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Are you a popcorn lover? Do you spend $7 each time when there’s a craving for popcorn? Do you want to save a little money? If yes then popcorn poppers can save your health and wealth both at the same time.
Here in this review, I am going to cover some points that can help you decide which is the best popcorn popper to buy.
Popcorn poppers are a one-time investment and make delicious popcorn with just a pinch of salt, and the best part is you can enjoy popcorn anytime, anyplace without spending a fortune on it.
Top 5 Best Popcorn Popper 2020 Reviews
1. Presto 04820 PopLite Hot Air Popper Review
Presto 04820 PopLite Hot Air Popper is one of the best selling popcorn popper. Most of the customers have stated that this product is very easy to use and clean. Anyone can pop popcorn with the help of this popcorn popper, no professionals required. Its installation is also very easy, and there is no lengthy process involved.
This is the Best hot air popper! Its’ Light, Quick and Convenient. Presto 04820 PopLite Pops gourmet and regular popcorn in no time, and the best part is no oil required, thus you get fat free popcorn.
This popcorn popper can pop 18 cups of gourmet popcorn in less than 2 minutes. You’ll barely see any un-popped popcorn kernels.
Our Rating: 
(4.2 / 5)
Technical specifications
- Mixer Type: Stand
- Manufacturer: Presto
- Requires oil: No
- Capacity (Cups): 18
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Heat Selections: 1
- Height: 13.5 in
- Width: 6.5 in
- Depth: 10.5 in
- Warranty: 1-year limited
Following are the pros and cons of this popper
Pros
- Good Speed
- Easy to use
- No oil required
- Low maintenance
- Can be cleaned Easily
- Requires 120 volts, 60 Hz only
Cons
- Doesn’t melt cold butter very well
- It is built according to north america electrical standards
- Un-popped hot kernels fly out of the chute
- No on-off Switch
If you want to save money, electricity and time, then you must buy this product. Presto 04820 PopLite is one of the top sellers and many people prefer buying this as compared to any other popper, and the best part is you know that you are not eating junk.
2. West Bend 82306 Stir Crazy 6-Quart Electric Popcorn Popper Review
The Original West Bend Stir Crazy Corn Popper comes with a special feature of rotating arms, which makes the kernel pop practically without getting burnt.
This popper also has a transparent lid, which allows you too keep a check on your popcorn. And the best part is once the popcorn are ready you can use this popper as a serving bowl; just by removing the lid and the arms.
It is a electricity based popper and the only disadvantage can be that if there’s no light there can be no popcorn made. And the best part is the popper can be used as a serving bowl as well. It can be easily cleaned and the maintenance cost is also not very high.
Our Rating: 
(3.8 / 5)
Technical specifications
- Mixer Type: Stand(Plastic)
- Manufacturer: West Bend
- Requires oil: Yes
- Capacity: 24 quarts
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Popping Time: 4-6 Minutes
- Height: 12 in
- Width: 8.5 in
- Depth: 10 in
- Warranty: 1-year limited
Pros
- Can be Used as a Serving Bowl
- Easy to use
- Can use oil and toppings
- No kernels left un-popped
- Affordable
Cons
- Fragile Lid
- Heavy in weight
- Metal arms need adjusting
West Bend Stir Crazy Corn Popper is the latest technology popper and makes very tasty popcorn, if you really want to impress your guest you should buy this right away. But according the cons of this product; if you do not have any space to keep it, then you’ll unfortunately have to look for another one.
3. Wabash Valley Farms Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper Review
The Wabash Valley Farms Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper pops the yummiest popcorn and that to in just three minutes. Wabash Valley Farms 25008 Whirley Pop is a stove top popcorn popper; this popcorn popper has been always a favorite type of popcorn popper for many individuals.
Most of the customers have said that using this popper is very convenient and the best part of this popper is it pops six quartz of kernels (without burning any).
Another Amazing specialty of this stove-top popper is that its superb mechanism keeps the popcorn from burning which only happens because of the stove’s heat. When popping the corns it is mandatory that the pan should be slid back and forth to avoid burning of corns, doing this can be really frustrating sometimes.
