Best Old Fashioned Popcorn Poppers of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Old fashioned popcorn poppers are a classic kitchen accessory that can add some nostalgia to your movie night. These poppers use a crank or stirrer to move the kernels around, ensuring that each one pops evenly and without burning. Made from durable materials like cast iron or stainless steel, these poppers are built to last and can be used over an open flame or on a stovetop. They are also easy to clean and store, making them a great investment for any popcorn lover. With their timeless design and functionality, old fashioned popcorn poppers are a must-have for anyone who enjoys the simple pleasures in life.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

6252 Great Northern Popcorn Pit Popper Campfire Firepit Popcorn Popper Cover #TOP 1
6252 Great Northern Popcorn Pit Popper Campfire Firepit Popcorn Popper
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Great Northern Popcorn Stainless Steel Popcorn Popper Cover #TOP 2
Great Northern Popcorn Stainless Steel Popcorn Popper
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Great Northern Popcorn 83-DT5676 Popcorn Machine Cover #TOP 3
Great Northern Popcorn 83-DT5676 Popcorn Machine
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 6 Old Fashioned Popcorn Poppers

6252 Great Northern Popcorn Pit Popper Campfire Firepit Popcorn Popper

6252 Pit Popper
Silver
4 Quart
6252 Great Northern Popcorn Pit Popper Campfire Firepit Popcorn Popper Cover
Campfire Popcorn Popper - Old Fashioned Popcorn Maker with Telescoping Handle - Camping Gear by Great Northern Popcorn (Black)

The 6252 Great Northern Popcorn Pit Popper Campfire Firepit Popcorn Popper takes camping to a new level by allowing you to make 4 quarts of popcorn in just minutes without requiring electricity. Its innovative cool tube handle extends to 2 feet to keep you safe and away from the fire, and its quick clip lid makes for easy cleanup. This product is perfect for campouts and backyard parties and is made with Great Northern Popcorn Quality.

What We Like
Does not require electricity
Quick and easy to make 4 quarts of popcorn
Innovative cool tube handle extends to 2 feet to keep you safe from fire
Quick clip lid makes for easy cleanup
Perfect for campouts and backyard parties

Great Northern Popcorn Stainless Steel Popcorn Popper

6251 SS Stove Twister Kettle
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Great Northern Popcorn Stainless Steel Popcorn Popper Cover
Stovetop Popcorn Maker - 6.5-Quart Stainless-Steel Popcorn Popper with a Hand Crank, Vented Lid, and Stir Paddle by Great Northern Popcorn (Silver)

The Great Northern Popcorn Original Stainless Steel Stove Top 6-1/2-Quart Popcorn Popper is perfect for making movie theater style popcorn for any family movie night, party, or game night. The wooden handle stays cool while stirring, and the built-in stir paddle ensures constant stirring to prevent burning. The vented lid allows moisture to escape for fresh, crunchy, and delicious popcorn every time. Made from durable stainless steel with nonstick properties, this pot is easy to clean with just a paper towel.

What We Like
Makes up to 5 quarts of popcorn in just minutes
Wooden handle stays cool while stirring and built-in stir paddle prevents burning
Vented lid allows moisture to escape for fresh, crunchy, and delicious popcorn every time
Durable stainless steel with nonstick properties makes it easy to clean

Great Northern Popcorn 83-DT5676 Popcorn Machine

83-DT5676
(Silver)
Great Northern Popcorn 83-DT5676 Popcorn Machine Cover
Stovetop Popcorn Maker - 6-Quart Aluminum Popcorn Popper with Hand Crank, Vented Lid, and Stir Paddle by Great Northern Popcorn (Silver)

The Great Northern Popcorn 83-DT5676 Popcorn Machine is a stovetop popcorn popper that makes it easy to enjoy fresh, movie theater-quality popcorn in minutes. With a unique spinner stirring mechanism, it prevents burning and fewer unpopped kernels. Simply heat oil, add kernels, and use the handle to stir continuously as the kernels pop. The pot is made of metal and wood and is easy to clean. It makes approximately 5 quarts of popcorn and is not compatible with induction stove tops.

What We Like
Easy to use and makes movie theater-quality popcorn in minutes
Unique spinner stirring mechanism prevents burning and fewer unpopped kernels
Easy to clean with just a paper towel and store for later use
#TOP 4

Great Northern Popcorn Campfire Popcorn Popper

Great Northern Popcorn
83-DT6156
Black
Great Northern Popcorn Campfire Popcorn Popper Cover
Campfire Popcorn Popper - Old Fashioned Popcorn Maker with Nonstick Finish and Extended Handle - Camping Gear by Great Northern Popcorn (Black)

Treat yourself to gourmet popcorn over a campfire with the GN Popcorn Campfire Popper. The nonstick coating ensures easy cleaning. The smart design includes a long handle for safety. It makes a great gift for camping and popcorn fans.

