West Bend Stir Crazy Electric Popcorn Machine

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Easiest to Use
This machine produces up to 1.6 quarts of popcorn per batch and is extremely user-friendly, with several convenient functions for fast popcorn. When not in use, it folds down neatly.

PROS
A motorized stirring rod spins the kernels around, resulting in more popcorn with each batch. A built-in lid doubles as a serving dish to prevent overcooking and keeps your food warm. The cord is short and can be tucked into the bottom of the pot for storage. A melting tray is included that melts butter in a matter of seconds.

CONS
It's difficult to clean the ventilation and grooves in the machine.

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Presto PopLite Hot Air Popper

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Most Healthy
This unique equipment is highly recommended by us because of its simplicity and oil-free operation.

PROS
This elegant machine includes a stylish option that pops kernels through hot air rather than oil, making it a pleasant and healthy alternative. Pops out the exact amount of popcorn required, so no more scooping! 

CONS
It makes popping out the kernels easier at the beginning and end of the operation.

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West Bend Theater Crazy Popcorn Machine

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Best for Large Parties
This machine can make several servings in a short amount of time without losing much energy, making it ideal for gatherings and big groups.

PROS
Compact and highly functional machine with six servings in less than a minute, which takes up little space. Stirring technology distributes heat evenly throughout the kernel so that all kernels have a better chance of popping. For simple cleaning and refilling, the lid is detachable and magnetic. To scoop out the popcorn, simply open the door halfway.

CONS
It's hard to open the door when the popcorn has already spilled out.

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Great Northern Popcorn Company Antique Popcorn Machine

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Old-Fashioned Design
Set up an event with this vintage-style popcorn machine on wheels for easy mobility if you're making theater-style popcorn.

PROS
With the 8-ounce stainless steel kettle maker, you can pop about 3 gallons of corn. There's also a heated deck for keeping what's ready warm and a drawer for collecting unpopped corn for quick cleanup. The walls of the container are coated with tempered glass. It includes three plastic cups, measuring cups, and 50 serving bags.

CONS
The construction of this device can be challenging.

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Nostalgia Vintage Movie Theater Popcorn Machine

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Customer Favorite
If you don't have a lot of room, this vintage-style machine is worth considering because it can produce a large quantity of popcorn.

PROS
With an inside light, the concessions area is large. A useful kernel catcher is included. It's not hard to put together at all. The drop door may be tilted out to make it simpler to remove popcorn. For parties or watching movies in a home theater, it can produce up to 32 cups of popcorn.

CONS
The bolts that connect the legs of the table together might be more reliable.

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Buying Guide for Best Popcorn Makers

While stovetop popcorn may be delicious, it can burn and leave unpopped kernels unless you use a special popped corn machine. Microwave popcorn is frequently greasy and lacks the flavor of traditional popped corn. Every night, you may make movie theater-quality popcorn with a dedicated popcorn machine.

Compact microwave machines, on the other hand, are only one of many types of popcorn makers available. Popcorn machines range from tiny home appliances to huge commercial popcorn carts. With so many of these fun devices on the market, how do you choose the best one for your home theater?

Because popcorn machines with domes and steep walls keep the popped kernels in one place, there are fewer unpopped ones.

WHY BUY A POPCORN MACHINE?

Let's look at some of the reasons why you may want to invest in a popcorn machine.

• Buying your own popcorn machine may save you money in the long run. Popcorn seeds are inexpensive and last a long time, particularly when contrasted with microwave or ready-made popcorn.
• For a low-calorie snack, many modern popcorn machines air to pop kernels without the use of oil.
• It's simpler to cook popcorn in a machine than on the stovetop, and you're far less likely to burn it.
• Popcorn machines are fantastic for parties and other movie nights.

TYPES OF POPCORN MACHINES

Home electric popcorn machines

These are little countertop versions that may be used at home. Air poppers, which use hot air alone for popcorn, are a type of popcorn machine found in many homes. Though, you can also find more traditional models that use oil. An automatic stirrer is a must-have feature on any popcorn machine. It's also important to have an automatic stirrer for even popping and to prevent kernels from clogging the bottom of the machine and burning.

Compact, fast-working, and typically quite straightforward to operate, home electric popcorn machines are ideal for individuals who just want a small amount of popcorn at a time. They aren't great if you need to make a lot of popcorn, though.

Expect to spend between $20 and $40 on a home electric popcorn machine.

EXPERT TIP

Some machines have convenient bags for popcorn bagging. On Amazon, you can also discover excellent buckets and attachments for popcorn containers.

Revuu Buddy

Microwave popcorn makers

Microwave popcorn poppers are bowls that have been designed to produce the maximum amount of popping power possible. You can add oil before or after popping, but you may also consume popcorn oil-free if that's what you prefer.

The great thing about microwave popcorn makers is that they're very easy to operate. They're also quite affordable. Of course, a microwave popcorn maker won't work for you if you don't have one.

The typical cost of a microwave popcorn maker is between $10 and $15.

Commercial countertop popcorn machines

The majority of countertop popcorn machines are commercial versions of the large equipment you'd find in a movie theater. This is the type of popcorn machine you'll need if you want to offer it in your theater, store, or restaurant. However, for personal use, individuals purchase commercial countertop popcorn machines as well. They're perfect for the holidays when you want to offer popcorn to your visitors. If you have a big home theater, consider buying a commercial-size popcorn maker for movie nights.

The capacity of commercial countertop popcorn machines is one of their most notable features. Popcorn poppers are great for making a lot of popcorn and keeping it warm until you're ready to eat. Oil is the most common fuel for these machines, but if you're only interested in air-popped corn, you'll have to shop around.

