For those looking to supply popcorn for a home theater or guest, a nostalgic popcorn machine can help set the mood.
Below I reviewed my favorite popcorn machines for home or business.
Prices on my list range from $149 – $449.
Best Popcorn Machine Reviews
Olde Midway Popcorn Machine
The Olde Midway Bar Style is the best popcorn machine for commercial use.
Reading reviews, it’s super popular among bars and restaurants – however, its size and price make it desired for home theaters as well.
- Operation: 860 watts
- Capacity: 3 gal. (per batch)
- Pricing: Expensive
It’s nostalgic 1920’s style but w/ modern popper technology.
It’s perfect for hosting large parties. It can produce up to 3 gallons of popcorn per batch.
As you can see, the Olde Midway Bar Style has a modern, retro look ~ beautiful stainless steel and tempered glass door give it a luxurious feel. Buyers also say it creates a “popping sound” that’s reminiscent of actual movie theaters.
It’s not cheap, but not a bad price.
The Olde Midway is the best popcorn machine under $200.
GNP 16 Oz. Popcorn Machine
The Great Northern Popcorn Machine (GNP #6222) is the best popcorn machine for 16 oz. Batches.
Beautiful design that’s constructed of stainless steel, metal gearbox, and thick tempered glass – it’s probably the most durable popcorn machine on my list.
- Weight: 68 pounds
- Pricing: Expensive
The reason for the heavier weight is the high-quality, tempered glass – it’s thicker than usual but also provides better insulation.
As a popcorn machine, the GNP 16 oz. The model runs on 1600 watts.
It’s able to produce a whopping 7 gallons per batch!
User-friendly controls are nice as well. You’ll notice 3 control switches that let you customize the roast and speed:
spot light warmer, stirring feature, and on/off kettle heater
Easy to clean and nice, authentic movie theater look.
It’s one of the most popular Great Northern popcorn models online.
Paragon Popcorn Machine Review
The Paragon Standard Pop Popcorn Machine, 8 ounces, is complete with the familiar design of your local movie theater machine.
USA-manufactured, Paragon’s machines are constructed of hard-coat aluminum and run on 1200 watts of power.
Innovative controls of this machine include a 4-switch operation — that lets you effortlessly set up, and the kettle ‘ready ‘lights let you know when to add ingredients (such as salt).
Stainless steel kettle swings on hinges, making it easy to add kernels or remove them for cleaning.
It also comes w/ a beautiful glass-tempered door that can be taken out and washed.
At max capacity, it produces 92 1-oz servings per hour.
Paragon 8 oz. popcorn machine has good reviews but high prices.
Great Northern Popcorn Black Bar Style
Like the other Great Northern machines on this list, the Lincoln Antique Style Popcorn Machine is pretty big at 8 ounces.
Even w/its classic look, it still offers all the modern features you’d want:
Stainless steel food zones, easy cleaning stainless steel kettles, heated warming decks, old-maid drawers (for un-popped kernels), tempered glass panels, and industry-leading 8 oz. kettles operating on 860 watts.
Best Popcorn Machine w/ Bars Style Design
** I personally love the Bar Style design, which adds to the early movie theater ambiance
It has a little different design than the Great Northern Roosevelt, but the only difference between this model and the Great Northern Roosevelt Popcorn machine is the sleek black design — more of a vintage aesthetic.
Even though it’s a slightly higher price, the hand lift and push rail is a nice addition.
Highlights
- Makes 3-gallon of popcorn
- Cleans up with water
- Heavy-duty powder-coated steel + stainless steel construction
- 110 volt 860 watts (Commercial Quality)
- Includes 3 plastic serving cups
- 50 serving bags, popcorn, and oil scoop
- Cart available
- Optional Hand lift
- Push rail is included free of charge
Potential Flaws
- Some assembly is required
Paramount Hot Oil Popcorn Machine
Paramount 8 oz. Popcorn Machine has a heavy-duty steel construction & thick tempered glass walls with a classic design for an authentic theatre experience.
** I personally love the multicolor LED illumination, which adds to the excitement
The most anticipated feature for users is the very easy clean-up that this machine promises.
With its ‘no tools needed’ two detachable glass doors, detachable tilting metal tray door, detachable un-popped kernel filter, removable metal crumb tray, and easy-to-remove kettle support brackets, clean up is a breeze!
As you can see, it also has a 1930’s classic look to it. Online reviews note that it looks 100% authentic under bright, theater-style lights.
Highlights
- Classic 1930s design
- Easy-to-remove kettle support brackets (no tools needed)
- 4 control switches
- kettle heating; stirrer
- warming deck; light
- Multicolor LED illumination w/ remote control
- Popcorn scoop included
- Full instruction manual
- Limited lifetime warranty
Potential Flaws
- Construction is not as solid as others
Nostalgia Vintage Popcorn Cart
With a vintage look reminiscent of carnivals in the 1900s, this 6 oz. A commercial popcorn cart provides a classic edition to any home.
This machine comes with a cart, so a table/cabinet is not necessary to prop it up on.
Includes a utility shelf + small storage compartment.
Easy-clean 6-ounce stainless steel kettle comes with a built-in stirring system and dual-hinged lids.
The cart itself has spoked rubber wheels and a pull handle that allows easy mobility.
Highlights
- Pops up to 24 cups of popcorn per batch
- Classic vintage design
- Convenient utility shelf for popcorn preparation
- Spoked rubber wheels and pull handle allows for easy mobility
- Tempered glass windows and door
- Lighted interior for easy viewing and room ambiance
- A compartment in the base to store supplies
Potential Flaws
- Slightly more expensive than competitors
Great Northern Roosevelt Popcorn Machine
Great Northern Popcorn (model # 6010) Roosevelt Antique Style is a commercial-grade, stainless steel machine.
With its nostalgic 1920’s style, it maintains a classic look w/ modern technology.
- Operation: 860 watts
- Capacity: 3 gallons (per batch)
- Pricing: Expensive
Perfect for large parties, the Roosevelt Popcorn Machine produces a whopping 3 gallons of popcorn per batch.
If you’re having a very large party, it shouldn’t be a problem — Great Northern heavy-duty kettle is super durable. You can make multiple batches one after the other.
Also includes a heated warming deck, an old-maid style drawer, and a tempered glass door.
What surprised me about it is how easy it is to maintain — it’s perfect for big parties or home movie theaters.
Lots of positive buyer reviews and fair prices.
Great Northern Red Matinee Popcorn Machine
The Red Matinee Popcorn machine runs on 640 watts (instead of 860W) and slightly smaller dimensions — also at a lower price.
Makes between 2 – 3 Gallons of popcorn with convenient storage.
GNP antique-style machine offers an authentic look with a modern build.
Thicker glass – 40% thicker, premium-grade steel
Richer color – with the availability of red or black
Durable steel – beautiful stainless steel that helps make it durable for years
Good overall buyer rating w/ an affordable price tag.
Highlights
- 2-3 gallons of popcorn per batch
- 3-position control switch
- Premium paint and enhanced colors
- Includes 3 plastic serving cups
- 50 serving bags, popcorn & oil scoop
- Cart is available
Potential Flaws
- Some assembly is required
Overview
Having the ultimate theatre experience in the comfort of your own home doesn’t have to be as out of reach as it may seem.
From antique to modern commercial-style machines, hopefully, our list of the best popcorn machines helps you choose the perfect popper for your space and needs.
