Microwave popcorn is one of the easiest and most convenient snacks around, but store-bought bags can be expensive and often contain unhealthy additives. That’s where microwave popcorn poppers come in.
These handy kitchen gadgets allow you to make your own delicious popcorn at home using just a few simple ingredients. But with so many different types of microwave popcorn poppers on the market, how do you know which one to choose?
In this round-up review, we’ll take a look at some of the best microwave popcorn poppers available, comparing their features, ease of use, and overall performance to help you find the perfect popper for your needs. Whether you’re a movie buff looking for a healthier snack option or just someone who loves the taste of fresh popcorn, we’ve got you covered.
Our Top Picks for The Best Microwave Popcorn Popper
- Top Pick: Ecolution EKPCM-0025 Micro-Pop Popper
- Runner Up: The Original Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper
- The Original Hotpop Microwave Popcorn Popper
- OXO Good Grips Microwave Popcorn Popper
- Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper
1. Ecolution EKPCM-0025 Micro-Pop Popper
After thorough research and testing, the Ecolution EKPCM-0025 Micro-Pop Popper is our top pick for the best microwave popcorn popper. This innovative popper makes it quick and easy to enjoy delicious and healthy popcorn in just three minutes.
One of the standout features of the Ecolution Micro-Pop Popper is its high-quality and durable design. Made with heat-resistant borosilicate glass, this popper is built to last. Its unique design also ensures that hot air is evenly spread, preventing accidental burning or unpopped kernels.
Another major benefit of the Ecolution Micro-Pop Popper is that it is a healthy alternative to packaged popcorn bags. With no oil or butter required, it is an affordable and healthy snack option. The 3-in-1 lid, which includes a cover, measuring tool, and butter melting feature, allows for easy melting and adding of butter while the popcorn is popping.
The wide mouth design of the Ecolution Micro-Pop Popper makes preparation and sharing easy and fits in 99% of home microwaves. Plus, for hassle-free cleaning, the popcorn maker is 100% dishwasher safe.
One thing to keep in mind when using this popper is that it is designed to make popcorn crispy, so it is important to watch it carefully to avoid burning the popcorn.
Pros:
- Quick and easy popcorn making in just 3 minutes
- Made with durable and heat-resistant borosilicate glass
- Unique design spreads hot air evenly to prevent burning or unpopped kernels
- Healthy alternative to packaged popcorn with no oil or butter required
- 3-in-1 lid with cover, measuring tool, and butter melting feature
- Wide mouth design for easy preparation and sharing
- Fits in 99% of home microwaves
- 100% dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleaning
- Designed to make popcorn crispy
Cons:
- Popcorn can burn quickly if not watched carefully during the popping process.
2. Runner Up: The Original Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper
The Original Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper is our runner up for the best microwave popcorn popper. This popper is available in a wide range of colors, allowing you to find your favorite one. Its collapsible design makes it easy to store in small spaces, making it ideal for RVs and college dorm rooms.
The Salbree popcorn popper features convenient handles that make it easy to remove the popcorn maker from the microwave. However, it’s important to be cautious when handling hot products. The popcorn maker is easy to use, clean, and store, made from virtually indestructible silicone. It’s also dishwasher safe for convenient cleaning.
Using the Salbree popcorn popper is a cost-effective way to enjoy popcorn at home, as it saves money compared to purchasing bagged popcorn. It also helps reduce waste and save the earth from unwanted trash.
One thing to note is that since no oils are used in the popping process, some users may find the popcorn to be dry. Oil is known to add moisture and flavor to popcorn, so this may be a drawback for some users.
