coated with lots of sugar or lots of fat, it is. But in its purest form, it’s a good source of complex carbohydrates. It can also be an alternative for bread or rice. And you need your complex carbs for energy. This fuels up your body for your daily activities.
- Corn is quite high in fiber.
A small 3 cup serving can already provide 1 14 percent of your daily fiber needs. Just go oil-free and you’ll be okay.
- It’s rich in magnesium and phosphorus.
A small 3 cup serving contains 35 mg of magnesium and 85 mg of phosphorus. These minerals are necessary for the optimum functioning of your cells.
So for as long as your tub of air-popped corn is oil-free and sugar-free, it’s quite healthy! It got its bad reputation when sellers started making gourmet popcorn coated in lots of sugar, caramel, and fat. Sure they taste yummy, but it can take a toll on your sugar and fat intake.
FAQ’s
What is a whirley pop?
Whirley pop is a stovetop popcorn maker. It’s an inexpensive aluminum pot that heats up quickly. This can make air popped corn fats. But tosmetines, there are burnt unpopped kernels at the bottom.
Why is stove top popcorn tough?
Some stovetop poppers have a very tight lid. So this traps the setam when the kernel is pooped. Thus,it can make it tough and chewy. You can avoid this by buying one of best stovetop popcorn makers such as Whirley pop.
How can I make popcorn made from the best popcorn makers taste better without the added calories?
You can add herbs in place of oil and salt.
What causes unpopped kernels?
If the kernels are popped too slowly or if the heat in the pan is uneven.
Conclusion
A tub of hot freshly puffed corn kernels is hard to resist, especially if you’re watching a movie. With the hot air popcorn popper, you do not need to resist. The best air popped corn makers can help you make popcorn anytime without oil.