A hot-air popcorn maker gives you the freedom to make your desired amount of popcorn every time. Popcorn bags can create too little or too much popcorn for the number of people you’re serving, and they’re not the healthiest option. All you have to do is pour in the kernels, and then the hot air will pop them, providing a result that is healthier than oil-popped or bagged versions. Here’s a list we gathered of our favorite hot-air popcorn makers.
Presto PopLite hot air popper
Super-simple popper with a small footprint
You can slide this slim popper into your crowded cabinets.
Pros:
- Doesn’t take much space
- Cord storage
- Fast
Cons:
- Colors don’t suit many kitchens
Set your bowl in front of this white and bright yellow hot-air popcorn maker so the freshly popped kernels will fall right in. You can cook up to 18 cups in two and a half minutes, which is much faster than microwave options. The butter scoop for measuring kernels sits on the top and can be used for melting butter or heating flavored oils.
DASH hot air popper popcorn maker
Easy setup and cleanup
Adorable color matches other Dash kitchen products.
Pros:
- Simple operation
- Some dishwasher safe parts
Cons:
- Angle of chute may require tall bowl
Ever wanted to make fresh s'mores popcorn at home? Add your kernels to this Dash hot-air popper, and then tap the power button toggle. You can have 16 cups at a time and warm your chocolate sauce at the top while waiting for freshly-popped kernels.
Hamilton Beach electric hot air popcorn popper
Makes 18 cups of popcorn
Generous servings for big movie nights.
Pros:
- Makes large quantities
- Pops into bowl
Cons:
- No button controls
Making popcorn with this Hamilton Beach popper is easy and fast. Plug in the unit, take off the top spout to pour your kernels in, and you’ll be snacking in no time. There is no power button on this model, so when you’re finished, remember to unplug it.
Orville Redenbacher's fountain hot air popper by Presto
A popcorn maker you’ll want to watch
Gather around to see popcorn flow from the top.
Pros:
- Highest capacity
- Unique design
- Melts butter onto popcorn
Cons:
- Awkward to flip popcorn into bowl
As the kernels puff up, they fly from the top of the center column and collect in the clear dome. You can place a pat of butter up top to melt onto the kernels as they pop, so only a little mixing is needed when finished. Once your kernels are done, place the cap on the dome, and flip it over to serve the popcorn.
Nostalgia retro series hot air popcorn maker
Old-timey design with simple power switch
Small chute keeps countertops mess-free.
Pros:
- Bright red with chrome trim
- Rotating heat element
Cons:
- Pops smallest amount of kernels
Lift the top off this hot-air popcorn maker to measure kernels for popping. Pour them in, put the cap back on the unit and then turn the power on. A rotating center heating element makes sure less kernels are left behind. The small chute keeps kernels from missing your bowl as they pop.
Pop pop pop
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Why settle for bags for pre-packaged popcorn when it’s much more economical to buy jars of kernels and pop them in a hot-air popcorn maker. Our favorite model for this snack is the Presto PopLite hot air popper. It’s got a small footprint, comes in a fun yellow trim, and does a good job of not leaving any kernels behind. We also like how the scoop up top can be removed for measuring kernels and then be used for melting butter topping.
If you want popcorn-making to be more of a performance on your kitchen counter, consider the Orville Redenbacher's fountain hot air popper by Presto. Kernels rise up from the center as they pop and land in the clear serving bowl. We think kids and adults will love watching this popcorn maker during movie or game night.