The Best Popcorn Makers, Reviewed by Experts

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we've been testing small kitchen appliances like rice cookers and air fryers for decades. When we test a popcorn maker, we test for performance by scoring how easy it is to use and how quickly and efficiently it pops popcorn. We also evaluate the machine's special features and ease of cleaning.

Through our in-Lab and at-home consumer testing, as well as our product experts' extensive research and industry experience, we're able to recommend specific models that tested well for us and recognize models with the details that stand out most.

✔️ Type: Popcorn makers use different methods to heat the kernels, whether microwave, direct stove-top heat or electric power to blow very hot air onto the kernels.

✔️ Size: Popcorn makers come in various sizes: they can produce a single serving of popcorn in a plastic microwavable popper or can be a commercial-sized machine large enough for a family gathering at home. Select your popcorn maker based on the amount of popcorn that your family will enjoy at a time and how much storage space you have in your kitchen.

✔️ Material (typically refers to all parts that come into contact with food): Stainless steel, aluminum and glass popcorn makers last longer than plastic or silicone ones on average. We recommend choosing a popcorn maker with heat-proof handles and temperature-safe glass. Studies have shown that BPA (Bisphenol A) is a hormone disrupter when it is consumed, which makes us lean toward brands that claim their popcorn maker is BPA-free and melamine-free plastic, silicone, stainless steel or aluminum. Some plastic popcorn makers do include BPA parts, however, because, according to the FDA, "current approved uses of BPA in food containers and packaging are safe."

✔️ Special features: Depending on the type of popcorn machine, there are different special features offered with popcorn makers. An on/off switch is handy to quickly turn off your machine and prevent burning of leftover kernels and if it's a machine that houses the popcorn, a stirring feature will ensure even cooking.

There are three main types of popcorn makers — the differences are how the popcorn kernels are heated, whether or not oil is needed to cook and how much popcorn each can make:

✔️ Electric popcorn makers are small electric kitchen appliances that circulate piping hot air onto the popcorn kernels. There are two types of electric popcorn makers: electric oil popcorn makers and electric air poppers.

• Electric oil popcorn maker: This type of popcorn maker is what you would traditionally find at a movie theater, in a commercial-grade machine, but it can also be found in a home small appliance. You need oil to operate this popcorn maker, but it can be a fun way to experiment with olive oil or coconut oil popcorn.
• Electric air popper: As it pops, the popcorn shoots out through a spigot into your bowl. It is the healthiest way to make popcorn (no oil or butter is needed). Air poppers are available in fun colors that look great in your kitchen and they are easy to use and clean. They are more expensive than other types of popcorn makers. Most electric poppers have a measuring cup that doubles as a butter warmer as well for easy measuring and butter melting.

✔️ Microwave popcorn makers are glass, plastic or silicone bowls with a vented lid. Popcorn kernels, with little or no oil, are placed into the popcorn maker and microwaved. That’s it! It is the easiest, fastest and most inexpensive way to make popcorn at home. They are also dishwasher-safe, which makes cleaning a cinch. Unfortunately, some plastic and silicone bowls are prone to staining after a few uses. They can get very hot, so kitchen mitts are a must when pulling them out of the microwave! The FDA still allows for the use of BPA or Bisphenol A in plastic food packaging and tools –so if that's important to you, look for one that's made from BPA-free plastic or choose a silicone (like the one we recommend) or glass option instead.

✔️ Stovetop popcorn makers look like ordinary lidded pots, but the lid features a geared stirring mechanism that turns to keep the kernels from burning and sticking to the bottom. Stovetop popcorn makers are made of durable and long-lasting stainless steel and aluminum, yet they are relatively inexpensive. They are easy to clean — most models suggest simply wiping the inside with a dry paper towel. Stove top popcorn makers require you to control the heat to ensure the popcorn doesn’t burn. Once the popping sound slows and the spinner becomes more difficult to turn as the pot fills up with popcorn, you can remove it from the heat and enjoy.

Popcorn makers take the guesswork out of popping popcorn at home, but can cost around $40 on average and require additional storage and cleaning. Making microwave popcorn requires less equipment, but doesn't always result in uniform popcorn, such as burnt popcorn or uncooked kernels, and requires some troubleshooting to get the best results.

The major difference between air-popped and oil popped popcorn is fat content. While some popcorn makers require oil, those that don't can produce popcorn that isn't greasy and lower in fat. With oil popped popcorn makers you can experiment with using different oils like olive oil or melted coconut oil to infuse flavor, but you can also top your air-popped popcorn with different toppings like garlic salt or hot sauce to jazz it up.

Eva Bleyer has tested a wide variety of kitchen appliances and gear — from gas ranges to microwaves to kitchen scales to blenders and more — in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. She earned a B.S. in Food Studies, Nutrition and Public Health from New York University and is a graduate of the Natural Gourmet Institute. Eva grew up snacking on homemade popcorn and her favorite way to enjoy fresh popcorn is with equal parts tamari and sriracha drizzled on top.

Myo Quinn is a former freelance writer and analyst for the Kitchen Appliances Lab who researched top picks to write this story.