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While you can make popcorn on your stovetop with a little patience and a good Dutch Oven, a dedicated popcorn maker is usually the easiest way to make popcorn at home on a regular basis.
When it comes to home popcorn makers, there are many styles to choose from. Microwave poppers typically cost less than $25, are made of silicone, are incredibly easy to use, and even fold up for compact storage. Stovetop and electric popcorn makers use metal stirrers and oil to heat the kernels evenly. With stove models you control the stirrers with a crank, with the electric version it is automated. These poppers tend to cost a little more, but they also produce more popcorn per batch. Alternatively, air poppers are popular because they don’t use oil.
We’ve researched dozens of models to round up poppers with proven ease of use, durability, and the ability to pop fluffy, delicious popcorn.
Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and recommends kitchen products.
Our top pick for popcorn makers
Best Microwave: Lekue Microwave Popcorn Poppers – See on Amazon
The Lekue Microwave Popcorn Popper is compact and produces small portions of popcorn with minimal unpopped kernels.
Best Air Popper: Cuisinart EasyPop Convection Popcorn Maker – See on Amazon
The Cuisinart EasyPop Hot Air Popcorn Maker makes 15 cups of popcorn in 3 minutes without the use of oils.
Best stovetop: Whirley Pop Stainless Steel Stovetop Popcorn Popper – See Williams Sonoma
For whipping up quick, delicious batches of evenly popped popcorn, the Whirley Pop stainless steel stovetop popcorn popper is our favorite stovetop option.
Best electrics: West Bend Stir Crazy Electric Popcorn Popper Machine – See on Amazon
The West Bend Stir Crazy Electric Hot Oil Popcorn Popper Machine is an easy plug and pop option for big, hearty, high quality kernels.
Best High End: Great Northern Little Bambino Table Top Popcorn Popper – See on Amazon
To most accurately create a cinema-like experience, the Great Northern Little Bambino Table Top Popcorn Popper produces your favorite snack for watching action movies and rom-coms.
Best freestanding: Nostalgia Popcorn & Concession Cart – See on Amazon
If you want to have a cinema popcorn maker in your own home, the Nostalgia Concession Vintage Popcorn Cart is the most accurate, freestanding replica.
