Best Popcorn Makers

Salbree's popper is made with a non-porous silicone. Silicone prevents gross bacteria from forming on the surface of the bowl, so cleanup is easy — just wash by hand or in the dishwasher. We are just a big fan of this collapsible design, saving precious cabinet space, and ease of use. You can even create popcorn in your home theater room if it is equipped with a microwave, so no need to run to the kitchen for refills!

According to one CinemaBlend staffer, this product has improved her snacking life. "I'm a popcorn addict, but regularly buying microwavable bags or pre-popped options was adding up. Growing up we had a popcorn maker that I loved, but it was large and bulky, and my kitchen is already packed with a number of gadgets. When I found this collapsible design, I knew I needed to give it a try. It was love at first pop. So easy to use, clean, and store, plus much cheaper just needing to buy kernels and using seasonings I already have on hand. I love experimenting with different spice combos, and have recently been loving garlic powder, salt, and a dash of black pepper. Yum!"

Key Features

• Variety of colors to choose from
• Easy to clean
• BPA-free silicone construction

We love this popcorn maker for so many reasons. This popper really has it all for a reasonable price — microwave and dishwasher friendly silicone, convenient lid and handles, and a collapsible design.

If you don't have the space for a traditional stovetop popcorn maker, this is the popper for you. Between uses, you can collapse this beauty to just 2.3 inches in height, making it a breeze to store just about anywhere.

To get started, all you'll need to do is add the kernels of your choice, oil (optional), any desired seasonings and place the bowl in the microwave. When it's time to take the popcorn out, you can utilize the heat-resistant handles to safely remove the bowl without burning anyone in the process.

The cone-shaped design is specifically engineered to spread out heat evenly, minimizing the amount of kernels left unpopped. The result -- delicious, piping hot popcorn, seasoned to your taste. You can try basic oil and sea salt, or try something unique such as rosemary and lemon -- the possibilities are limitless thanks to a recipe guide provided by Popco upon purchase.

Key Features

• Collapses to 2.3 inches in height between uses
• Heat-resistant BPA- and PVC-free silicone
• Can hold up to 15 cups of popcorn

We can't help but gush over this popper for a number of reasons, but we especially love it due to the patented stirring system that prevents burning and ensures even cooking. Because really, burnt popcorn is the WORST.

Using your stop top, add oil and kernels and start cranking, occasionally shaking the pot, until the popping has all but stopped and it starts getting hard to stir. It's that simple and admittedly is much more fun than standing by a microwave carefully listening to times between pops.

In addition to the patented stirring magic, this popper comes with a movie theater popcorn kit that replicates movie theater deliciousness right on your stove. The kit comes with kernels, their scrumptious (and secret recipe) buttery salt, and high-quality popping oil. Of course, feel free to season with your preferred spices, like making fair quality kettle corn right at home!

Key Features

• Wooden handle with nylon stirring system
• Makes six quarts of popcorn
• Made of sturdy aluminum

Franklin's Gourmet Popcorn maker is definitely the real deal.

The popper is equipped to make six quarts of buttery goodness. Franklin's uses patented kettle pan technology that stirs kernels without burning the bottom and evenly distributing heat throughout the pot. This technology not only makes the popcorn delicious but also makes clean up significantly more reasonable.

To clean, all you need to do is use a paper towel after each use to wipe out excess oil and kernel shavings. And, to get you started on your movie theater popcorn at home experience, the manufacturer sets you up with a popcorn kit with kernels and oil.

We love the black exterior and all-metal gears, which look and feel sturdy enough to last for repeated poppings over the years.

Key Features

• Aluminum kettle pan with real wood handle
• Metal gears control stirring mechanism
• Can pop six quarts worth of popcorn

For the best results, be sure to thoroughly read all instructions prior to use.

If you are using a model that pops in the microwave, be sure to adjust the time based on your microwave to prevent burning. We recommend starting with 2 minutes and staying close by. If you hear the cooking process slowing down to a second or so between pops, it's time to take it out. Add more time if needed until you figure out the best time for your microwave.

From personal experience, be sure to measure your kernels prior to adding -- you'll be surprised by how much popcorn a small amount of kernels can produce.

If using oil while popping, be sure to look up the smoke point, as using oils with lower smoke points can lead to burning. Olive oil has a much higher smoke point than extra-virgin oil olive, but if you're looking for a more neutral taste, vegetable oil works well too. Butter has a relatively low smoke point, so we suggest either mixing melted butter with oil prior to popping, or simply adding melted butter after cooking.