15 Best Home Theater Popcorn Machines For Your Next Movie Night
If you’re like most people, then you love a good movie night. There’s nothing quite like gathering your friends and family together to watch a good flick. But what makes a movie night truly great? Popcorn, of course! In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best home theater popcorn machines on the market.
We’ll also go over what you should look for when making your purchase.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to have the best movie night ever!
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Why Should I Buy a Movie Theater Popcorn Machine?
Are you a big fan of movies? Do you often have movie nights with your friends or family? If you answered yes to both questions, then you should consider buying a movie theater popcorn machine.
Trust me, having a home theater popcorn machine is a game-changer to making your movie nights a lot more enjoyable. Imagine being able to enjoy freshly popped popcorn that tastes just like the ones you get at the movies.
With your very own popcorn machine, you can do just that.
Not to mention, you can save a lot of money in the long run by making your popcorn instead of buying them at the store. So if you’re looking for a way to upgrade your movie nights, you might want to consider a movie theater popcorn machine.
What Should I Look for In a Popcorn Machine?
Now that you know why you should buy a popcorn machine, it’s time to consider what you should look for when buying the best home theater popcorn machine.
Remember: what makes for the best home theater popcorn machine for you will depend largely on how it meets your specific needs.
Style of Popcorn Maker
There are a couple of different styles of popcorn machines available, but the two most common are the countertop models and the cart-type models.
Both are electric popcorn makers and perform the same function, but the popcorn machine cart comes with a wheeled cart so that you can move it around.
The countertop models are made to sit on a countertop.
Size of Popcorn Maker
When it comes to the size of the popcorn machine, you’ll want to keep in mind how much space you have to store it.
The size of popcorn makers varies from brand to brand, and style of machine.
As you might guess, the countertop models typically take up less space and can be stored in a pantry or another area when not in use. You might opt for the countertop popcorn maker if you have ample countertop space, or if you want the ability to move and store it easily.
On the other hand, the popcorn maker cart is free-standing and thus takes up more room in your theater room, but does make more of a statement. You might opt for the cart model if you don’t have much countertop or storage space but have floor space to use up.
Popcorn Capacity
The other thing you need to consider when looking for the best home theater popcorn machines is the kettle size, also known as capacity.
Capacity matters because it determines how much popcorn you can make at a time.
This can vary from the smallest popcorn maker that makes 2.5 ounces of popcorn to some of the largest popcorn machines that can handle lots of cups of popcorn at a time.
While a few ounces of popcorn may not sound like a lot, keep in mind that a few ounces difference in dry kernels can result in a difference of gallons of popped popcorn!
Features of the Popcorn Machine
All the different popcorn machines on the market come with a variety of different features.
These features can include different size kettles, built-in warmers, trays to catch popcorn, wheels, extra storage, design, and more.
Some of these machines also come with cool add-on features such as candy dispensers and more to take your experience to the next level.
Ultimately, the best popcorn maker for your personal home theater will largely depend on which model has features you’re excited about the most.
Overall Price
The price can vary quite a bit on movie theater popcorn machines depending on the different features, sizes, styles, and brands that you buy. Your budget is going to be one of the largest determining factors as to which popcorn machine you should buy.
Home theater popcorn machines will typically run about $90-250 for the typical countertop model and as much as $300-400 for some of the more high-end cart models.
Are Nostalgia Popcorn Machines Good?
Yes, Nostalgia popcorn machines are a great option. They come in a variety of different models from countertops to the old-fashioned cart style.
Nostalgia is one of the better brands when it comes to finding the best home theater popcorn machines. But our top picks are both from the Olde Midway brand!
The 15 Best Home Theater Popcorn Machines
Here is a list of our top choices for the 15 best home theater popcorn machines that will take your movie experience to the next level.
Overall Best Countertop Model: Olde Midway Bar Style Popcorn Machine Maker
For a more classic look for your home theater popcorn machine, the Olde Midway Bar Style Popcorn Machine Maker is another great countertop popcorn popper.
