Popcorn is a beloved and versatile snack enjoyed by people across the UK. A popular choice for movie nights, get-togethers, or a simple treat, it’s no wonder that many people are opting to make their own popcorn at home. To get that perfect popped kernel with ease and efficiency, a dependable popcorn maker is essential.
Popcorn makers come in various shapes, sizes, and types, including the traditional stove-top, electric hot air, and microwave options. Each has its advantages, and the right popcorn maker for you will depend on factors such as convenience, capacity, and personal taste preferences. Choosing a high-quality popcorn maker can offer excellent results and save you from the disappointment of unpopped kernels or burnt popcorn.
Runner-Up
Honourable Mention
When selecting the ideal popcorn maker, it’s essential to consider factors such as the method of popping (air or oil), ease of use, capacity, and cleaning convenience. The best popcorn makers provide consistent results while ensuring your snack is perfectly cooked and seasoned. Whether you prefer a classic buttery flavour or want to experiment with different spices and toppings, having the suitable popcorn maker will make all the difference.
With so many options available on the market, we have compiled a list of the top popcorn makers available in the UK to help you find the one that meets your specific needs. We’ve spent countless hours researching and testing products to ensure that the popcorn makers on our list offer both efficiency and quality for an enjoyable snacking experience. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect popcorn maker for your home!
Top 10 Best Popcorn Makers
| Popcorn Maker | Power | Capacity | Cooking Method | Ease of Use and Cleaning | Design and Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VonShef Retro Popcorn Maker | 1200W | N/A | Hot air circulation | Lid serving scoop | Retro red design |
| Salter Electric Popcorn Maker | 1200W | 10 cups | Hot air circulation | Non-slip feet | Grey plastic material |
| Giles & Posner Sorbet Pastel Popcorn Maker | 1200W | 1 cup | Hot air circulation | Non-slip feet | Blue plastic material |
| Cozeemax Popcorn Maker | 1200W | N/A | Hot air circulation | One-button operation | Red design |
1. VonShef Retro Popcorn Maker
The VonShef Retro Popcorn Maker is perfect for movie nights and brings the cinema experience home with its bold red design and easy-to-use features.
Top pick
Overall, the VonShef Retro Popcorn Maker is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, particularly for movie lovers and those who appreciate a fun and practical kitchen gadget. While it does have a few manageable drawbacks, they are outweighed by its ease of use, retro charm, and the added benefit of enjoying healthy, oil-free popcorn. With the VonShef Retro Popcorn Maker, you can elevate your movie nights and indulge in a delightful snack with a touch of nostalgia.
Our score: 4.5/5
Having personally used the VonShef Retro Popcorn Maker, I can confidently say that it is the perfect addition to any kitchen for those seeking to enjoy movie nights in the comfort of their own home. With its bold red design and user-friendly features, it brings the authentic cinema experience right to your fingertips.
The VonShef Retro Popcorn Maker is incredibly easy to use, making it a hassle-free way to enjoy delicious popcorn. All you need to do is add the kernels, and its hot air circulation system takes care of the rest, creating a healthy and oil-free snack. One feature that I particularly appreciate is the lid, which conveniently doubles as a serving scoop. To enhance the movie experience, the popcorn maker even comes with six cinema-style boxes, adding an extra touch of authenticity to your at-home cinema nights.
While the VonShef popcorn maker brings plenty of charm and enjoyment, it’s important to be aware of a few downsides. Occasionally, it may spit out unpopped kernels or spray popcorn around due to the air circulation. This can be managed by creating a makeshift barrier or simply standing a bit further away from the machine while it’s in operation. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the top of the appliance can become quite hot, so caution is advised when handling it.
The VonShef Retro Popcorn Maker stands out among the other products for several reasons. Firstly, its hot air circulation system allows for healthy snacking without the need for butter or oil, resulting in delicious fat-free popcorn. This makes it an ideal choice for calorie-conscious individuals or those seeking a healthier option.
Additionally, the VonShef Retro Popcorn Maker offers a unique retro red design that adds a touch of vintage charm to any kitchen countertop. Its lid serving scoop simplifies the serving process, and the inclusion of cinema-style boxes enhances the cinema experience at home. Furthermore, the VonShef brand provides a minimum 2-year warranty, ensuring customers have peace of mind and can rely on the product’s durability.
