Guide Note

A popcorn maker is a machine that heats up popcorn kernels until they pop. The method of popping the popcorn varies for each machine, but there are three basic types: Oil, air, and microwave poppers.

Fast Facts

1. Common uses: Air popping popcorn, oil popping popcorn
2. Price range: $8 to $70
3. 1970: Microwave Oven introduced
4. 1970s: Air Poppers introduced

Buying Guide

Oil poppers heat oil on the stove or on a hot plate and provides some form of containment for the popping corn. This is the traditional-style popper. Using oil provides a heavier flavor to the popcorn. A covered pot can be used to make popcorn with this method.

Air poppers apply hot air continuously to the popcorn to pop it, without the use of oil. This type requires a bowl to catch the popcorn. If desired butter or oil can be added afterwards. Air poppers start at about 18 dollars.

Microwave poppers are plastic bowls that can be used in the microwave to pop regular popcorn kernels. These are the least expensive varieties, starting at about seven dollars.

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