It is pretty simple to throw a package of popcorn in the microwave and have it ready in a few minutes, but these packages of popcorn are made with a lot of additives, salt, and more. Popcorn can be a delicious and healthy snack, and it is easy to cook it from fresh kernels. If you have a popcorn maker, you can pour your kernels and oil in and get ready to enjoy your favorite snack. Continue reading to learn all about each stove-top popcorn maker that is perfect for any kitchen.
How to Use a Stove-Top Popcorn Maker
Using a stove-top popcorn maker is simple. You simply put your burner on low heat, add oil and kernels, and let it pop. There are sure ways to make sure that your oil is heated to the right temperature, and you can add other seasonings as you desire.
Cleaning them is easy, too. All you have to do is wipe it out, wash it, and it is ready for your next use. These popcorn makers are affordable, easy to use, and made just to cook your favorite snack.
Check this article for the best popcorn kernels to use with stovetop popcorn makers.
Seven Stove-Top Popcorn Makers Perfect for Any Kitchen
Here are the seven stove-top popcorn makers that are perfect for any kitchen:
1. Franklin’s Original Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Machine
The stove-top popcorn maker by Franklin makes delicious movie theater-style popcorn at home. It uses the same process as the original movie theaters did, and it comes with a free Franklin’s Gourmet Popcorn kit. The popcorn maker has a real wood handle, and it is extra large with a six-quart capacity. It is made of aluminum, and it distributes heat perfectly.
This popcorn maker has all-metal gears and a patented stirring mechanism. It prevents sticking and burning by stirring each kernel until it pops. In just a few minutes, you will be enjoying a delicious bowl of popcorn with this maker. It is also easy to use and easy to clean.
You just pour the popcorn kernels into the maker and stir until you notice a few seconds between pops. Leave it uncovered for a few minutes and enjoy. To clean it, you just wipe it clean with a damp paper towel.
It comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can make healthy popcorn and enjoy it any time. You can use any popcorn kernels with it. Franklin’s has been making this popcorn maker since 1978 and it has always been a favorite.
2. Zippy Pop Red Marble Stovetop Popcorn Popper
Zippy makes this all-in-one snack-making machine. It is a wonderful popcorn maker painted ruby red. It has five-star features, including an aluminum frame and a soft-touch Bakelite handle. It has Whitford-brand Xylan non-stick coating and it comes with a vented, tempered glass lid. It has silicone rim stops that keep the lid from sliding.
This popcorn maker also has a patented mixing mechanism. It has a unique stationary baffle and rotating paddles that work together to ensure that every kernel is coated. The canted rotating paddles can move over the unpopped kernels so that none of the hard kernels get mixed in before they pop.
You can create all kinds of custom snacks in this pot; the lid inset has a flavor port where you can tumble in melted chocolate, caramel sauce, cheese, spices, seasonings, and more to make your popcorn even more delicious. The pot is 17 inches long by 8 inches tall, and the diameter is 10 inches. It has a 5.5-quart capacity and it is dishwasher-safe.
3. Great Northern Popcorn Company Stovetop Spinner
This popcorn maker allows you to enjoy fresh popcorn any time. It creates movie theater popcorn in a classic stove-top popcorn maker. It has a wooden handle that allows you to move the internal stirring mechanism, which helps to prevent burning and makes sure that each kernel is popped.
It is easy to use. You only need to heat one to two tablespoons of your favorite oil and then add the kernels. You can use the handle for continuous stirring and listen to the kernels pop. Once the popping slows to a delay of a few seconds, it is ready. You can remove it from the heat, season it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy this snack.
It is also easy to clean. You just wipe it out with a damp paper towel once the pot has cooled. You can hand wash and dry it as you need to. It is made of metal and wood, and it has a 9.5” diameter. It makes around five quarts of popcorn. Great Northern is a dependable brand and they know popcorn.
4. Cook N Home Aluminum Stovetop Popcorn Popper
The Cook n Home stove-top popcorn popper is made of aluminum and is silver. It evenly distributes the heat so that your popcorn pops evenly and doesn’t burn. It has a lid with steam vents to keep your popcorn crispy on the outside and tender and moist on the inside. The wooden handle and knob stay cool while you are popping your popcorn, and they are comfortable to use.
It takes just a few minutes to make your favorite popcorn, and it is easy to use and easy to pour. It mixes the kernels as they pop so that they do not stick to the pan or burn. It is durable and all metal, and it works on gas, electric, glass, and ceramic stovetops. This is a great popcorn maker and it is less expensive than some of the other models.
5. ZGF Stainless Steel Stovetop Popcorn Popper
The Cook n Home stove-top popcorn popper is made of aluminum and is silver. It evenly distributes the heat so that your popcorn pops evenly and doesn’t burn. It has a lid with steam vents to keep your popcorn crispy on the outside and tender and moist on the inside. The wooden handle and knob stay cool while you are popping your popcorn, and they are comfortable to use.
