How to Choose The Best Hot Air Popcorn Popper

Buying a hot air popcorn popper is more of a necessity than a luxury as kids as well as grownups love to munch while watching TV or playing games. Instead of having oily and fattening snacks that only lead to weight gain, it is best to enjoy fresh and tasty popcorns right from your kitchen where they can be prepared without using any oil.

If you are in search of the best hot air popcorn popper and want to enjoy this tasty snack at home, it is high time you check out some of the product reviews and make a decision about which popcorn popper is the best and provides you great value for money.

Presto 04820 PopLite

When we talk about the best hot air popcorn popper available in the market, Presto 04820 PopLite tops the list due to its compact designs and affordable price. It makes a great kitchen accessory because it comes with a powerful machine, easy usage and stylish design that does not look old and worn out with passage of time. It can produce up to two dozen cups of gourmet popcorns in about 2 minutes. Even with a higher popcorn ration, it does not require any oil and works really well.

You can get tasty, light and fluffy popcorns right at home with help of the best hot air popcorn popper that has been especially designed keeping in mind your health requirements. The best thing about this popper is that it does not interfere with your diet plans and provide a healthy snack that is free of fats and other agents that are found in market brought popcorns.

When it comes to knowing how well Presto 04820 PopLite is for your kitchen and snack needs, you must go through the pros and cons of this product to understand how well it will work for you.

Nordic Ware Microwave

A very popular hot air popcorn popper, this is a beautifully designed device that produces light, fluffy and healthy popcorns without using a drop of oil.

Manufactured from gemstone plastic which is durable and food grade, it does not chip off or affect the nutritional value of the popcorn. It is only of the highest selling items in microwave range; soft to touch and easy to use, it is the best hot air popcorn popper has it is safe for use even in 400 degree temperature.

It can be washed easily in dishwasher and it is microwave safe. With an invertible and lidded container that also can be used as a serving bowl, this is a great product to have at home for healthy snacks at all times.

Designed to fit in even the smallest of microwaves, this hot air popcorn popper is a great choice for your home needs.

You can make the popcorn and serve in the same bowl by just removing the lid and it will keep your snack warm. It is hard to find any other hot air popcorn popper in such price as it is made from high density plastic, especially designed for microwave use.

If you are looking for the easiest, most convenient and cheapest way to make popcorn at home, then this hot air popcorn popper is the right choice. It gives you a chance to enjoy things without hassle and you can make as much popcorns you like as it can sustain high temperatures for a long time.

West Bend Stir Crazy 82505

This is without any doubt the best hot air popcorn popper available in the market as it not only offers a chance to make huge quantities of popcorn at once but it is easy to clean and use and store. With its tall and straight sides offering a lot of room for popping, you do not have to worry about catching the popcorn as it all remains intact inside the big cover.

The best feature of this product is the stirring rod that keeps on turning and helps to pop all the kernels so that there is little wastage and you get maximum popcorns.

With built in cord storage that allows you to store this device when it is not being used as well as easy to use and clean parts, this hot air popcorn popper helps you enjoy popcorn without any hassle.

It comes with a user manual that helps you understand how to use it. Even if you lose the manual, you can download it online from the company website and check out some great recipes for popcorn as well for other questions regarding this gadget.

This is without any doubt one of the most preferred brands of hot air popcorn poppers available in the market due to its unique shape as well as efficient service. With a very reasonable price, it is most easy to afford and with its warranty, it makes a great choice for every home.

Cuisinart EasyPop Hot Air CPM-100

This is a really good product when it comes to making popcorn at home because it gives you a chance to make totally oil or butter free popcorns making this the ideal machine for this who are on strict diet. You can add the seasoning of your choice as this is a great option when you don’t have to add any oil or butter initially.

It is one of the best hot air popcorn poppers because it offers you a chance to make 10 to 15 cups of fluffy and light snack within three minutes or less.

By making popcorn in this best hot air popcorn popper you will only get 30 calories per cup as you are making it without adding anything else. It is up to you if you want to add butter oil or even cheese to add flavor later on.

Made of BPA free plastic body, this product is an idea choice for every house as it does not pose any threat to your loves ones’ health. You can try out variety of snacks with this machine and there are also many fun recipes on its website too if you want to try some new variety of popcorn and have fun with this snack.

