How to find the right popcorn popper

Popcorn is a wholesome American past time that the whole family can enjoy and is also the traditional snack at movie theaters and cinemas across the country. All ages can come together to enjoy popcorn. Whether you are cooking with oil, going electric or using hot air, it’s easy to create perfectly popped kernels of delicious popcorn for any family gathering or event, large or small. Simply familiarize yourself with the product options, styles and colors and choose whichever popcorn popper would best serve your needs and decor.

Commercial oil popcorn poppers

Commercial popcorn poppers from manufacturers like Gold Medal to Paragon are intended for industrial usage such as movie theaters and event halls. There are over 80 brands of product lines available. Most of these products cook kernels using oils such as peanut or corn oils, popping more flavor-filled popcorn. Commercial popcorn poppers are usually priced at high-end price points and include warranties for the life of the popper.

Some Commercial Popcorn Poppers

Personal-use popcorn poppers

Home popcorn poppers include a great variety of products perfect for a home kitchen. Hot air poppers and electric poppers are the most common for home use, but it can be fun to purchase a concession-style popcorn popper to complete a home theater entertainment room.

Some Home Popcorn Poppers

Hot air popcorn poppers

If you want heart-healthy popcorn for home or commercial usage,  a hot air popcorn popper is your best bet. There are over 55 hot air popcorn brand-name product lines out there, including Presto, Helman Group, and Toastmaster. The magic of hot air often means cooking oils are not needed, a great option for consumers who are health-conscious.  Inform yourself on the cooking process for the product before you purchase it, dependent on your health needs. If you choose a hot air popper that does not require oil for popping, remember that adding butter or spices to hot air popcorn may add flavor (as well as calories).

Hot Air Poppers

Electric popcorn poppers

Waring exclusively offers electric popcorn poppers, so if you’re leaning in this direction, the brand is a good bet. Consumers can choose poppers that make larger quantities of popcorn and range in price from $80-$100 for the Waring WPM25 which cooks 8 cups, to the Waring WPM40 which cooks up to 9.5 cups of popcorn at a price point of $199.00. Different price points relate to varying electrical wattage use for these products.  The product directions may recommend a power strip for insured safety and efficiency. Always be sure to review the wattage needed for the function of these machines and insure that your home or facility has the capacity to handle that electrical usage.

Electric Popcorn Poppers

How much should I spend on a popcorn popper?

How much you choose to spend on a popcorn popper really relates to your intended usage. Popcorn makers range in price from well under $100 to over $3100, depending on the consumer’s popcorn needs. Don’t forget to splurge on a variety of tasty, heart healthy seasonings, which can spice up or sweeten any popcorn bowl. Your favorite popcorn products offer a wide variety of flavors and seasonings to liven up those tasty delicious kernels from, caramel to Movie-style butter popcorn seasonings! Good luck!