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10 Best Commercial Popcorn Maker 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

VEVOR Commercial Popcorn Machine, 12 Oz Kettle, 1440 W Countertop Popcorn Maker for 80 Cups per Batch, Theater Style Popper with 3-Switch Control Steel Frame Tempered Glass Doors 1 Scoop 2 Spoons, Red

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,135
Capacity
Ease of Cleaning
Additional Features

Most important from
880 reviews

Capacity
Makes excellent popcorn with ease and can hold two batches, perfect for warm refills.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is hassle-free with a removable kettle and tray, making maintenance simple.
Additional Features
Assembly is straightforward, and the sturdy cart offers convenient storage for ingredients and utensils.

The VEVOR Commercial Popcorn Machine is a robust option for anyone needing to produce large quantities of popcorn quickly. With a 12 oz kettle and 1440W power, it can make up to 80 cups per batch, making it suitable for busy environments like theaters, concession stands, and parties. The simple three-switch operation (Warmer, Stirrer, and Pot Heater) makes it user-friendly, ensuring that staff can manage the machine without hassle.

The warming deck and 60W warmer light keep the popcorn fresh and visually appealing, which can attract more customers. The machine's durable construction, featuring a cold rolled steel frame and tempered glass panels, ensures it can withstand regular use. Cleaning is made easier with detachable kettle lids and a removable crumb tray, which helps maintain hygiene and extend the machine's lifespan. Additionally, the included accessories like a popcorn scoop and measuring spoons add convenience right out of the box.

However, at 39 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which might be a drawback for some users in terms of portability and space requirements. This machine covers most essential features needed in a commercial popcorn maker and is designed to make high-quality popcorn efficiently.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,135
Capacity
Ease of Cleaning
Additional Features

Most important from
880 reviews

Capacity
Makes excellent popcorn with ease and can hold two batches, perfect for warm refills.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is hassle-free with a removable kettle and tray, making maintenance simple.
Additional Features
Assembly is straightforward, and the sturdy cart offers convenient storage for ingredients and utensils.
#2

Matinee Popcorn Machine - 8oz Popper with Stainless-Steel Kettle, Reject Kernel Tray, Warming Light, and Accessories by Great Northern Popcorn (Red)

Rating
9.8
Capacity
Heating Method
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
6787 reviews

Capacity
The Great Northern Movie Theater Popcorn Machine delivers perfectly seasoned, fresh, buttery, and salty popcorn with its large capacity stainless-steel drum.
Heating Method
The machine has a brief break-in period, but once settled, it operates at the perfect temperature for consistently great popcorn.
Ease of Cleaning
The tempered glass sides are a significant upgrade from plastic, ensuring durability and ease of cleaning.
Additional Features
The machine is built with quality in mind, featuring three buttons for the lamp, stirrer, and heater, making operation straightforward.

The Matinee Popcorn Machine by Great Northern Popcorn is a solid choice for those looking to add a bit of nostalgia and fun to their home or small commercial space. One of its key strengths is its capacity; the machine can produce up to 3 gallons (48 cups) of popcorn per batch, which is plenty for a movie night or a small party. The stainless-steel kettle, equipped with a built-in stirrer, is robust and ensures even heating, contributing to a consistent popping process. Additionally, the heated deck and warming light help keep the popcorn fresh and warm for longer periods. This is particularly useful when serving multiple rounds of popcorn over an extended period.

The wattage of 850 watts is powerful enough to pop the corn quickly, making the machine efficient for regular use. The tempered glass food zones add an extra layer of safety, preventing accidental burns while offering a clear view of the popcorn-making process. Cleaning is relatively straightforward, as the interior can be wiped with a damp cloth, although the machine's size and weight (26.7 pounds) might make it cumbersome to move around frequently. The reject tray for un-popped kernels is a thoughtful addition, reducing waste and ensuring that you only get perfectly popped corn.

Included accessories like measuring cups, a scoop, popcorn bags, and buckets make the initial setup and use convenient. However, at 30.5 pounds, the machine is on the heavier side, which could be a drawback for those with limited counter space or who prefer a more portable option. The Matinee Popcorn Machine is well-suited for both home use and small commercial needs, delivering high output and ease of use, though its weight and size might require some consideration.

Rating
9.8
Capacity
Heating Method
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
6787 reviews

Capacity
The Great Northern Movie Theater Popcorn Machine delivers perfectly seasoned, fresh, buttery, and salty popcorn with its large capacity stainless-steel drum.
Heating Method
The machine has a brief break-in period, but once settled, it operates at the perfect temperature for consistently great popcorn.
Ease of Cleaning
The tempered glass sides are a significant upgrade from plastic, ensuring durability and ease of cleaning.
Additional Features
The machine is built with quality in mind, featuring three buttons for the lamp, stirrer, and heater, making operation straightforward.
#3

VEVOR Commercial Popcorn Machine, 8 Oz Kettle, 850 W Countertop Popcorn Maker for 48 Cups per Batch, Theater Style Popper with 3-Switch Control Steel Frame Tempered Glass Doors 2 Scoops 2 Spoons, Red

Rating
9.7
Capacity
Ease of Cleaning
Additional Features

Most important from
880 reviews

Capacity
Produces a generous amount of fresh, high-quality popcorn, easily serving groups of 10 or more with multiple batches.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is straightforward with clear instructions, a removable kettle lid, and a crumb tray that minimizes mess.
Additional Features
The warming deck and bright lighting keep popcorn fresh and attract customers effectively.