With an easy to use on/off switch, you do not have to risk touching the hot machine after you are done making the popcorn. You just push the button and it will stop.

All the parts of this product are safe for dishwasher use and you can clean up really fast and easy. It is a small and easy to handle device that can be stored away neatly when not in use as it only weighs about three pounds.

It is reasonably prices although it will not be called cheap. It depends on what type of popcorn popper you are looking for as its light weight and easy usage makes it a value purchase.

Great Northern Hot Air Popcorn Popper

If you are looking for a good quality and smart looking product, then this is the right choice for you as it takes less space and helps you pop around 18 cups of popcorn without using any oil or butter. It has a fast processing time and the corns taste good too.

This best hot air popcorn popper is a the right choice for people who want to avoid any type of oil and butter in their popcorn due to health concerns or even because they want to add their own topping once it is done.

This is a great product that has great domestic value as it helps you produce hot and fluffy popcorn to keep your kids and the guests entertained. However you need to make sure you keep in some place away from children as it is a long cord that can create a problem if it gets tangled somewhere or your kids pull it.

You also get a one year warranty that is enough to ensure that you are getting a quality machine that will run for a long time. If you face any problem in operating this product, you can contact the customer support online too and they will guide you the best way.

Popcorn Popper Buyer’s Guide

If you like popcorn and regularly have movie nights at home – with popcorn as the snack of choice – you should definitely own a popcorn popper of some kind. The ones I listed above are THE best in their respective price ranges.

Of course you can buy pre-packaged popcorn bags that you throw in the microwave. Truth however is that those will not only cost you more, but will also be less flavourful and less healthy as well. So a huge NO-NO if you are at all concerned about what you put in your body.

With that said, here are just a few reasons why home popcorn makers trump pre-packaged microwave popcorn bags any day:

·         HEALTHY

Plain popcorn kernels (and sometimes a little oil) are all the ingredients of homemade popcorn. Pre-packaged microwave popcorn bags contain not only popcorn kernels, but also a whole list of chemical additives that can pose serious health risks. Diacetyl is the chemical used to synthetically add butter flavor. PFOA, the chemical used to line the microwave bags is considered a ‘likely carcinogenic’. Furthermore, trans-fat is added to imitate melted butter. Ugh.

·         ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

Using a popcorn making appliance results in minimal waste. Pre-packaged microwave popcorn bags don’t exactly yield the largest amount of popped corn. If you are getting together with family or friends for a movie night, you likely have to use several bags to make enough popcorn for everyone. All of these bags create trash that you wouldn’t have when using a popcorn maker.

·         ECONOMICAL

If you’ve never bought a bag of popcorn kernels in bulk, you’ll be surprised to learn how affordable they are. A big bag of kernels results in a LOT of popped corn. When compared to pre-packaged microwave bags, you can save up to 70%! We make homemade popcorn several times a week and all of our popcorn makers have more than paid for themselves by this calculation.

Factors to Consider When Buying Popcorn Maker

Capacity

Smaller capacity devices might not make enough popcorn to feed everyone the first time around

Unless you live alone and do not entertain a lot, it’s best to pick a machine that produces several cups of popcorn in one go. With options including 4 oz, 6 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz, and 16 oz sizes, popcorn machines are sized according to how many ounces of popcorn servings a machine can produce in one cycle. Generally, one ounce is the recommended serving for 1 person, therefore, 4, 6, & 8-ounce poppers should be ideal for the whole family or when entertaining friends.

While large capacity popcorn makers are great if you want to prepare a large batch in one cycle, keep in mind that these units also take up more countertop or cabinet space. Therefore, think about where you will store the appliance or the spot it will sit in your kitchen while in use and check whether its dimensions can fit into the available space.

Cook Time

Whether you are hanging out with friends or enjoying movie night with your family, it is good to have a constant supply of popcorn if that is the snack of choice for everyone. For this need, a popcorn popper with high cooking speeds would come in handy. To know how fast a popcorn making machine is, check its popping cycle (also referred to as cook time) rating. This specification is usually indicated in terms of cooking duration, which can range from 2 to 5 minutes.

Ease of Use

To avoid the hassle of having to learn complex controls, or being forced to clean a huge mess after you are done using your popcorn maker, its best to pick one that features a simple design. A straightforward control panel and parts that come off for easy cleaning should be enough to ensure the best user experience.

