Guide to the Different Types of Popcorn Makers

Popcorn is a classic favorite snack perfect for movie nights, watching a game, or an excellent alternative to chips when you are craving something crunchy. Think about it, you cannot sit down for an extended time to binge-watch your favorite television show without a bowl of popcorn.

But who wants to eat from a stale bag when you can make a hot fresh bowl of your own? So, a popcorn maker is a must-buy for popcorn lovers. 

A popcorn maker is a device for heating popcorn kernels until it pops out. The process of popping is different for every machine. There are many types of popcorn makers in the market. Below are a few guides to the different types of popcorn makers.

Types of Popcorn Makers

Knowing the type of popcorn maker for your needs, you can easily find the best-suited popcorn machine for your pastime snacks or your theatre experience that not only look great but also serves the purpose of providing you the fresh popcorn as per your needs. So, make sure you choose the correct type of popcorn machine for yourself.

Stovetop Popcorn Maker

Stovetop models give you the most control over your popcorn and make it easiest to season. It is also ideal for a large amount of popcorn without sacrificing the quality of your popcorn. This popcorn maker makes it simple to use on top of the stove.

A stovetop popcorn maker heats quickly and does not need much oil to pop the best-tasting and healthiest popcorn. It looks similar to a pot with a lid that you would typically put on the stove. The one exception is the cover has a crank that acts as a mechanism to stir the kernels inside. You do have to be mindful while the popcorn is popping. You must control the heat because kernels will burn if they get too hot. Stovetop popcorn makers are easy to clean by wiping them with a dry towel.

Microwave Popcorn 

Microwave popcorn makers can be incredibly convenient because you can pop up fluffy and healthy popcorn in just a few minutes. 

It is a good choice if you enjoy healthy and fresh popcorn quickly. Just fill the box with the kernel and turn the microwave on, and within a few minutes, your perfectly popped popcorn will be ready for the show.

There are microwave popcorn makers in a variety of colors and styles. Most microwave makers are easy to use and clean. Many are also dishwasher safe. Using a microwave popcorn maker is fast, easy, and inexpensive.

Campfire Popcorn Maker

happy family sitting on bench at camp fire

If you love outdoor activities and enjoy having popcorn, you might want to have one of these campfire popcorn makers. Campfire popcorn makers use a fire or a grill to pop. These are durable, strong, and convenient popcorn makers. 

Campfire popcorn makers are lightweight and easy to carry anywhere you need to go. It is also easy to clean with a quick wipe of a towel.

Electric Popcorn Maker

An electric popcorn maker is a simple-to-use machine, but it is essential to make sure the lid is securely attached. Otherwise, you may have hot kernels flying at you.

This popcorn maker has a lid that acts as a serving bowl when the popcorn is popping. The bowl is easy to clean. The rest of the machine needs a wipe-down with a damp cloth. 

Hot Air Popcorn Maker

On the other hand, hot air models are for people with small kitchens or who want minimal work and clean-up. A hot-air popcorn maker is also known as an air popper. They are small appliances that fit in your kitchen. Their sole purpose is to circulate hot air around popcorn kernels to make them ‘pop.’ This machine utilizes a fan that is built into the popper. 

The hot air popper does not require butter or oil. After you turn on the popper, it takes a few minutes to heat up, and then it starts sending popcorn out of the front. The hot air popper produces light and fluffy popcorn. There is no oily feel with this type of popcorn.

Commercial Popcorn Maker

Worry no more for popcorn needed in one batch for parties or movie nights! A commercial popcorn maker is also known as a professional popcorn maker. It is a large machine that will take up a lot of room but give you the most popcorn in one batch.

A commercial popcorn maker will be the most expensive option you look at buy. They provide a significant amount of durability, quality, and convenience. This machine is easy to use and does not require many ingredients. All it needs is standard popcorn, salt, and butter or oil. It also offers a variety of features, but you may not need or want them.

Guide To Choosing Popcorn Maker

It is better to understand first what you need to look for in your popcorn maker. Consider these features when choosing a popcorn maker.

Family Sitting On Sofa At Home Watching TV Together

Machine Type

Machine type is probably the first thing to consider when buying a popcorn maker. Whether you need a heat source from the outside or a standalone? Or a hot-air popcorn popper or the traditional type?

Moreover, the traditional one uses butter or oil. While an air popper allows you to make a healthier version of your popcorn because you do not have to use butter or oil. The high heat and fan create fat-free popcorn.

Size

How much popcorn would you like to pop at one time? Knowing how much you want to pop can drive the size of the machine you need. 

If you have occasional visitors, then this might not be a huge deal to make multiple batches of popcorn. But if you always have a lot of people that want popcorn, you might want to consider investing in a larger machine. 

An air popper, microwave popper, and stovetop popper are in smaller sizes which are easier to store. It also means they may cook less popcorn at one time. 

On the other hand, the commercial popping machines are the largest but give you the most popcorn in one batch.

Material

When you are looking for a popcorn popper, you want one that is durable and long-lasting. A popcorn maker out of stainless steel is the best option for a durable popcorn popper. Silicone is a durable option if you are looking for a microwave one. 

Ease in Cleaning

No one wants to spend a lot of time cleaning. When something is difficult to clean, you are less likely to use it. 

A popcorn popper that can be washed in the dishwasher is a good investment, especially if the use is for family only. You may also want to look for one that has removable pieces. Removable pieces may make it easier to clean them.

Design

You may want a popcorn maker that will complement your house designs, not compromising the quality of the machine.

Finally, with a popcorn machine, you can make fresh popcorn at home and at any time you wish. It also gives you the freedom to make popcorn from fresh corn. Therefore, the taste will be much better, not to mention healthier.

In addition, having a popcorn maker makes the home theater experience even better.