The price of a commercial countertop popcorn machine varies widely, depending on its size and features. Smaller versions start at around $70, but they may cost up to $200.

Commercial popcorn carts

Commercial countertop popcorn machines, on the other hand, are smaller and intended for use at small events or restaurants. Popcorn carts with commercial popcorn carts are comparable to commercial countertop popcorn machines in terms of function but have a different design. This not only adds to the vintage-style appeal but also allows you to easily relocate your popcorn machine around the house.

Popcorn carts are a wonderful way to raise money at school festivals or other community events. They're also fantastic as home theater centerpieces due to their unusual appearance.

Expect to pay between $200 and $300 for a commercial popcorn cart.

EXPERT TIP

Before wiping or washing down your machine with a solution of water and mild soap, unplug it if it uses an electric wall socket.

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WHAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A POPCORN MACHINE

Popping method

Popcorn machines heat hard grains to make them fluffy and puffy. While both procedures are equally efficient, many popcorn fans prefer one over the other.

• Oil: Air-popped corn, on the other hand, has a more neutral taste and texture. It is commonly believed that oil-popping produces superior flavor and texture than air-popping. Seasonings tend to stick better to popcorn that has been cooked in oil than air-popped corn.
• Air: Air-popped popcorn is a healthier alternative to traditional kettle-popped popcorn because it has no oil and is lower in calories. It's also great for those who have to avoid oil or extra fat for health reasons. Of course, if you're not avoiding oil for any particular reason, you may always add oil or butter to your air-popped popcorn after it's been cooked.

Production capacity

The amount of popcorn a single batch of popcorn can make varies depending on the capacity of a compact popcorn machine (which is anywhere from four to six cups). A large commercial model, on the other hand, might produce three gallons or more of popcorn in a single batch. A single batch of popcorn may make as little as 10 to 20 cups of popped corn. A machine with a production capacity of at least 12 cups is suggested if you're making popcorn for a large group.

EXPERT TIP

For an unusual taste in your oil-popped popcorn, combine chili, rosemary, and garlic oils or brown sugar for a more complex taste. Make sure the oil you choose has a high smoke point, which is the temperature at which the oil begins to smoke. Extra virgin olive oil burns at 325 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, butter at 350 degrees, and safflower oil at 510 degrees.

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Average popping time

Nobody wants to wait around for their popcorn when it's time to eat. The advantage of popcorn machines is that they usually give a lot of food quickly. In two to five minutes, a typical countertop model can make a full 10- to 20-cup batch. It's not unusual for a commercial microwave popper to produce up to three gallons of popcorn in just five minutes.

Ease of use

Popcorn machines are simple to use. The only control on most home versions is a switch. Some home popcorn makers come with a few switches – to start a batch of popcorn and turn the light and heater on and off - but they should still be simple to use.

POPCORN MACHINE TIPS AND ADVICE FOR SELECTING AND USING YOUR POPCORN MACHINE

• Consider the manufacturer's size recommendations. Do you have enough room on your counter or in your home theater to accommodate it? Do you have a place to store it when it's not in use?
• Consider how often you'll use your popcorn machine. If you plan to use your popcorn machine for weekly movie days or on a regular basis, invest in a high-quality model. If you're only going to use it a few times each year, a basic model will be enough.
• Discover some new popcorn seasonings. Salt and sugar are not the only ingredients in popcorn seasonings. After you've purchased your new popcorn machine, try some more unusual seasonings, such as ranch, parmesan, or jalapeño-lime.

Some popcorn machines include a butter well, which is used for melting and distributing butter over your popcorn.

FAQ

What should I use to clean a popcorn machine?

A. It's critical to keep your popcorn maker clean. Bacteria might grow and taint the next batch if you don't. The cleaning of your popcorn machine is determined by the sort you choose. Read your popcorn machine's manual for complete cleaning instructions, if available.

Is it going to get too hot in my popcorn machine?

A. Even when it's burning inside, some popcorn machines have warm-to-the-touch exteriors, so the outside of the machine doesn't heat up. This is a fantastic feature to have since you don't have to worry about burns or scalding if your children want to assist in the making of popcorn. On the other hand, the exteriors of other popcorn machines can become quite hot, so you should use caution when utilizing them.

Is it possible to flavor my popcorn before popping it?

A. Some popcorn makers allow you to add seasonings, such as oil, salt, and sugar, to the uncooked kernels before turning on the machine. When you salt the corn, a lot of flavors can stay behind. This allows for a more uniform distribution of taste, as well as making your popcorn ready to eat right away. However, not all popcorn machines have this feature, so double-check before purchasing.

West Bend Stir Crazy Electric Popcorn Machine

BOTTOMLINE
Easiest to Use
This machine produces up to 1.6 quarts of popcorn per batch and is extremely user-friendly, with several convenient functions for fast popcorn. When not in use, it folds down neatly.

Shop Now

Presto PopLite Hot Air Popper

BOTTOMLINE
Most Healthy
This unique equipment is highly recommended by us because of its simplicity and oil-free operation.

Shop Now

West Bend Theater Crazy Popcorn Machine

BOTTOMLINE
Best for Large Parties
This machine can make several servings in a short amount of time without losing much energy, making it ideal for gatherings and big groups.

Shop Now

Great Northern Popcorn Company Antique Popcorn Machine

BOTTOMLINE
Old-Fashioned Design
Set up an event with this vintage-style popcorn machine on wheels for easy mobility if you're making theater-style popcorn.

Shop Now

Nostalgia Vintage Movie Theater Popcorn Machine

BOTTOMLINE
Customer Favorite
If you don't have a lot of room, this vintage-style machine is worth considering because it can produce a large quantity of popcorn.

Shop Now