Pros:
- Available in a wide range of colors to choose from
- Collapsible design makes it easy to store in small drawers
- Built-in handles make it easy to remove the popcorn maker from the microwave
- Easy to use, clean, and store, made from virtually indestructible silicone
- Dishwasher safe for convenient cleaning
- Cost-effective compared to purchasing bagged popcorn
- Helps reduce waste and save the earth from unwanted trash
Cons:
- Popcorn may be dry since no oils are used in the popping process
3. The Original Hotpop Microwave Popcorn Popper
The Original Hotpop Microwave Popcorn Popper is a great option for anyone looking for a safe and healthy alternative to traditional microwave popcorn bags. Made of heat-resistant, non-breakable, food-grade silicone, this popper is both kid and family-friendly. Its unique design ensures that heat is evenly spread for delicious popcorn with very few, if any, unpopped kernels.
The Hotpop Microwave Popcorn Popper holds up to 15 cups of popcorn and can be used with oil, salt, and flavorings according to taste. It is highly durable, BPA-free, and PVC-free, making it a safe and healthy choice for popcorn lovers.
The collapsible design of the Hotpop Microwave Popcorn Popper makes it easy to store in small spaces. With a height of just 2.2 inches, it can easily fit in a drawer or cupboard. It is also dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
One potential downside of the Hotpop Microwave Popcorn Popper is that it can get very hot to handle without gloves or potholders.
Pros:
- Made of heat-resistant, non-breakable, food-grade silicone that is kid and family-friendly
- Uniquely designed to spread heat evenly for delicious popcorn with few, if any, unpopped kernels
- Holds up to 15 cups of popcorn and can be used with oil, salt, and flavorings
- Highly durable, BPA-free, and PVC-free for a safe and healthy alternative to traditional microwave popcorn bags
- Collapsible design for easy and compact storage
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
- Comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- Can get very hot to handle without gloves or potholders
4. OXO Good Grips Microwave Popcorn Popper
The OXO Good Grips Microwave Popcorn Popper is another great option for anyone looking for quick and easy homemade popcorn without the use of oil. The stay-cool handles feature a honeycomb pattern to dissipate heat, keeping hands protected while shaking ingredients.
The multi-function lid of the OXO Good Grips Microwave Popcorn Popper can be used as a serving bowl and secures closed for shaking ingredients. Measurement markings show how high to fill the base with kernels for convenience, and the angled walls help promote even popping.
The base and bowl of the OXO Good Grips Microwave Popcorn Popper nest for compact storage, making it easy to store in small spaces. The OXO Better Guarantee offers repair or replacement for any issues experienced with the product, giving customers peace of mind.
One potential downside of the OXO Good Grips Microwave Popcorn Popper is that the popping process creates lots of steam inside the dome, which can result in a layer of wet and soggy popcorn.
Pros:
- Quick and easy homemade popcorn without the use of oil
- Stay-cool handles with a honeycomb pattern to dissipate heat, keeping hands protected while shaking ingredients
- Multi-function lid can be used as a serving bowl and secures closed for shaking ingredients
- Measurement markings show how high to fill the base with kernels for convenience
- Angled walls help promote even popping
- Base and bowl nest for compact storage
- OXO Better Guarantee offers repair or replacement for any issues experienced with the product
Cons:
- Popping process can create lots of steam inside the dome, which may result in some of the popcorn becoming wet and soggy.
5. Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper
Last on our list of the best microwave popcorn poppers is the Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper. This affordable option is made in the USA with microwave safe plastic that is also dishwasher safe. Its square shape features a secure base for easy placement on a table, and it can hold up to 12 cups of popped popcorn.
In addition to being a popcorn popper, the Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper doubles as a serving bowl, making it a versatile choice for any movie night or snack time. The sturdy base also adds to its durability and longevity.
One potential downside of the Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper is that it may be bulky and not collapsible, making it difficult to store in smaller spaces. However, its durable construction and affordable price point make it a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and cost-effective microwave popcorn popper.
Pros:
- An affordable option made in the USA with microwave safe plastic that is also dishwasher safe.
- The square shape has a secure base for easy placement on a table.
- Holds up to 12 cups of popped popcorn.
- Doubles as a serving bowl.