It’s made with high-quality stainless steel, making it durable and long-lasting, and the tempered glass makes it easy to see when your popcorn is done.
Not only that, it has easy-to-use controls and a whisper-quiet motor, which means you won’t have to worry about disturbing the group with loud machine noises!
When you’re finished, simply clean up with the easy-to-clean design.
Key Features:
- 8-ounce kettle to hold about 1 cup of kernels to make 8 quarts
- Comes in black and stainless steel
- Tempered glass
- Easy cleaning
- Large capacity
- Low motor noise
Overall Best Cart Model: Olde Midway Vintage Style Popcorn Machine Cart
If you’re looking for a cart model popcorn maker for your home theater, but don’t have a ton of space, the Olde Midway Vintage Style Popcorn Machine Cart is one of the best options.
This machine is easy to use and easy to clean, so you’ll be able to spend more time enjoying your party and less time worrying about the cleanup.
The 6-ounce stainless steel kettle ensures that there’s plenty of popcorn for everyone, and the tempered glass warming deck keeps it fresh and hot.
It also comes with a kernel tray to make sure that every kernel pops, so you’ll have perfectly popped popcorn every time.
The wheeled cart makes it easy to move from room to room, and it has easy storage built-in to keep all of your supplies in one place.
It’s a great statement piece for a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just a movie night in with friends!
Key Features:
- 6-ounce kettle
- Color options: red and stainless steel
- Classic old-fashioned theater design
- Tempered glass
- Easy to clean
- Built-in storage in the cart
- Wheels for portability
Best Commercial Popcorn Maker: Paragon Theater Pop 8 Ounce Popcorn Machine
The best commercial popcorn maker goes to the Paragon Theater Pop. Similar to the Contempo Pop, this model features a more traditional design and is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use, easy-to-clean popcorn machine.
The 8-ounce aluminum kettle heats quickly and evenly.
The tempered glass window lets you keep an eye on the popping process, while the side-hinged door provides easy access for adding kernels and oil.
The sturdy cabinet construction is incredibly durable and ensures that your popcorn machine will last for years to come.
It also comes with a 1 year warranty – there’s so much to love about this commercial popcorn maker! If you’re hosting large events, this model is worth the investment!
Key Features:
- 8-ounce side-hinged aluminum kettle
- Efficient output: it can pop up to 147 servings of popcorn per hour
- Easy to clean
- Easy to use
- Side-hinged door for easy access
- Tempered Glass
- Durable construction
- Movie-theater-style popcorn machine
- Bright red cabinet and classic graphics
- Sturdy cabinet construction
- Built-in warming deck
- Old maid drawer
- 1 year warranty
Best Home Theater Popcorn Machine for Small Spaces: Great Northern Popcorn Company Pop Pup Countertop Popcorn Machine
The Great Northern Popcorn Company Pop Pup Countertop Popcorn Machine is a great way to make delicious popcorn at home on a budget and without taking up too much space.
This popcorn machine features a 2.5-ounce stainless steel kettle and polycarbonate sides. It’s easy to use and easy to store, making it great for general home use.
The warmer and catch tray makes it easy to keep your popcorn warm and fresh, while the easy-to-clean design makes it a breeze to keep your popcorn machine clean.
Key Features:
- 2.5 ounce stainless steel kettle
- Countertop model
- Small size, doesn’t take up too much space
- Portable and easy to store
- Polycarbonate sides
- Catch tray
- Comes with a measuring cup and popcorn bags
Nostalgia Professional Popcorn Maker
The Nostalgia Professional Popcorn Maker is a top-of-the-line popcorn maker cart that features an 8-ounce stainless steel kettle to make up to a whopping 32 cups of popped corn!
My favorite part about this popcorn maker is the built-in kernel stirring system that prevents burning. It’s so easy to clean, and the dual-hinged lid makes it easy to empty leftover popcorn.
The kettle can also be removed for easy cleaning!
