Imagine you are watching a blockbuster movie. Nothing would make the experience as good as a big popcorn bowl, right? Well, we all love popcorn and other snacks when we are watching some amazing movies and shows. That is why you need to get the best microwave for popcorn to ensure that you get the best popcorns and snacks every single day.
Many brands have been known to make some amazing microwaves over time. In recent years, microwaves have become a necessity in most homes. That means that more and more brands are coming up with newer models, trying to beat the competition. As you would expect, it makes it harder for customers to choose the best microwaves for popcorn.
We went to the market and tried out some of the popular options and we are glad to announce that we have found just the right microwaves for you. We have a selection of 8 of the best microwaves for popcorn for you to choose from. Each of the products has detailed reviews, coupled with a few pros and cons. Let’s get started on this guide.
Product Selection
We will start by listing and reviewing our top picks.
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Best Overall: Toshiba EM131A5C – BS
This is among the most stylish microwaves in the market and is a perfect choice for a wide range of kitchens. It is made by Toshiba, one of the legendary brands for quality devices and appliances. When it comes to creating a microwave that gives you your money’s worth, then this brand has outdone itself.
One of the things you will appreciate most about this microwave is that it features a smart sensor that will sense the humidity and use it to determine the heating time. It is, therefore, able to give you solutions for foods such as potatoes, vegetables, popcorn, as well as other meals. You can also use this microwave to melt butter or chocolate over popcorns you have already popped.
The microwave’s interior is made using hard material that makes maintenance and cleaning very easy. All you would require to clean the microwave’s interior is a wet cloth. Considering that you might have a lot of spills, this is a major advantage.
The turntable is around 12.4 inches and the capacity is around 1.2 cubic feet. It is a perfect choice if you have a large family. It is a durable and functional appliance that has a very appealing and sleek design. Your kitchen will be improved by this appliance.
Another amazing feature you will appreciate is the ECO mode that will minimize the overall energy used by around 50%. This does not affect the power that the unit provides. It might just be the best microwave for popcorn.
Pros
- + It features a smart sensor
- + A total of 10 different power settings
- + You can choose to mute the microwave buzzer
- + It is a durable microwave
- + Capacity is great for large families
- + Cleaning is a complete breeze.
Cons
- – It does not have a safety lock
- – No position memory for the turntable.
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Best Voice-Activated: Amazon Basics Microwave
Making popcorn, defrosting vegetables, reheating rice, cooking potatoes, will all be very easy with this amazing microwave. It is a small budget microwave that would suit you if you live alone. It is an appliance that will allow you to prepare small popcorn bags or heat small amounts of food.
This compact device features a height of 10.2 inches, a width of 17.3 inches, and a depth of 14.1 inches. It weighs 22 pounds and is great for those on the move. It is an amazing choice for students living in dorms, bachelors, as well as bachelorettes.
It has a total of 700 watts of power and does not go well with larger families who use it for most functions in the kitchen.
There are many features incorporated in this amazing appliance. First, it has 10 power levels to choose from. It allows you to defrost based on weight or time and finally, it has a popcorn button for that specific purpose. Accompanying the microwave is a start guide, a user manual, a glass turntable, and a 1-year warranty.
To make it even better, it is compatible with the Alexa app that on Fire OS, iOS, and Android. It can also be connected to Wi-Fi. You can use the Alexa feature with the help of an Echo device for fully hands-free operation.
Pros
- + It is a lightweight device
- + It features a compact design
- + A total of 10 power levels
- + You can add an echo device
- + Wide range of compatible devices
- + Works with Google’s Alexa.
Cons
- – It is not good for a large family.
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Best Basic:: Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft
Farberware falls under the category of trusted brands in the market when it comes to cookware and appliances. It is known to produce excellent quality that has been recognized for a long time. This specific model is not any different.
The best features of this microwave include the on-touch programs. Some of these programs include the popcorn button, as well as others for food like pizza, frozen vegetables, and potatoes. It allows you to defrost any type of frozen food based on weight or time.
It features a capacity of 1.1 cubic feet that is perfect for a family. It also has improved security, thanks to the safety lock integrated into it. Additionally, it has 1000 watts that will serve perfectly even in busy kitchens.