However, also look out for features like heatproof handles, easily accessible controls, and containers with measurement marks. Such features make operation easy whenever you fire up your appliance.

Built-in Stirring

The last thing anyone wants is to sit down to burnt or half-cooked popcorn. This is why some the best popcorn poppers have a built-in stirring mechanism. It keeps kernels moving as they are popping, ensuring you end up with a perfectly and evenly cooked batch.

Any Other Additional Extras

Extras such as classic style popcorn boxes can really enhance the home-cinema experience

Any feature that will make using your new popcorn maker easier or improve the overall flavour of the popcorn is definitely worth having. So, make sure to look out for any extra features as you are shopping for a machine. The great thing is that today’s appliances come with all manner of extras.

For instance, some units may come with recipe booklets, serving boxes, steam vents that ensure the popcorn comes out dry and crisp, a built-in butter well for enhancing flavour, a slot for adding seasonings, and even cooking bowls that double up as a serving bowl.

In addition to the above tips on buying a popcorn maker, it is important that you determine the ideal machine style for you. As mentioned at the beginning of this guide, there are different styles of appliances available.

For example, outdoor poppers are designed for use on open fires while stovetop models work best with home cooking appliances like your gas or induction cooker. Theatre-style units are perfect for serving a large group of people while electric hot air poppers are suitable for health-conscious people who want to avoid the extra calories that come from buttered popcorn or those cooked with oil.

Our tips on buying a popcorn maker would be incomplete without stressing the importance of choosing a reputable brand. Popcorn making machines are not created equal. Some manufacturers offer superior products and better customer support than others. So its worth taking this into account before buying.

How to Store Popcorn Kernels

A few tips on how to store your kernels so you can enjoy fresh, hot popcorn anytime

Now that you’re thinking of investing in a popcorn maker (or just bought one), chances are you want to get the most out of your new appliance. And, regardless of how great your popcorn maker is, it will only give as good as it gets.

This is why it is important to use the best of popcorn kernels. And, what better way to do this than to ensure your kernels are always fresh and ready to use whenever you need them? Here’s our guide on everything you need about storing popcorn kernels.

What You Should Know About Popcorn Kernels

Have you ever wondered how popcorn kernels turn into the light, crunchy snack we all love so much? It turns out there is actually a science to it. While popcorn kernels may look and feel dry, they are in fact not. They contain starches and water content of about 13.5 to 14 percent. So, when you toss your kernels into a popcorn popper, heat from the appliance causes the water within the seeds to boil and eventually turn into steam. Since steam is denser than water, it puts pressure on the inside of the kernels. This pressure continues to build up until the kernels have no option but to release the pressure. They do this by exploding, which exposes the starches within to air, giving way to popcorn.

Why You Must Avoid Refrigeration

When it comes to keeping most foods fresh for longer, the logical action many people take is to refrigerate. However, this preservation method is not advisable when it comes to popcorn kernels.

First off, popcorn kernels do not technically go bad. They just lose their ability to pop which is exactly what refrigeration will do. The cold in a fridge will cause the water molecules in kernels to freeze and then migrate away from the seeds. This, in turn, will dry up the kernels interfering with their ability to pop and produce fluffy popcorn.

Moist Air Also Affects Popping Ability

The fact that popcorn kernels contain around 14 percent of water is no dumb luck. This is actually the perfect moisture content for ensuring maximum popping. Therefore, when there is excess water inside the kernels, popcorn pops too quickly, forming dense unpalatable spheres. This is why leaving your kernels out in the open whilst cooking is a sure way to ensure disappointment the next time you use them.

So, How Should Popcorn Kernels be Stored?

As you may have picked up by now, storing popcorn kernels is not about keeping them fresh. You just need to ensure the water within does not increase or escape into the air.

Fortunately, there is actually a very simple way of retaining the water content within the kernels – an airtight seal. An airtight container or vacuum sealed food bag will limit exposure to moisture, allowing the kernels to maintain their original water content.

And, since air will not be able to get in, you can simply store the container at room temperature in a cool, dry area like a cupboard, shelf, cabinet, or pantry. The good news is that kernels stored in an airtight seal can last at least for at least 2 years or more.

