Popcorn Makers Buying Guide

Today, most people think of making popcorn  as putting a bag in the microwave  for three minutes and waiting for the popping to stop. While this is easy and convenient, some people still enjoy making it in more of an "old fashioned" way, by popping it on the stove  or in a popcorn maker,  which allows you to salt  and butter  to your taste.

Types

There are two kinds of popcorn makers available for home use -- hot air  and oil poppers.  No matter which you choose, popping your own corn is both fun and economical.

Hot Air Poppers

Using just hot air, these machines allow you to make fat and salt free popcorn, which makes for a healthy snack. A cup of plain, air-popped popcorn has only 31 calories, is low in fat, and even has some fiber to boot! You can control how much butter, oil, salt or other toppings go into a given batch of popcorn. Many hot air poppers are relatively inexpensive -- some cost as little as $20. An air popper and a jar of regular popping corn  can produce many cups of popcorn at a cheaper price than the microwaveable bags, and with fewer unpopped kernels.  If you eat a lot of popcorn, a hot air popper will very rapidly start saving you money!

Hot Oil Poppers

Oil poppers use heated oil or fat to cook the popcorn. You can try your hand at a stove top popper,  the oldest method of popping corn still used today. This is also the most difficult, as it is hard not to burn the popcorn. Other models use electricity  and sit on a counter top. You can control the amount of toppings that go into a batch of popcorn, just as you can with an air popper. Despite the added fat calories, oil-popped corn is still a fairly healthy snack. Oil poppers are in the same price range as hot air poppers, usually around $20 to 50.

Retro Models

Nostalgia Electrics Retro Kettle Popcorn Maker  This hot-oil popper has a fun, retro feel to it and can make up to 1 gallon of popcorn per batch. Comes with a warming light to keep popped corn hot and a built-in stirring system.	Nostalgia Old Fashioned Popcorn Popper  This popper is designed to look like an old-time stand that can go right on your tabletop. The hot air popper also has an easy pouring spout to add convenience to this retro machine.	Nostalgia Retro Popcorn Maker Mini  This tiny retro popcorn maker uses hot air and comes with a measuring cup for easy pouring of kernels. Best of all, this mini maker doesn't take up a lot of room.	Toastmaster 6203 Hot Air Popper  This popper uses hot air that can pop up to 4 quarts per cycle and has a removable lid for easy refilling.	Nostalgia Electrics Old Fashioned Movie Time Popcorn Cart  This hot air popcorn maker comes in a movable cart base complete with wheels and a handle. Makes up to 1.5 gallons of popcorn within 5 minutes.

Alternatives

There are a few microwave poppers  which are basically plastic bowls with lids designed specifically for popping corn. You can add the right amount of popcorn and flavorings and throw it in the microwave for a few minutes. You can also manage with a brown paper bag and a single staple. Directions can be found here.

Other Things to Consider

Cooking method is the main factor in deciding which popcorn maker to buy, but there are other features to think about as well.

• Efficiency: Will the popper cook all of the corn that you put in?
• Speed: What volume of popcorn can it produce in a given amount of time?
• Size: Will you be able to store it easily? Does it make enough popcorn to suit your needs?
• Ease of cleaning: Does it come apart? Is any part of it machine washable?
• Extra features: Do you want a melted butter compartment? Will it shut off automatically? Is it an attractive model?

Related Products

Popcorn Bowls	Popping Corn	Gourmet Popcorn	Kettle Popcorn 3-in-1 Refill Pouches

Related Guides

• Ice Cream Makers
• Home and Garden
• Kitchen and Dining

External Links

• Recipe Goldmine: Ideas for popcorn toppings, from Bayou Popcorn to Victorian Pink Peppermint Popcorn. (Click the links at the top to see the sweet recipes.)