“where cheap is chic” — wisebread
In this review:
  1. Cheap Popcorn Machines, Best Popcorn Poppers
  2. Oil Popcorn Poppers, Stovetop Popcorn Poppers
  3. Air Poppers Popcorn Makers
  4. Best Popcorn Poppers
  5. Popcorn Popper Reviews
  6. Discount Popcorn Machines Features Comparison Table
Sign up for our
Free Newsletter
Related Guides: Blenders, Bread Makers, Coffee Grinders, Espresso Machines, Ice Cream Makers, Juicers, Microwaves, Mixers, Rice Cookers, Slow Cookers, Toaster Ovens and Toasters

Popcorn Poppers Performance

Although any popcorn popper is probably capable of producing at least a handful of high-quality popped kernels, popcorn popper reviews indicate that the best popcorn poppers stand apart for their ability to pop nearly every kernel. The best popcorn poppers produce fluffy, dry, and crunchy results.
Users also frequently comment on the fresher taste of air and oil popped popcorn, and say there's no going back to the microwave variety. Popcorn popper reviews also remark on the dollar-wise value and user friendliness of DIY popcorn.

Popcorn Popper Quality.

Based on the popcorn popper reviews we read, cheap poppers are mighty performers. In the hot air popper category, the Presto PopLite earns accolades in consumer reviews on sites like Amazon and Walmart. Users rave about its no-kernel-left-behind prowess, the light and fluffy results, and the money-saving convenience of making a healthy snack in minutes. For people on restricted diets, this no-oil/no-salt hot-air popper is a godsend; as one consumer points out in a popcorn poppers review, that option doesn't exist in the microwave popcorn aisle.

The stovetop Wabash Valley Farms Whirley Pop is also a hit with popcorn fans who relish the thoroughness of its low-tech manual operating system. Popcorn poppers reviews on Target, for example, say the finished product beats the movie-house variety hands down and the ability to control the amount of oil and salt is a welcome advantage. Consumers' assessment of the West Bend Stir Crazy is less gushing but still enthusiastic -- one family of 10 makes up to 12 batches a week, according to a popcorn popper review on Amazon. Other reviews on the same site variously describe the end product as light and tasty or a bit stick-to-your-teeth. One user suggests this latter outcome results from a build-up of humidity inside the popping dome, and another says you must open the dome immediately to avoid winding up with a soggy treat. Unpopped kernels don't seem to be an issue with the West Bend Stir Crazy, but a popcorn makers review on Walmart notes that the stirring rod at the bottom of the dome sometimes gets caught on the kernels.

By contrast, popcorn popper reviews for the Kalorik PCM28276 are largely critical. Users posting comments on Warehousedeals.com gripe about the small quantity of corn that can be popped at once, the proportion of kernels left unpopped, and a design flaw that automatically shuts off the popper when it gets too hot, which tends to occur before the batch is popped or prevents you from preparing a second batch right away.

Review continues below

by Maralyn Edid (Google+ Profile)

Back to top »

Best Cheap Popcorn Poppers

Where to buy
Where to buy

Good Cheap Popcorn Poppers

Where to buy
 
 
Cheapism.com on Facebook
 

Don't Bother Cheap Popcorn Poppers

Kalorik PCM28276 Hot-Air Popcorn Maker

For a hot-air popper, the Kalorik PCM28276 is certainly cheap enough, but its performance pales compared to similar models in the same price range. Users critique the end product and are irritated by its automatic shut-off, which interferes with popcorn popping sessions. Read more »

 
8 Cheap Camping Tips

Enjoying the great outdoors can be surprisingly expensive! Take some cues from these eight ways to enjoy frugal camping this summer.

Best Cheap Meats for Grilling

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner and so is the start of grilling season! See our list for economical meats and ways to prepare.

Weekly Update: Price-Matching Policies Overview, Cheap Beach Gear and More

Mid-May is the perfect time to hunt for an apartment or a temp job. ...