What is the Right Size for Me?

The size of the popcorn maker determines the total yield in one go. So, if you need it for two to three people, a smaller sized maker would do just right. However, if you need it for say 10-12 people or for a movie night or all-nighter, you may consider the medium sized models, with a higher capacity. The largest machines or the theater types, are great for making popcorn if you have a much larger audience, but it will consume a lot more electricity.

So, such a machine may be useless and in fact, cost you a lot more if you just need the popcorn for a few people. The audience hence determines the right size for your popcorn. Another factor could be the counter space you have at home for the machine.

That will also help you decide on the right size of the popcorn maker for your home.

Snacking on some crisp, fresh popcorn is a popular habit whenever you watch a movie. Any movie is not complete without a bowl of your all-time favorite snack. Popcorn is tasty and easy to make. You can also save some money on snacks if you know how to make homemade popcorn.

Additionally, homemade popcorn gives you freedom over a lot of things when it comes to how you want your popcorn made. By making your own snack, you can cut down on the salt and calories by not using oil or by lessening its butter content. You can also experiment with different flavors you want to try and add in other snacks to complement the popcorn and create your own trail mix.

All of these are possible if you have a popcorn popper to cook with. Contrary to what others may think, making your own popcorn does not require a lot of time and effort if you have reliable kitchen tools start with.

This is why microwave popcorn is so popular, because you only have to pop in the bag and wait for the timer to stop. Although this practice will save you time, popping microwave popcorn is not very healthy and actually risks exposing your body to cancer-causing elements.

A reliable popcorn popper will give you the benefit of cooking fast and tasty popcorn without risking your health. The best popcorn poppers are easy and convenient to use. They are fast and made of quality materials that are guaranteed to save you time and money.

Types of popcorn poppers

There are different types of popcorn poppers, most of these units cook as fast as microwave popcorn.

Hot air poppers

Popcorn is already a low-calorie snack. To make it even lower, try using a hot air popper. These devices cook popcorn without any oil. Hot air poppers use hot air to the pop kernels of corn. Although it does not require oil to cook popcorn, most units have butter warmers in them in case you decide to change your mind and add in some flavor.

Oil poppers

This device works similar to hot air poppers but with the oil added. Popcorn with oil has a distinct taste to it partly because of the flavor added by the oil you choose to cook it with. Oil also adds more crunch to the popcorn and with it, powdered seasonings can easily stick to each kernel. Oil poppers also have a stir mechanism that moves the kernels around for an even coating of oil and seasonings.

Stovetop poppers

This method is for those who prefer to get physically involved during the process of cooking your snack. Most stovetop poppers will require you to manually turn the crank to prevent the kernels from getting burned.

How to choose the best popcorn popper

Different popcorn poppers each have their own unique set of features. Choosing the one that will fit your needs and preferences is the ultimate basis when choosing the best popcorn popper for you.

Features

Popcorn poppers have certain features that are all present in every unit, whatever the model or brand. Some units have straightforward designs and are made simple with just the basic functions offered. On the other hand, there are also models that offer additional features that likely offer more convenience and usability on your part. Again, these will depend on personal needs and preferences.

Safety features

A safety feature such as an on/off switch is highly recommended so you won’t have to reach over the hot popper just to unplug it from the outlet. This will minimize burn accidents.  with short cords are also advisable if you have children at home, as they tend to get involve with anything interesting, and may want to reach up and yank any dangling cords they see.

Optional features

Most popcorn poppers have measuring tools included in the package. However, there are some units that offer added convenience by making components with dual functions, such as a lid that doubles as a serving bowl, or a top lid that doubles as a butter warmer and a measuring cup.

Some units also have a built-in storage for popcorn kernels. For health-conscious people, some units also offer BPA-free components, and to save time and make cleanup easier, there are also units that are dishwasher safe.

Warranty

As with other appliances, the best popcorn poppers offer a good warranty and support. A lengthy warranty will benefit you as defects that don’t appear until several uses will be covered. A one-year warranty is the standard offer most companies will give you. Premium ones usually offer up to three years of warranty and support.

