Remember how wonderful the popcorn tastes when you went to the cinema as a child? Well today you could actually be enjoying this healthy tasting snack once more and all in the comfort of your own home. The reason for this being that several companies today using the latest technology to create a new version of the old fashioned popcorn maker.

As you will soon discover when you read this article that there are many different makes and models available. Plus they all use a variety of different methods from oil to hot air to make the corn pop. But what you will find with any of the models we look at below is that they allow you to make this very tasty and healthy snack with your own particular flavorings quickly. Also you find one that will fit into your budget.

KPM-508 Nostalgia Electrics Hot Oil Popcorn Maker

This one from Nostalgia Electrics measures just 17 inches high by 8.5 inches wide by 10.25 inches deep. It is a mini version of the Helman 4 oz machine and looks exactly like it. However, it comes with a great number of modern features to such as a built in stirring system, a large stainless steel kettle and a tempered window. But because of its size you don’t need to use it solely in the kitchen if you want it can be carried into the room where the entertaining is taking place.

OFP501 Helman Group Old Fashioned Movie Time Popcorn Maker

This machine by Helman Group is even slightly smaller than the first type we discuss in this article. This one measures just 16.75 inches high by 7.25 inches wide and 9.50 inches deep. This one looks exactly like the kind you would often see being used at carnivals, fairs or on the street corner. But because of its size it can sit on any worktop or table. Whereas the first type uses oil to cause the corn to pop this model uses hot air instated. It can hold up to 3.5 ounces of corn kernels rather 2oz as the one above. All popcorn created is then dispensed directly into a bowl. But this one rather than coming with a year long warranty only has a 90 day one.

CCP-510 Circus Cart Old Fashioned Popcorn Maker

This is the largest model that we are looking at in this article and measures 14.49 inches long by 24.8 inches wide and 59.06 inches high. It is a replica of the types of popcorn makers that were regularly seen on street corners or at the circus. Unlike the other models in this article this one has the ability to make up to 10 cups of popcorn at any one time. Plus there is a kernel catcher built into this machine ensuring that the kernels remain separate from the popcorn when it is ready to serve. Again this one has a large stainless steel kettle and a system that automatically stirs the kernels as they pop. Plus this old fashioned popcorn maker has a tempered glass window and also a light to tell you when the machine is ready to use.

When sitting watching your favorite show or movie at home what could be nicer than sitting down with a great big bowl of popcorn as well. However, instead of putting a bag of popcorn into the microwave why not invest in one of the many hot air popcorn poppers now available. The great thing about using a hot air popcorn popper is that it makes a low calorie great tasting snack in a matter of minutes.

So what reasons are there for purchasing these types of popcorn makers over the kinds that use oil? Below we take a look at just some of the reasons.

Reason 1 – As oil isn’t required to create the kernels of corn to pop as mentioned above the final product doesn’t have so many calories. So if you want a great tasting snack when dieting this will be ideal for you.

Reason 2 – You may think that making popcorn in a microwave is quick, it isn’t as quick as it would be using one of these machines. Usually when making popcorn in a microwave it takes up to around 10 minutes and not all the kernels in the bag will pop. However using an electric popcorn popper you can have a great tasting snack in around 3 minutes. Plus you will find that far less of the kernels remain unpopped.

Above we have shown you a couple of reasons for buying a hot air popcorn popper, now let’s look at some makes and models to consider buying.

1. Presto 04821 Orville Redenbacher Hot Air Popcorn Popper

This machine by Presto has the ability to allow you to in 2.5 minutes make as many as 18 cups of great fluffy tasting popcorn. Although you can eat it plain or with salt if you want to add a little sweetness to yours then the measuring cup provided can be used for melting butter in. All you need to do is put in the amount of butter that you want to melt that is at room temperature is added to it as the kernels are popping. Also make sure that you keep the lid on the popper whilst it is doing the work of popping the kernels else they will end up flying all over the place. As for taking care of your machine the cup and plastic cover can be removed and using warm soapy water will have them looking good once more in a matter of minutes.

2. Toastess TCP-388 Hot Air Popcorn Popper

Again like the other old fashioned popcorn maker discussed in this article it allows you to make great tasting healthy popcorn in just a few minutes. As with the other model discussed the TCP-388 by Toastess comes with a see through chute that as soon as the kernels have popped sends them into the bowl placed below. Again the measuring cup can be used for melting butter as well and to do this put the desired amount of butter into it and then place it into its place in the lid. Compared to other models you may find that because of its special air flow system you will find that the popcorn produced in this hot air popcorn popper is much puffier.