Best popcorn makers to buy for your next movie night

Best popcorn makers to buy at a glance

• Joint best all-round popcorn machine: Lakeland electric popcorn maker with bowl, £39.99
• Joint best all-round machine: Joe & Seph's The Popcorn Maker, £40
• Best compact popcorn maker: Sensio popcorn maker, £24.95
• Best for your countertop: Giles & Posner popcorn maker, £23.99
• Best eco popcorn machine: Progress electric popcorn maker, £19.99
• Best for serving more people: VonShef retro popcorn maker, £26.99
• Best microwaveable popcorn maker: Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine™ 2-piece popcorn maker set, £18
• Best for camping or fire-pit: Kikkerland Huckleberry popcorn maker, £18
• Best portable popcorn maker: Housewares collapsible popcorn popper, £11.99

Best popcorn makers to buy 2023

Lakeland Electric Popcorn Maker with Bowl

• Available from Lakeland (£39.99), Amazon (£39.99)

Joint best all-round popcorn machine

Pros:

• Easy to assemble & use
• Comes with measuring cup and bowl
• Attractive appearance
• Clear instruction booklet
• 1-year guarantee

Cons:

• Bowl creates larger footprint
• Cord positioned on one side so may limit where you choose to put it

Star rating: 5/5

This popcorn maker comes with a very attractive shiny finish in the traditional red. The set up and instructions were so simple, we had our first bowl of popcorn ready in just a few minutes. Popping time is stated as around 3 mins but we found it closer to 90 seconds. The top of the machine became very hot so it was necessary to use an oven glove to take it off in order to remove the bowl. The suggested time for cooling in between batches is 10 minutes. It was still slightly warm after this time. We did however do the second batch after the recommended time without issue. Only a few kernels remained unpopped which is to be expected and only a few popped kernels escaped at the end. All in all, this was a smooth process with negligible mess.

Product specifications

Level measuring cup 70g (and max capacity is 80g)
28.5 x 29 x 30.5cm. Cord 75cm. 1200W.
Materials: plastic with metal parts

Available from:
Lakeland (£39.99)
Amazon (£39.99)

Joe & Seph’s The Popcorn Maker

• Available from Joe & Seph's (£40), Robert Dyas (£39.99)

Joint best all-round popcorn machine

Pros:

• Easy to assemble & use
• Comes with measuring cup and bowl
• Attractive appearance
• Clear instruction booklet
• 1-year guarantee

Cons:

• Bowl creates larger footprint
• Cord positioned on one side so may limit where you choose to put it

Star rating: 5/5

This appears to be the same as the Lakeland product, the only difference being the colour and the instruction booklet. The Joe & Seph’s option is an attractive grey as opposed to the vibrant Lakeland red so it boils down to your kitchen aesthetic. The booklet included diagrams which was a nice touch for added clarity. In their instructions, they suggest leaving the product for 20 mins between popping which does allow for total cooling, although if you’re letting kids do this, remember the product does get hot where the air emerges from the top. This machine only comes with a 1-year guarantee.

Product specifications

Level measuring cup 70g (and max capacity is 80g)
28.5 x 29 x 30.5cm. Cord 75cm. 1200W.
Materials: plastic with metal parts

Available from:
Joe & Seph's (£40)
Robert Dyas (£39.99)

Sensio home popcorn maker

• Available from Amazon (£24.95), Sensio (£24.99)

Best compact popcorn maker

Pros:

• Easy to assemble & use
• Small footprint
• Measuring cup and recipes included
• Popping chamber visible without removing lid
• 2-year guarantee

Cons:

• On/off switch not labelled

Star rating: 4.5/5

Neat and attractive, this popcorn maker has a small footprint making it ideal to tuck away in the cupboard between uses. It doesn’t come with a bowl but that contributes to its storability. The Sensio can pop up to 80g of corn using a level measuring cup. We popped 60g in 1 min 45. The measuring cup doubles as the lid of the machine and because it’s made of clear plastic, it’s possible to view the popping chamber to see when the machine is done, although as with all machines if the popping stops it’s time to switch off even if there are a few kernels left.

