12 Best Home Theater Popcorn Machines

There are a few things more fun than having a movie night at home with friends or family. One of the most important things for a successful movie night is having the right popcorn maker in order to make fresh popcorn. A good popcorn maker will help you make the perfect batch of popcorn, and it will make the experience more enjoyable. The right home theater popcorn machine can help you create the perfect atmosphere for your movie night. 

When choosing a popcorn maker, there are several criteria to consider. The first is how much popcorn you want to make at one time. If you are popping for a large group, you will need a machine that can accommodate a lot of popcorn. Another criterion is how easy the machine is to use. Some machines require pre-measuring of the kernels and oil, while others have automatic settings. The third criterion is how quickly the machine pops the popcorn. Some machines are faster than others, so if you are in a hurry, this may be an important factor. The fourth criterion is the style of popcorn maker or aesthetics of the machine. It depends on where you are going to display your machine and how nice you want it to look. Finally, consider the price of the machine. Some machines are more expensive than others, but you may be able to find a good quality machine at a reasonable price.

Home movie theaters are becoming increasingly popular, and what's a movie without some delicious popcorn? That's why many homeowners are investing in popcorn makers to make a great addition to their home theaters and game room. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one for home use. In this article, we'll provide an overview of the top XX best popcorn makers for your home theater.

Chart for ratios of ingredient quantities for popcorn machines

popcorn popper ingredient quantities


Budget Home Movie Theater Popcorn Makers

1. Whirley Pop Stainless Steel Stovetop Popper 

Summary:

A whirly pop popcorn maker is a type of stovetop popcorn popper that uses a crank to stir the kernels as they cook. This stirring action helps to evenly distribute the heat, resulting in better flavor and fewer burnt kernels. 

DOWNLOAD FREE HAND CRANK/WHIRLEY POP RECIPES

Features:

Stainless steel kettle which is also compatible with induction cook top.  

Pros: 

  • Easy to use and clean

  • Produces a consistent product. 

  • Durable

  • Very long warranty

Cons

  • Manual crank which could be tiring

How Much Popcorn Can it Pop?

  • 6 Quarts

Cleaning:

  • Wipe with a paper towel

Warranty: 25 Year

Price: $50

Link: https://amzn.to/3ZucUsq



2. Cuisinart CPM-700 EasyPop Popcorn Maker 

Summary:

This popcorn maker can accommodate up to 10 cups of popped popcorn. It has a kernels catcher to prevent unpopped kernels from ending up in your popcorn, and the lid doubles as a serving bowl. The Cuisinart CPM-700 EasyPop Popcorn Maker is also equipped with a butter tray that heats and melts your butter for you.

Features:

A Motorized stirring arm along with a butter tray for melting.

Pros:

  • Rotating tray for consistent even distribution of oil and popcorn kernels

  • Built in serving bowl

  • Compact and lightweight

Cons:

  • Chamber is on the small side compared to other poppers

How Much Popcorn Can it Pop?

  • Up to 16 cup popping chamber. Instructions for up to ½ cup of popcorn for approximately 12-14 cups is included.

Cleaning:

  • Removable non stick tray for cleaning. Dishwasher safe

Warranty: 3 Year

Price: $59

Link: https://amzn.to/3IXj2Ux


3. Great Northern Popcorn Machine 6.5 Quart Stainless Steel Stovetop Popcorn Maker

Summary:

This is an old-fashioned style popcorn maker with a stirring handle to keep your popcorn from burning.

Features:

This popper has steam vents on the lid to allow for moisture release. It also has a unique stirring mechanism, wooden handle, and wooden knob. It is a 6 ½ quart kettle.

Pros:

  • Ventilated lid keeps popcorn crunchy

  • Fun active way to make popcorn

Cons:

  • Cannot be used on induction range

How Much Can it Pop?

  • Up to 5 Quarts of popcorn

Cleaning:

  • Non stick kettle which allows the pan to be cleaned by simply wiping out with a paper towel.

