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10 Best Popcorn Makers 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Matinee Popcorn Machine - 8oz Popper with Stainless-Steel Kettle, Reject Kernel Tray, Warming Light, and Accessories by Great Northern Popcorn (Red)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,135
Capacity
Ease of Cleaning
Popping Time

Most important from
6807 reviews

Capacity
The large capacity allows for ample popcorn to be made in one batch, enough to feed a medium-sized family or a gathering.
Ease of Cleaning
The stainless-steel kettle and tempered glass construction ensure durability and easy cleaning, with just a light spray and wipe needed.
Popping Time
The Matinee Popcorn Machine pops very quickly and delivers great tasting popcorn, making it perfect for movie nights with friends and family.
Additional Features
The machine's three-switch design allows for easy control of the kettle heater, stirrer, and warming light, making operation simple.

The Matinee Popcorn Machine by Great Northern Popcorn is designed for both home entertainment and party settings, boasting an 8-ounce capacity that can produce up to 3 gallons of popcorn per batch. This makes it suitable for those who frequently host gatherings or have larger families. The machine features a stainless-steel kettle with a built-in stirrer to ensure even popping and a reject kernel tray to collect un-popped kernels, which adds to its efficiency and convenience. The heated deck helps keep the popcorn warm and fresh until you're ready to serve.

One of its notable strengths is its ease of use; the 3-switch design allows independent control of the kettle heater, stirrer, and warming light, making operation straightforward even for those new to popcorn machines. Cleaning is also relatively simple, requiring just a wipe down with a damp cloth for the interior. The tempered glass and stainless steel construction underline the product’s durability and safety.

However, the machine’s weight of 30.5 pounds and dimensions (14.4”L x 13.6”W x 22.8”H) mean it can take up a substantial amount of counter space, and storage might be cumbersome for some users. Additionally, while the product includes useful accessories such as measuring cups, scoops, and popcorn bags, its size might not be ideal for those with limited kitchen space. The Matinee Popcorn Machine offers a blend of high capacity, ease of use, and solid build quality, making it a great option for frequent popcorn makers, though its size and heft are considerations to keep in mind.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,135
Capacity
Ease of Cleaning
Popping Time

Most important from
6807 reviews

Capacity
The large capacity allows for ample popcorn to be made in one batch, enough to feed a medium-sized family or a gathering.
Ease of Cleaning
The stainless-steel kettle and tempered glass construction ensure durability and easy cleaning, with just a light spray and wipe needed.
Popping Time
The Matinee Popcorn Machine pops very quickly and delivers great tasting popcorn, making it perfect for movie nights with friends and family.
Additional Features
The machine's three-switch design allows for easy control of the kettle heater, stirrer, and warming light, making operation simple.
#2

Nostalgia Popcorn Maker Machine - Professional Cart With 2.5 Oz Kettle Makes Up to 10 Cups - Vintage Popcorn Machine Movie Theater Style - Black

Rating
8.8
Capacity
Ease of Cleaning
Popping Time

Most important from
6733 reviews

Capacity
Pops the perfect amount for individual use, and the included measuring tools make it convenient.
Ease of Cleaning
Fairly easy to clean, especially with the removable pot and simple warm water rinse.
Popping Time
Produces light, perfectly cooked popcorn and works very well without taking too long to pop a batch.
Additional Features
Adding flavorings can give the popcorn that extra punch, enhancing the overall taste experience.

The Nostalgia Popcorn Maker Machine is a vintage-style popcorn maker that can create up to 10 cups of popcorn per batch, making it great for family movie nights or parties.

Its 2.5-ounce stainless steel kettle with a built-in stirring system ensures even popping, and the dual-hinged lid makes it easy to empty the popcorn.

The machine is user-friendly, with included tools like a kernel measuring cup, oil measuring spoon, and popcorn scoop. It's also compatible with various Nostalgia popcorn kits and supplies, adding versatility to your popcorn-making experience.

The tempered safety glass windows are a thoughtful touch, ensuring durability and safety by resisting scratches, heat, and breakage.

Rating
8.8
Capacity
Ease of Cleaning
Popping Time

Most important from
6733 reviews

Capacity
Pops the perfect amount for individual use, and the included measuring tools make it convenient.
Ease of Cleaning
Fairly easy to clean, especially with the removable pot and simple warm water rinse.
Popping Time
Produces light, perfectly cooked popcorn and works very well without taking too long to pop a batch.
Additional Features
Adding flavorings can give the popcorn that extra punch, enhancing the overall taste experience.
#3

Nostalgia Popcorn Maker Machine - Professional Cart With 8 Oz Kettle Makes Up to 32 Cups - Vintage Popcorn Machine Movie Theater Style - Red

Rating
8.5
Ease of Cleaning
Popping Time
Additional Features

Most important from
7790 reviews

Ease of Cleaning
This popcorn cart has been a fantastic family gift, becoming a nightly ritual with great-tasting popcorn and easy cleanup.
Popping Time
Easy to assemble, the machine works great, though not the quickest. Popcorn comes out crispy and tasty, perfect for movie nights.
Additional Features
The candy dispenser adds fun, turning movie nights into an exciting experience for children.
Size and Storage
The height is exactly as described, reaching the base of a 5'5" person's neck. Leveling the machine ensures the door stays open properly.

The Nostalgia Popcorn Maker Machine is a fun addition for movie nights or gatherings, offering a vintage style that many will find charming. With a capacity to pop up to 32 cups of popcorn per batch, it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. The 8-ounce stainless steel kettle comes with a stirring system, ensuring even popping and tasty results every time. Plus, the kettle is removable, making cleaning easier, which is a definite plus for busy households.

One of the standout features is its tempered safety glass windows, which not only enhance the nostalgic look but also provide safety by resisting breakage and heat. This is particularly reassuring for families with children. The machine is compatible with various Nostalgia popcorn kits, allowing users to experiment with different flavors and oils. It’s also relatively lightweight at 9.9 pounds, making it easier to move around when needed.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The machine's size is considerable, measuring 24.5”L x 17.5”W x 53”H, which may be challenging to fit in smaller kitchens or storage areas. Some users might also find that the popping time can be longer than expected, depending on the amount of popcorn being prepared. Additionally, while it’s a stylish appliance, it may not blend well with modern kitchen decor, which could be a concern for some. This popcorn maker is ideal for those who love entertaining and want to recreate a theater experience at home. It’s a great fit for family movie nights or parties but may require ample space and some patience when it comes to popping times.

Rating
8.5
Ease of Cleaning
Popping Time
Additional Features

Most important from
7790 reviews

Ease of Cleaning
This popcorn cart has been a fantastic family gift, becoming a nightly ritual with great-tasting popcorn and easy cleanup.
Popping Time
Easy to assemble, the machine works great, though not the quickest. Popcorn comes out crispy and tasty, perfect for movie nights.
Additional Features
The candy dispenser adds fun, turning movie nights into an exciting experience for children.
Size and Storage
The height is exactly as described, reaching the base of a 5'5" person's neck. Leveling the machine ensures the door stays open properly.

Buying Guide for the Best Popcorn Makers

Choosing the right popcorn maker can enhance your movie nights, parties, or even just your regular snack time. When selecting a popcorn maker, it's important to consider various factors that will affect the quality, quantity, and convenience of your popcorn-making experience. Here are some key specifications to consider when picking the best popcorn maker for you.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of popcorn the machine can produce in one batch. This is important because it determines how much popcorn you can make at once, which is crucial for larger gatherings or if you have a big family. Popcorn makers typically range from small, personal-sized machines that make a few cups of popcorn to larger, commercial-sized machines that can produce several gallons. If you often entertain guests or have a large family, a higher capacity machine would be ideal. For individual use or small families, a smaller capacity machine should suffice.
Type of Popcorn MakerThere are several types of popcorn makers, including hot air poppers, stovetop poppers, microwave poppers, and electric poppers. Each type has its own advantages. Hot air poppers are healthier as they don't require oil, stovetop poppers give you more control over the popping process, microwave poppers are convenient and quick, and electric poppers often come with additional features like built-in stirring mechanisms. Your choice should depend on your preference for convenience, health considerations, and how much control you want over the popping process.
Ease of CleaningEase of cleaning is an important factor because it affects how much effort you'll need to put in after making your popcorn. Some popcorn makers have dishwasher-safe parts, while others require hand washing. Machines with non-stick surfaces or removable parts are generally easier to clean. If you prefer minimal cleanup, look for a popcorn maker that is easy to disassemble and has dishwasher-safe components.
Popping TimePopping time refers to how long it takes for the popcorn maker to produce a batch of popcorn. This is important if you want your popcorn quickly, especially during movie nights or parties. Popping times can vary from a couple of minutes to around 10 minutes. If you value speed, look for a popcorn maker with a shorter popping time. However, keep in mind that faster popping times might sometimes compromise the quality of the popcorn.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your popcorn-making experience. Some popcorn makers come with built-in butter melters, measuring cups, or stirring mechanisms to ensure even popping. Others might have features like keep-warm functions or the ability to make different types of snacks. Consider what additional features are important to you and how they might improve your overall experience. If you enjoy experimenting with different flavors or want added convenience, look for a popcorn maker with these extra features.
Size and StorageThe size and storage of the popcorn maker are important if you have limited kitchen space. Some popcorn makers are compact and easy to store, while others are larger and might require more counter or storage space. If you have a small kitchen or limited storage, look for a compact, easily storable popcorn maker. If space is not an issue, you can opt for a larger machine that might offer more features or higher capacity.

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