However, this popper has an amazing feature to avoid the frustration. Wabash Valley Farms 25008 Whirley Pop comes with a crank handle which enables the moment of back and forth without actually moving the popper.
Our Rating: 
(4.4 / 5)
Technical specifications
- Mixer Type: Stand(Stainless Steal)
- Manufacturer: Whirley
- Requires oil: Yes
- Capacity: 24 quarts
- Dishwasher Safe: No
- Popping Time: 2-3
- Height: 7.2 in
- Width: 8.6 in
- Depth: 10 in
- Warranty: 25-year limited
Pros
- Excellent Speed
- Easy to use
- Can use oil and toppings
- Affordable
- Stainless Steal
- Convenient crank Handle
Cons
- Plastic Gear Mechanism
- Shipped only within U.S
Well if you want to go by the rules and buy a stove-top popcorn popper then you must buy this popper. Wabash Valley Farms Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper is one of the oldest and the most popular type of popper and have been used by many people who love to pop kernels according to their taste.
4. Presto 04868 Orville Redenbacher’s Fountain Hot Air Popper Review
The Presto 04868 Orville Redenbacher’s Fountain Hot Air Popper is specially known for its unique fountain popping style. The kernels automatically gets collected into the cover while popping as it is a hot air popper there’s no oil required, thus you get yummy and healthy popcorn every time.
This popcorn can alone pop up-to 20 cups of un-burnt or un-popped kernel left, that too in only three and a half minute and it’s cover can also be used as a serving bowl. It is really easy to clean and maintain, it is also sleek in style and can be stored in a very impact place too.
Our Rating: 
(3.9 / 5)
Technical specifications
- Mixer Type: Stand(Plastic)
- Manufacturer: Presto
- Requires oil: No
- Capacity: 5 quarts
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Popping Time: 3 Minutes
- Height: 10 in
- Width: 12.5 in
- Depth: 12.5 in
- Color Category: Red
- Warranty: 1-year limited
Pros
- Easy to use
- Pops only in 3 and a-half Minutes
- No kernels left un-popped
- Easy cleaning
- Special stainless steel restrictors
- Lid can be used as serving bowl
- No oil required
Cons
- Savings may not be based on actual sales
- Product Built to North American Electrical Standards
- Plastic Body
Orville Redenbacher’s Fountain Popper is one of the most interesting and latest kind of technology and the best part is that it is a hot air popper which means that this popper will pop nutritious popcorn in no time. If you are a fitness-freak and also love to eat popcorn, then this popper is an ideal pick for you. Think no more, buy it right away and enjoy the yummy & healthy snack.
5. West Bend 82419Y Air Crazy Corn Popper Review
The Original West Bend 82419Y Air Crazy Corn Popper is mostly known for its specialty of making healthy and tasty popcorn.
This popper is a hot air corn popper which doesn’t require oil, or butter and makes nutritious popcorn in just 4 minutes. The best part of using this popcorn popper is very easy and much more easier to clean and maintain.
This corn popper has the simplest mechanism of all and has been proven to be the best popper since last two years. The motor which is inbuilt in this popper pops each and every corn evenly without burning even a single kernel, and other best feature of this popper is that the jar on top of the popper prevents the popcorn from scattering all over the place.
Our Rating: 
(3.7 / 5)
Technical specifications
- Mixer Type: Stand(Plastic)
- Manufacturer: West Bend
- Requires oil: No
- Capacity: 4 quarts
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Popping Time: 3-4 Minutes
- Height: 13.5 in
- Width: 05.5 in
- Depth: 05.5 in
- Color Category: Yellow
- Warranty: 1-year limited
Pros
- Easy to use
- Pops Yummy Kernels in 4 Minutes
- No kernels left un-popped
- Easy cleaning
- Affordable
- Light weight
- Angled chute directly pops corn into a bowl
- Measuring cup doubles as a butter melter
Cons
- Cord Storage
- Plastic Body
West Bend 82419Y Air Crazy Corn Popper is the latest technology popper and makes very tasty popcorn, if you really want to impress your guest you should buy this right away. But according the cons of this product; if you do not have any space to keep it, then you’ll unfortunately have to look for another one.
