8 Best Oil Popcorn Makers of 2025

This budget-friendly powerhouse delivers big flavor without breaking the bank. With a generous 18-cup (4.5-quart) capacity, the Elite Gourmet EPM145M is built for gatherings, effortlessly churning out crisp, hot popcorn thanks to its motorized stirring rod and quick-heat technology that eliminates preheating. The integrated butter-melting tray and reversible serving bowl turn snack time into a seamless theater-style experience—perfect for families or movie nights where convenience and volume matter most.

In real-world testing, the EPM145M consistently achieves a near-perfect pop rate, minimizing unpopped kernels thanks to its even heat distribution and constant stirring action. The nonstick hot plate handles oil cleanly and wipes down fast, though a bit of residual butter aroma may linger after heavy use. It performs best on medium heat settings—cranking it too high can occasionally lead to minor scorching around the edges. While it lacks a built-in storage design, its straightforward layout makes assembly and disassembly intuitive for all ages.

Compared to the sleeker Gadgy or premium West Bend models, this popper trades refined aesthetics for raw functionality and affordability—a smart choice if you prioritize output and ease over countertop elegance. It’s ideal for casual users, families, and anyone who wants theater-quality popcorn without complexity. For the price, it outperforms more expensive stovetop options in speed and convenience, though it doesn’t match the durability of stainless-steel builds like the Great Northern.

For purists who crave authentic, hands-on popcorn making, the Great Northern Stovetop Popper is a time-tested champion. Crafted from 6.5-quart stainless steel with a duplex heat pad, it delivers even heating that mimics old-school concession stands, producing rich, oil-kissed popcorn with every crank. The hand-cranked stir paddle keeps kernels moving to prevent burning, while the vented lid allows steam to escape—ensuring every batch stays crisp and crunchy, not soggy. It’s a nostalgic experience that turns popcorn night into a ritual, not just a snack.

When tested on gas and electric stoves, the popper heated evenly and responded well to temperature adjustments, though induction ranges are a no-go. The wooden handle stays cool, making it safe to operate, and the poured spout lid minimizes mess when transferring popcorn. It shines brightest during family gatherings or outdoor use—yes, it even works over a campfire. However, it demands more attention than electric models; too high heat or missed cranks can lead to scorched batches. Cleaning is simple (just wipe and dry), but it’s not dishwasher-safe.

Against electric contenders like the West Bend or Dash, this model wins on build quality and flavor depth, but loses on convenience. It’s best suited for traditionalists, outdoor enthusiasts, or those avoiding electronics in their kitchen. While it costs slightly more than budget electric poppers, it offers superior durability and a more engaging process—making it a standout for those who value craft over convenience.

If gourmet popcorn at home is your goal, the West Bend Stir Crazy (4-Qt) is a precision-engineered standout that brings the cinema experience to your countertop. Its motorized stirring rod and nonstick stainless steel kettle work in tandem to maximize kernel yield and minimize burning, while the magnetic kettle cover and quick-release tilting mechanism make serving mess-free and almost theatrical. With a 4-quart capacity and patented kernel catcher, it’s designed for both performance and polish—ideal for hosts who want flawless results with minimal effort.

In practice, the popper delivers on its promises: batches consistently pop fully, with very few duds, and the vented serving area keeps popcorn crisp. The compact footprint fits neatly on most countertops, and the included measuring tool ensures oil and kernel ratios are spot-on every time. However, the motor can sound slightly louder than expected during peak operation, and the plastic components, while sturdy, don’t feel as premium as the all-metal stovetop models. It’s at its best during movie nights or parties where presentation matters.

Stacked against the larger 6-quart West Bend model, this version trades capacity for refined ergonomics and space efficiency—perfect for smaller households or kitchens with limited storage. Compared to budget models like the Elite Gourmet, it’s more expensive but justifies the cost with superior build, performance consistency, and ease of use. It’s the go-to for serious popcorn lovers who want reliability and restaurant-grade results.

When you need to feed a crowd without compromise, the West Bend 6-Quart Stir Crazy is a high-performance workhorse that dominates in volume and consistency. Boasting a 6-quart capacity—one of the largest in its class—it’s engineered for large families, parties, or office gatherings where popcorn is the main event. The motorized stirring rod with automatic reversal ensures kernels stay in motion, reducing clumping and maximizing pops, while the clear vented lid doubles as a serving bowl, streamlining both cooking and presentation.

Real-world use confirms its strength: it handles back-to-back batches with ease, and the nonstick coated plate wipes clean in seconds. The butter-melting well is cleverly integrated, and the nesting design with cord wrap makes storage surprisingly compact for its size. That said, the unit is bulkier than smaller models, and the plastic housing can feel less durable than all-metal alternatives. It performs best with medium heat—ramping up too high risks overheating the motor over time.