For dimmer rooms, you’ll enjoy the lighted interior of the machine. And smaller spaces will appreciate the utility side shelf and tilt-out drop door for easy scooping!
It is available in either red or black, and features strong, scratch-resistant tempered glass for safety and durability.
You can also purchase a Nostalgia popcorn kit to go with this popcorn popper.
For dimmer rooms, you’ll enjoy the interior lights of this popcorn machine. And smaller spaces will appreciate the built-in storage compartment.
One Amazon reviewer said: “Love this popcorn machine! It’s so fast and the popcorn that came with it is amazing! Just heat the machine for 3-5 minutes, turn it off, pour the popcorn and oil into the canister, turn it back on, and voila! It’s gonna be ready in a minute! “
Key Features:
- 8 oz capacity
- 13-inch rubber wheels for easy maneuvering
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Interior Lights
- Tempered Glass
- Comes in red or black
- Built-in storage compartment
Paragon Contempo Pop 8 Ounce Popcorn Machine
This countertop commercial popcorn machine features an aluminum kettle for high output that is sure to keep up with the high demand for fresh popcorn.
It features durable cabinet construction, stylish and sleek design, stainless steel food zone, and tempered glass panels to watch as your popcorn pops.
It also comes with a one-year warranty.
So whether you’re popping corn kernels for a large crowd to watch the game or just for your family as you get ready to watch a movie or to have in your game room, the Paragon Contempo Pop is a fantastic popcorn maker.
Key Features:
- 8 oz kettle to hold about 1 cup of kernels to make 8 quarts
- Stylish design
- Superior performance
- Color options: black and stainless steel
- Durable construction
- Tempered glass warranty
Nostalgia Popcorn Maker Professional Cart
The Nostalgia Popcorn Maker Professional Cart is a top-of-the-line popcorn popper that will make any movie night and party 10 times better.
Its stainless steel kettle is on the bigger size at 10-ounce, making it a great option for large families.
The popcorn machine also has a built-in kernel stirring system to prevent burnt kernels.
It also comes with a lighted interior to create ambiance, making it a unique and fun addition to any home theater.
The tempered glass and easy-to-clean design make it a breeze to use and maintain.
The wheeled cart also includes storage space, so you can keep all your supplies close at hand.
So whether you’re entertaining friends or just enjoying a quiet movie night at home, the Nostalgia Popcorn Maker Professional Cart is sure to be a hit.
Key Features:
- Larger 10-ounce capacity kettle
- Built-in storage space
- Tilts out the door for easy movement
- Easy to clean
- A lighted interior to creates a fun theater ambiance
Matinee Countertop Popcorn Machine
Nothing says movie night like a big bowl of freshly popped popcorn. And with the Matinee Countertop Popcorn Machine bundle, you’ll have everything you need for your next movie night.
The 8-ounce stainless steel kettle can make up to 8 quarts of popcorn at a time, so there’s plenty to go around.
Oh, and did we mention that it comes with 24 popcorn packs that taste so delicious? It is pre-packed with coconut oil, butter-flavored salt, and popcorn kernels that you can simply open and pour into the 8oz kettle.
The tempered glass means you can keep an eye on your popcorn as it pops, and the catch tray and flip-down door make it easy to get every last kernel.
Plus, it’s easy to clean and use, so you’ll be enjoying delicious popcorn in no time.
Key Features:
- Countertop design
- 8-ounce stainless steel kettle
- Tempered glass
- Classic look
- Comes with 24 popcorn packs
- Easy to clean
Great Northern Red 8oz Roosevelt Antique Countertop Style Popcorn Popper Machine
The is a deluxe model that features 3 position control switch instead of the 2 generic positions.
It features an 8-ounce alloy steel kettle with a heated warming deck, built-in spot light warmer, stirrer, and pot heater to keep your popcorn fresh and hot.
It even comes with a popcorn scoop, a reject kernel tray, and an oil scoop for easy serving. It’s also easy to use and easy to clean and fits nicely on a countertop.
