Top 9 Best Microwave For Popcorn in 2022

Whether you’re a fan of movie theatre popcorn or like to make your own at home, having the best microwave for popcorn is key. Although all microwaves will have popcorn, not all of them do so evenly or have the features you need to get the perfect bag every time. Read on for our top picks for the best microwave for popcorn.

Top 9 Best Microwave For Popcorn

When choosing the best microwave for popcorn, key considerations include capacity, power output, and design features like multi-level cooking racks or automatic popping cycles.

Our top picks include brands like Toshiba, Sharp, Toshiba, Panasonic, COMFEE’, and BLACK+DECKER to help you find the perfect option for your home kitchen. So if you’re looking for a high-quality microwave that can pop delicious bags of fresh popcorn every time, look no further than our top picks!

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Best Microwave For Popcorn	Features	Energy Use (Watts)	Capacity (Quart)
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven	Best Overall	1550	1.2 Cu Ft
COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven	Best Compact	700	1.2 Cu Ft
Amazon Basics Microwave Works with Alexa	Best Budget	700	0.7 Cu Ft
BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven	Best Stainless Steel	1000	1.1 Cu Ft
Commercial Chef 0.7 Cu. ft. Countertop Microwave Oven	New Model in 2021	700	0.7 Cu Ft
Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(SS) Microwave Oven	Best Save Energy	1350	1.6 Cu Ft
Farberware Countertop Microwave	Best Easy to Clean	1000	1.1 Cu Ft
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S	Most Premium	1200	1.2 Cu Ft
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SD975S	Best large capacity	1250	2.2 Cu Ft

1. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven

The Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Microwave Oven is a stylish, stainless steel appliance that is easy to clean. This microwave oven is versatile and user-friendly with pre-programmed sensor menu options for popular foods, a one-touch popcorn button, and two defrost settings.

With 1100 watts and ten power settings, the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Microwave Oven can handle various cooking needs. The clock and kitchen timer make it easy to track time while cooking.

Key Features

• Large digital display, easy-to-read control panel, glass turntable
• Smart Sensor, Easy Clean Interior, ECO Mode, and Sound On/Off
• Colour: Black Stainless Steel
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Dimensions (L x W x H): ‎17.14 x 20.51 x 12.83 inches.
• Item Weight: 34.6 pounds.
• Capacity: ‎1.2 Cubic Feet

Pros:

• Sensor for easy cooking. Smart sensor with 6 auto menus (Reheat, Frozen Pizza, Frozen Entrée, Potato, Rice, Fresh/Frozen Veggie).
• Easy-to-clean Cavity.
• Energy-saving Eco Mode.

Pros:

• It’s large.
• No convection mode.

2. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven

The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven features smart sensor cooking controls and 11 pre-set menu items. The compact size (0.7 cubic-foot capacity) and 700 watts of power make it ideal for smaller rooms like a dorm or office, while the sleek black stainless steel finish will complement any décor.

The mute function allows you to keep your kitchen quiet, and the child safety lock ensures that little ones can’t accidentally turn on the oven. The easy auto-cook functions include popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, and reheat. The one-touch express cooking function has 1-6 minutes and plus30 seconds functions, and there are two defrost settings (by weight or by time).

The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven also features an energy-saving eco mode that minimizes 50% standby power by turning on ECO mode.

Key Features

• LED digital control panel with an interior light, easy to keep an eye on your popcorn as it cooks.
• 700 Watts 11 Power settings.
• Turn off the microwave beeps by pressing the sound on/off button. The child safety lock keeps the microwave away from curious hands.
• Colour: Black
• Material: Stainless Steel, Plastics.
• Dimensions (L x W x H): ‎‎17.3 x 13 x 10.2 inches
• Item Weight: 20.3 pounds.
• Capacity: ‎0.7 Cubic Feet.

Pros:

• One-touch cooking for six common foods.
• Smart Sensor, Easy Clean Interior, ECO Mode, and Sound On/Off.
• It has a user-friendly interface that is easy to use. The control panels and displays are bright, making them simple to read.
• The contemporary look of the stainless steel finish is highlighted in black.

Cons:

• The small size.
• No sensor cooking technology.

3. Amazon Basics Microwave Works with Alexa

The Amazon Basics Microwave Works with Alexa is perfect for any kitchen. Whether reheating leftovers or simply needing a little extra cooking space, this microwave is ideal with its compact countertop design and robust 10 power levels that allow for quick and easy cooking.