Additionally, you will get a LED display that shows timer and clock, a +30 second increment button. It also has a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- + It features a LED display
- + It is a compact device
- + A designated popcorn functionality
- + Available in a range of colors
- + Adequate capacity
- + Durable design and construction.
Cons
- – stand
- – It can be noisy.
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Best Small Microwave: COMFEE EM720CPL – PMB
Among the best microwaves for popcorn is this stylish stainless-steel microwave. It is a compact version with a capacity of 0.7 feet. It features 11 power levels. It is a beautiful and stylish type of device that will not only give you 700 watts of power but also make your kitchen more beautiful.
There are different types of features that you will get from the microwave. Such features include the child safety lock that ensures more security. It also has a simple auto-cook function that makes your work much easier. You can prepare specific foods such as popcorn, pizza, beverages, frozen veggies, as well as potatoes.
If you have a toddler at home, you do not have to wait before cooking. The mute function gives you a chance to cook without making any noise.
You can cook fast with the express cooking function with around 1 to 6 minutes and an increment button for 30 seconds. You can defrost different foods by weight or time.
An additional ECO mode will minimize power usage by around 50%. Finally, you get a bright digital display coupled with a control panel that is clear and easy to read, as well as a 10-inch turntable and an interior light.
After you purchase this microwave, you will enjoy a 1-year warranty.
Also, read: Best Small Microwave for College Dorm Review
Pros
- + Mute function to keep the noise to a minimum
- + Eco Mode to save energy
- + Bright LED display
- + Specific popcorn feature
- + Saves a lot of space.
Cons
- – It takes more time to heat food
- – It is not very sturdy.
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Best Value Microwave: BLACK + DECKER EM031MB11
When it comes to energy efficiency, this is the right appliance for you. It is the best microwave for popcorn. You have two main choices. One has a capacity of 1.1 cubic feet and the other 1.4 cubic feet. You can choose based on the amount of available space you have in your kitchen.
First, the microwave has a specific popcorn function coupled with other five programmed buttons for potatoes, beverages, pizza, frozen vegetables, as well as a dinner plate.
You will enjoy additional features such as the interior light so that you can monitor your food with ease. You can check how the food is going through the glass door.
It has measurements of 2.4 by 16.9 by 12.4 inches and a weight of 40 pounds. It is a strong and durable model with a stainless-steel construction.
Choose from the 10 power levels when you are ready to defrost or cook some food. You can easily thaw vegetables, frozen meats, as well as frozen casseroles by weight or by time. After that, you can monitor the progress of the food with the help of the kitchen timer and the clock.
For the express cooking feature, you can cook food fast with the help of the numbers 1 to six. If you want to cook at full power for a certain time, simply choose the time and it will do the rest. If you think that the food is ready even before the time is up, simply press the stop button and the microwave will stop.
The LED display, coupled with the glass turntable, child lock, and the design makes this something worth considering.
Pros
- + You can release the door with the push of a button
- + Settings and controls are easy to use
- + The glass turntable is removable
- + Child safety lock for additional security
- + LED display
- + UL approved.
Cons
- – It can be somehow noisy.
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Fastest Countertop Microwave: Panasonic NN – SN686S
This is among the microwaves that have the best microwave wattage for popcorn. You will have around 1200 watts for almost every function you might have in mind. It also has a capacity of 1.2 cubic feet, simply perfect for families. With these specifications, you can expect flawless and seamless cooking power to deliver evenly cooked, delicious food.
The microwave also has inverter technology coupled with a turbo defrost. The inverter technology will ensure that the power level selected is delivered seamlessly so that the food is cooked evenly and does not overcook or undercook. With the turbo defrost, you can defrost food faster.
The microwave is compatible, light, thin, and has a 13.4-inch turntable. It is a compact appliance that will take up less space and still provide you with adequate capacity.
This Panasonic appliance has a genius sensor that will adjust the time and power for different foods. It also has 14 pre-programmed menu items, a delay-start feature, a child safety lock, and a quick minute timer.
Finally, this appliance has a keep-warm function that will keep your desserts, gravies, soups, and more at a certain warm temperature for a while. It finally has a push-button release for the door and 10 power levels.
