Top 5 Best Stove Top Popcorn Maker Reviews and Buying Guide

Popcorn is a timeless snack loved by people of all ages, whether you’re enjoying a movie night at home or hosting a casual get-together. While microwave popcorn is convenient, there’s something special about making popcorn on the stove.

Stove top popcorn makers allow you to control the ingredients and flavors, resulting in a delicious, customizable treat. In this article, we’ll present the top 5 best stove top popcorn makers, along with a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Why Choose Stove Top Popcorn Makers?

Choosing a stove top popcorn maker offers several compelling advantages:

1. Customization: Stove-top popcorn makers give you complete control over your popcorn’s taste and ingredients. You can add a precise amount of butter, oil, or seasonings to suit your preferences, creating a unique and personalized snack every time.
2. Cost-Efficiency: Making popcorn on the stove is a budget-friendly option in the long run. Purchasing popcorn kernels in bulk is considerably more economical than buying pre-packaged microwave popcorn, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy popcorn frequently.
3. Eco-Friendly: Stove top popcorn makers are environmentally friendly. They produce significantly less waste compared to disposable microwave popcorn bags, reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a greener lifestyle.
4. Healthier Option: With stove top popcorn makers, you have the power to regulate the amount of oil and salt you use. This control allows you to make healthier popcorn choices, particularly beneficial for those who are health-conscious or watching their sodium intake.
5. Fun and Nostalgia: Preparing popcorn on the stove brings an element of nostalgia and fun to your movie nights or social gatherings. It’s a hands-on experience that engages family and friends, making it an enjoyable and memorable activity.

Stove top popcorn makers empower you to create customized, cost-effective, and eco-friendly popcorn snacks while offering a healthier alternative to pre-packaged options. Additionally, they add a touch of nostalgia and fun to your popcorn-making experience, making them an appealing choice for popcorn enthusiasts of all ages.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Stove Top Popcorn Maker

Here are the factors to consider when buying a stove top popcorn maker in English:

1. Capacity: Determine the size of the stove top popcorn maker based on your needs. Consider how many servings you typically make. Stove top popcorn makers typically come in capacities ranging from 4 to 6 quarts.
2. Material: Look for a popcorn maker made of durable and heat-resistant materials. Common materials include stainless steel and aluminum, both of which offer even heating.
3. Handle: Pay attention to the handle of the popcorn maker. It should be comfortable to grip and heat-resistant to ensure safe handling while cooking.
4. Lid: A tight-fitting lid is crucial for two reasons. First, it helps trap heat and evenly distribute it, ensuring all kernels pop. Second, it prevents popcorn from spilling out during the popping process, which can be messy and unsafe.
5. Ease of Cleaning: Check if the popcorn maker is easy to clean. Some models have non-stick coatings that make cleaning a breeze. Others are dishwasher-safe, which can save you time and effort.
6. Price: Stove top popcorn makers come in a range of prices. Set a budget that aligns with your needs and preferences. Keep in mind that more expensive models may offer added features and durability.
7. Brand Reputation: Research the reputation of the brand you’re considering. Read customer reviews and look for feedback on the product’s reliability and performance.
8. Additional Features: Some stove top popcorn makers come with additional features such as patented stirring mechanisms, built-in crank handles, or kits that include popcorn kernels and seasonings. Evaluate these extras to see if they align with your preferences.
9. Warranty: Check if the popcorn maker comes with a warranty. A longer warranty period can provide peace of mind and indicate the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s quality.
10. User Reviews: Look for user reviews and testimonials to gain insights into real-world experiences with the popcorn maker you’re interested in. Reading about other customers’ experiences can help you make an informed decision.
11. Design and Aesthetics: While not a primary consideration, the design and aesthetics of the popcorn maker may be important to you. Choose a style that complements your kitchen or fits your personal taste.
12. Versatility: Some stove top popcorn makers can be used on different heat sources, including gas, electric, and induction stoves. Ensure that the popcorn maker you choose is compatible with your specific stove type.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when selecting a stove top popcorn maker that suits your needs and preferences. This thoughtful approach will help ensure that you enjoy delicious, perfectly popped popcorn for years to come.