What We Like
Nonstick Coating
Smart Design
Great Gift Idea

Great Northern Popcorn Big Bambino Popcorn Machine

Great Northern Popcorn Big Bambino Popcorn Machine Cover
Popcorn Machine - Big Bambino Old Fashioned Popcorn Maker With 4-Ounce Kettle, Measuring Cups, Scoop, and Serving Cups by Great Northern Popcorn (Red)

The Great Northern Popcorn Machine is a countertop model that brings the feeling and smell of the movie theater right to your home or event. With its 4oz stainless steel kettle, it can make about 1.5 gallons of fresh popcorn in just minutes. The dump style kettle, along with the drop-down tray under the door, makes it easy to scoop the popcorn. The machine is designed with a one switch operation and a 60W light in the ceiling, giving you a hassle-free popcorn popping experience. It also comes with delightful accessories such as measuring spoons, measuring cups, a tray to catch unpopped kernels, and a popcorn scoop. Enjoy this tasty snack with the Great Northern Popcorn Machine.

What We Like
Fresh popcorn
Compact size
Easy to use
#TOP 6

Generic Retro Manual Popcorn Machine

Generic
silver
20cm/7.9in
Generic Retro Manual Popcorn Machine Cover
Hand Popcorn Machine, High Pressure Popcorn Maker, Chinese Traditional Old-Fashioned Pop Corn Machine, Stainless Steel Mini Hand Cannon Food Amplifier

The Generic Retro Popcorn Maker is a high-quality manual popcorn machine crafted from durable stainless steel. This design ensures stability during popcorn preparation, preventing any mess or shaking. With its traditional hand-crank feature, you can quickly whip up fresh popcorn in just minutes, perfect for family gatherings or movie nights. The easy-to-use handle and clear measurement scale enhance your cooking experience, allowing you to monitor your popcorn-making process effortlessly. Plus, the built-in pressure gauge provides real-time feedback on temperature and pressure, adding an extra layer of safety while you enjoy your tasty treats.

What We Like
High-quality stainless steel
Easy manual operation
Quick popcorn preparation
Real-time pressure monitoring
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What else can you make in a popcorn popper?

Apart from popcorn, you can use a popcorn popper to roast coffee beans. Just like nuts, coffee beans can be toasted and even roasted using a popcorn maker. It's a versatile appliance that can be used for multiple purposes.

2. How much popcorn do you put in a popcorn popper?

The amount of popcorn to put in a popcorn popper depends on the number of people you are serving. As a general guideline, you should use two 1-ounce servings per person. For example, if you have 10 people, you will need 20 ounces of popcorn. If your popcorn popper has a 4-ounce capacity, you will need to reload it approximately 5 times, with each batch taking around 3 to 4 minutes.

3. Is it better to use oil or butter for popcorn?

When it comes to flavor, peanut oil is a popular choice for popping popcorn in a popcorn popper. It provides a rich and buttery-like taste. Coconut oil is also a great option. If you prefer a buttery flavor, clarified butter is recommended. Regular butter may burn and smoke, so it is important to use clarified butter instead.

4. Can you pop anything other than corn?

Yes, you can pop other grains in a popcorn popper. Some grains that pop well in addition to corn are sorghum, amaranth, and wild rice. Each grain has its unique popping characteristics, and you can experiment with different whole grains to find your preference. Follow the instructions specific to each grain for the best results.

5. Does soaking popcorn make it pop better?

Soaking popcorn kernels in water before popping can enhance the popping process. Unpopped kernels lack sufficient moisture to create the necessary pressure for bursting open. To make your popcorn pop better, try soaking the kernels in a bowl of water for 10 minutes and then draining them before popping. This can help improve the popping rate and yield more fully popped kernels.

Editor's Notes

During our old fashioned popcorn popper research, we found 16 old fashioned popcorn popper products and shortlisted 6 quality products. We collected and analyzed 91,877 customer reviews through our big data system to write the old fashioned popcorn poppers list. We found that most customers choose old fashioned popcorn poppers with an average price of $39.20.

The old fashioned popcorn poppers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of old fashioned popcorn poppers, including Great Northern Popcorn Company, Great Northern Popcorn. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.