When it comes to making your own popcorn at home there are several different types of machines you can choose from. One particular type of machine to consider is the kettle popcorn maker. This like all popcorn machines allows you to make a snack that is healthy due to it being high in fiber and contains far fewer calories than either crisps or chocolate do.

But there are a few more reasons for why you should be considering investing in a kettle popcorn maker. Along with looking at what these reasons are we will take a brief look at some of these machines available.

Why Kettle Popcorn Makers?

Reason 1 – Yes making popcorn in this machine takes a little longer than it would if you were to microwave it. However, it is far healthier for you as these machines instead of using oil to cause the corn to pop rely solely on hot air. Also when it comes to microwave popcorn you don’t have the opportunity to decide how much additive like salt you add to the popcorn but with these machines you can. So not only can you produce popcorn that is healthy to eat but also that will suit your own taste.

Reason 2 – When you use a kettle popcorn maker you can make as much of this as you want. But you will of course have to buy a machine that meets your particular purposes. For example if you intend to provide the popcorn commercially then of course you need to make sure that the capacity of the maker is quite large. However, if it is purely for home use then select a machine that fits in with your budget.

Reason 3 – Although the initially investment in these machines is high over the long term you could end up saving yourself quite a considerable sum of money. No more having to spend money on 3 bags of popcorn all you need is a pack of the corn that needs to be popped. Plus with such machines they come with at least one year’s guarantee so you won’t have to worry about repairing or replacing it during this time should something go wrong.

Above we have looked at the reasons for buying a kettle popcorn maker, now let’s look at some models that are available to purchase for your home.

Our Recommendations

1. West Bend 82386 Black Kettle Krazy Popcorn Popper – This machine allows you to not only pop as much as 6 quarts of popcorn but also to roast 3 cups of glazed nuts in just a few minutes. It comes with 3 settings allowing you to control the temperature and also as the popcorn pops or nuts are glazed it automatically stirs them for you.

2. Nostaglia KPM-508 Old Fashioned Kettle Popcorn Maker – Think of those machines you see at a fair or carnival and this is what these machine looks exactly like. Again this one has a built in system to stir the corn as it is popped and has the ability to make as much as 1 gallon of popcorn for you at any one time.

Retro Series Kettle Popcorn Maker

What could be nicer than sitting at home in front of the TV and as you watch a movie with your partner or kids to eat some popcorn as well. Yes you could pop a packet into the microwave. But having an electric popcorn popper allows you to make this great tasting and healthy snack in just a matter of minutes.

Today you will find that there are a number of different models of this machine to select from. Some look very basic whilst others are replicas of the types of popcorn poppers or kettle popcorn maker you would have seen in a cinema back in the 1950’s.

Although these machines look very complicated to use, this isn’t the case. In fact your children will find them as easy to use as you. If you are intending to let your children use them it is worth considering opting for the versions that use hot air rather than oil to cause the kernels of corn to pop.

So what sorts of electric popcorn poppers are available for you to consider purchasing? Below we take a look at a few models.

Presto 04820 PopLite Hot Air Corn Popper

This one as you can see by the name uses hot air rather than oil to make great tasting popcorn quickly. As well as making much greater tasting low calorie popcorn for you than the kind you put in the microwave it allows you to make more. In just 2 1/2 minutes this machine allows you to make as many as 18 cups of popcorn for you and your family to enjoy. This machine comes with a butter melter that can also be used for measuring out the cups of popcorn that you wish to make.

Back To Basics PC17589 Electric Popcorn Popper

This one comes with a base that is non stick but to further ensure that the kernels don’t stick and are constantly moving it has a motorized dasher. What is really great about this particular model of popcorn popper is that it comes with a well in the middle in to which butter can be placed. Then as it melts it will be added to the kernels as they are popping ensuring that everything is coated consistently with its flavour.

Plus to help ensure that the popcorn remains crisp and dry there are vents in the clear lid allowing steam to get out. Then once the kernels have finished popping then there is a snap on cover that goes over the vents. Also this machine comes with extended handles so the task of flipping the base and lid to allow the popcorn to be emptied into a bowl is far easier.

Toastess TCP-388 Electric Popcorn Popper

This one as with the first model we looked at uses hot air to make 16 cups of delicious healthy tasting popcorn in around 3 minutes. The special air flow design incorporated into this particular electric popcorn popper allows the kernels to pop much more quickly and you will find that it is much puffier. It comes with a measuring cup that can be removed and so allows you to melt butter to add to yours if you wish.