Important Features of Best Popcorn Poppers
Kettle size or capacity
The kettle size or capacity will decide how much corn you can make in one batch. If you plan it for office or parties then higher capacity will be the best.
Power
The wattage is important to cook the popcorn fast. It is also important to have a popcorn popper with more power if you intend to use it to make multiple batches.
Materials
The commercial ones typically are made of metal and tempered glass. You should make sure that these do not have sharp edges of metal that can injure you.
The materials even plastic can get hot and should be kept away from children.
Warming deck and heat lamp
The commercial ones come with warming deck and heat lamp that keep the popcorn warm and fresh for longer times. This is very useful. After all, you would not want to have cold popcorn.
Capacity and Kettle size
A 6 ounce or an 8 ounce kettle is good for a family of8. It is better to buy a bigger capacity as in 8 ounce kettle you can make 4 ounce or 6 ounce of popcorn. But in smaller ones, you cannot overload to make more quantity.
Stirring rod
In stovetop models which come with a stirring rod, it is important to note their distance from the edges. If this is too much then the kernels stuck at the bottom will not pop. As per popular popcorn popper reviews, this is the most convenient feature as it lets you be away without manual intervention.
Butter dispenser
Butter dispenser is a good feature for a popcorn maker. Most people say in review that in hot air popcorn poppers they do not seem to melt the butter fast enough. So you get the popcorn made without the butter melted in it. It is a better idea to melt them in the microwave separately.
Chute
The chute of the popcorn maker should be such that popped kernels come out fine and not all over the kitchen.
Blower heater or fan
The fan is an important feature in an hot air popcorn popper.
Popcorn Poppers Buying Guide
Here are a few things that you must know before you finally end up buying a popcorn popper which is not worth it.
1. Fix A Budget
Always check the price of the product that you are planning to buy, not only from a single store or an online site, but from various sources to get the best price being offered.
These days shopping from Amazon is considered to be the best option only because, you get the lowest and the best price for any particular product.
2. Know The Kettle Size
Checking the kettle size is the most important factor for choosing a popcorn popper. By identifying the size of popper’s kettle you’ll easily get an idea about, how much popcorn can be popped at the same time.
Ideally you should buy a large sized kettle as it serves the purpose of party snacks as well.
3. Know The Type of Popper
Basically there are four types of Popcorn Poppers which are mostly found in the market. The list is as followed:
- Oil Based Popcorn Poppers
- Hot Air Based Popcorn Poppers
- Microwave Based Popcorn Poppers
- Commercial Style Popcorn Poppers
Now lets discuss about these popcorn poppers in details.
Oil Based Popcorn Poppers:
These popcorn poppers are the very famous and firstly invented popcorn popper. These poppers runs either on electricity or gas, i.e. Stove-top.
For better understanding here are a few Pros & Cons of Oil Based Popcorn Poppers:
Pros
- Pops at least 20-25 small cups of corns
- Has capability to last lifelong
- Most Popular Type of Poppers
Cons
- Oil is Necessary which means High Calorie Popcorn
- May Get Rusted (If not take care of)
But if you have a party/ gathering at home and want to make tons of popcorn, then this will be the most suited popcorn popper for you.
Hot Air Based Popcorn poppers
These poppers are very unique and different because of there popping technique. These popers use hot air instead of oil.
For better understanding here are a few Pros & Cons of Hot Air Based Popcorn Poppers:
Pros
- Pops healthy popcorn (oil-free)
- Easily Affordable
- Pops all the kernels evenly
Cons
- Many users complaint of taste-less popcorn
- Pops 15-18 cups of kernels only
- Breakable material is used
But if you want to use this popcorn for personal use, that to once in a blue moon; then this popcorn popper is the ideal choice for you.
Microwave Popcorn Poppers
As very obvious by the name, these type of popcorn poppers are used to pop kernels with the help of microwave’s heat.
