Small Popcorn Machine Buyer’s Guide 2022 (Updated).

Everyone loves popcorn! Popcorn is delicious and light and easy to make. Although microwave popcorn is simple, it doesn't taste fresh and contains additives and preservatives. A popcorn machine can make popcorn quickly and easily by purchasing gourmet popcorn kernels. A healthy snack and it can make movie night a lot of fun and kids love them! You will find many varieties of popcorn machines. They range in price from $25 to $50. Most machines have nonstick surface and use a metal kiln and a stirring system to pop as many popcorn kernels as possible. Keep reading to learn more about the best small popcorn machines.

Check out these Best Small Popcorn Makers



How do Popcorn Machines Pop Popcorn

Although small popcorn machines look a lot like the ones in movie theaters, they are still compact enough to fit on your counter. They dont pop as much popcorn in each batch, but they work great at home when you dont need more than a few servings. These kettles usually have tempered glass walls, a metal top and bottom. There is a heating element inside that heats the kettle. The heating element heats the oil to above 400 degrees Fahrenheit once it is switched on. The oil is heated to the kernels, which causes the popcorn to become steamy. Pop is formed when the popcorn expands.

What to Look for in a Popcorn Machine

There are several things you need to take into consideration when buying a popcorn machine. You will enjoy looking at the machine and it should match your home decor. The size of the machine is critical as it will take up space. Popcorn machines that are smaller in size can be placed on the counter or on top of a table. A popcorn machine should be easy to clean. You should be able to remove the kettle from the machine so you can wash it and then put it away. It should also come with a stirring tool. This prevents the kernels sticking to the kettle and burning. You will get more popped kernels. It is also important to have a non-stick heating plate and kettle for easier cleaning.

The Best Small Popcorn Machines

There are many options when it comes to choosing the best small popcorn machine. It is important to find the right size and the design you are looking for. These are our top picks.

West Bend Popcorn Machine

This West Bend popcorn machine is perfect if you're looking for a small machine. It has a capacity of four quarts and a four-ounce kettle. It can make between five and six portions of popcorn. Stir Crazy stirring technology ensures that the popcorn doesn't burn or stick in the kettle. The kettle is non-sticky and tilts to release the popcorn. It's also easy to take out for cleaning. The popcorn maker has an aged look, but it is strong and durable. The package includes a tray, measuring spoon, serving spoon, and measuring cup. There is also a tilt door to make it easy for you to serve. It is easy to clean. It measures only 10.87W x 10.27DXx 17.72H. It does not need to be preheated and popcorn is delicious.

Pros:

  • It is simple to use and very clean
  • Does not require preheating
  • Accessories included
  • Makes popcorn quickly

Cons:

  • You will notice a warm, plastic-like smell when you first use it.


Nostalgia Old Fashioned Popcorn Machine

You can get a miniature version of an old-fashioned popcorn machine when you buy this model. The base of Nostalgia reminds you of the original popcorn machine from the movie theater. The popcorn maker can make up to 12 cups of popcorn in movie theater style. You can also order popcorn kits directly from the company. This popcorn machine uses hot air in place of oil and you can add melted butter once it is finished popping. The popping chamber produces swirling air which helps ensure that all kernels are popped. It was created to be a reproduction of the early 1900s popcorn stands.

Pros:

  • This attractive design imitates old-fashioned popcorn machines
  • It is perfect for 12 cups
  • Hot air uses no oil, therefore it is not necessary to use any oil
  • For easy serving, direct popped popcorn into a bowl

Cons:

  • Models are not as easy as others to clean.

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Pop Pup Countertop Popcorn machine

This is a small, portable popcorn machine made by Great Northern Popcorn Company. It features a 2.5 ounce-kettle to make approximately one gallon of popcorn each batch. Additionally, it has a 10W warming lamp at the top of its machine to keep your popcorn warm. It fits nicely on any countertop and it is a fun design that reminds you of the carnival or the fair. This machine is built with stainless steel and has polycarbonate sides and a door, and it is durable. It features a two-switch mechanism that allows the stirrer and kettle to be operated separately from the warming lamp. It comes with a slide-out serving tray that makes it simple to serve your popcorn once it is ready. You will also find a measuring spoon and a measuring cup. There are also popcorn bags and an instruction guide. It measures 9.75Lx11.75Wx18.75H.