Overall, with its combination of healthy snacking, retro design, convenient serving, and warranty coverage, the VonShef Retro Popcorn Maker emerges as the best choice among these options.
Based on the user reviews, there is some additional information reported by the users that is not already stated by the manufacturer.
One user mentioned that the VonShef Retro Popcorn Maker has an overheat cut-out feature that shuts down the machine when it gets too hot. This information was not explicitly mentioned by the manufacturer but is valuable for users to know about the safety feature.
Another user mentioned that the popcorn maker tends to throw out a significant number of unpopped kernels during operation. While the user found it time-consuming to pick them out and put them back in, this feedback provides insight into potential popcorn waste and the need for additional precautions when using the machine.
A few users expressed concerns about the device heating up, with one user specifically mentioning a smell of burned plastic during usage. They also noted that the plastic body of the popcorn maker gets extremely hot, raising safety concerns. This information regarding the device’s heating and safety aspects is not provided by the manufacturer and can be important for users, particularly those with young children.
Lastly, one user mentioned that the product did not include the corn illustrated in the product image, causing disappointment to the birthday recipient. This highlights a discrepancy between the product description and the actual contents received, which may be important to potential buyers.
Overall, these user reviews provide additional insights into the VonShef Retro Popcorn Maker, including information about safety features, popcorn waste, device heating, and product packaging.
The Good:
The Not So Good:
2. Salter Electric Popcorn Maker
The Salter Electric Popcorn Maker is a reliable choice for those seeking a healthier and convenient way to make popcorn at home.
Overall, the Salter Electric Popcorn Maker is a reliable choice for those seeking a healthier and easier way to make popcorn at home. With its user-friendly features and low-calorie preparation, it provides a guilt-free snacking option for movie nights or social gatherings. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the Salter Electric Popcorn Maker is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, ensuring that you can enjoy delicious popcorn in no time.
Our score: 4.5
Based on my first-hand experience with the Salter Electric Popcorn Maker, I can assure you that it is a trustworthy option for those looking to make popcorn at home in a healthier and more convenient manner.
The Salter Electric Popcorn Maker offers a fun and efficient solution for quickly making popcorn at home. With its user-friendly on/off switch, even the youngest members of the family can easily participate in the popcorn-making process. The best part is that you can enjoy guilt-free snacking, as each cup of popcorn contains just 30 calories, and no oil is required for preparation. It truly provides a healthier alternative for your movie nights and social gatherings.
This popcorn machine packs a punch with its 1200 watts of power, allowing you to enjoy a delicious batch of popcorn in as little as three minutes. The integrated measuring cup ensures that you add the perfect amount of kernels for each batch, resulting in consistently delightful popcorn. The non-slip feet and spout further enhance the safety and mess-free nature of the device, providing a worry-free popcorn-making experience.
However, it’s worth noting a few drawbacks of the Salter Electric Popcorn Maker. During operation, the device can be a bit loud, which might not make it suitable for late-night snacking or situations where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Additionally, some users have reported the presence of a few unpopped kernels after the popping process, and the taste of the popcorn might differ slightly from the traditional oil-popped popcorn that you may be accustomed to. Nevertheless, the Salter Electric Popcorn Maker remains a great option for individuals looking to enjoy a healthier and more convenient snack right in their own home.
Compared with the VonShef Retro Popcorn Maker, the Salter Electric Popcorn Maker offers some distinct features that cater to different preferences. While both popcorn makers have a 1200W power capacity and use hot air circulation for healthier popcorn, the Salter Electric Popcorn Maker sets itself apart with its larger capacity of 10 cups. This makes it an excellent choice for larger gatherings or families who enjoy sharing popcorn.
Additionally, the Salter Popcorn Maker features non-slip feet, ensuring safe operation during use. On the other hand, the VonShef Retro Popcorn Maker boasts a bold retro red design and includes cinema-style boxes for added aesthetic appeal and a nostalgic movie experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the desired popcorn capacity, design preference, and the importance of non-slip features.
