10 Best Popcorn Poppers 2025 in the United States

The Pop Heaven popcorn machine by Great Northern Popcorn is a solid choice if you're looking for a reliable countertop popcorn maker with a large capacity. It can handle up to 5 gallons (about 80 cups) of popcorn at once, making it ideal for parties, events, or even regular movie nights with family and friends. The 12-ounce stainless-steel kettle with a built-in stirrer helps pop kernels evenly and reduces burning. A handy reject kernel tray collects un-popped kernels, which is a thoughtful feature for less waste and safer serving. The machine includes a warming light and heated deck to keep your popcorn fresh and warm after popping. It’s powered by a strong 1440-watt motor, so your popcorn is ready in just a few minutes, which is quick for a machine of this size.

On the cleaning side, it’s fairly easy to maintain—just a wipe down inside with a damp cloth is needed since the kettle and parts are designed for convenience. However, the machine is quite large and heavy (over 40 pounds), so it might not be the best choice if you want something compact or easy to move around frequently. Also, it doesn’t have a fully removable kettle for deep cleaning, which some users might find limiting. The package comes with useful accessories like measuring tools, popcorn bags, and buckets, which adds value.

This popcorn popper is well suited for anyone who hosts gatherings or wants a classic, theater-style popcorn experience at home. It is sturdy, effective, and packed with features for keeping popcorn fresh and tasty. If you need a smaller or more portable machine, you might want to explore other options, but for sheer volume and traditional style, this one performs well.

The Matinee Popcorn Machine by Great Northern Popcorn is a solid choice if you're looking for a classic-style popcorn popper that can handle small to medium-sized gatherings. It has an 8-ounce kettle capacity, which lets you pop about 3 gallons of popcorn per batch—enough for a family movie night or a small party. One of its strengths is the built-in kettle stirrer that helps pop kernels evenly and the warming light that keeps popcorn fresh and warm after popping. The reject kernel tray is handy, as it collects un-popped kernels, so you won’t get many hard bits mixed in.

The machine’s compact countertop design with tempered glass and stainless steel looks charming and is sturdy enough for regular use. Cleaning is fairly simple since you just need to wipe the inside with a damp cloth, though the parts are not dishwasher safe, which may require a bit more care. The popping process is quick, usually taking just a few minutes thanks to the powerful 850-watt kettle. It also comes with useful accessories like measuring cups, popcorn bags, and buckets, which adds good value.

Weighing over 30 pounds, the machine is best suited for a permanent spot rather than moving around frequently. While it’s easy to operate with three separate switches controlling the kettle, stirrer, and warmer, beginners might need a moment to get comfortable with the controls. This dependable and attractive popcorn popper offers good capacity and convenience, making it ideal for home movie nights or casual entertaining, although it requires some care in cleaning and handling due to its weight and design.

The Nostalgia Popcorn Maker Machine stands out for its vintage design and impressive capacity, making it a great choice for movie nights or gatherings. With a kettle that holds 8 ounces of kernels, it can produce up to 32 cups of popcorn in one go, ensuring that you have enough for everyone. The built-in kernel stirring system is a nice touch, as it helps to pop the kernels evenly, enhancing the quality of the popcorn.

Cleaning is simplified as the kettle is removable, and it features a dual-hinged lid which facilitates easy emptying of the popcorn. The tempered safety glass windows add an extra layer of security, resisting breakage and scratches, which is reassuring for families.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. This machine is manually operated, which might not be ideal for those looking for a more automated experience. Additionally, the vintage design, while charming, may not align with everyone's kitchen aesthetic. The manual operation could require a learning curve for some users who are not familiar with popcorn machines.

For those who enjoy the nostalgia of movie theater popcorn and want to create a fun experience at home, this machine is a solid choice. It pairs well with various Nostalgia popcorn kits and supplies, making it easy to customize your popcorn experience. If you're looking for convenience and advanced features, you might want to explore other options.