Top 5 Best Stove Top Popcorn Maker Reviews

Let’s delve into the reviews of the top 5 best stove top popcorn makers:

1- Wabash Metal Gear Popcorn Popper

The Wabash Metal Gear Popcorn Popper (26006-AMZ) is a specific popcorn machine model that you can consider. To evaluate this particular machine, it’s essential to keep the following factors in mind:

1. Capacity: Check the capacity of the Wabash Metal Gear Popcorn Popper to ensure it meets your popcorn-making needs. This will determine how much popcorn you can produce in a single batch.
2. Popcorn Type: Confirm whether this machine is designed to work with your preferred type of popcorn, such as kernels or pre-packaged bags. Ensure it aligns with your popcorn preferences.
3. Features: Explore the features of this model. Look for user-friendly options, such as on/off switches, timers, or any unique characteristics that make it stand out.
4. Quality: Research customer reviews and feedback to assess the quality of the popcorn produced by this machine. You want to ensure that it consistently delivers well-popped popcorn with minimal unpopped kernels.
5. Maintenance: Check if the Wabash Metal Gear Popcorn Popper is easy to clean and maintain, as this will affect its durability and overall convenience.
6. Price: Consider whether the price of this model fits within your budget for a popcorn machine. Ensure it provides good value for its features and quality.
7. Brand Reputation: Research the reputation of the Wabash brand and its customer service. A reliable brand can be an indicator of product quality and support.
8. Size and Design: Determine if the size and design of this popcorn popper are suitable for your kitchen or entertainment area. It should fit comfortably in your chosen space.
9. Warranty: Check if the Wabash Metal Gear Popcorn Popper (26006-AMZ) comes with any warranty. A warranty can provide peace of mind regarding potential defects or issues.

By thoroughly considering these factors specific to the Wabash Metal Gear Popcorn Popper, you can make an informed decision on whether it’s the right popcorn machine for your needs and preferences.

2- Cook N Home Stovetop Aluminum Popcorn Pot ( Best stovetop popcorn popper )

Certainly! The Cook N Home Stovetop Popcorn Pot is a kitchen appliance designed for making delicious popcorn on your stovetop. Here’s a brief description of this product:

Product Features:

1. Capacity: This popcorn popper has a generous 6-quart (1.5-gallon) capacity, allowing you to make a large batch of popcorn to enjoy with family and friends.
2. Material: It is constructed from durable aluminum, which conducts heat efficiently and ensures even popping.
3. Crank Handle: The popper comes with a crank handle that allows you to easily agitate the popcorn kernels while they’re popping. This helps prevent burning and ensures that more kernels pop.
4. Lid with Vents: The included lid has vents that allow steam to escape, keeping the popcorn crispy and preventing it from becoming soggy.
5. Non-Stick Interior: The interior of the pot is coated with a non-stick surface, making it easy to clean and reducing the chances of burnt popcorn sticking to the bottom.
6. Stovetop Use: This popcorn popper is designed for use on stovetops, including gas, electric, and induction cooktops. It provides a fun and traditional way to make popcorn at home.
7. Easy to Use: Simply add your popcorn kernels and oil or butter to the pot, cover it with the lid, and place it on the stovetop. Then, turn the crank handle to ensure even popping.
8. Multipurpose: While it’s primarily designed for popcorn, you can also use this pot for other cooking tasks, such as making soups or stews, thanks to its 6-quart capacity.
9. Safe Handling: The pot features heat-resistant handles, making it easy to carry even when hot.
10. Cleaning: After use, allow the pot to cool down before cleaning it. The non-stick interior makes cleaning a breeze, usually requiring just a simple wipe-down.

Please note that while using this popcorn popper, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and exercise caution to prevent burns or accidents. Enjoy making and sharing delicious homemade popcorn with this convenient and versatile kitchen appliance!