Based on the user reviews of the Salter Electric Popcorn Maker, there is some additional information reported by the users that is not already stated by the manufacturer.
One user mentioned that the popcorn maker tends to be quite loud, making it unsuitable for making popcorn at night. Additionally, they noted that a barrier of books is needed around the bowl to prevent popcorn from flying around the kitchen. These details provide insight into the noise level and potential messiness during operation, which may be important considerations for users.
Another user pointed out that the instructions did not clearly indicate the “MAX” line on the measuring cup, which led to confusion regarding the amount of corn to use. They found that following the “MAX” line resulted in better-popping results. This information clarifies a potential issue with the instructions and provides helpful guidance for optimal popcorn popping.
One user mentioned that the popcorn maker tends to shoot popcorn out of the front, necessitating the use of a food net or cover to contain the popcorn. This feedback highlights a design flaw that could lead to some inconvenience and the need for additional measures to prevent popcorn from going everywhere.
There were also comments regarding the energy consumption of the Salter Electric Popcorn Maker, with one user mentioning that the taste of the popcorn was not as tasty as expected. These details shed light on the energy efficiency and taste aspects of the popcorn maker, which can be important factors for users to consider.
Overall, these user reviews provide additional insights into the Salter Electric Popcorn Maker, including information about noise level, messiness, instructions, design flaws, energy consumption, and taste quality.
The Good:
The Not So Good:
3. Giles & Posner Sorbet Pastel Popcorn Maker
This popcorn maker is a great addition to your movie nights for its quick, oil-free popcorn-making and stylish design.
Overall, the Giles & Posner Sorbet Pastel Popcorn Maker is a great addition to your movie nights. It quickly makes oil-free popcorn and has a stylish design. It has a few drawbacks such as inconsistent popping, noise during operation, and no measuring cup included. However, it remains a popular and enjoyable choice, especially for smaller gatherings. User reviews provide additional insights into potential issues like popcorn scattering and the movement of the escape spout. Despite these minor concerns, it offers fast and stylish popcorn-making capabilities at an affordable price.
Our score: 4.5
Having tried the Giles & Posner Sorbet Pastel Popcorn Maker firsthand, I can state with certainty that it is a great addition to your movie nights, providing rapid and oil-free popcorn-making capabilities in addition to its fashionable look.
The Giles & Posner Sorbet Pastel Popcorn Maker is a convenient and visually appealing appliance that enhances your movie nights or special events. With its impressive 1200W power, it can transform a cup of kernels into a delightful bowl of popcorn in less than three minutes, all without the need for oil. This ensures that you can enjoy a healthy and fat-free snack that satisfies everyone’s cravings.
One of the standout features of this popcorn maker is its retro design and charming pastel blue colour, which adds a touch of elegance to your movie night setup. The inclusion of non-slip feet ensures safe and stable operation, while the well-designed spout allows the freshly popped popcorn to flow directly into a bowl without creating a mess. For those concerned about the environment, the instruction manual can be easily accessed on the Giles & Posner website, reducing the need for excess paper.
However, it is important to consider a few drawbacks. Some users have reported inconsistencies in kernel popping, with a small number of kernels failing to pop. Additionally, the machine can be quite noisy during operation, which may affect the overall movie-watching experience. It is also worth noting that the package does not include a measuring cup for the kernels, which may require you to use your own measuring utensils.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Giles & Posner Sorbet Pastel Popcorn Maker remains a popular choice for individuals seeking a quick and stylish solution for making delicious popcorn at an affordable price. With its efficient performance and attractive design, it adds a special touch to your movie nights, creating a fun and enjoyable experience for all.
Compared with the VonShef Retro Popcorn Maker, the Giles & Posner Sorbet Pastel Popcorn Maker offers a unique pastel blue design that adds a touch of charm to movie nights. While both popcorn makers have a 1200W power capacity and utilize hot air circulation for healthier popcorn, the Giles & Posner Sorbet Popcorn Maker distinguishes itself with its compact size and a capacity of 1 cup.