Pros
- + Keep food warm for 30 minutes after you finish cooking
- + The very appealing design and construction
- + Features a compact design
- + Cooks very fast
- + It is lightweight.
Cons
- – Some reports of an H98 error code failure.
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Best Large Microwave For Popcorn: SHARP ZSMC2242DS
You are looking for the best microwave for popcorn and we believe that this one is worth your serious consideration. It is one of the highly recommended products by popcorn manufacturers.
It features a capacity of 2.2 cubic feet and an 1100 watt model. That is bigger than the microwaves on our list. Regardless of the capacity, you will be surprised to know that it is not bulky. It has measurements of only 19.8 by 24.1 by 13.1 inches.
The microwave also has a one-touch setting that is perfect for popcorn. It also has a soften and melt function that will allow you to melt chocolate, butter, and cheese on your snacks. After around 6 minutes, you will have the popcorn ready to be enjoyed. It will have some sweetness at the top.
This large microwave is perfect for a family and will be able to make a couple of popcorn batches at the same time. It is also very easy to clean and is a great addition to your kitchen’s décor.
Even though some people have received damaged goods, not all had that problem.
Pros
- + Certified and approved by popcorn manufacturers
- + Cleaning is a complete breeze
- + Specific popcorn button
- + Durable construction.
Cons
- – Reports of products damage when during transport.
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Quietest Countertop Microwave:: GE Profile PEM31SFSS
There are several reasons why you should consider this amazing product. It features a capacity of 1.1 cubic feet, which is just perfect for a family. It also makes use of sensor cooking controls to ensure that your food is cooked or heated with adequate precision.
You can defrost your foods extremely fast by time or weight.
The microwave has around 10 power levels for you to choose from based on what you are cooking. It also has the function to turn the turntable off or on.
This amazing microwave features a kitchen timer coupled with a 30-second increment button. It is an amazing and beautiful design that you should consider.
Pros
- + The cooking power is perfect for most functions
- + It has a durable and appealing design
- + The microwave functions quietly
- + It has adequate capacity.
Cons
- – The buttons are not very clear
- – Few mechanical issues were reported.
Choosing the Right Microwave for Popcorn
Now that you have seen the list of popcorn microwaves that are on the market, you will have to narrow it down. Some factors will allow you to narrow down the options easily, as we will explain in this section.
Popcorn Setting
The best microwave for popcorn should have a setting specifically meant for popcorn. That is a feature that will allow your popcorns to get adequate warmth while in the bag.
With the one-touch setting, your microwave will not exceedingly heat up and will reduce heat gradually to ensure that everything has cooked and has popped without burning.
Size
A large popcorn bag should fit perfectly in the microwave. Therefore, the dimensions and capacity of the popcorn should be an important factor to consider. You can get a smaller one for solo use. For families, a larger microwave is required.
Watts
The best microwave wattage for popcorn should be at least 500 watts. It is the reason why the microwaves on our list are above that level of power. With that power, it will be able to get to adequate temperature levels to pop the popcorns.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What size of microwave fits a bag of popcorn?
There are different sizes of microwaves in the market. If you are heating popcorn for around 2 people or one, then you would require a mid-sized one. More than that amount of popcorn would require a larger microwave.
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Can you pop normal popcorn in a microwave?
It is very easy to make a low-fat, delicious batch of popcorn with the standard normal popping popcorns. It is easy. All you would require is a brown lunch bag.
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Why does my popcorn burn in the microwave?
There are chances that your microwave gets too hot to a level where it is unable to make popcorn at a good regulated pace. If too hot, it will pop too fast and will burn some of the popcorn.
Conclusion
Now that you have the list of the best microwaves for popcorns, you can get started with the selection. Find the microwave that meets your requirements for size, space, power, and functionality. Consider all specs and only go for the trusted brands.
Also, read:
- Best Microwave with Steam Function Review
- Best Over the Range Microwave Convection Ovens
- Best Microwave with Silent Mode/ Sound Off Option
- Best Microwave with Grill Feature
Did I miss one of your favorite microwaves for popcorn?
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