With Amazon’s Alexa integration, you have to ask her to start microwaving your food – from veggies, popcorn, potatoes, and more! Plus, with an easy-to-use keypad and timer features, you can rest assured that your food will always be cooked perfectly every time.

Key Features

• Alexa is continuously learning and adding new presets.
• The new design makes it easier to defrost vegetables, create popcorn, cook potatoes, and reheat rice. It is not included (not provided).
• When you make popcorn using your voice or the Popcorn button, AmazonBasics Microwave will reorder when you run low.
• Colour: Black
• Dimensions (L x W x H): ‎‎17.3 x 10.1 x 14.1 inches
• Item Weight: 21.9 pounds.
• Capacity: ‎0.7 Cubic Feet.

Pros:

• Alexa voice commands can give you some additional hands-free time in the kitchen.
• The popcorn replenishment feature is handy if you’re a fan of popcorn.
• Lots of automated options.
• Automated popcorn replenishment.

Cons:

• Small for a large family.
• Alexa voice command syntax is occasionally awkward and stiff.

4. BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven

The Black+Decker EM031MB11 scored pretty well in the bulk of our tests, and it did very well in our defrosting test. This was one of the most affordable microwaves we tested, yet it still performed admirably.

If you’re looking for a cheap microwave that can still handle all of your basic needs, the Black+Decker EM031MB11 is a great option. It has pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates, so you can just hit a button and go.

Plus, it has 1000 watts of power and 10 different power settings, so you can adjust it to your liking. The LED digital display is easy to read, and the child safety lock is a nice touch. The removable 12.4” glass turntable makes it easy to clean, and the push-button door release makes it quick and simple to access the food inside. All in all, this is a great microwave at an affordable price!

Key Features

• Pre-programmed popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverages, and dinner plate buttons.
• Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 12.4” glass turntable.
• 30 Second Express Cooking.
• Colour: Black.
• Material: Stainless Steel.
• Dimensions (L x W x H): ‎‎20.2 x 15.6 x 12.1 inches
• Item Weight: 30.6 pounds.
• Capacity: ‎1.1 Cubic Feet.

Pros:

• Good design.
• Digital display
• Turntable Push-Button Door.
• Child Safety Lock.
• UL approved

Cons:

• Quite noisy.
• Reheat and timer can’t run simultaneously.

5. Commercial Chef 0.7 Cu. ft. Countertop Microwave Oven

The next product on the Best Microwave For Popcorn is The Commercial Chef 0.7 Cu. ft. Countertop Microwave Oven. It is the perfect size for your countertop. With a small footprint, this microwave does not compromise on the inside cooking area of 0.7 Cubic Feet.

The 700 watts of power with ten power settings ensure that you’re heating different foods and beverages fast, evenly, and at the right temperature – without overcooking. You can quickly defrost by weight or time.

One-touch auto-cook programs let you pop popcorn and melt, soften, warm, cook, or reheat food with a quick touch of a button. You can also add time by the minute. The removable turntable is easy to wash, and the 1-year warranty for parts and labor with five years for magnetron tube means you can use this microwave with peace of mind.

Key Features

• The digital clock/timer and blue LED display make this microwave one of your most useful kitchen tools.
• Six convenient quick cook settings include popcorn, baked potato, pizza, beverage, reheat, and frozen dinners.
• Colour: White.
• Dimensions (L x W x H): ‎‎17.6 x 14.2 x 9.7 inches.
• Item Weight: 20.7 pounds.
• Capacity: ‎0.7 Cubic Feet.

Pros:

• Space Saver.
• Easy to clean and requires minimal upkeep.

Cons:

• Not suitable for a large family.

6. Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(SS) Microwave Oven

The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(SS) Microwave Oven is a stylish and timeless Stainless Steel design with a black enclosure. This Toshiba Microwave uses Origin Inverter Technology to heat your food evenly and defrost it quickly, providing a more satisfying user experience.

The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(SS) is also equipped with a pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potatoes, vegetables, etc. In addition, this Toshiba Microwave has a one-touch popcorn button and quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 3 minutes cooking at full power.

Finally, the Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(SS) is equipped with a power-saving eco mode, sound on/off option, and child safety lock for your convenience.

Key Features

• Origin Inverter Technology provides even heating and defrosting, faster cooking, and a more satisfying user experience.
• One-touch popcorn button and quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 3 minutes cooking at full power.
• Faster cooking – saves up to 40% defrosting time.
• Colour: Stainless Steel.
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Dimensions (L x W x H): ‎‎21.77 x 19.2 x 12.99 inches
• Item Weight: 28.7 pounds.
• Capacity: ‎1.6 Cubic Feet.

Pros:

• Ten power levels.
• Inverter Technology (Intertech) With 1250W.
• Lighter in weight, lower in noise.
• Smart sensor with five auto menus.
• Minimizing 50% standby power by turning on ECO mode.
• Equipped with a LED cavity light – a power-efficient and durable solution.

Cons:

• It may make loud rattling noise during operation.
• Too lightweight.

7. Farberware Countertop Microwave

The Farberware Countertop Microwave is an excellent choice for your small home or office. It is convenient and easy to use, with a number of cooking options that let you take care of meals and snacks in minutes. It has a 1000-watt output power and six one-touch cooking programs, including popcorn, potato, pizza, and more. The microwave also offers to defrost by weight or time settings and a memory function that lets you save your most used customized settings.

The LED display keeps track of the time, while an easy-view interior LED lighting makes it simple to keep an eye on your food as it cooks.

Key Features

• It offers 10 power levels with multi-stage cooking. Fully customize your cooking with six one-touch cooking programs, including popcorn, potato, and pizza.
• Colour: Stainless Steel.
• Material: Steel
• Dimensions (L x W x H): ‎‎20.2 x 16.54 x 12.03 inches
• Item Weight: 25.8 pounds.
• Capacity: ‎1.1 Cubic Feet.

Pros:

• The LED display with kitchen timer and clock lets you keep track of time while having an easy view.
• 30-second control button.
• Safety Lock Feature.

Cons:

• Noisy operation.

8. Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S

The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is an excellent addition to any kitchen, thanks to its many features and high-quality performance.

The Panasonic Microwave is the perfect option for anyone who wants access to a reliable, powerful microwave that can cook all your favorite foods quickly and easily. With its 1200 Watt power capacity and 1.2 cubic foot interior space, this model can cook even large portions quickly. The built-in Inverter Technology ensures consistent heating throughout your food for consistent results.

The Turbo Defrost feature also makes it easy to defrost frozen items quickly and efficiently, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. Special auto cook options are available for preparing popular dishes like pizza, soup, pasta, popcorn, and more without worrying about messing up the recipe. At the same time, a sleek stainless steel exterior complements any kitchen décor.

Key Features

• 14 Auto Cook Options – Settings for Your Favorite Foods: Frozen Entrees and Vegetables, Soup, Oatmeal, Pizza, Pasta, and More.
• Colour: Stainless Steel / Black/White.
• Material: Aluminum.
• Dimensions (L x W x H): ‎‎15.81 x 20.69 x 12.25 inches
• Item Weight: 25.5 pounds.
• Capacity: ‎1.2 Cubic Feet.

Pros:

• It has three levels of 1.5oz, 2.7oz, and 3.2oz bags of popcorn option.
• Child Lock Available.
• Can Countertop or Built-In.
• Excellent design.
• Great overall functionality.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• The LCD screen is too small to see.

9. Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SD975S

Key Features

• Cyclonic Inverter Technology evenly circulates heat in 3D waves for more even, efficient cooking with delicious results.
• Twenty preset menu items, inverter turbo, defrost, quick 30 sec, delicious popcorn, and more.
• Colour: Stainless Steel.
• Material: Aluminum.
• Dimensions (L x W x H): ‎‎19.44 x 23.88 x 14 inches
• Item Weight: 36.8 pounds.
• Capacity: ‎2.2 Cubic Feet.

Pros:

• It has three levels of 1.5oz, 2.7oz, and 3.2oz bags of popcorn option.
• Ten power levels.
• Auto-defrost.
• Combo control
• Elegant exterior.

Cons:

• Dial feature over the keypad can be complex for some to get used to.
• Expensive.
• It’s pretty heavy.

What is A Microwave For Popcorn?

A microwave for popcorn is a kitchen appliance that uses microwaves to heat up and pops popcorn kernels. Microwaves work by rapidly heating the water molecules inside the seeds, causing them to expand and eventually burst open.

Type Of Microwave Best For Popcorn

Popcorn buttons are simply shortcuts to pre-programmed cooking routines. Some microwave ovens only have one preset popcorn option. When you push the popcorn button, the oven adjusts the power and time needed to pop one normal-sized bag of popcorn kernels.

Some microwaves – particularly those made more recently – have a button to select from three settings for small, medium, and large bags.

The final group is the end-of-series microwave ovens, including a popcorn feature. These appliances don’t have preset timing or power. Still, they utilize cutting-edge technology to determine the humidity level in your luggage and corn kernels and compute the appropriate cooking time and energy based on that data.

Pros And Cons of The Appliance

Pros:

• Heats popcorn kernels quickly and evenly.
• It can be used to make other types of food.
• It is relatively inexpensive.

Cons:

• Takes up counter space.
• It may be too small for some family kitchens.

What Else To Consider When Buying Best Microwave For Popcorn?

Size

Countertop microwaves come in a variety of sizes, from small to large. Depending on the size of your kitchen and how much counter space you have, you’ll want to choose a size that’s appropriate for your needs.

Popcorn Pre-setting

Look for a model with a popcorn setting button to guarantee your popcorn is cooked evenly within the bag.

The popcorn maker’s one-touch cooking settings guarantee that the unit does not overheat and gradually decrease the heat to ensure that all kernels are cooked without burning those that have already popped during the cycle.

Power

Microwaves are measured in watts; the higher the wattage, the more influential the appliance. If you’re looking for popcorn quickly, choose a microwave with a high wattage.

To pop the popcorn, it is said that at least 500 watts are required, which is why all of the microwaves we tested have more than 1000 watts of power.

Price

Microwaves for popcorn range in price from around $90 to $400. Choose the best microwave for your budget and needs.

Rotating Turntable

A rotating turntable is key for evenly heating food. The popcorn will be unevenly cooked if your microwave doesn’t have a turntable.

As your popcorn cooks, the turntable slowly rotates, ensuring that one location doesn’t get hotter than others and causing the kernels to burn.

These turntables are additionally ideal since they may be readily removed and cleaned. To avoid burning and maintain the flavor of your popcorn, clean the insides of your microwave of debris.

Additional Features

Child safety locks are now standard on many new microwave ovens. This might be a physical button or lock or a code you input before using the device.

While it does not explicitly impact popcorn, it may prevent your children from putting other foods (and popcorn) in the microwave for excessively long periods.

Read more: Air Fryer Microwave Oven

How Do you Use Microwave Popcorn?

Microwave popcorn is very easy to prepare. Here are the steps:

1. Choose the right size bag for your popcorn maker. The bag should be clearly labeled “microwave safe.”
2. Place the bag of kernels in the popcorn maker.
3. If you are using a model with a butter tray, put the desired amount of butter in the tray.
4. Close the lid of the popcorn maker and place it in the microwave.
5. Select the “popcorn” setting on your microwave and press start. Alternatively, if your microwave does not have a popcorn setting, cook on high power for 2-3 minutes or until the popping slows down.
6. Once the popping has slowed, remove the popcorn maker from the microwave and open the lid carefully.
7. Serve your freshly popped popcorn immediately, or store it in an airtight container for later use. Enjoy!

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Best Microwave For Popcorn – FAQs

Q. Why Isn’t My Microwave Popping Popcorn?

A. There could be a few reasons your microwave isn’t popping popcorn. First, make sure you’re using suitable popcorn kernels and that the bag is “microwave safe.”

If the problem persists, it could be an issue with the power output of your microwave. Popcorn requires at least 500 watts of power to pop correctly, so if your microwave is on the lower end of the wattage spectrum, it may not be able to produce consistent results.

Q. How Do I Clean My Microwave After Popping Popcorn?

A. After each use, cleaning your microwave of any lingering popcorn kernels or butter is essential. Start by unplugging the unit and removing any removable parts like the turntable or door.

Then, use a soft sponge or damp paper towel to wipe down the inside of the microwave, making sure to remove any stuck-on debris or grease. Finally, rinse the sponge or towel with warm water and wipe again until the interior is clean and dry. Repeat as needed until all residual popcorn smells and flavors are gone!

Q. How Many Minutes do You Microwave Popcorn?

A. The cook time for popping popcorn in the microwave will vary depending on a number of factors, including the wattage of your microwave, the type and size of your bag of kernels, and whether or not you are adding butter.

A general rule of thumb is to start with 2-3 minutes on high power, adjusting up or down if needed based on how many pops per second you get. Check out our post on “How To Make Popcorn In The Microwave” for more cooking tips and tricks!

Q. What is the Best Microwave Popcorn?

A. There is no one “best” microwave popcorn, as different people may prefer different brands or styles of kernels. However, some popular options include Hamilton Beach, Sharp, and Breville microwaves and premium brands like Orville Redenbacher’s and Pop Weaver. So if you’re looking for a high-quality option that pops delicious bags of fresh popcorn every time, check out these top picks!

Q. Microwave Popcorn I Can Buy?

A. You can find popcorn kernels at most grocery stores in the dry goods aisle. Alternatively, you can purchase them online from sites like Amazon or Walmart. If you’re looking for a specific brand or style of popcorn, check the product listing to see if it’s available for purchase in your area.

Some popular brands can follow like: Angie’s BoomChickaPop, Act II Buttery Kettle Corn, Pop Secret Homestyle Butter, Orville Redenbacher’s Butter, Skinnygirl, 365 Organic Buttery Flavor Microwave Popcorn, SkinnyPop Sea Salt Popcorn, Clancy’s Movie Theater Butter Popcorn.

Q. Does The Power Of A Microwave Affect How It Makes Popcorn?

A. Yes, the power of a microwave will affect how it cooks popcorn. Popcorn requires at least 500 watts of power to pop properly, so if your microwave is on the lower end of the wattage spectrum, it may not be able to produce consistent results.

Q. Can I Pop Any Popcorn in the Microwave?

A. No, you cannot pop any popcorn in the microwave. You need to ensure you’re using the right type of popcorn kernels and that the bag is “microwave safe”.

Q. What’s the Difference Between Stovetop Popcorn And Microwave Popcorn?

A. Stovetop popcorn is made by heating oil in a pot on the stove and then adding popcorn kernels. The kernels are then covered and cooked until they start popping. Microwave popcorn is made by adding kernels and oil to a paper bag or particular microwave-safe container and then microwaving the bag until the kernels start popping.

Q. Can You Microwave Popcorn in A Glass Bowl?

A. No, you cannot microwave popcorn in a glass bowl. Glass is not a good conductor of heat and can cause the popcorn kernels to overcook or even fire.

Q. Can You Microwave Popcorn Without Oil?

A. Yes, you can microwave popcorn without oil. However, you will need to add a small amount of water to the kernels before popping them to prevent them from burning or exploding. Some people also like to season their popcorn with salt or other spices after it’s finished cooking. Just be sure not to add too much water, as this may cause the popcorn kernels to get soggy and absorb the moisture instead of popping correctly.

Q. How do You Make Microwave Popcorn Taste Better?

A. One way to make microwave popcorn taste better is to add a small amount of butter or oil to the kernels before cooking. This will help give the popcorn a richer flavor and prevent it from drying. You can also add spices such as salt, pepper, or garlic powder after the popcorn has finished cooking. Just be sure not to add too much, as this may make the popcorn too salty or spicy.

Q. How Do I Pop Popcorn in the Microwave Without A Bag?

A. One popular way to pop popcorn in a microwave without a bag is to use an air popper. An air popper is explicitly designed for popping corn kernels and typically consists of a metal mesh screen that sits on top of a heated base. Simply add the kernels to the mesh screen, place it inside the microwave, and turn on the machine for about 2-3 minutes until all the kernels have popped. You can then season your popcorn with salt or other spices as desired.

Another option is to cook your popcorn in oil directly on a baking sheet in the microwave. Simply drizzle some cooking oil onto a clean baking sheet, add your popcorn kernels, cover with another clean sheet of parchment paper, and then cover everything with a damp paper towel. Place the baking sheet in the microwave and cook for 2-3 minutes until all kernels have popped. Be sure to keep an eye on the popcorn while it’s cooking, so it doesn’t burn.

Once your popcorn is cooked, you can add salt, butter, or other desired seasonings. Enjoy!

Q: Is There Anything Else I Need to Know About Making Popcorn in the Microwave?

A. Yes, you should keep a few things in mind when making popcorn in the microwave. First, use the correct kernels – either “popping corn” or “field corn”. If you use regular corn kernels, they will not pop properly and could start a fire. Second, ensure the bag you’re using is “microwave safe”. If it’s not, the bag could catch fire or melt, a disaster. Finally, be sure to listen for the popping to slow down before you stop the microwave – if you wait too long, your popcorn will be burnt.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a high-quality microwave that can pop delicious bags of fresh popcorn every time or simply want to stock up on your favorite brand of kernels, plenty of options are available to meet your needs.

Whether you prefer classic flavors like butter and salt or are looking for something a little more exotic like kettle corn or spicy cheddar cheese, there is sure to be a microwave popcorn that suits your tastes. So why wait? Shop around today and enjoy the fresh taste of homemade popcorn in your kitchen!