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Our editors selected the best popcorn makers on the market after hours of careful research and consideration of each model's material, capacity, and features. We then tested them side by side in our kitchen, rating them on a number of factors including ease of use and cleaning, as well as the texture and flavor of the final product. Since we know every home cook is different, we worked hard to recommend a range of options, from microwave to stovetop, that would work for different households.
It comes with a number of design features that make it safe and easy to use too. Firstly, it’s more enclosed than some other models so is less likely to fire popcorn around the room. It also comes with a flip design so once it’s done the dome can be turned upside down to create a large bowl for your popcorn - this design feature also means it will take up less space as the base plate can sit inside the bowl when stored away. The bowl is dishwasher safe too so cleaning up afterwards is much less of a task. As is always the case when you’re buying a new piece of kitchenware, it’s worth considering how much space you can actually spare. If you’re a bit short of free space, there are some popcorn machines that can slot easily into a small cupboard when they’re not in use. The collapsible bowl is really convenient for space saving storage. The popcorn popper is easy to use, has easy to grab handles and the popcorn turns out perfect every time! The Sensio is a lot smaller than some of our other featured air popcorn makers so it won’t take up a great deal of space on kitchen worktops or in cupboards. An alternative way to make popcorn is by using a stovetop popcorn maker. This is a pan with the addition of a rotation device. It is placed directly on the hob and, as the popcorn is heating, you turn the handle to operate the rotation device which keeps the popcorn moving so it cooks evenly. What to look for in a popcorn makerThis popcorn machine is relatively expensive, although still not pricey enough to truly damage your bank account. This machine has a snazzy red cinema-worthy design, and it can produce as many as 16 cups of popcorn in one batch. There’s no assembly required, and it comes with all the cups and trays you need to get popping. There’s even one bag of corn thrown in for every customer, adding another level of value for money. Essentially, this is the perfect premium option for when you want to take your movie nights to the next level. Technically you could make popcorn in a lidded pot that you already own, but it would require you to shake it while blistering hot oil and kernels hop around in the pot. If this sounds too risky, look no further than the Whirley-Pop. It features a hand-cranked mechanism on the handle that stirs the kernels and oil in the bottom of the pan so that they don’t burn. Mixing nostalgic elements with a sleek core design, the Klarstein Volcano will look great in your kitchen. It’s easy to use as well: all you need to do is power it up, add kernels and oil, and prepare yourself for some excellent edible goodness. Keeping it clean will be more of a challenge, but the slide-out popcorn tray helps with serving and makes the task of tidying remarkably simple. This machine doesn’t have a huge capacity, making this better suited for two-person movie nights rather than big group affairs (unless you’re happy to refill it a few times before everybody arrives).
What’s more, when you make your own popcorn there’s no end of flavour options to choose from. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a classic sweet snd salty combo, but when you’ve got the popping power in your own hands, why not try something new? Type: Popcorn makers use different methods to heat the kernels, whether microwave, direct stove-top heat or electric power to blow very hot air onto the kernels. This microwave popper is super easy to use thanks to its multi-purpose lid that doubles as a measuring cup and melting try for butter. It makes up to 6 cups of popcorn and works with or without butter or oil. Our testers were impressed with how crispy the popcorn made inside the Ecolution turned out.
2. Best budget popcorn maker: Brensten Collapsible Silicone Microwave Popcorn Popper
The popper features cool-touch handles and, as it’s for use in the microwave, you don’t run the risk of hot popcorn flying everywhere as it’s popping. This makes it a little safer than some air poppers and a great option for teenagers to use themselves. Once you've nailed popcorn at home, you might want to add another fun foodie appliance to your kitchen. We've got guides to the best ice cream makers, the best waffle makers, the best smoothie makers and the best pasta makers, all featuring product recommendations from Mumsnetters. Best popcorn maker at a glance The retro-inspired stovetop popcorn maker features steam vents that release moisture to create fluffier kernels, while the manual hand crank mechanism evenly distributes oil and is meant to prevent burning. While testing it, we found that some pieces got close to burning, but overall the popcorn met our flavor expectations.
If you like plain popcorn or need to make a batch to use with a popcorn ball recipe, you might be considering a microwave popcorn maker. They’re affordable, easy to use, and won’t send popcorn flying across the kitchen as some air poppers do. Microwave popcorn makers don’t require any oil to pop the corn, which is a nice feature for anyone who prefers air-popped corn. The instructions note that it will take about 2 minutes to cook the popcorn, but the cooking time might vary depending on the microwave. If needed, adjust the time for future batches, but be careful not to overcook, since the popcorn can get scorched. The instructions warn not to leave the popcorn unattended while popping. Be careful when removing the cover as some steam can get released.
Why you should trust us
Of course, you can buy popcorn that’s ready-made but it’s often covered in an excessive amount of sugar and salt and it's not as fun as making your own. Making it yourself means you have control over what’s added to it while filling your home with that lovely, cinematic popcorn smell. Ca fait des années que je garde ma vieille machine a pop-corn, celle du temps ou mes enfants étaient petits, mais en voyant ce bol qui se rétracte, j’ai immédiatement voulue essayée. Finalement , j’ai donné ma grosse machine dans un bazar! Microwave popcorn makers are usually a great option for families, as they're easy to store and use, plus they don't have the premium price tag that some of the larger cinema-style models have. This model makes 6 quarts at a time, which equals 24 cups—twice as much as your standard microwaved bag. It's made from durable aluminum and comes with a 25-year warranty so you can feel confident it will last many uses. Ultimately, we think it's a great machine to have on hand for birthday parties, sleepovers, and holiday gatherings.
We have this microwave one - it works well, is easy to clean, and takes up no room!” - PetitsGateaux) Our verdict Type: Air popper | Capacity: Not specified | Power r ating: 1200W | Dimensions: 24.9 x 24 x 14.3 cm | Warranty: Not specified What we like Every microwave is variable , so start off testing how long yours needs to pop corn , my first batch was a little burnt at 2min 30 :: 2 min 20 and it’s perfect We also like that this food-grade silicone bowl is child-friendly, easy to wash and collapses down to just a couple of inches high for easy storing. And if you’re not a fan of bright red, you can buy in numerous other colours of the rainbow for the same price.
The clever design has a lid which sits inside and rises with the popcorn and the container can collapse to just over two inches in height when not in use, meaning this is an excellent option if you’re short on space. Despite its compact size, this popcorn maker can still serve up a batch of popcorn in around three to five minutes. It comes with a handy measuring jug too and has a one-touch operation, making it simple to use. Salbree's Microwave Popcorn Popper is large enough to make 12 cups of popcorn, yet small enough to store in kitchens with limited storage space. It's made from BPA-free silicone, available in a wide variety of colors, and doesn't require any oil or butter.
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