The on/off switch isn’t marked, so it’s best to switch it off at the wall as well as the machine to ensure you haven’t left it on. This machine also gets hot at the top but because a bowl is not attached, there’s no need to touch it until it cools. It’s recommended to leave 10 minutes before making a second batch. There’s a visible seam on the front and back of product which slightly detracts visually. The recipes in the instruction booklet are a nice addition. We tried the rocky road popcorn boulders which were easy to make and a tasty treat.

Product specifications
Level measuring cup 80g (and max capacity is 80g)
13.5W x 22 x 31.5 cm approx. Cord approx 75cm. 1200W
Materials plastic with metal parts

Available from:
Amazon (£24.95)
Sensio (£24.99)

Giles & Posner popcorn maker

Best for your countertop

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Available in two pretty pastel colours, plus red
• Small footprint
• Attractive shape and style
• Generous cord length at 1m+
• Lightweight
• 2-year guarantee

Cons:

• Slightly smaller capacity
• More unpopped kernels
• Need to make sure the chute and machine are aligned

Star rating: 4/5

The size, shape and choice of colours make this an attractive addition to your kitchen counter. We especially loved the look of the mint green sorbet model. There were more unpopped kernels left behind than some of the other machines but it’s still effective and the price is good. A warning sticker recommending that the product be left for 10-12 minutes between uses was a bit tricky to remove, but didn’t leave a mark.

Included in the box is a quick-start guide which includes everything you need to know. Less can definitely be more and further info is available online should you need it. The measuring cup doubles as a lid and holds 60g of kernels, still enough for two, but less generously than some machines. You need to ensure the chute is aligned, otherwise popcorn flies out onto the counter.

Product specifications
Level measuring cup 60g (and max capacity is 60g)
17 x 16 x 31 cm approx. 1m+ flex. 1200W
Materials: Plastic with metal parts

Progress electric popcorn maker

Best eco popcorn machine

Pros:

• Easy to assemble and use
• Lightweight
• Small footprint
• ‘Buy me and plant a tree’ eco initiative
• Packaging totally recyclable
• Measuring cup
• 3-year guarantee

Cons:

• More unpopped kernels
• Chute is lower than some of the others

Star rating: 4.5/5

This one had the least packaging and when you buy the product, they plant a tree too. The instructions are minimal but clear, with further information and some recipes available online.

You need to ensure you have a bowl that fits underneath the lip of the chute to avoid flying popcorn. There was also more unpopped corn than the Lakeland and Sensio machines. However, we loved the size of this popcorn maker, ideal for a small kitchen and the price is good, too. We’ve added points for the brand’s environmental considerations.

Product specifications
Level measuring cup 70g (max capacity 70g)
Materials: Plastic with metal parts
15.5 x 15.5 x 28.5 cm approx. Cord 76 cm approx. 1200W

VonShef retro popcorn machine

• Available from VonHaus (£29.99), Amazon (£29.99)

Best for serving more people

Pros:

• Measuring cup
• Six cardboard popcorn holders
• Larger capacity – 160g kernels

Cons:

• Flying popcorn
• Need a big bowl for large quantities
• More unpopped corn

Star rating: 4.5/5

This is the best option for a movie night with friends or family as you can pop a generous amount for four people in one go. There was a bit of flying popcorn as the bowl fills up and you will need a very big bowl if you plan to pop for four. There’s a lid that doubles as the measuring cup but it’s shallow so not quite as convenient as a scoop.

The instruction booklet offers a number of languages and is straightforward, with diagrams. This machine had the most unpopped corn at the end and flying popcorn but this is partly due to its bigger capacity.

