The Kitchen Bench
Best Popcorn Makers in 2027
A popcorn maker pops corn with hot air, oil or a stirring plate. Air poppers are the healthiest and simplest; oil poppers taste more like cinema popcorn; stirring poppers handle larger batches. The picks below cover the category's main types and sizes. Where a standalone review exists, it is linked; where it does not, the card states what to verify before buying.
By The Kitchen Bench Research Team · Updated for 2027 · Independent · Reader-supported · No paid placements
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The picks
Ranked 11 picks for popcorn makers — the number is the roundup rank, not a rating.
The suspense ends hereReveal the No. 1 pick →Tap to uncover the winner — the full ranking follows below.
Popcorn Makers
Presto Poplite
Rank 1 of 11 in Best Popcorn Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Popcorn Makers
West Bend Stir Crazy
Rank 2 of 11 in Best Popcorn Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Popcorn Makers
Great Northern Popcorn Countertop Kettle Popcorn Machine 8 oz
Rank 3 of 11 in Best Popcorn Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Popcorn Makers
Cuisinart Easypop
Rank 4 of 11 in Best Popcorn Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Popcorn Makers
Wabash Valley Farms Whirley Pop Stovetop Popper 25008
Rank 5 of 11 in Best Popcorn Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Popcorn Makers
Presto Stirring Popper 05204
Rank 6 of 11 in Best Popcorn Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Popcorn Makers
Ecolution Micro-Pop Microwave Popcorn Popper 3 Quart
Rank 7 of 11 in Best Popcorn Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Popcorn Makers
Dash Hot Air Popcorn Popper DAPP150V2
Rank 8 of 11 in Best Popcorn Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Popcorn Makers
West Bend Air Crazy Hot Air Popper 82418
Rank 9 of 11 in Best Popcorn Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Popcorn Makers
Nostalgia Retro Hot Air Popcorn Popper RHP310
Rank 10 of 11 in Best Popcorn Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Popcorn Makers
Presto Orville Redenbacher Stirring Popper 05204
Rank 11 of 11 in Best Popcorn Makers — full review with what to verify, who it suits, and alternatives to compare.
Inside the popcorn maker
Illustrative exploded view — parts shown separated so you can see how it fits together. Not a photo of this exact product.
VIP pick — the winner is inside2027
Still deciding? Reveal the No. 1 pick.
The ranked roundup hides its winner until you tap — then shows the full ranking, the checks, and what to verify before buying.
Best Popcorn Makers →Browse all reviews
Independent · Reader-supported · No paid placements — every pick links to its full review.
The winner is insideHow to choose
Air vs. oil vs. stirring
Air is healthiest and simplest but drier. Oil tastes richer. Stirring plates make big batches evenly.
Batch size
Match the popper to your household. A small popper means multiple batches for a family movie night.
Kernel waste
Some poppers leave many unpopped kernels; others pop nearly all. A good popper wastes little.
Cleaning
Air poppers wipe clean; oil poppers need washing. A popper with butter melting and washing hassles gets used less.
Frequently asked questions
Is air-popped popcorn healthy?
Yes — it is a whole grain, low in calories before butter and salt. Toppings decide the rest.
Why do some kernels not pop?
Age and dryness. Fresh kernels in an airtight container pop far better.
Can I add butter while popping?
In oil and stirring poppers, yes. In air poppers, melt butter separately and drizzle after.