How to Use a Popcorn Popper: Stirring Popcorn Maker

A bowl of freshly made popcorn is always a great snack to satisfy your craving for a crunchy treat. For starters, popcorn is a snack that’s fast and easy to make and more importantly, a healthier alternative to junk food. Making your own popcorn in the comfort of your home can actually be hassle free if you have a popcorn popper.

A popcorn popper is a machine designed to pop corn kernels. There are many types of popcorn poppers available in the market. However, they all function on the same principle, and that is to keep the kernels moving while the machine gradually heats up. After that, you just wait for the kernels to pop and become popped corns.

Steps on how to use a stirring popcorn popper

1. Put the dome-shaped lid on—Automatic stirring popcorn makers usually have a base with a metal E component inside that comes with a large lid, which can also be conveniently used as a serving bowl, to cover the kernels during the popping process. Turn the lid upside down and attach it to the base and lock it securely either by using fasteners to keep it closed or placing the screws. The locking system will depend on the machine’s design. Ensure that the lid is attached well and locked tightly to avoid unwanted mess and popped kernels flying everywhere.
2. Add the oil and popcorn kernels—Your main ingredients will be these two. Most stirring popcorn makers are designed with a chute in the center of the machine where you’ll be placing the ingredients.
3. Add butter—This step is optional. If you want to have your popcorn buttered, you can put thin slices of butter at the top of the lid. There are small slots at the top where butter slowly melts as your popcorn cooks. As the butter melts, your popcorn gets evenly coated with it. If your popcorn popper does not have this feature, you can melt the butter first and add it later on when the popcorn is cooked.
4. Plug in your popcorn popper—After you’ve added all your ingredients and securely closed the lid. You can now plug in the popcorn popper. Depending on your model, the machine may immediately start heating. Otherwise, you may need to manually turn on the switch to start cooking. Once it’s on, you will see the stirring arms move and stir the kernels as they cook.
5. Listen to the popping sounds—The cooking time will vary depending on the amount of popcorn kernels you’re cooking and their freshness. For most models, it takes about 3 minutes for the popcorn to get all done. However, if you are not sure, just listen to the popping sounds and make them guide your cooking. Initially, only a few kernels will be heard popping. After a few minutes, the popping sounds will quickly increase and then gradually decrease until only a few popping sounds will be heard. This is the signal to turn the machine off. This is important to take note of because if the machine gets too hot, the cooked popcorn may get burned.
6. Serve—After switching it off, carefully turn over the popper and use the lid as a serving bowl. You can serve this now if you’re fine with just using butter for seasoning or if you want it plain. If not, this is the time to season your popcorn with salt, cheese, pepper or any flavoring you want. You can also mix in some nuts and chocolates or any extra snack you want to add in.
7. Clean up—Most popcorn poppers only require wiping with a paper towel or cloth to get cleaned up. This is just to remove excess oil from the base. It also prevents grease from accumulating into the base which can result in bad tasting popcorn. For the bowl, you can either wipe it clean or wash it with a non-toxic cleaner. You can also do this for the base, if you want to remove the grease on it. Just don’t forget to remove the solution with a damp cloth after cleaning, and don’t let the solution dry on the base to ensure that your next batch of popcorn will not be spoiled.

How to Make Popcorn in a Popcorn Machine

A bowl of freshly popped popcorn is always a welcome snack whenever you want to watch a movie. Nowadays, making your own movie popcorn is made easy with the availability of a popcorn machine. A popcorn machine is a nifty kitchen gadget to have in your home since it provides you fresh popcorn in just minutes.

A variety of popcorn machines are available on the market today. The choice usually boils down to personal preference. But basically, all of them share the same principle in cooking popcorn kernels: They keep the kernels moving around, the machines heat up and the popcorn kernels get popped.

There are several methods to make popcorn depending on the type of popcorn machine you own. Here’s a step-by-step guide on the different ways on how to make popcorn in a popcorn machine.

Oil poppers

This is the most popular type of popcorn machine found in most households. This machine consists of a circular tray that’s electrically heated on the inside and has a stirring metal arm. It has a dome-shaped lid that also doubles as a serving bowl.

Attach the dome-shaped lid. Turn over the lid and cover the base or the circular tray. Make sure that it is properly secured. Lids have locking systems depending on the machine’s model. Some lids may require the use of either screws or fasteners to lock it in place.