Product specifications
Level measuring cup 160g (max capacity)
29cm x17cm x 15cm approx. Cord 77cm approx. 1200W
Materials: Plastic with metal parts

Available from:
VonHaus (£29.99)
Amazon (£29.99)

Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine™ two-piece orange popcorn maker set

• Available from Amazon (£18), Joseph Joseph (£18)

Best microwaveable popcorn maker

Pros

• No assembly and no mess
• Cup and measurer integrated
• Attractive appearance
• Clear instructions
• Small footprint
• Minimal packaging
• Great for one or two people

Cons

• Not suitable for groups

Star rating: 5/5

Joseph Joseph is synonymous with design-meets-functionality, and its microwave pop maker set is no exception. With minimal packaging and a slick design, you simply pour in enough kernels to meet the raised circle in the centre of the cup (40g), close the flaps and microwave for 1-3 mins.

We set the timer on full power for 2 mins, and the lid popped up just before (apparently indicating completion, but we went a bit longer). Inside, there was perfectly popped corn with few remaining kernels. Even with the flaps open and still popping, it didn’t create a mess. There are two cups, each enough for one person. For ease, style and speed, we’d definitely recommend this product.

Available from:
Amazon (£18)
Joseph Joseph (£18)

Kikkerland Huckleberry popcorn maker

• Available from A Place For Everything (£18), Amazon (£25)

Best for camping or fire-pit

Pros:

• Portable
• No need to wait between uses
• Recyclable/sustainable materials
• Minimal packaging

Cons

• Wooden knob on top vulnerable to burning and metal discolours
• Small capacity

Star rating: 4/5

This diminutive little popcorn maker packs a surprising punch. It recommends using 2 tbsp (around 20g) of kernels, although we found using half of that (1 tsbp), plus half the recommended oil filled the chamber to maximum once popped with no remaining kernels and no burned corn. Using the full amount didn’t allow us to pop all the corn and there was some burning.

In effect it makes one small portion of popcorn but out of all the popcorn machines the results had the fullest, most interesting flavour and the best crunch.

Without trying this, you might think this is a novelty item but it works so well and is fun to use. When enjoying an evening over an open fire outside, you can take it in turns to reload the chamber and there’s no need to wait between uses.

It’s easy to fit in a rucksack if you want to take it with you on a camping trip. You need to find a suitable stick for the handle which you can screw the chamber onto. You’ll also need an oven glove or stick to flick off the top to access the popcorn.

Product specifications
Max capacity 20g (2 tbsp)
19cm x 10.5cm x 9cm cm approx
Materials: Metal with wood

Available from:
A Place For Everything (£18)
Amazon (£25)

Housewares collapsible popcorn popper

• Available from Amazon (£11.99)

Best portable popcorn maker

Pros:

• Efficient
• BPA-free
• No mess or flying popcorn
• The maker is a bowl
• Collapsible so very space-saving
• Lifetime warranty
• Cheap

Cons:

• It may be BPA-free but heating plastic is not ideal
• Remaining kernels

Star rating: 4.5/5

This is the easiest of all the popcorn makers. Simply pour a third of a cup of popcorn into the machine with a teaspoon of salt, put on the lid and microwave on full power for 3 mins, turning it off earlier if the popping stops. You can add oil if you like but you don’t need to (we didn’t) and just like that you’ve got freshly popped corn in the bowl. Care needs to be taken when removing the lid due to steam.

This popcorn maker didn’t leave the most kernels but there were more than the Lakeland, Joe & Seph’s and Sensio Home.

The collapsible bowl is ideal for space-saving and if you keep the box it comes in, you could easily stand it on its side, leaving a tiny footprint in your cupboard.

The instructions are on the box and there’s no extra packaging apart from the box in which the product sits snugly. Of course, if you order it off Amazon, it will come in a bigger box as well.

Product specifications
Max capacity: 80g
21 x21 x7cm, collapses to 5cm height
Materials: BPA-free and PVC-free silicone

Available from:
Amazon (£11.99)

What are the benefits of a popcorn maker?