Warranty: 1 year

Price: $51

Link: https://amzn.to/3EGVi4r

Microwave Home Movie Theater Popcorn Makers 

4. Lekue Microwave Popcorn Popper

Summary:

Lekue Microwave popcorn popper and maker is designed to pop popcorn in the microwave in 2-3 minutes

Features:

This is a silicone collapsible popcorn popper which can pop popcorn in 2-3 minutes.

Pros:

  • Collapsible for easy storage

  • Built in popcorn bowl

  • BPA Free

Cons:

  • Small batches

How Much Can it Pop?

  • Approximately 10 cups

Cleaning:

  • Dishwasher safe

Warranty: 10 year

Price: $20

Link: https://amzn.to/41GwiEq


5. Ecolution Microwave Popcorn Maker

Summary:

This is a microwave popcorn popper that can be used for family get togethers or just for a personal serving. 

Features:

It’s a glass microwave popcorn popper with a built in measuring cup and place to melt butter.

Pros:

  • Built in popcorn kernel measuring cup

  • Lid can be used to melt butter

  • BPA Free

Cons:

  • Glass can potentially break if dropped

How Much Can it Pop?

  • Approximately 3 Quarts

Cleaning:

  • Dishwasher safe

Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Price: $20

Link: https://amzn.to/3ZjK5yQ

6. Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper

Summary:

Nordic Ware popcorn popper is a microwave popcorn popper which can pop up to 12 cups and is made in the USA.  

Features:

Features a built in serving bowl which is microwave safe and can be used for more than just popcorn.  

Pros:

  • Built in serving bowl

  • BPA Free

Cons:

  • Not dishwasher safe.

How Much Can it Pop?

  • 12 cups

Cleaning:

  • Hand wash with warm soapy water. Dishwasher is not recommended

Warranty: 5 Year

Price: $25

Link: https://amzn.to/3IyjM0Z

Air Poppers for Your Home Movie Theater

7. Presto PopLite Hot Air Popper 04820

Summary:

This is an electric hot air popcorn maker for making air-popped popcorn with great features.

Features:

Features a butter melter and pops popcorn without oil. The hot air pops the popcorn. 

Pros:

  • Uses no oil for a healthier popcorn

  • Built in place to melt butter

  • Larger capacity than other machines

Cons:

  • Not dishwasher safe.

How Much Can it Pop?

  • 18 cups of popped corn

Cleaning:

  • Handwash with warm soapy water. Not dishwasher safe

Warranty: 1 year limited warranty

Price: $30

Link: https://amzn.to/3J25OWI

Portable Home Movie Theater Electric Popcorn Makers for Small Spaces

8. Nostalgia Vintage Table-Top Popcorn Maker

Summary:

Vintage looking popcorn popper that has a 2.5 ounce kettle size and is a great countertop machine

Features:

This popcorn maker has a lighted interior and tilt serving door.

Pros:

  • Auto stirrer

  • Lighted Interior

  • Tilt Serving Door

  • Popcorn cart is available for purchase

Cons:

  • Can be tight to clean the inside

How Much Can it Pop?

  • 2.5 ounces of popcorn kernels or 10 cups of popcorn

Cleaning:

  • Easy cleaning with with warm soapy water hand wash

Warranty: 1 Year

Price: $85

Link: https://amzn.to/3ZtQCae


9. Great Northern Popcorn 83-DT5620 Northern Company GNP Black Little Bambino

Summary:

A movie theater style popcorn machine for your home, office, or small business. This is small enough to put on your counter.

Features:

Nice aesthetics that look just like a movie theater popcorn popper with a built in warming tray.

Pros:

  • Attractive Design

  • Built in warming and serving tray

Cons:

  • Can be tight to operate

How Much Can it Pop?

  • Approximately 4 quarts (16 cups)

Cleaning:

  • Hand wash with damp cloth

Warranty: 1 Year

Price: $80

Link: https://amzn.to/3KO6wIp


High-End Large Capacity Home Movie Theater Popcorn Makers

10. Great Northern Popcorn Company 6210 Pop Heaven Commercial Popcorn Machine, 12 Ounce

Summary:

A 12oz popcorn popper machine which can pop approximately 5 gallons of popcorn. Great for large families.

Features:

Electric popcorn machine with a 12-ounce kettle that makes approximately 5 Gallons of popcorn per cycle. This is an extra-large capacity popper with a heating element warming deck. Makes enough popcorn for a large group of people.