Add the ingredients. Most popcorn machines are designed with a hatch at the center of the lid where you can put the kernels and oil in. Oil poppers require little oil, about 2-3 tablespoons are usually enough.

Add butter (optional). Most oil poppers have a slot on the lid where butter can be placed. Thin slices of butter can be placed here where the heat will melt it slowly while evenly coating the popcorn inside. If your popcorn machine does not have this, you can add melted butter when you season the popcorn.

Turn it on. Again, depending on the model of your popcorn machine, you can manually turn it on using a switch, or just plug it in and it will heat up automatically. Once on, you will see the stirring arms rotate and stir the popcorn as it cooks.

Listen to the popping sounds. Most models take about 3 minutes to finish popping. However, as a rule of thumb, listening to the popping sounds is still the best way to go. Initially, you will hear a few popping sounds as the tray heats up and it will continue to increase thereafter. If you hear any scraping sound, this means that some kernels may have been caught under the stirring arm, this is ok and not in any case damaging to your machine.

Switch the popcorn machine off. Turn the device off when you hear the popping sounds slowly die out. This will keep your popcorn from getting burnt.

Season and serve. Turn over the machine to get everything into the lid, you can serve your popcorn using the lid if you like. While the popcorn is hot, you may now add the seasonings. Now is also the time to add butter if your machine does not have the slotted area on top of the lid to melt butter in.

Clean the machine. Most popcorn machines can be wiped clean after use. You can also use non-toxic cleaners if you prefer, but be sure to wipe it off with a damp cloth after.

Hot air poppers

If you like to cook popcorn without using any oil, this machine is for you. This makes the popcorn a very low calorie snack provided that you also don’t use high calorie seasonings. Hot air poppers produce airy and fluffy popped corns.

Prepare your equipment and ingredients.  For this, you will need your hot air popper, a serving bowl, and a measuring spoon or cup. You will also need popcorn kernels, salt and butter for seasoning. Again, seasonings are optional and will depend on personal preference.

Put the ingredients in the popper. Measure out your popcorn kernels according to the recommended amount; pour the popcorn kernels into the popper from the top and tightly secure the plastic guard. Some models are designed with the lid doubling as a measuring cup, if your model works like that, make sure to cover the opening with the cup before switching it on.

Also place a bowl at the end of the spout to catch the popcorn. Some models also use the removable lid/measuring cup as a slot for the butter to melt. Otherwise, melt the butter separately and mix it after the popcorn is cooked.

Turn on the popper. There are slight variations in operating different models of hot air poppers, consult your manual. Wait for the popcorn kernels to start popping. You will hear the popping sounds quickly increase and then die out gradually. Turn off the device. When the popping sounds have died out, turn off the popcorn machine to avoid burning the popcorn. Season and Serve. Season with salt or any seasoning you want to add.

FAQ

Conclusion

After comparing all these products, it would not be wrong to say that Presto 04820 PopLite is definitely a better choice. With its beautiful design and ability to pop delicious popcorns within minutes, this hot air popcorn popper is the best.

While both of these poppers make use of more or less the same method, the difference lies in the style of popping and the results they produce.

The Presto popper produces popcorn with the lowest calories count and even helps you add butter or other seasoning before starting to pop. It is also bigger in size as compared to the Nordic Ware products due to which is can produce higher quantity of popcorn per minute.

The main reason why Presto has been rated highly is its design plus its efficient electric machine that makes it easy to use while Nordic Ware can only be used in microwave which is not the most popular of ways to make popcorn these days. Along with this, its price is another plus point that makes it a great buy. With everything that this product offers, it is very affordable and adds great value to your kitchen with its smart design and utility.

In addition to this, Great Northern hot air popcorn popper is also a good choice because it does not utilize any oil and enables you to enjoy very light calories food as snack.

West Bend Stir Crazy has also become a popular choice among users due to its long and straight sides which enable you to enjoy as much popcorn as you are making without any of them making its way out. Not only this, its stirring rod also makes sure that most of the kernels are popped with least wastage. With a built in cord storage, it is indeed a good product.

Along with this, another hot air popcorn popper to make its way to the top is Cuisinart EasyPop that also provides you fluffy and completely oil free popcorns as and when you want them. Easy to clean and maintain, this hot air popcorn popper is a great accessory for every household where kids and adults love popcorn.