- Sturdy base for durability.
Cons:
- The product may be bulky and not collapsible, making it difficult to store in smaller spaces.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Microwave Popcorn Popper
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make delicious and healthy popcorn at home, a microwave popcorn popper is the perfect solution. But with so many different types and brands of popcorn poppers on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll cover some of the most important factors to consider when choosing the best microwave popcorn popper for your needs.
Material
When it comes to microwave popcorn poppers, there are two main types of materials: silicone and glass. Silicone is lightweight and flexible, making it easy to store and handle. Glass, on the other hand, is more durable and heat-resistant, which means it is less likely to break or warp over time. Consider which material is most important to you based on your preferences and how often you plan to use the popper.
Capacity
The size of the popcorn popper you choose will depend on how much popcorn you want to make at once. If you’re only making popcorn for yourself or a small group, a popper with a smaller capacity may be sufficient. If you’re planning to make popcorn for a larger group, you’ll want to choose a popper with a larger capacity to accommodate everyone.
Design
The design of the popcorn popper can also be an important factor to consider. Some poppers are designed to be collapsible or stackable, making them easy to store in small spaces. Others may have unique features like built-in butter melters or measuring cups to make the popcorn-making process even easier.
Ease of Use
The best microwave popcorn poppers should be easy to use and require minimal effort. Look for poppers that are simple to assemble, easy to clean, and don’t require any special tools or accessories to use.
Price
Microwave popcorn poppers can range in price from very affordable to quite expensive. Consider how often you plan to use the popper and how important the features are to you when deciding on a budget.
By considering these factors when choosing a microwave popcorn popper, you’ll be able to find the perfect popper for your needs and enjoy delicious, healthy popcorn whenever you want it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you’re looking for a healthy snack alternative or just want to enjoy movie theater-quality popcorn at home, a microwave popcorn popper is an excellent investment.
Our top pick, the Ecolution EKPCM-0025 Micro-Pop Popper, offers quick and easy popcorn making with its high-quality and durable design, healthy alternative to packaged popcorn bags, 3-in-1 lid, wide mouth design, and dishwasher-safe features.
However, our runner-up, The Original Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper, is also an excellent choice with its cost-effective, convenient, and easy-to-store features. The Original Hotpop Microwave Popcorn Popper, OXO Good Grips Microwave Popcorn Popper, and Nordic Ware
Microwave Popcorn Popper are also great options to consider, each with its own set of benefits and potential drawbacks. With so many great choices, you’re sure to find the perfect microwave popcorn popper to suit your needs and preferences.
V. FAQ
Here are some common questions and concerns about using microwave popcorn poppers:
1. Can all types of popcorn be used in microwave popcorn poppers?
Most microwave popcorn poppers are designed to work with all types of popcorn kernels. However, it’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that you’re using the correct amount of kernels and that they’re being cooked at the right temperature.
2. Are microwave popcorn poppers safe to use?
Yes, most microwave popcorn poppers are safe to use as long as they’re used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. However, it’s important to be cautious when handling hot popcorn poppers and to use potholders or gloves to avoid burns.
3. How do I clean my microwave popcorn popper?
Most microwave popcorn poppers are dishwasher safe, making them easy to clean. However, if you don’t have a dishwasher, you can simply rinse the popper with warm soapy water and dry it with a towel.
4. Can I add oil or butter to my popcorn popper?
Many microwave popcorn poppers are designed to be used without oil or butter, making them a healthier alternative to traditional microwave popcorn bags. However, some poppers do allow you to add oil or butter to your popcorn, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and not add too much oil or butter, as this can cause the popcorn to burn.
5. Why are some of my popcorn kernels not popping?
If some of your popcorn kernels are not popping, it could be because they’re not fresh or they’re not being cooked at the right temperature. It’s important to use fresh popcorn kernels and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking time and temperature to ensure that all of your kernels pop.