Pros:

  • Heated warming deck

  • Interior light

  • Large Capacity

Cons:

  • Can take up quite a bit of space

How Much Can it Pop?

  • 12 ounces of kernels (approximately 5 Gallons)

Cleaning:

  • Hand wash with warm soapy water

Warranty: 1 Year

Price: $320

Link: https://amzn.to/3SCxi88


11. Foundation Popcorn Machine with Cart- Popper Makes 3 Gallons- 8-Ounce Kettle

Summary:

An 8oz popcorn popper machine which can pop approximately 3 gallons of popcorn.

Features:

Electric popcorn machine with an 8 ounce kettle that makes approximately 3 Gallons of popcorn per cycle. The popper comes with a cart to add to its vintage aesthetics. This popper has an old maid drawer and heated deck.

Pros:

  • Heated deck

  • Old Maid drawer

  • Cart

Cons:

  • Must have a lot of space

How Much Can it Pop?

  • 8 ounces popcorn kernels (3 Gallons of popcorn)

Cleaning:

  • Hand wash warm water

Warranty: 1 Year

Price: $400

Link: https://amzn.to/41qZ2Rr


12. Paragon - Manufactured Fun Professional Series 8 Ounce Popcorn Machine for Professional Concessionaires

Summary:

An 8oz popcorn popper machine which can pop approximately 3 gallons of popcorn.

Features:

Electric popcorn machine with an 8 ounce kettle that makes approximately 3 Gallons of popcorn per cycle. This popper can pop 147 one ounce servings per hour. This popper has an old maid drawer and aerated warming deck.

Pros:

  • Spring assisted kettle

  • Aerated warming deck

  • Old Maid drawer

Cons:

  • Must have a lot of space

How Much Can it Pop?

  • 8 ounces kernels (3 Gallons of popcorn)

Cleaning:

  • Hand wash warm water

Warranty: 1 Year

Price: $800

Link: https://amzn.to/41uM8BU


In conclusion, home theater popcorn machines are a great addition to any movie lover's home. They not only provide delicious and freshly popped popcorn but also add a touch of cinema experience to your movie nights. The 10 best home theater popcorn machines listed here are all excellent choices that come with unique features and designs to suit different preferences and needs. Whether you are looking for a compact countertop model or a larger machine for a big family gathering, you will find one that suits you among these top picks. With their user-friendly operation and durable build, you can enjoy perfectly popped popcorn with your favorite movies for years to come. Investing in one of these top-rated popcorn machines will surely enhance your home theater experience and impress your guests.

Summary

Popcorn Machine Type Size Price Link
Lekue Microwave Popcorn Popper Microwave 10 Cups $20 https://amzn.to/41GwiEq
Ecolution Microwave Popcorn Maker Microwave 3 Quarts $20 https://amzn.to/3ZjK5yQ
Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper Microwave 12 Cups $25 https://amzn.to/3IyjM0Z
Presto PopLite Hot Air Popper Air Popper 18 Cups $30 https://amzn.to/3J25OWI
Whirley Pop Stainless Steel Stovetop Popper  Stove Top 6 Quarts $50 https://amzn.to/3ZucUsq
Great Northern Stovetop Popcorn Maker Stove Top 6.5 Quarts $51 https://amzn.to/3EGVi4r
Cuisinart CPM-700 EasyPop Popcorn Maker Appliance 16 Cups $59 https://amzn.to/3IXj2Ux
Great Northern Little Bambino Portable Electric 16 Cups $80 https://amzn.to/3KO6wIp
Nostalgia Vintage Table-Top Popcorn Maker Portable Electric 10 Cups $85 https://amzn.to/3ZtQCae
Great Northern Pop Heaven Commercial Large Capacity 5 Gallons $320 https://amzn.to/3SCxi88
Foundation Popcorn Machine with Cart Large Capacity 3 Gallons $400 https://amzn.to/41qZ2Rr
Paragon Fun Professional Large Capacity 3 Gallons $800 https://amzn.to/41uM8BU

If you are looking for a recipe on how to make butter popcorn, check this out.

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