Key Features:
- 8 oz capacity kettle
- Countertop design
- Minor assembly required
- 3 position controls
- Built-in warmer
- Classic look
- Easy to clean
- Heavy-duty powder coated steel and stainless steel construction
Great Northern Popcorn Red 8 Ounce All Star GNP-800 Classic Style Popcorn Machine with Cart
The Great Northern Popcorn Red 8 Ounce All Star GNP-800 Classic Style Popcorn Machine with Cart is high-quality machine features a durable stainless steel kettle that can pop up to 3 gallons of popcorn at a time.
Plus, it has a built-in light warmer and warmer deck to keep your popcorn fresh and warm throughout the entire movie.
And if you’re worried about those pesky unpopped kernels, don’t be! The All-Star Popcorn Machine comes with an old maid’s drawer to catch them all.
The great thing is, this popcorn machine has a relatively small footprint due to the stand being pretty small, so it can easily be moved against a wall or in a corner when you’re not using it. It’s kind of like having your own as-needed mini concession stand!
Best of all, this machine is easy to use and clean, making it a great addition to any household.
As for efficiency, this popcorn machine has a 3-switch design, which allows you to use the kettle heater and stirrer, warming deck, as well as overhead light independently of each other.
Key Features:
- Large capacity kettle
- Built-in warmer
- Classic look
- Easy to clean
- 16” bicycle-style tires for mobility
- Stainless steel and tempered glass food zones
- 3-switch design
Great Northern Popcorn Black Bar Style Lincoln 8 Ounce Antique Popcorn Machine
The Great Northern Popcorn Black Bar Style Lincoln 8 Ounce Antique Popcorn Machine is another great option for those looking for the best popcorn popper.
Don’t believe me? Just read the 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon!
This Carnival-style popcorn maker makes approximately 3 gallons of popcorn per batch, so you’ll have plenty to share with friends and family.
The built-in light warmer keeps your popcorn warm and fresh, while the easy-to-use control panel makes it easy to get the perfect popcorn every time.
Its heavy-duty construction also ensures durability. Plus, the easy-to-clean design makes it a breeze to keep in tip-top shape even with just water!
A great popcorn machine overall!
Key Features:
- 8 ounce kettle
- Countertop design
- Built-in light warmer
- Heavy duty construction
- Includes a reject kernel tray, kernel scoop, oil scoop, and popcorn scoop
- Easy to clean
- Switches to control the warming light, stirring rod, and pot heater
- 8″ wide working platform shelf
Olde Midway Vintage Style Popcorn Machine Maker Popper with Cart
The Olde Midway Vintage Style Popcorn Machine Maker Popper with Cart genuinely feels like a real popcorn cart, not one of those plastic kids’ play set.
The 8-ounce stainless steel kettle can pop up to 3 gallons of tasty popcorn.
The tempered glass allows you to watch the kernels pop in real-time.
The old maid’s drawer catches any unpopped kernels, and the cart has built-in storage space for all your serving needs (we love it to store seasonings and popcorn bags!)
This popcorn cart has a heavy-duty construction, which makes it a durable option for families.
Key Features:
- Stylish design
- Comes in black and red
- 8-ounce capacity kettle
- Built-in warmer
- Built-in storage
- Heavy duty construction for durability
- Easy to clean
Olde Midway Bar Style Popcorn Machine Maker Popper with 6-Ounce Kettle
The Olde Midway Bar Style Popcorn Machine features a smaller 6-ounce stainless steel kettle for smaller spaces. You can make up to 2 gallons of popcorn per batch.
It’s designed with an antique style that’s available in both black and red classic popcorn machine colors.
When you buy this model, you’ll also receive a stainless steel measuring cup, tablespoon, popcorn scoop, and salt shaker!
It features heavy-duty stainless steel construction and tempered glass that is built to last.
Not to mention, it also has a warming deck to keep your popcorn fresh and hot, as well as an old maid’s drawer.