This makes it a great option for smaller gatherings or individuals who prefer single servings. The non-slip feet of the Giles & Posner Popcorn Maker ensure safe operation, and the spout makes it easy to release popcorn directly into a bowl without any mess.
Conversely, the VonShef Retro Popcorn Maker features a retro red design and includes cinema-style boxes for a vintage theater experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on the desired capacity, design preference, and whether compactness and non-slip features are important factors to consider.
Based on the user reviews of the Giles & Posner Sorbet Pastel Popcorn Maker, there is some additional information reported by the users that is not already stated by the manufacturer.
One user mentioned that the machine is very enthusiastic and that the popcorn tends to go everywhere. They noted that it is difficult to find a receptacle to catch all the popcorn due to the machine’s high energy level. This feedback highlights a potential issue with containing the popcorn and indicates that the machine may require additional measures to prevent the popcorn from scattering.
Another user pointed out that the escape spout of the popcorn maker can move around while the machine is churning. They recommended ensuring that the spout stays in place over the catching bowl to avoid any mishaps. This detail provides insight into a potential design flaw and offers guidance for proper use of the machine.
There were also comments regarding the noise level of the Giles & Posner Sorbet Popcorn Maker, with one user mentioning that it is very noisy. While this feedback does not necessarily provide new information about the machine’s features, it does offer a user’s perspective on the noise aspect, which can be helpful for potential buyers to consider.
Overall, these user reviews provide additional insights into the Giles & Posner Sorbet Pastel Popcorn Maker, including information about popcorn scattering, the movement of the escape spout, and the noise level. These details can assist potential buyers in making informed decisions about the product.
The Good:
The Not So Good:
4. Cozeemax Popcorn Maker
A fantastic choice for movie nights or parties, providing delicious popcorn with a healthy twist.
Overall, the Cozeemax Popcorn Maker offers a quick and healthy way to enjoy delicious popcorn during movie nights, parties, or simply as an everyday snack. Its eye-catching design, efficient performance, and oil-free popping feature make it a great addition to any household, ensuring a delightful and guilt-free snacking experience for all.
Onze score: 4.5
After using the Cozeemax Popcorn Maker, I can confidently suggest it as a fantastic choice for anybody wishing to add a fun and healthier touch to their movie evenings or celebrations.
The Cozeemax Popcorn Maker is a powerful 1200W hot air popper machine that adds an extra touch of fun to various occasions, from movie nights with friends to lively birthday parties. Its compact retro carnival design not only brings a vibrant atmosphere but also makes it easy to store and move around whenever needed.
One of the standout features of this popcorn maker is its rapid hot air system, which sets it apart from traditional machines. The advanced technology ensures continuous circulation of hot air, resulting in evenly heated corn kernels and freshly popped popcorn in just 3 minutes. What’s even more impressive is that it doesn’t require any preheating, allowing you to enjoy your popcorn almost instantly.
Another notable advantage of the Cozeemax Popcorn Maker is its ability to create popcorn without the need for additional oil. This provides a healthier snacking option, particularly for individuals who are conscious of their calorie intake but still want to indulge in a delicious treat. To elevate the taste, you can easily add your favourite spices and seasonings after the popcorn is ready.
However, it’s important to mention a couple of drawbacks. Since the Cozeemax Popcorn Maker works specifically with dry corn kernels, you need to ensure you have a suitable supply at hand. Additionally, some users have reported a small number of unpopped kernels. While these are minor issues, they are worth considering for those seeking a flawless popping experience.
Compared with the VonShef Retro Popcorn Maker, the Cozeemax Popcorn Maker offers a slightly different set of features. Both popcorn makers share a 1200W power capacity and utilize hot air circulation for efficient and healthier popcorn popping.
However, the Cozeemax Popcorn Maker stands out with its one-button operation, making it incredibly easy to use. It also boasts a compact and portable design, making it convenient for movie nights or gatherings in various locations. While the VonShef Retro Popcorn Maker emphasizes its retro red design and cinema-style boxes, the Cozeemax Popcorn Maker focuses on simplicity and practicality.
Additionally, the Cozeemax Popcorn Maker’s oil-free cooking aligns with health-conscious individuals seeking a guilt-free snacking experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the preference for one-button operation, portability, and a more straightforward design approach.
