The 5 best popcorn makers and machines for an at-home movie night

Best microwave popcorn maker

The Lekue Microwave Popcorn Popper is compact and produces small batches of popcorn with minimal unpopped kernels. 

Pros: Easy to use, compact storage, effortless cleanup, minimal unpopped kernels, affordable, 10-year warranty on manufacturing defects

Cons: Small, potential for burnt popcorn

The Lekue Microwave Popcorn Popper is the most compact option in our guide, about the size of a cake pan when collapsed upon itself, which makes it ideal for apartments and small spaces. 

It's easy to use and the lid prevents the popcorn from spilling out and into your microwave. The bowl can go directly from the microwave to the couch, too, so you don't have to clean another dish. 

The bowl is made of BPA-free platinum silicone, which is known for its nonstick properties that make cleanup a breeze. . Be sure to take it out of the microwave once the popping slows to avoid burning. And, for whipping up professional-tier popcorn, the maker comes with a variety of recipes developed by the Alicia Foundation and inspired by various film genres.

Lekue also offers a 10-year warranty on manufacturing defects if the item fails during use.

Best stovetop popcorn maker

For whipping up fast, delicious batches of evenly popped popcorn, the Whirley Pop Stainless Steel Stovetop Popcorn Popper is our favorite stovetop option. 

Pros: Produces high-quality popcorn, doesn't require electricity, durable construction, steam vents allow moisture to escape, 25-year warranty on mechanical parts

Cons: Requires a stove and cranking, reports of the gears catching

The Whirley Pop Stainless Steel Stovetop Popcorn Popper uses a combination of your stove and physical cranking to produce excellent popcorn.

The durable aluminum pan produces crispy and fluffy kernels. With built-in steam vents, moisture will escape, while the hand-crank feature manually stirs the popcorn to evenly distribute oil so it won't burn.

The stovetop popper is easy to clean, too: simply remove the lid and wipe the inside of the pan with a paper or dish towel. Wabash Farms offers a 25-year warranty on all mechanical parts if you run into any mishaps.

Best electric popcorn machine

The West Bend Stir Crazy Electric Hot Oil Popcorn Popper Machine is an easy plug-and-pop option for large, savory, and premium-style kernels.

Pros: High yield, minimal waste, excellent flavor, doesn't require the use of other appliances, one-year limited warranty on manufacturing defects

Cons: Requires more oil than other picks

The West Bend Stir Crazy Electric Hot Oil Popcorn Popper Machine doesn't require another appliance, like a microwave or stove, to use. You just plug it into your wall outlet and let it do the work.

It stirs the unpopped kernels with a built-in agitator at the base to prevent burning. When it's done popping, you can flip the unit over and use the top as a bowl, which also fits inside the top for easy storage.

Though efficient and easy to use, it requires a bit more oil than some other models to produce flavorful popcorn and ensure the unpopped kernels are well lubricated when they roll around the machine. Be sure to use an oil that can withstand high heat — like coconut oil or sunflower oil —and avoid oils that burn easily, like olive oil.

West Bend offers a one-year limited warranty on manufacturing defects, too.

Best high-end popcorn maker

To most accurately create a movie theater-like experience, the Great Northern Little Bambino Table Top Popcorn Popper produces your go-to snack for watching action films and rom-coms.

Pros: Easy to use, cooks batches quickly, fits on most countertops, dishwasher-safe parts, one-year limited warranty on manufacturing defects

Cons: Difficult to clean

The Great Northern Little Bambino Table Top Popcorn Popper gives you the commercial experience at a relatively affordable price, without taking up a lot of space.

Once the vintage-style machine finishes its first round of popcorn, use its exterior handle to tip the kettle over into the larger reservoir so you can pop another batch. The machine comes with two popping kettle hangers, a removable popcorn tray (to slide out and eat directly from), a measuring spoon, and a cup. The popcorn maker also has a 10-watt bulb that keeps the popcorn somewhat warm.

A downside to this machine is its difficulty to clean, despite dishwasher-safe parts. Pouring ingredients can also be cumbersome. But, these things are typical with a larger machine, and the nostalgic experience it provides is unmatched.

If anything goes awry, Great Northern has you covered with a one-year limited warranty on manufacturing defects.

Best freestanding popcorn machine

If you want a movie theater popcorn machine in-house, the Nostalgia Concession Vintage Popcorn Cart is the most accurate, freestanding replica.

Pros: Built-in stirring system to pop kernels, heat- and scratch-resistant tempered safety glass, interior light, tilt serving door for easy scooping, storage compartment for popcorn accessories, transportable with bicycle-style wheels, affixed tabletop for tubs 

Cons: May be difficult to clean, no warranty

Sure, a high-quality home projector and plush movie seats are essential for an at-home movie theater, but the Nostalgia Concession Vintage Popcorn Cart is what will complete your room. With a vintage-style look, it provides a lovely touch, allows you to see your popcorn shooting up with its tempered glass design, and will certainly have people ask where you scored such an item.

The two oversized bicycle wheels make this '50s-style machine an all-in-one snack essential. The stainless steel kettle holds eight ounces of kernels and circulates them as they pop using a built-in stirring system. When lights are dim or off for movie watching, the machine will light up the room to create the perfect theater ambiance, too.

Nostalgia also hooks you up with a side shelf that's perfect for storing seasonings, oils, and bags. The affixed side tray is great for lining up red-and-white-striped tubs. 

Though Nostalgia doesn't offer a warranty, it's built to last so it's not a deal-breaker. 

How to make movie theater popcorn at home

When making popcorn at home, it's all about the seasoning and oils. Coconut oil is your best bet for tasty popcorn, but you might also consider canola oil if you are looking for a cheaper alternative. Avoid olive oil, which burns quickly, and vegetable oil, which can increase your levels of bad cholesterol.

In our research, we found the best seasoning for your popcorn is Flavacol. It's what movie theaters use for that perfectly artificial buttery flavor. Just be cautious when adding because Flavacol tends to be a bit strong.

If you want to spice things up, buy a good Cajun seasoning at your local market. My favorite combination in my microwave popper is coconut oil, Cajun seasoning, and a little salt. 

Want to skip the popcorn maker altogether? Check out our article on how to make popcorn on the stove for a quick and easy snack.

Check out our other guides to the best small kitchen appliances

• The best coffee makers
• The best cold-brew coffee makers
• The 4 best ice makers
• The best ice cream makers
• The 4 best soda makers
• The best stovetop espresso makers and moka pots
• The 4 best waffle makers