The VEVOR Commercial Popcorn Machine is a solid choice for small businesses or event vendors needing a reliable, countertop popcorn maker. With an 8 oz kettle and 850 watts of power, it can pop up to 48 cups per batch, which is great for busy concession stands or parties where a good volume of popcorn is needed quickly. The kettle is made from durable alloy steel, and the heating method is electric with a built-in stirring system to ensure even popping without burning the kernels. Operation is straightforward thanks to three simple switches controlling the pot heater, stirrer, and warmer. This makes it easy for staff or even beginners to use without hassle. The warming deck keeps popped corn fresh and visible under bright lighting, which also helps attract customers.

Cleaning is made easier by the removable kettle lid secured with wing nuts, tempered glass panels, and a crumb tray that catches stray kernels. These features reduce downtime and help maintain hygiene. The steel frame and tempered glass build give it a sturdy, professional look, while included accessories like a popcorn scoop and measuring spoons add convenience right away.

The machine weighs nearly 29 pounds, so it’s less portable than smaller home poppers, and its size may require a dedicated counter space. Also, while it pops a decent amount per batch, it may not fully meet very high-demand environments without frequent refilling. The VEVOR machine balances capacity, durability, and ease of use well, making it suitable for theaters, food stalls, or event hosts seeking a dependable popcorn maker that’s fairly simple to operate and clean.

Rating
9.7
Capacity
Ease of Cleaning
Additional Features

Most important from
880 reviews

Capacity
Produces a generous amount of fresh, high-quality popcorn, easily serving groups of 10 or more with multiple batches.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is straightforward with clear instructions, a removable kettle lid, and a crumb tray that minimizes mess.
Additional Features
The warming deck and bright lighting keep popcorn fresh and attract customers effectively.

Buying Guide for the Best Commercial Popcorn Maker

Choosing the right commercial popcorn maker can significantly impact your business, whether you run a movie theater, concession stand, or any other venue where popcorn is a popular snack. The key to making the best choice is understanding the various specifications and how they align with your specific needs. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting a commercial popcorn maker.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of popcorn the machine can produce in one batch, usually measured in ounces. This is important because it determines how much popcorn you can serve at a time. If you have a high-traffic area, you’ll need a machine with a larger capacity to keep up with demand. Machines typically range from 4 ounces to 52 ounces or more. For small venues or occasional use, a machine with a capacity of 4-8 ounces might be sufficient. For medium-sized operations, consider 8-16 ounces. For large venues or high-demand situations, look for machines with a capacity of 16 ounces or more.
Kettle MaterialThe kettle is where the popcorn is popped, and its material can affect the machine's durability and performance. Common materials include stainless steel and aluminum. Stainless steel kettles are more durable and easier to clean, making them ideal for high-volume use. Aluminum kettles heat up faster, which can be beneficial for quick service but may not be as durable in the long run. If you need a machine for heavy, frequent use, opt for a stainless steel kettle. For lighter, occasional use, an aluminum kettle might suffice.
Heating MethodCommercial popcorn makers use different heating methods, such as electric or gas. Electric models are more common and easier to install, as they only require an electrical outlet. Gas models can be more efficient and cost-effective in the long run, especially for high-volume operations, but they require a gas line and proper ventilation. Choose an electric model if you need a straightforward setup and moderate usage. Opt for a gas model if you have the infrastructure and need to produce large quantities of popcorn consistently.
WattageWattage indicates the power consumption of the popcorn maker. Higher wattage means the machine can heat up faster and maintain consistent popping temperatures, which is crucial for high-volume production. Machines typically range from 600 watts to over 1600 watts. For small to medium operations, a machine with 800-1200 watts should be sufficient. For large-scale operations, look for machines with 1200 watts or more to ensure efficient and quick popcorn production.
Ease of CleaningCleaning is an essential part of maintaining a commercial popcorn maker. Machines with removable parts, non-stick surfaces, and easy access to the kettle and other components will save you time and effort. Look for features like a removable kettle, crumb tray, and non-stick coating. If you have limited time or staff for cleaning, prioritize machines that are designed for easy maintenance.
Additional FeaturesSome commercial popcorn makers come with additional features that can enhance convenience and performance. These may include warming decks to keep popcorn fresh, built-in butter dispensers, and illuminated interiors for better visibility. Consider what additional features might benefit your operation. For example, a warming deck is useful if you need to keep popcorn fresh for extended periods, while an illuminated interior can attract customers and make it easier to monitor the popping process.

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