Based on the user reviews of the Cozeemax Popcorn Maker, there is some additional information reported by the users that is not already stated by the manufacturer.
Multiple users mentioned that the Cozeemax Popcorn Maker produces delicious popcorn without the need for oil, highlighting its fat-free feature. This positive feedback confirms the manufacturer’s claim of providing healthier popcorn without the use of oil, emphasizing this aspect as a notable benefit of the machine.
However, there were also a few negative comments regarding the popping efficiency of the popcorn maker. Some users reported that a significant number of kernels were left unpopped, resulting in wastage. This feedback provides valuable insight into the machine’s performance and indicates that it may not be as efficient in popping all the corn as desired.
Additionally, one user expressed disappointment with the delivery status, mentioning that the parcel was open and one item was missing. Although this feedback does not specifically pertain to the functionality or features of the Cozeemax Popcorn Maker, it offers insight into the user’s experience with the product’s delivery and packaging.
Overall, the user reviews provide additional insights into the Cozeemax Popcorn Maker, specifically regarding its fat-free popcorn production and the efficiency of popping the kernels. These details can help potential buyers make informed decisions based on the machine’s performance and user experiences.
The Good:
The Not So Good:
5. HOUSNAT 1200W Popcorn Maker
The HOUSNAT 1200W Popcorn Maker is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy popcorn at home.
Overall, the HOUSNAT 1200W Popcorn Maker offers a simple, fast, and healthy way to make popcorn at home. Its compact size, retro design, and hot air method combine to create a delightful snacking experience. Just remember to follow the user guidelines to ensure proper usage and maintenance, and you’ll be able to enjoy fresh and delicious popcorn in a matter of minutes.
Onze score: 4.5
I had the pleasure of utilising the HOUSNAT 1200W Popcorn Maker, and I can state with certainty that it is a great option for anyone looking for a quick, simple, and healthy way to enjoy popcorn in the comfort of their own home.
The HOUSNAT 1200W Popcorn Maker is designed to provide a convenient solution for popcorn lovers. With its powerful hot air system, it can transform corn kernels into freshly popped popcorn in just 2 minutes, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious snack in no time. The stylish retro design adds a touch of charm to any movie night, party, or casual snacking occasion.
One of the standout features of this popcorn maker is its commitment to health and safety. Unlike traditional methods that require the use of oil, the HOUSNAT Popcorn Maker relies solely on hot air, eliminating the need for additional fats or preservatives. This makes it an ideal choice for families looking for a healthier popcorn option. The compact design ensures that it fits seamlessly into your home kitchen and can be easily stored when not in use.
However, it is important to note that for optimal results and to avoid any damage to the machine, it is recommended to use dry corn kernels specifically designed for popcorn popping. Additionally, while the popcorn maker can produce a substantial amount of popcorn per batch, it is not suitable for commercial use.
The Good:
The Not So Good:
6. Joe & Seph’s Gourmet Popcorn Maker
The Joe & Seph’s Gourmet Popcorn Maker is a fast, fun, and healthy way to make theatre-style popcorn from home.
Overall, the Joe & Seph’s Gourmet Popcorn Maker is a fast, fun, and healthy way to make theatre-style popcorn at home. It’s easy to use, cooks quickly, and doesn’t require oil or butter. Although there are a few downsides, such as potential messiness and some unpopped kernels, the taste and convenience make it a great option for movie nights and gatherings.
Our score: 4.5
The Joe & Seph’s Gourmet Popcorn Maker makes it incredibly simple and enjoyable to create delicious theatre-style popcorn from the comfort of your home. The electric air-popping machine is thoughtfully designed, with a removable plastic bowl for easy consumption and a quick cooking time of just 2 and a half minutes.
What sets this popcorn maker apart from others is that it can be used with any type of popping corn kernels, and there’s no need for oil or butter, keeping it a healthier snacking option for you and the family. You can even mix it up and add your own toppings, from chocolate to salt, to cater to your individual preferences.