For better understanding here are a few Pros & Cons of Microwave Popcorn Poppers:
Pros
- Pop kernels very quickly
- Pops at least 18-20 cups of kernels
- Can be made according to the taste
Cons
- Electricity base popper
- All the kernels are not popped
- Chances of a few burned kernels as well
But if you are really impatient and a popcorn lover, then you’ll need this popper to make your movies interesting.
Commercial Style Popcorn Poppers
Well, these are the most commonly found poppers in the movie theaters. These poppers are mostly the huge machines which is covered by a box of glass, and has a huge bowl attached to the top.
Pros
- Pop kernels very quickly
- Can pop up-to 30 cups of kernels
- Can be made according to the taste
- All kernels are definitely popped
Cons
- Electricity base popper
- Very expensive
- Everyone cannot easily use this popper
But if you are planning to start a business for the love of popcorn, then you’ll need this magical and amazing machine.
4. Read Reviews
Reading the reviews for popcorn poppers is a very important aspect of choosing the ideal popcorn popper. You must consider reading the testimonials and reviews especially for the product that you are planning to invest in. This will help you in knowing all the factors, pros and cons of the Popcorn Popper.
Also, if you are buying this product from amazon.com, then you can easily refer to the reviews and the star ratings of the popper.
Conclusion
After a detailed research I concluded that the best popcorn popper in market right now is Presto 04820 PopLite Hot Air Popper. Its user friendly easily available at amazon.com and has several amazing features that make your popcorn crispy, yummy and reasonable.
But anyway if you do not want to spend a lot on a popcorn popper, above mentioned are the other best poppers that you’ll find online in this year.
Why Do I Personally Recommend This Popper?
I am a die hard fan of popcorn and I used to go to movies only because I thought cinemas were the only place where we get the best popcorn in town; but those were very expensive and spending so much didn’t made sense to me.
So I started looking for a popcorn machine when I saw there were so many reviews on popcorn poppers, and trust me it was of no help instead it only confused me more (which was also one reason that I wrote this review).
I did a good research for my own, figured out a few facts, and finally I ended up buying Presto 04820 PopLite Hot Air Popper from amazon and I am glad that I bought this amazing popcorn popper; (relieved!) It has made my life easier.
Now, I enjoy movies at home with a huge bowl of yummy popcorn made in hardly five minutes with my whole family. Yeah! So according to me this popcorn popper is the best and I recommend it for every other popcorn lover.
History of Popcorn
Popcorn is a special kind of corn that was produced by the Indians in early times of western civilizations; although now united states have taken over the whole popcorn manufacturing widely.
Commercial popcorn production has been centered in the Corn Belt; the major growing areas in this region have shifted over the years. Up to the mid-1940s, Iowa was the best producer, with both production and finalizing plants concentrated in the western state.
Then, as popcorn hybrids began replacing open-pollinated varieties, production changed eastward, first to Illinois and then to Indiana. Another major change occurred in the mid-1970s when production jumped to the west, so that Nebraska could lead in the race of best popcorn producer.
It’s types
Popcorn is either plain which is the best and the natural form; or flavored corns, which is manufactured artificially.
These might come in various types of packing and also vary in range; from plastic bags to sealed jars and ready-to-use containers both for regular and microwave popping all these kinds are available in the market. Natural Popcorn flavor can be enhanced according to the individual’s tastes by simply using salt and butter.
It’s Growth
Popcorn moves through commercial channels mainly in three kernel types: white, small yellow and large yellowish. White popcorn characteristically has the rice-shaped kernel, while yellow popcorn kernels are pearl-shaped.
Processors must take that under consideration when selecting hybrids. Kernel colors of specialty popcorn are often blue, red, black, or brown.
The popped appearance may resemble sometimes a butterfly or a mushroom. The actual butterfly type is preferred for eating; while the mushroom type can be used in confectionery products.
Now that you know where to and how to buy the best popcorn popper; Make a wise decision & enjoy yummy popcorn.