Compared to the 4-quart West Bend sibling, this model is the clear winner for large-batch needs, though it sacrifices some countertop elegance. Against the Dash SmartStore, it offers superior stirring mechanics and capacity but lacks the space-saving lid-in-base design. It’s the best choice for entertainers and big families who want power, volume, and theater-style results without constant monitoring.

With its retro-chic design and powerful 800W heating element, the Gadgy Popcorn Machine is a style-forward performer that turns snack time into a showstopper. It pops a massive 24 cups in under 3 minutes, thanks to its built-in stirrer and even heat distribution, delivering fluffy, theater-style popcorn with minimal unpopped kernels. The nonstick plate and removable lid make cleanup effortless, while the butter-melting tray lets you customize flavor on the fly—ideal for sweet, savory, or classic buttery batches.

In testing, the machine proved impressively quiet for its power, operating at a low hum rather than a disruptive buzz. The red finish adds a bold kitchen accent, and the compact footprint fits well on most counters. However, the motorized stirrer occasionally stalls if overloaded, and the plastic construction, while sleek, doesn’t feel as rugged as stainless steel. It’s best for style-conscious users, gift-givers, or urban dwellers who want a fun, functional appliance that doesn’t dominate the kitchen.

Against the Dash SmartStore, the Gadgy wins on power and aesthetics, but loses on storage efficiency. Compared to the West Bend models, it offers similar performance but with more flair and less long-term durability. It’s the top pick for those who value design and ease of use in a high-output electric popper—a perfect blend of form and function.

The Dash SmartStore Deluxe is a space-savvy marvel that redefines convenience with its innovative SmartStore stacking design—where the base and lid nest together for ultra-compact storage. With a 24-cup capacity and built-in butter-melting tray, it delivers generous, flavorful batches perfect for small families or occasional use. The clear serving bowl lid doubles as a presentation piece, and the simple one-button operation makes it accessible even for kids, embodying the ‘happiness is homemade’ ethos Dash is known for.

In real use, it performs reliably: the stirring mechanism ensures even popping, and the nonstick interior wipes clean quickly. It’s especially well-suited for apartments, dorms, or kitchens where counter and cabinet space are at a premium. However, the plastic construction feels lightweight, and the motor isn’t as robust as higher-end models—repeated large batches can cause slight overheating. It’s quieter than most, but not as powerful as the 800W Gadgy.

When compared to the Gadgy or West Bend models, the Dash sacrifices some power and durability for unmatched space efficiency. Against the Elite Gourmet, it offers better storage but similar performance. It’s the ideal pick for urbanites, students, or minimalists who want a no-fuss, space-saving popcorn maker that still delivers on flavor and function.

Tailored for families and young popcorn lovers, the Elite Gourmet EPM330M is a kid-friendly champion that combines safety, simplicity, and fun. Its 12-cup (3-quart) capacity is just right for small households, and the automatic stirring system ensures even popping without hot spots or burning—perfect for little hands (or busy parents). The 2-in-1 transparent lid flips into a serving bowl, and the ventilated design keeps popcorn crisp, while quick-heat technology delivers fresh batches 40% faster than traditional models—no waiting, no preheating.

In testing, it proved exceptionally easy to use: just add oil, kernels, and press start. The nonstick plate cleans up fast, and the ETL-certified safety gives peace of mind around children. However, the smaller capacity means multiple batches for larger groups, and the plastic housing, while durable, doesn’t feel premium. It’s best for daily family use, kids’ parties, or after-school snacks where speed and safety are priorities.

Compared to the larger EPM145M, it trades volume for compactness and child-focused design. Against the Presto Showtime, it offers similar ease but with a more engaging serving feature. It’s the best choice for parents seeking a reliable, safe, and fun popcorn maker that encourages family bonding—one batch at a time.

The Presto Showtime is a master of compact efficiency, packing gourmet performance into a minimalist frame. Despite its 9-cup capacity, it delivers rich, oil-popped flavor with a PFAS-free ceramic nonstick surface that resists scratches and cleans effortlessly. The flip-cover serving bowl and nesting storage design make it a dream for small kitchens, while the front-facing power switch with indicator light adds a touch of user-friendly polish. It’s built for quick, single batches with zero fuss.

In practice, it excels at small-scale, crispy popcorn—thanks to cover vents that prevent sogginess—and the ergonomic handle makes pouring safe and easy. It’s not designed for large gatherings, and the stirring action is manual (you shake the unit), which may disappoint those expecting motorized stirring. Still, it’s impressively consistent for its size, with few unpopped kernels when ratios are correct.

Against the Dash SmartStore, it offers better material safety (PFAS-free) and a more premium feel, though less automation. Compared to the Elite Gourmet mini models, it’s more compact but requires more user involvement. It’s the top pick for singles, couples, or minimalists who want clean, compact, and chemical-free popcorn making without sacrificing taste.