3- Original Whirley Open Fire Outdoor Popcorn Popper

The Original Whirley Open Fire Outdoor Popcorn Popper is a traditional and fun way to make delicious popcorn over an open fire. This outdoor popcorn popper is designed for use with open flames, such as a campfire or bonfire. It’s a popular choice for camping trips, backyard gatherings, and outdoor adventures.

Here’s how it works:

1. Construction: The popper is typically made of durable materials like steel or aluminum, which can withstand the heat of an open fire. It consists of a long handle with a wooden grip and a popcorn basket with a lid.
2. Popcorn Basket: The popcorn basket has a rotating handle on top. Inside the basket, there is a metal stirring mechanism with small wire arms. This stirring mechanism helps to prevent the popcorn from burning by continuously agitating the kernels.
3. Popcorn Ingredients: To make popcorn, you’ll need the usual ingredients – popcorn kernels, oil, and seasoning. You can use a variety of oils and seasonings to customize your popcorn flavors.
4. Preparation: Start by adding oil and popcorn kernels to the basket. You can also add your preferred seasonings at this stage. Make sure not to overfill the basket to allow room for the popcorn to pop and expand.
5. Placement: Hold the popper by its long handle and place it over the open fire. You’ll need to keep the popper moving, either by cranking the handle or gently shaking it back and forth to ensure even cooking. This prevents the kernels from sticking to the bottom and burning.
6. Popcorn Popping: As the heat from the fire cooks the kernels, they will begin to pop. The stirring mechanism inside the basket keeps the popped corn moving and evenly distributes the heat, resulting in fluffy and perfectly popped popcorn.
7. Enjoy: Once the popping slows down significantly (usually in a few minutes), carefully remove the popper from the fire. Be cautious as both the popper and the handle can be extremely hot. Open the lid, and your freshly popped popcorn is ready to enjoy!
8. Serve: Pour the popcorn into a bowl, and if desired, add more seasonings or butter for extra flavor.

The Original Whirley Open Fire Outdoor Popcorn Popper provides a unique and entertaining way to make popcorn outdoors, adding a delicious snack to your camping or outdoor activities. Just remember to follow safety precautions when using it near an open fire, and enjoy the tasty results!

4- Zippy Pop Stovetop Popcorn Maker with Glass Lid ( Best stove top popcorn )

The Zippy Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper with a Glass Lid has a 4-quart capacity, making it perfect for making delicious homemade popcorn right on your stovetop.

This popcorn popper is designed for convenience and efficiency. It features a sturdy construction with a durable handle, allowing you to easily shake and mix the popcorn while it’s popping. The glass lid not only allows you to monitor the popping process but also keeps the heat and moisture inside for better results.

Here are some key features of the Zippy Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper:

1. Stovetop Use: This popcorn popper is designed to be used on your stovetop, which means you can make popcorn without the need for a microwave or a specialized appliance.
2. 4-Quart Capacity: The 4-quart capacity is ideal for making enough popcorn to share with friends and family, whether you’re having a movie night or a gathering.
3. Durable Construction: The popper is constructed with high-quality materials, ensuring its durability and longevity. You can expect it to last for many popcorn-making sessions.
4. Glass Lid: The included glass lid allows you to watch the popcorn as it pops, so you can stop the process at just the right moment to prevent burning.
5. Even Heating: The popper is designed to distribute heat evenly across the bottom, which helps to minimize the number of unpopped kernels and ensures that your popcorn is evenly cooked.
6. Easy to Clean: After making your popcorn, this popper is easy to clean. You can either hand wash it or place it in the dishwasher, depending on your preference.

The Zippy Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper with Glass Lid is a versatile and practical kitchen tool for popcorn lovers. It offers a large capacity, durability, and the convenience of stovetop use, making it an excellent choice for making delicious popcorn at home.

5- Casey-Pop Industrial Stove Top Popcorn Maker

The Casey-Pop Industrial Stove Top Popcorn Maker is a specialized appliance designed for making delicious popcorn on a stovetop. This popcorn maker is typically used in commercial or industrial settings, such as movie theaters, concession stands, or large events where a high volume of popcorn is required.