Pros:

  • Attractive small popcorn machine
  • Two-switch operation is simple to use and efficient.
  • Serving tray and accessories
  • One gallon of popcorn per batch

Cons:

  • Some assembly is required

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Maxi-Matic Tabletop Popcorn Machine

Maxi-Matic Popcorn is a traditional, hot-oil-kiln popcorn maker. It produces up to a half-gallon of popcorn per batch and is powered by 300 watts. The kettle is made of stainless steel and has a 2.5-ounce capacity. It also has a stirring system and a warming light that keeps the popcorn warm. It comes with a removable popcorn tray and the machine is designed with plexiglass windows and a plexiglass door. It's easy to use. The kettle is turned on by adding oil and kernels. It also comes with a measuring teaspoon and a cup. It measures 10.25 x 11.25x 18.75 inches and weighs 9.2 pounds.

Pros:

  • Small popcorn machine is easy to use
  • You get a removable tray for popcorn.
  • Warming light keeps popcorn fresh
  • The stirring system prevents the kernels from sticking to the kettle made of stainless steel.

Cons:

  • You can handle the machine from inside, and it heats up


Dash Deluxe Electric Popcorn Machine

With the Dash Deluxe electric corn machine, you can get up to 24 cups movie-theater popcorn per batch. The machine has a stirring brush to ensure that the kernels are evenly popped without sticking or burning. Because the base and lid nest together, it is easy to store. The lid comes with measuring cups that make it easy to measure the popcorn you want. The popcorn maker has a built in butter melting tray. This allows you to melt butter as it cooks. There is also a steam vent to keep smoke from building up. The built-in bowl is removed for easy transportation once your popcorn is ready. It is very easy to use. The machine is easy to use. Simply add oil and popcorn kernels and turn it on.

Pros:

  • It is easy to use with just one push button
  • It includes a butter melting tray
  • When it is ready, the lid flips to become a bowl.
  • Steam vents can be used to prevent smoking

Cons:

  • None. There are very few customer complaints.

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Dash Hot Air Popcorn Maker

Dash's hot-air popcorn maker is very simple to use. Simply add the popcorn kernels to your chamber and press the start button. It will make your fresh, hot popcorn in just minutes. It doesn't require any oil, and can make up to 16 cups. It also includes a measuring cup, which melts butter as your popcorn pops. After it has popped, drizzle it over the popcorn. It's compact and easy-to-store when not in use. It comes with an one-year warranty and they give you a recipe book so you can create all kinds of popcorn snacks.

Pros:

  • It is compact and easy to store
  • Is easy to use with one-touch start button
  • Does the machine have a butter melting feature?
  • Makes 16 cups of popcorn in each batch

Cons:

  • Watch for kernels coming out while it is popping

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Do you have to use oil in your popcorn machine?

Make sure to read all instructions carefully to see if you are required to use oil. They will ask for oil if you want the kernels popping. In those machines, the oil surrounds the kernel and it is heated by the kettle. The kettle heats the kernel, causing the moisture to expand and steam to form. These machines can pop many kernels, but they won't pop all of them. There are many oils to choose from, so there is no need to stick with one that is unhealthy. Here are the best oils for popcorn:
  • Coconut oil
  • Olive oil
  • Avocado oil
  • Sunflower oil
  • Canola oil
  • Grapeseed oil
  • Peanut oil
Some oils are very flavorless and can be used with other toppings. Others add flavor to keep your popcorn healthy and light. Any oil can be used in your machine's oil-requesting process.

Are popcorn machines easy clean?

Most companies make popcorn machines that are easy to clean. A machine with a removable tray and kettle will make cleaning easier. You want to have easy access to wipe down the interior of the machine and it is important to clean it after each use. The popcorn machine will last a lot longer if you look after it.

Final Words

A small popcorn machine is a great way to make popcorn anytime you want. It doesn't take up too much space either. The machines are simple to use and can make as little as one serving to as much as a gallon of popcorn. You can choose a retro style, a hot air popper, or a bowl design and have fresh popcorn whenever you have a few minutes to prepare this delicious snack.