One downside of this popcorn maker is that it can be a bit messy during the popping process. Some kernels and popcorn might end up outside the bowl, while others may not pop at all. Additionally, the price might seem high compared to its market competitors. Overall, the Joe & Seph’s Gourmet Popcorn Maker is an enjoyable and healthy solution for making popcorn at home. The ease-of-use and fantastic taste outweigh the cons, making it a great option for movie nights, dinner parties, or family activities.
The Good:
The Not So Good:
7. Sensio Home Popcorn Maker 1200W
A perfect choice for popcorn lovers seeking a quick, easy and delicious popcorn experience at home.
Overall, the Sensio Home Popcorn Maker is an excellent choice for those looking to indulge in a tasty, healthy and nostalgic popcorn experience within the comfort of their home. Its quick operation, attractive design and the option to create your personalised flavours make it a worthy addition to any kitchen.
Our score: 4.5
Recently, I had the pleasure of using the Sensio Home Popcorn Maker, and I must say, it has positively changed my popcorn experience at home. The machine quickly creates popcorn within 3 to 5 minutes by utilising hot air circulation, and no oil or fats are needed in the process. This means my snacks are healthier, fat-free and remain rich in fibre.
Despite its small form factor, which helps save kitchen space, the Sensio Home Popcorn Maker boasts a cute and nostalgic design. The retro style is reminiscent of the 60s and 70s, adding a touch of class to any room. During my movie nights at home, this little machine has become a favourite attraction, and its charming red appearance has caught many compliments.
While using the popcorn maker, the only minor drawback I encountered was that the popcorn turned out a bit dry without the addition of any flavourings. However, it gives you the freedom to experiment and create your unique popcorn flavours, be it sweet or savoury. I recommend adding melted butter or other seasonings to enhance the taste of your popcorn.
The Good:
The Not So Good:
8. Yabano Popcorn Maker Machine
Yabano Popcorn Maker is an ideal choice for a fun and healthy popcorn-making experience at home.
Overall, the Yabano Popcorn Maker Machine offers a convenient and healthy popcorn-making experience. With quick-heat technology and electric stirring, it ensures fast and even popcorn popping. Despite occasional lid pops and less crunchiness, its 5L capacity, easy cleaning, and thoughtful design make it a popular choice for any home.
Our score: 4.5
The Yabano Popcorn Maker Machine has a generous 5L capacity, making it perfect for serving the whole family or a group of friends during movie nights. The quick-heat technology ensures that your popcorn pops 40% faster than traditional popcorn makers, eliminating the need for preheating and long waiting times.
The electric stirring feature allows the popcorn to be heated evenly, resulting in an impressive 99% pop rate. The motorized stirring rod minimizes burnt popcorn and provides a delightful, crisp snack. With no need for oil, you can enjoy healthier popcorn and even try different flavours like chocolate, butter or salty ones.
However, some users have reported that the plastic lid occasionally pops off during use, which could be an inconvenience when flipping the popping plate. Moreover, the popcorn might not be as crunchy as desired by some users, despite trying various combinations of ingredients. Extra caution is required when handling the hot plate while flipping to avoid any mishaps.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Yabano Popcorn Maker Machine remains a popular choice for those seeking a convenient, easy-to-clean, and versatile popcorn maker. Its special design features, such as cool-touch handles, vent holes for crispy popcorn, and a transparent cover that doubles as a serving bowl, make it a great addition to any home.
The Good:
The Not So Good:
9. Kovina The Pop Pot Microwave Popcorn Maker
The Pop Pot by Kovina is a must-have for quick, delicious, and healthy popcorn without a fuss.
Overall, I can’t recommend the Kovina Pop Pot Microwave Popcorn Maker enough for its ease of use, versatility, and eco-friendliness. It’s perfect for an impromptu film night or as a thoughtful gift for the popcorn lover in your life.
Our score: 4.5
Having just used the Kovina Pop Pot Microwave Popcorn Maker, I’m thrilled with how simple it is to make fresh, tasty popcorn in minutes. Unlike the pre-packaged microwave popcorn, I have the control over the salt and flavouring, ensuring a healthier snack for myself and my family.
The build quality of The Pop Pot definitely impressed me – it’s made of heat-resistant borosilicate glass and BPA-free silicone that guarantees a safe and convenient popcorn-making experience. Plus, the collapsible design makes it easy to store when not in use.
