7 Best Commercial Popcorn Makers of 2025

This compact powerhouse delivers a surprisingly robust performance for small-scale snacking, making it a standout among budget-friendly models. With an 850-watt stainless-steel kettle, built-in stirrer, and heated warming deck, the Matinee machine ensures even heating and consistent popping—minimizing burn spots and maximizing yield. Its reject kernel tray is a thoughtful touch that keeps servings clean, while the tempered glass panels add safety and theater-style flair, solving the common pain point of messy, underperforming home poppers.

In real-world use, this 8oz popper shines during weekly movie nights or casual get-togethers, producing up to 3 gallons (48 cups) per batch—enough to satisfy a medium-sized group without overwhelming your counter space. The three independent switches give you full control over the kettle heater, stirrer, and warming light, allowing you to fine-tune operation. While it handles buttered and salted classics with ease, it struggles slightly under back-to-back batches due to slower cooldown times, and the smaller kettle capacity means more frequent refills during larger events.

Compared to higher-end models like the Top Star or PopBria, the Matinee trades raw power and volume for space-saving design and affordability—a smart compromise for home users or small offices. It’s ideal for those who want authentic theater-style popcorn without commercial-scale bulk. While it doesn’t match the throughput of 12oz+ machines, its value-packed feature set at a fraction of the cost makes it a top pick for budget-conscious buyers seeking reliability and charm.

When you need to feed a crowd without compromise, the Top Star steps up as a true workhorse in the mid-commercial category. Boasting a 1440-watt stainless-steel kettle and genuine 12oz capacity, it churns out 5 gallons (80 cups) per batch with speed and consistency, making it a go-to for parties, fundraisers, or busy break rooms. The built-in stirrer and heated deck ensure every kernel pops evenly and stays warm—addressing the all-too-common issue of cold, soggy popcorn in high-demand settings.

During extended use, this machine proves its mettle—handling back-to-back batches with minimal downtime, thanks to rapid heat recovery and a robust kettle design. The tempered glass food zones provide visibility and safety, while the 60W warming light not only keeps popcorn fresh but also adds visual appeal, drawing attention like a real concession stand. However, its 42.3-pound weight and large footprint make it less ideal for tight spaces or frequent moving, and the lack of UL certification may raise concerns for some business operators.

Against the VEVOR 12oz model, the Top Star offers a more established brand reputation and slightly better build refinement, though at a higher price. It’s best suited for event hosts, small venues, or serious home entertainers who prioritize output and durability over portability. While not as heavy-duty as 16oz units, its perfect balance of power, yield, and usability makes it a top contender for large gatherings where performance can’t falter.

The PopBria 16oz machine isn’t just powerful—it’s engineered for relentless performance, making it the best overall choice for serious operators. With a true 16oz kettle and 1600W heating system, it delivers 7 gallons (100 cups) per batch, outpacing most competitors in speed and volume. The UL/UTL and FDA certifications set it apart, ensuring food-safe, code-compliant operation—perfect for schools, churches, or concession stands where safety and reliability are non-negotiable.

In real-world testing, the PopBria excels in high-traffic environments, maintaining consistent heat across multiple batches and keeping popcorn warm on the 60W-heated deck without drying out. The 304 food-grade stainless steel kettle resists corrosion and simplifies cleaning, while the magnetic door latch and removable crumb tray make maintenance a breeze—critical for daily commercial use. One minor drawback: the warming light, while bright, can create hotspots if popcorn sits too long, requiring occasional stirring.

Pitted against the ELOMBR 16oz model, the PopBria offers superior certifications and a stronger warranty—5 years on the machine versus 1 year—making it a smarter long-term investment despite a similar kettle size. It’s ideal for restaurants, schools, or event spaces needing dependable, high-volume output with minimal downtime. While pricier than entry models, its unmatched blend of safety, durability, and performance justifies the premium for professional use.

VEVOR strikes a sweet spot between pro performance and affordability, making this 12oz machine a standout for mid-range buyers. Packing a 1440-watt kettle and tempered glass doors with magnetic latches, it delivers 80 cups per batch with theater-style flair and reliable consistency. The cold-rolled steel frame adds durability, while the 60W warming tube and light keep popcorn fresh and visually appealing—ideal for festivals, sports events, or bustling snack bars.

