Via Williams-Sonoma.com
There’s something nostalgic and satisfying about making popcorn on the stove. The process only gets better with the Whirley-Pop; it’s fun to say and even more fun to use.
This old-fashioned popcorn popper is essentially a large kettle with a hinged lid. On top is a crank that turns an arm inside. This keeps the kernels moving and prevents any from getting burnt.
Using this retro-style popper is a cinch according to Sarah. Just load it up with the right amount of kernels and a bit of oil (this is all spelled out in the manual) and get cranking! In less than three minutes, you can make 24 cups of popcorn. That’s more than enough to feed a slumber party!
And don’t worry about unpopped kernels finding their way into your bowl. Sarah found only a few—pretty negligible for such a big batch of popcorn.
As for the corn itself, this reminded our team a lot of movie theater popcorn. It has that light texture you crave but just a bit of oil that helps salt and other seasonings stick for satisfying snacking.
Pros
What our Test Kitchen liked about the Whirley-Pop:
- Makes a lot of popcorn quickly—about 24 cups in just three minutes
- Fun to use
- Easy to clean
Cons
Consider these factors before you buy:
- Takes up a lot of storage space; this gadget is about the size of a stockpot
- On the expensive side for popcorn makers
Price:Â $50
Via Amazon.com
Enjoying your favorite guilty pleasure TV show solo (hello, 90 Day Fiancé)? You don’t need to haul out a big air popper; this Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine mini microwave popcorn popper is just what you need for a single serving.
Using this gadget is extremely easy, according to Sarah. Just add an ounce of popcorn to this silicone pouch (there’s a handy fill line so you don’t need to break out any measuring cups) and microwave for 60 to 90 seconds.
In the end, there were just a few unpopped kernels left in the bottom of this microwave popper—about a half-tablespoon. Not bad for the four cups of perfectly popped kernels this little gadget produced.
But how was the quality of the popcorn? Sarah says it turns out light and crunchy. Because this popper uses no oil at all, it can be a bit dry. This being said, no one likes plain ol’ popcorn. Snackers, add as many seasonings as you like to liven up this batch.
Pros
What our Test Kitchen liked about the Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine Popcorn Popper:
- Perfect for single servings
- Pops fast!—just 60-90 seconds
- Makes healthy, oil-free popcorn
- Easy to store
- Inexpensive
Cons
Consider these factors before you buy:
- Produces slightly dry popcorn because it uses no oil
- Small servings (not for your next football watch party)
Price: $15 for a package of two
How We Tested Popcorn Poppers
Our Test Kitchen team not only tests hundreds of reader-submitted recipes every year but also focuses on testing kitchen gadgets and other products. As a team of snacking fanatics, popcorn poppers popped right to the top of our list.
For this test, our team gathered up popcorn makers from all the biggest brands, making sure to include microwave, stovetop and countertop poppers. Sarah Fischer, culinary assistant in our Test Kitchen and popcorn pro, judged each gadget according to these criteria:
- Capacity:Â Not everyone wants to make mountains of popcorn. Our Test Kitchen looked for poppers that produced batches of all sizes.
- Popping performance:Â We want popcorn makers that pop all the kernels (or close to it) and don’t burn any corn. The popcorn should be crispy and delicious.
- Ease of use:Â Making popcorn should be simple! A good popper should be easy to operate. A quick peek at the instruction booklet is all you should need to get started.
- Speed:Â No one wants to wait too long for fresh popcorn! Our pros timed how long it took each popper to create perfect popcorn.
- Cleanup: Our Test Kitchen is always on the hunt for products that are easy to clean. The easier a tool is to clean, the more likely you are to reach for it more often.
- Price:Â A popper isn’t an everyday appliance, so we know you don’t want to drop big bucks. A good popcorn popper should be affordable.
How Do You Add Flavor to Popcorn?
Many at-home popcorn makers don’t use any oil or butter at all, which means you’ll want to season your snack. But how do you add flavor (beyond butter that is)? Here are some flavor combinations to inspire you as you enjoy that next episode:
Check Out More Test Kitchen-Preferred Products
Our Test Kitchen is constantly testing kitchen gadgets, cleaning gear and food looking for brands that deserve the right to be called Test-Kitchen Preferred.
If you’re looking to outfit your kitchen with a few new appliances, be sure to check out these tests: