Presto 05206 Showtime Gourmet Oil Popcorn Popper - 9-Cups, Built-In Serving Bowl, Compact Design, Ceramic Nonstick, PFAS Free, Yellow

This popcorn maker is great! It's super easy to use if following the instructions and the popcorn comes out tasting great. This is the perfect option for you if you're like me and don't like air poppers, microwave bags, burning popcorn on the stove, or buying a huge proper machine that takes up a lot of space. This one is compact, looks fairly nice, and collapses down to store really easily. When in use, I get very few unpopped kernels in the bottom, and I haven't had a single burnt one across about a dozen batches by following the instructions (after a 3 second delay in pops, turn it off and flip it over). The ceramic nonstick coating on the plate works really well too, I haven't noticed any sticking at all. And since you don't really need to use any utensils on it, I imagine the coating will hold up for a long time. I do make sure to use plenty of oil - 2 tbsp per 1/3 cup of kernels - and I typically go for the Orville Redenbacher specific popping oil but plan to test out refined coconut oil next as a more neutral option. Once it's done popping and I add some salt and clarified butter, this turns into movie theater-tier popcorn. A few minor annoyances with this machine: it's messy. The lid/bucket has slots in it to release steam, but at the same time, little drops of hot oil are going to go flying out when it's in use. I can typically fix this by laying a couple napkins or a paper towel on top, but I usually have to hold it sort of above the top so it catches the oil while also releasing the steam to keep the popcorn crunchy. This is probably the biggest issue with the machine. The bucket is also not super fun to clean - it's easy enough to hand wash, but I would have loved something dishwasher-safe to make it just a little less of a thing to use. Last, if you want to collapse it down for storage, there's no way to store it without the heating plate being exposed. In my house, it tends to collect airborne cat hair, so I have to be really careful to wipe it down before use every time. A cover or bag could have fixed this, but with the way it's designed you either have to store it with the very tall top on, or take it off and just be aware that you'll have to wipe it down before you put your oil on. Overall, this is a really nice popper that's surprisingly cheap. I've been using it quite a bit since I got it, and the difference from microwaved or air popped popcorn is honestly huge. If you're picky about your popcorn and don't mind a bit of a mess to clean up, I highly recommend this one!

This machine is awesome. It works very well. Hope it lasts.

Works great, all kernels pop

This machine is great because it’s compact and nobody wants to own a big machine just for popcorn. It pops enough for a few people or one hungry adult. It does not burn the popcorn and it just works like you expect it to. Very durable and quality materials. The lid is not flimsy like others I’ve owned. The only criticism I have is that it doesn’t stir itself so I’ve found it takes more oil than the stirring kind to pop well. I prefer the automatic stirring machines because they make every kernel pop with less oil but this machine will last longer because it has no moving parts to worry about. The yellow looks very nice and appetizing on the shelf while it sits inside of its own lid for compact storage. I got a used model from this seller for $25 and it looks brand new. Also, it’s super easy to clean by hand.

Nice little unit. It stores away easily, taking very little space, yet is big enough for a nice batch of popcorn for up to two people. I just wonder if it's a little expensive for what it is, but if it lasts a few years, I'll be able to overlook that.