6 Best Popcorn Makers of 2026

The Dash Turbo Pop bursts onto the scene with a promise of speed and simplicity, delivering 8 cups of crisp, fluffy popcorn in under two minutes—a game-changer for quick snack attacks. Its hot air popping technology eliminates oil, slashing calories while reducing those annoying unpopped kernels that plague cheaper models. With a compact footprint and vibrant aqua finish, this mini popper is perfect for tight kitchens or dorm rooms where style and function collide. It directly tackles the pain point of messy, greasy microwave bags with a cleaner, health-conscious alternative that still feels indulgent.

In real-world testing, the Turbo Pop shines brightest when you need a small, single-serving batch—ideal for solo movie nights or portion-controlled snacking. The built-in butter-melting tray on top is a clever touch: just place a pat of butter in the measuring cup while it pops, and it liquefies perfectly by the time you’re done. However, the 8-cup capacity can feel limiting for families or gatherings, and the air-powered chute occasionally jams if kernels are added too quickly. While it’s impressively fast, the lack of stirring means some heat distribution isn’t as even as oil-based models.

Compared to the larger Dash Fresh Pop (16 cups), this model trades capacity for speed and countertop minimalism. It’s not built for parties, but it excels as a personal or couple’s machine where convenience trumps volume. The Turbo Pop lands between budget and premium Dash models—offering more finesse than the microwave version but less versatility than the SmartStore line. For those who value lightning-fast, oil-free popcorn with a pop of color, it outperforms its size and price bracket with flair.

Step into theater-grade popcorn mastery with the Dash SmartStore Deluxe, a 24-cup powerhouse that combines hot oil popping with a built-in stirring mechanism for uniformly golden results every time. What sets it apart isn’t just the volume—it’s the thoughtful SmartStore design that lets the base nest inside the bowl, capped with a clear lid that doubles as a serving dish. This isn’t just a popcorn maker; it’s a complete snack ecosystem that solves the age-old problem of storage and serving in one sleek package. For families or frequent entertainers, it’s a no-mess, no-fuss upgrade from stovetop chaos.

During testing, the stirring bar proved essential, ensuring even heat exposure and minimizing burnt or un-popped kernels—especially with denser or older corn. The butter-warming tray consistently melted a full tablespoon to silky perfection while the batch popped, and the clear serving bowl made portioning easy for movie nights. At 850 watts, this model generates serious heat, popping a full 24 cups in about 3 minutes. However, the hot oil method requires careful cleaning, and the butter tray vents less efficiently than premium models, occasionally trapping steam.

When stacked against the Dash Fresh Pop (air-popped), this model trades health for flavor and volume—delivering richer, butter-kissed theater-style popcorn that air poppers can’t replicate. It’s the ideal midpoint between the basic microwave version and the higher-end SmartStore White model, offering nearly identical performance at a lower price. For those who prioritize flavor, capacity, and smart storage, this is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that doesn’t skimp on kitchen real estate.

The Dash 16-Cup Hot Air Popper in Lavender is a health-focused powerhouse, turning plain kernels into a fluffy 16-cup cloud of oil-free popcorn with whisper-quiet efficiency. Its pure hot air technology is a breath of fresh air for clean-eating enthusiasts, eliminating grease while maximizing yield—perfect for keto diets, weight watchers, or anyone dodging microwave bag chemicals. The trendy lavender hue isn’t just aesthetic; it signals a shift toward kitchen appliances as lifestyle statements, especially in small spaces like dorms or RVs where design and function must coexist. This is popcorn made simple, safe, and satisfying without compromise.

In practice, the larger 16-cup chamber handles family-sized batches with ease, popping a full load in under 3 minutes with minimal unpopped kernels. The measuring cup doubles as a butter melter, letting you drizzle rich flavor post-popping without touching stovetops. Its low-profile design and non-slip base keep it stable during operation, and cleanup is a wipe-and-go affair. That said, air-popped corn lacks the richness of oil-popped versions, and the butter melts slowly if your kitchen runs cool. Without a stirring mechanism, heat distribution isn’t perfectly even, occasionally leaving a few stragglers.