In practice, this popper handles continuous operation with ease, recovering heat quickly between batches and resisting wear from frequent cleaning. The wing-nut kettle lid allows fast disassembly, and the hinged warming deck makes scooping effortless—small touches that add up in busy settings. However, the printed graphics on top can scratch over time, and the lack of UL certification may limit its use in regulated commercial environments.

Compared to the Top Star, the VEVOR offers nearly identical power and output at a lower price, though with slightly less brand trust. It’s perfect for small businesses, home theaters, or mobile vendors who want commercial-grade results without overspending. While not as feature-rich as 16oz models, its strong build, high yield, and smart design make it the best mid-range option for value-driven buyers.

The Olde Midway 12oz machine is a stainless steel masterpiece, built for buyers who prioritize long-term durability and professional aesthetics. Crafted from heavy-duty stainless steel with a 1300-watt kettle, it produces 5 gallons per batch with quiet, efficient performance—perfect for offices, lobbies, or high-end home theaters. The tempered safety glass walls offer scratch resistance and clear visibility, while the 3-switch system gives full control over popping, stirring, and warming.

In real use, this machine feels solid and well-balanced, maintaining heat well and requiring minimal maintenance thanks to its stainless build and easy-wipe surfaces. The included accessories—measuring cup, scoop, salt shaker—are high quality and practical. However, the 1300W power output lags behind 1440W models, resulting in slightly slower popping times, and it lacks UL certification, which may be a hurdle for some commercial users.

When compared to the VEVOR or Top Star, the Olde Midway trades raw speed for superior corrosion resistance and sleek black finish—a standout in premium environments. It’s ideal for businesses or collectors who value appearance and build quality over maximum throughput. While not the fastest, its all-stainless construction and professional look make it the best choice for those who want a machine that lasts and impresses.

ELOMBR’s 16oz machine is built for maximum crowd impact, earning its title as the best high-capacity option with 80 cups per batch and cinematic LED lighting. Though it shares a 1440W heating system with others, its larger 16oz kettle design allows for greater volume and extended service—perfect for home theaters, carnivals, or large parties. The LED lighting system adds a warm, nostalgic glow, enhancing the theater experience while keeping popcorn visible and appetizing.

In testing, the machine handles long-duration events with ease, maintaining heat and popping efficiency across multiple cycles. The 304 stainless steel and tempered glass ensure durability and safety, while the removable crumb tray and kettle simplify cleaning. However, the LED light, while stylish, generates less heat than traditional warming bulbs, meaning popcorn may cool faster if not served promptly—requiring vigilance during slow service periods.

Against the PopBria 16oz model, ELOMBR offers a more vintage aesthetic and better customer support (24/7 service), but lacks UL certification and a long-term warranty. It’s best for enthusiasts and event hosts who want high output with a show-stopping design. While it costs more than most, its capacity and ambiance-focused features deliver unmatched entertainment value for large gatherings.

DEYGIA’s 10oz machine is a hidden gem for small businesses, delivering 60 cups per batch in under 3 minutes with surprising efficiency. At 1300 watts, it heats up fast and pops kernels with impressive consistency—few unpopped remnants—and the acrylic panel construction keeps the unit lightweight and cost-effective without sacrificing visibility. The 60W warming deck and light maintain freshness, while the magnetic door latch and wing-nut kettle ensure quick access and easy cleaning.

In real-world use, this popper excels in small retail spaces, cafes, or church events, where space and budget are tight but quality matters. The simple 3-switch control makes it staff-friendly, and the included measuring tools help maintain flavor consistency. However, the acrylic panels are less scratch-resistant than glass, and the 10oz kettle limits volume compared to 12oz+ models, requiring more frequent operation during peak times.

Compared to the Matinee 8oz model, DEYGIA offers greater output and faster popping at a slightly higher price, making it the better value for small-scale commercial use. It’s ideal for startups, mobile vendors, or office kitchens needing reliable performance without overspending. While not built for heavy daily use, its strong output-to-price ratio makes it the best value pick for growing operations.