• Using a popcorn machine instead of a saucepan delivers ease, efficiency and creates next-to-no mess
• The average machine takes under 3 minutes, most take half of that time
• Once you’ve added the kernels, simply flick the switch and wait for the popping to stop
• The majority of popcorn makers don’t require oil, making them easy to clean. Wipe out the chamber and wash any detachable parts in warm, soapy water
• Making your own popcorn rather than buying it ready-made is better for the environment, as many shop-bought popcorn brands don’t yet recycle their packaging
• Many brands of ready-made popcorn contain artificial ingredients you would never have or use at home. As long as you go easy on your choice of flavouring, it’s bound to be a healthier option than anything that comes in a packet. Furthermore, most popcorn makers don’t need oil
• Corn kernels are cheap and a small quantity goes a long way

What to look for in a popcorn maker

You may make popcorn a couple of times a week at most so it’s well worth checking the dimensions to work out how you’ll store your machine in between uses. A maker with a bowl will generally take up more room than one without. However, if you do buy one with a bowl, you’ll have the perfect sized vessel for containing the popping corn and something to serve it in, all rolled into one.

You’ll need to decide if you want an electric or microwave popcorn maker. For microwave popcorn, you could theoretically just use a plastic bowl with a cover instead of a dedicated popcorn maker, but the product we chose to feature is collapsible and well designed for the purpose.

How to use a popcorn maker

To make enough popcorn for two people you’ll need 60-80g of kernels. For electric popcorn makers, you simply add the stated measurement of kernels to the chamber. Turn on the machine and run for the recommended time (around 3 mins).

If the popping stops beforehand, turn off the device at this point. The instruction booklets tell you how long to leave your popcorn maker before the next use, usually around 10 minutes. Microwave popcorn makers generally comprise a plastic bowl and lid which again you run for the recommended time. Neither electric nor microwave popcorn makers tend to require oil.

Once you’ve made your corn, that’s the time to add your flavourings. A drizzle of melted butter and salt is an easy addition. You always add this to your serving bowl, not to the chamber you’re cooking the corn in, unless otherwise stated.

We've got plenty of popcorn recipes to get you started, including brown sugar and cinnamon-glazed popcorn, spiced chilli popcorn and rosemary, garlic & chilli popcorn. If you can resist eating it all straight away, you can also get creative with your popcorn – try our almond, raisin and popcorn trail mix, add it to rocky road or use it as a garnish in this restaurant-quality panna cotta and popcorn dessert.

How we tested popcorn makers

We put all the popcorn makers to the test by cooking 60g of kernels, unless this was beyond or significantly under the capacity. We repeated this after the recommended cooling period.

We also tested the popcorn makers against the following criteria:

Ease of use: Popcorn makers tend to be very simple to assemble and use. We ensured those we chose ticked these boxes and that the instruction booklet included simple at-a-glance instructions for set up, usage and cleaning.

Efficiency: We timed how long it took to pop the corn, measured how many kernels were left and how much popcorn ended up on the kitchen counter.

Ease of storage: We looked for popcorn makers that didn’t take up unnecessary space. There was greater leeway for makers that included a bowl.

Safety: The top of popcorn makers tend to get hot so we noted whether handling hot parts to access your just-cooked corn was required and have flagged this.

Sustainability: In general, most popcorn makers aren’t hugely sustainable so we only chose products that seemed they would stand the test of time. Extra points were given to recyclable materials. We looked at product packaging too.

Features: Any added bonuses – like parts with dual uses or an eco initiatives were taken into account.

For more information about how we test other products and food, head over to our How We Test page.

Popcorn recipes

Cinnamon-sugar popcorn recipe
Sweet & spicy popcorn recipe
Almond, raisin & popcorn trail mix recipe
Sweet popcorn recipe
Toffee popcorn recipe

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If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.