It takes just a few minutes to make your favorite popcorn, and it is easy to use and easy to pour. It mixes the kernels as they pop so that they do not stick to the pan or burn. It is durable and all metal, and it works on gas, electric, glass, and ceramic stovetops. This is a great popcorn maker and it is less expensive than some of the other models.
6. Time for Treats Stovetop Popcorn Popper
Time for Treats makes a great popcorn popper, and it is stainless steel and holds six quarts. It uses a gearless hand crank with a unique smooth-turning design, so your popcorn kernels continue moving and pop. It also prevents burning or sticking, so you get the most out of your popcorn.
This popper has a magnetic lid lifting rod that makes it easy to pour the popcorn once it is ready. The handles are safe and cool to touch, and they are easy to use. You can use it on any stovetop, including gas, electric, ceramic, glass, and induction style.
They also offer a lifetime warranty on the flex-drive cable. It uses gearless flex-drive technology to ensure smooth turning and it has a cool-touch handle so you won’t burn your hands. You can choose your favorite oil and make fun, flavorful popcorn any time.
7. Casey Pop Premium Stovetop Popcorn Popper
Casey Pop makes this engineered popcorn popper, and it is designed by an engineer who follows the mantra of form follows function. Every single feature and detail is designed with one goal, which is improving your popping experience. It has a patented, angled stirring shaft that allows the lid to cover most of the top, and it eliminates the need for gears. It is easy to pour into a bowl and it offers double the volume.
The bowl has an elliptical curvature and it concentrates the heat near the unpopped kernels by separating the popped flakes up and out. It also prevents burning. The pot is made with pure 3003 aluminum, and it is 0.080 thick, which prevents overheating and burning. The lid is permanently attached so you will never lose it, and it is very easy to clean.
You can lift the stirrer to clean it, and all you need to do is wipe it with a damp paper towel. This is a premium model, and it includes durable clear anodized aluminum surfaces that make for easy cleaning. It is of industrial strength, and the handle is straight and made of maple. It is a quality popcorn popper that won’t disappoint.
What Is the Best Type of Popcorn Maker?
There are a lot of different ways to make popcorn, but they all result in light crisp puffs of popcorn with a tender inside. The type of kernels you use has an impact on how it turns out, as well as the oil. You can use a microwave, the stovetop, or electric power to cook popcorn. The key is to heat the kernels. The kernels are moist on the inside, and the hot air causes the moisture to expand, which results in the pop.
When you are shopping for popcorn makers, there are three main categories to choose from. One is an air popper, which is a small kitchen appliance that circulates hot air onto your popcorn kernels. You don’t need any oil or butter for this machine, and they are easy to use. However, they can be a little more expensive than other types.
Another common way to make popcorn is in the microwave. You can actually buy bowls that are glass, plastic, or silicone with a vented lid, and you just place the kernels inside with a little oil and turn on the microwave. It is the easiest and fastest way to make popcorn.
Stove-top popcorn makers are famous for making the most delicious popcorn because they use a little oil and they can heat the kernels quickly. Most of these popcorn makers have a lid with a stirring device that prevents the kernels from sticking or burning. They are made to be durable, but they are still reasonably priced. You can add your favorite toppings with these popcorn makers and they allow you to make any type of popcorn that you want to enjoy.
What to Look for in a Popcorn Maker
There are a lot of different popcorn makers on the market, so it is helpful to know what features you should look for to narrow down the field. Design and aesthetics are important to some people, although it won’t impact how well the machine works. However, there are other features that are important.
First, you should make sure that the popcorn maker is easy to clean. Many of them allow you to wipe them out with a damp paper towel, and they are designed so that the stirrer and other parts aren’t in the way. Some are dishwasher-safe, which is convenient for many people.
You should also consider the stirring mechanism. This feature is what stirs the kernels so that they don’t burn or stick to the pot. The stirring mechanisms can vary a great deal, so look for one that is easy to use and works well.
It is important to make sure that the popcorn maker has a non-stick surface because it will be easier to clean, and you won’t need to worry about the popcorn kernels or flakes getting stuck on the sides or bottom of the pan.
You will want a stove-top popcorn maker that is between five and six quarts, as this is enough to cook a good batch of popcorn. These are all features you should look at when you buy a popcorn maker.
Next, check our guide on how to make caramel popcorn on the stovetop.
Alex Cooper is a lover of all things popcorn. He especially enjoys the salty, buttery goodness of movie theater popcorn. In fact, he could probably eat it every day and never get tired of it. Alex also loves spending time with his friends and family, and he is always up for a good laugh.