Compared to the Dash Turbo Pop (8 cups), this model doubles the capacity while maintaining the same oil-free integrity—making it a clear upgrade for health-conscious households. While it doesn’t match the flavor depth of the SmartStore oil poppers, it outperforms them in dietary flexibility and ease of cleaning. For those who want big batches, bold flavor control, and a pop of color, this lavender machine delivers maximum value without sacrificing wellness.

For the speed-obsessed snackers, the Dash Microwave Popcorn Popper is a two-minute miracle—a glass-powered shortcut that skips counter space and setup drama. Just add kernels, pop in the microwave, and let the silicone butter-melting lid do double duty, warming a pat of butter as steam rises from the corn below. With a yield of 5.5 to 10 cups, it’s perfectly sized for one or two, making it the ultimate apartment-friendly, dorm-room savior. It’s not just convenient—it’s kitchen minimalism at its finest, ideal for renters or anyone who hates clutter.

In real use, the glass construction feels durable, and the wide base prevents tipping during high-power cycles. The silicone lid creates a snug seal, trapping steam to melt butter effectively while acting as a vent to prevent explosions. Cleanup is effortless—just rinse and dry. However, microwave power varies, so popping time requires trial and error, and overheating can scorch kernels if left unattended. Unlike electric models, there’s no stirring or consistent heat, so results can be uneven.

When compared to the Dash Fresh Pop (electric air popper), this model wins on portability and storage, but loses on consistency and control. It’s not built for large batches or flavor experimentation, but for ultra-fast, low-effort popcorn, it’s unmatched. For those who want snack speed without sacrificing reusability, this popper beats single-use bags hands down—offering a greener, tastier, and faster path to buttery bliss.

The Dash SmartStore Deluxe in White is the undisputed king of the Dash lineup, combining 24-cup capacity, 850-watt power, and a full stirring mechanism into a flawlessly engineered popcorn powerhouse. This isn’t just a maker—it’s a complete theater experience at home, complete with a butter-melting tray that doubles as a steam vent, ensuring rich flavor without sogginess. The SmartStore system is genius: the base tucks into the bowl, capped with a lid that seals for storage, turning this into a self-contained snack station that demands minimal cabinet space. For families or frequent hosts, it’s a game-changing blend of form and function.

In rigorous testing, the stirring bar ensured every kernel popped evenly, even with mixed or dense batches, while the large clear bowl made serving effortless—no extra dishes needed. The butter melted smoothly and stayed warm throughout, and the machine handled back-to-back batches without overheating. At 850 watts, it’s the most powerful Dash model, popping a full load in under 3 minutes. The only hiccup? The white finish shows fingerprints and butter smudges, requiring more frequent wiping to keep it pristine.

Stacked against the Aqua SmartStore model, this version offers identical performance with a more premium look, though at a higher cost. It outshines all air-popped models in flavor and consistency, making it the best choice for those who refuse to compromise on taste or convenience. For anyone seeking the ultimate balance of capacity, cleanup, and culinary quality, this model delivers a first-class popcorn experience that justifies every dollar.

The Dash Fresh Pop is the budget superhero of healthy snacking, delivering 16 cups of oil-free popcorn with a simplicity that’s hard to beat. For just under $20, you get pure hot air popping, a measuring cup that doubles as a butter melter, and a sleek aqua design that looks far more expensive than it is. It’s built for value-driven buyers who want clean, quick popcorn without the oil or the clutter—perfect for health nuts, college students, or parents teaching kids about smart eating. This is no-frills functionality done right.

In daily use, the Fresh Pop consistently delivers fluffy, evenly popped batches in about 2.5 minutes, with only a few stragglers left behind. The non-slip feet keep it stable, and the vertical design saves counter space, making it ideal for tiny kitchens. The butter-melting tray works well, though it requires pre-softened butter for best results. While it lacks stirring or smart storage, it pops faster and cleaner than stovetop methods and beats microwave bags in both taste and sustainability.

Compared to the Turbo Pop (8 cups), this model offers double the capacity at nearly the same price, making it a smarter long-term buy. It doesn’t match the flavor punch of oil-based poppers, but for those prioritizing health, cost, and ease, it’s unmatched. For anyone seeking the most affordable entry into fresh, homemade popcorn, this machine punches far above its weight class—delivering freshness, speed, and simplicity in one vibrant package.