Want to know the best part though? It has a super quiet motor!
We appreciated that the popcorn machine is shipped with double wall stock and extra padding for safe shipping.
Key Features:
- 6 ounce kettle
- Countertop design
- Free stainless steel accessories
- Available in both black and red
- Easy to clean
- Includes warming deck and reject kernel tray
- Tempered glass
- Padding during shipping
Nostalgia Popcorn Maker Professional Cart with Candy Dispenser
If you are looking for a fun popcorn cart that helps you serve more than just popcorn, the Nostalgia Popcorn Maker Professional Cart with Candy Dispenser is the perfect buy.
With an 8-ounce stainless steel kettle to make up to 32 cups of delicious popcorn per batch, this home theater popcorn machine also features a three 10-oz. snack dispensers that you can fill with your favorite snacks (chocolates, nuts, M&M’s, and other candy works great!)
It also features a lighted interior for easy visibility.
Key Features:
- 8-oz kettle
- Stylish design
- Built-in warmer
- Built-in storage in cart
- 3 candy dispensers
- Easy to clean
- Utility sides shelf
- Tilt door for serving
- 13-inch bicycle-style wheels
Alternatives to A Home Theater Popcorn Machine
- Stovetop Popcorn Maker, aka Stovetop Popcorn Poppers
- Hot Air Popcorn Maker
- Microwave Popcorn Poppers
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Popcorn Machine for Home?
There are a lot of different popcorn machines on the market, which can make it hard to decide which one is the best for your home.
The good news is that the best popcorn machine for home use is the one that fits your needs.
If you have a large family, you might benefit from a popcorn machine that can pop a lot of popcorn at once.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, on the other hand, you might want to choose a machine that uses air instead of oil.
Regardless of your individual preferences, there’s sure to be a popcorn machine out there that’s perfect for you. This list will help you find the perfect popcorn popper for your home.
Why Does Movie Theater Popcorn Taste Better?
The main thing that makes movie theater popcorn is the type of oil that is used to make the popcorn, the amount of oil used, and the type of popcorn machine that is used in making it.
It is also very common for movie theaters to use more salt, different flavors, and liquid butter when making their popcorn. All of these things go into making a delicious bag of movie popcorn.
What Popcorn Do Movie Theaters Use?
Movie theaters often use butterfly popcorn that is distinguished by the little wings that come out when it is popped.
What Kind of Oil Do Movie Theaters Use?
The most common type of oil used by movie theaters for their popcorn is either canola oil or, in some theaters, refined coconut oil that is infused with butter flavor.
What Kind of Butter Do Movie Theaters Use?
Movie theaters do not use real butter but butter-flavored oil.
This is colored to look like butter and is typically added to popcorn upon request or sometimes in a pump for the movie goes to put on their popcorn after ordering.
How Much Popcorn Kernels Should I Use?
Every ounce of popcorn kernels makes about 1 quart of popped popcorn. This means to make 2 quarts of popcorn, you’ll need 4 tablespoons of popcorn kernels, or 2 ounces.
How much popcorn you can make depends on your machine’s capacity, so you’ll want to make sure to buy a popcorn machine that can make enough popcorn for your needs.
Final Thoughts on The Best Home Theater Popcorn Machines
At the end of the day, the best home theater popcorn machine for you is the one that fits your needs best.
You may want a popcorn machine that has larger kettles to pop a large number of popcorn kernels, or has exceptionally easy cleanup features or ease of use.
Maybe you want a popcorn maker that is a compact size for easy storage in small spaces, or one that would last you a long time.
To accommodate all the different needs, we’ve listed 15 of the best home theater popcorn machines on the market to help you find the right one for your home.
So, whether you want to buy your first popcorn machine or are just looking to upgrade your old one, be sure to check out our list. And don’t forget to have an awesome movie night!
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Which one of these popcorn makers is your favorite? And did we miss any you think should be included in this Best Home Theater Popcorn Machines guide? Please leave a comment below – I’d love to hear!!
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