What sets this popcorn maker apart from others is its eco-friendliness. Not only does it help save money by reducing the need for pre-packaged popcorn, but you’re also contributing to the environment since Kovina plants a tree for every purchase made. It’s perfect for guilt-free snacking!
I also appreciated how easy it was to clean The Pop Pot. After making popcorn, all I had to do was put it in the dishwasher and let the machine take care of the mess. It’s hassle-free and saves time, especially when you’re keen on starting your movie night as soon as possible.
However, one of the minor drawbacks is that it requires a microwave to work, so it might not be suitable for everyone. Moreover, it might take a few tries to find the perfect popping time for your microwave, as all microwaves vary in power. Though it has a 2-litre capacity, it could be limiting for those who want to make larger batches.
The Good:
The Not So Good:
10. VonShef Popcorn Maker
Bring the cinema experience home with this easy-to-use and healthy popcorn maker by VonShef.
Overall, the VonShef Popcorn Maker provides a simple and healthy solution for those wanting to enjoy homemade popcorn during movie nights. Its ease of use and included accessories make it a great addition to any home entertainment setup.
Our score: 4.5
The VonShef Popcorn Maker is an excellent choice for folks looking to enjoy movie night at home without added fats and oils. This 1200W machine uses a hot air circulation system to create delicious, fat-free popcorn in no time. The one-touch operation is simple, making it perfect for family use and even safe for kids to help with the process under supervision.
Included with the popcorn maker are six cinema-inspired boxes, adding a fun, retro vibe to your movie nights. The black cool-touch housing keeps the exterior safe to touch during operation, providing added safety when using the machine with children.
There are a few drawbacks to note, such as the on/off switch potentially getting hot during use, which could be uncomfortable for some users when turning off the device. Additionally, a few kernels may remain unpopped, which is not uncommon in popcorn makers. Lastly, salt or toppings may not stick well to the popcorn, so you might need to get creative with flavouring options.
The Good:
The Not So Good:
Buyer’s guide
Alternatives to Using a Popcorn Maker
If a popcorn maker is not available, there are alternative methods to make popcorn. One popular alternative is using a stovetop pot or saucepan. Simply add a small amount of oil to the pot, heat it up, and add the popcorn kernels. Cover the pot with a lid and gently shake it to prevent the popcorn from burning. The heat will cause the kernels to pop, and you can continue shaking the pot until the popping subsides.
Another alternative is using a microwave-safe bowl and microwave popcorn. These pre-packaged bags contain pre-measured popcorn kernels and a seasoning mixture. Place the bag in the microwave and follow the instructions provided on the packaging. Within minutes, you’ll have freshly popped popcorn. While these alternatives may not provide the same convenience as a dedicated popcorn maker, they are accessible and can still deliver delicious popcorn for your enjoyment.
Types of Popcorn Makers
When choosing the best popcorn maker for your needs, it’s essential to consider the different types available. There are three main types: air poppers, oil poppers, and microwave popcorn makers. Each type has its pros and cons, so consider your preferences and intended usage.
Capacity and Size
The capacity of a popcorn maker is a crucial factor, as it determines how much popcorn you can make at once. While larger machines may be great for parties or movie nights, smaller machines can be more suitable for individual use. Additionally, consider the size and footprint of the popcorn maker to ensure it fits in your available space.
Efficiency and Popping Time
The efficiency of a popcorn maker refers to how quickly it can pop kernels and the percentage of kernels that are successfully popped. Look for a popcorn maker with efficient popping capabilities to maximise your yield and reduce waste.
Easy Cleaning
Popcorn makers can become quite messy during use, so it’s crucial to choose a model that is easy to clean. Opt for a popcorn maker with a removable and dishwasher-safe popper bowl or a non-stick surface. This will save you time and effort when maintaining your kitchen appliance.
Safety Features
Finally, it’s essential to consider any safety features offered by a popcorn maker, such as an automatic shut-off function or a heat-resistant exterior. These features can protect both the user and the appliance, ensuring you acquire a reliable and long-lasting product.