Key features of the Casey-Pop Industrial Stove Top Popcorn Maker may include:

1. Large Capacity: These machines are designed to handle a substantial amount of popcorn, making them ideal for businesses that need to produce popcorn in bulk.
2. Durability: Industrial popcorn makers like the Casey-Pop are constructed with sturdy materials to withstand frequent and heavy use, ensuring they can handle the demands of a commercial environment.
3. Even Heating: The design of the popcorn maker ensures even heating, which helps prevent burning and ensures that the popcorn pops evenly.
4. Quick Production: Industrial stovetop popcorn makers are known for their efficiency, allowing operators to produce large quantities of popcorn relatively quickly.
5. Easy to Clean: Many models come with features that make cleaning and maintenance straightforward, such as removable components and non-stick surfaces.
6. Safety Features: These machines often come with safety features like heat-resistant handles and lids to prevent accidents and burns.

It’s important to note that industrial stove top popcorn makers like the Casey-Pop may require a gas or electric stove for operation, depending on the specific model. Additionally, they typically do not have built-in butter melting or seasoning features, so additional equipment or methods may be needed to flavor the popcorn.

When using an industrial popcorn maker, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and maintenance to ensure safety and the longevity of the appliance.

How to use stove top popcorn maker? Step by step

Using a stove top popcorn maker is a simple and enjoyable process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use one:

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Stove top popcorn maker
• High-quality popcorn kernels
• Cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil works well)
• Butter (optional)
• Salt or seasonings (optional)

Step 1: Preheat the Popcorn Maker

Place your stove top popcorn maker on the stove burner and turn the heat to medium-high. It’s essential to preheat the popcorn maker to ensure even cooking and prevent the kernels from sticking to the bottom.

Step 2: Add Cooking Oil

Add enough cooking oil to cover the bottom of the popcorn maker. You can use approximately 2-3 tablespoons of oil for a 4-6 quart popcorn maker. The exact amount may vary depending on the size of your popcorn maker and personal preference.

Step 3: Add Popcorn Kernels

Pour the desired amount of high-quality popcorn kernels into the preheated popcorn maker. Usually, a 1/2 to 2/3 cup of kernels is suitable for a 4-6 quart popcorn maker, but follow the manufacturer’s recommendations if provided.

Step 4: Stir and Coat the Kernels

Using a long-handled spoon or the built-in stirring mechanism (if your popcorn maker has one), gently stir the kernels to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil. This helps in even heating and prevents burning.

Step 5: Cover with a Lid

Place the lid securely on the popcorn maker. Ensure it fits tightly to keep the heat and steam inside. This is crucial for the kernels to pop properly.

Step 6: Start Popping

As the kernels heat up, you’ll start to hear them pop. Continue gently shaking or stirring the popcorn maker to prevent burning and ensure all kernels pop evenly. This process usually takes 2-4 minutes, but it may vary based on your stove’s heat and the popcorn maker’s size.

Step 7: Listen for the Popping to Slow Down

Once the popping slows down to around 2-3 seconds between pops, it’s a good indication that your popcorn is ready. However, it’s essential to trust your ears and not let it pop for too long, as this can lead to burnt popcorn.

Step 8: Remove from Heat

Turn off the stove and carefully remove the popcorn maker from the burner. Be cautious, as both the popcorn maker and the handle can be very hot.

Step 9: Season and Enjoy

While the popcorn is still hot, season it with your preferred toppings. You can add melted butter, salt, or your favorite seasonings. Gently toss the popcorn to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the freshly made stove top popcorn to a large bowl or individual serving containers. It’s now ready to be enjoyed as a delicious and customizable snack for your movie night, party, or casual get-together.

Remember to be cautious when handling the hot popcorn maker and enjoy your homemade stove top popcorn to the fullest!

Conclusion

There you have it! Our guide is the best stove top popcorn makers and picking one. We hope this guide has helped you narrow your choices and find the perfect popcorn maker for your needs.

Whether you are looking for something simple or something with all the bells and whistles, we are sure you will be able to find a great option from our list. Thanks for reading, and happy popcorn-making!