10 Best Popcorn Poppers 2026 in the United States

The Presto 04867 Poplite Plus Hot Air Popcorn Popper is a great choice for those looking for a healthier snack option. It uses hot air instead of oil, making your popcorn low-fat and heart-healthy. One of its standout features is its efficiency; it can pop up to 18 cups of popcorn in just about 2 1/2 minutes, with very few unpopped kernels, saving you time and ensuring you get the most out of your kernels. The multifunctional measuring cup doubles as a butter-melting tray, allowing you to add butter while your popcorn pops and get that authentic movie theater taste.

Cleaning is a breeze since it pops without oil, and the base and chute can be easily wiped clean. The compact design with an integrated cord wrap makes it easy to store in any kitchen and convenient for gifting. Additionally, the on/off switch and metal butter melter enhance its functionality.

However, being made of plastic, it may not be as durable as metal alternatives, and some users might prefer a sturdier build. This popper is a fantastic kitchen gadget for health-conscious individuals who love popcorn and value quick, efficient, and easy snack preparation.

The Matinee Popcorn Machine by Great Northern Popcorn is a solid choice if you're looking for a classic-style popcorn popper that can handle small to medium-sized gatherings. It has an 8-ounce kettle capacity, which lets you pop about 3 gallons of popcorn per batch—enough for a family movie night or a small party. One of its strengths is the built-in kettle stirrer that helps pop kernels evenly and the warming light that keeps popcorn fresh and warm after popping. The reject kernel tray is handy, as it collects un-popped kernels, so you won’t get many hard bits mixed in.

The machine’s compact countertop design with tempered glass and stainless steel looks charming and is sturdy enough for regular use. Cleaning is fairly simple since you just need to wipe the inside with a damp cloth, though the parts are not dishwasher safe, which may require a bit more care. The popping process is quick, usually taking just a few minutes thanks to the powerful 850-watt kettle. It also comes with useful accessories like measuring cups, popcorn bags, and buckets, which adds good value.

Weighing over 30 pounds, the machine is best suited for a permanent spot rather than moving around frequently. While it’s easy to operate with three separate switches controlling the kettle, stirrer, and warmer, beginners might need a moment to get comfortable with the controls. This dependable and attractive popcorn popper offers good capacity and convenience, making it ideal for home movie nights or casual entertaining, although it requires some care in cleaning and handling due to its weight and design.

The Pop Heaven popcorn machine by Great Northern Popcorn is a solid choice if you're looking for a reliable countertop popcorn maker with a large capacity. It can handle up to 5 gallons (about 80 cups) of popcorn at once, making it ideal for parties, events, or even regular movie nights with family and friends. The 12-ounce stainless-steel kettle with a built-in stirrer helps pop kernels evenly and reduces burning. A handy reject kernel tray collects un-popped kernels, which is a thoughtful feature for less waste and safer serving. The machine includes a warming light and heated deck to keep your popcorn fresh and warm after popping. It’s powered by a strong 1440-watt motor, so your popcorn is ready in just a few minutes, which is quick for a machine of this size.

On the cleaning side, it’s fairly easy to maintain—just a wipe down inside with a damp cloth is needed since the kettle and parts are designed for convenience. However, the machine is quite large and heavy (over 40 pounds), so it might not be the best choice if you want something compact or easy to move around frequently. Also, it doesn’t have a fully removable kettle for deep cleaning, which some users might find limiting. The package comes with useful accessories like measuring tools, popcorn bags, and buckets, which adds value.

This popcorn popper is well suited for anyone who hosts gatherings or wants a classic, theater-style popcorn experience at home. It is sturdy, effective, and packed with features for keeping popcorn fresh and tasty. If you need a smaller or more portable machine, you might want to explore other options, but for sheer volume and traditional style, this one performs well.