10 Best Microwaves For Popcorn 2026 in the United States

The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile countertop appliance that combines microwave cooking with air frying, baking, roasting, and grilling, all in one unit. It runs on 900 watts, which is a moderate power level suitable for quickly popping popcorn and handling everyday microwave tasks. Its 0.9 cubic feet capacity is on the smaller side, making it a good fit for individuals or small families who don’t need to cook large batches at once. The microwave includes a dedicated popcorn preset, simplifying the process for popcorn lovers and helping to avoid burnt kernels. The turntable is 11.3 inches in diameter, providing enough space for standard popcorn bags and other dishes to rotate evenly for consistent cooking.

The stainless steel interior and included accessories, like the bake tray and grill racks, are fairly easy to clean, though air frying and convection functions may require extra care. One nice safety feature is the child-lock, which can prevent accidental button presses. While it’s not a 'smart' microwave with app control, the touch button interface is straightforward and user-friendly.

If you want a compact microwave that can also air fry and roast, this model offers good value. For those who regularly need to pop large amounts of popcorn or cook for big groups, the smaller size might feel limiting. Its multi-function design makes it more than just a popcorn microwave, appealing to those who want a versatile kitchen helper without taking up too much counter space.

The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is a solid choice if you’re looking for a microwave that handles popcorn well and serves everyday cooking needs. With a 1000-watt power output, it offers enough heat to pop popcorn efficiently without long waits or uneven cooking. The 1.2 cubic feet interior is spacious enough for most popcorn bags and general cooking tasks, and the 12.4-inch removable glass turntable helps ensure even heat distribution, which is important for popping kernels evenly.

While this model doesn't have a dedicated popcorn preset, it does feature smart sensor technology that adjusts cooking based on humidity. This means it can automatically detect when your popcorn is done, reducing the risk of burning or under-popping. Additionally, the microwave includes 12 auto menus and easy one-touch start buttons, making it simple to use for different foods.

Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the stainless steel interior with an easy-clean finish, which resists stains and odors commonly left by snacks like popcorn. The compact but roomy design fits comfortably on most kitchen counters without taking up too much space. This microwave is well-suited for anyone wanting a reliable, easy-to-use appliance that can handle popcorn along with a variety of other cooking tasks, striking a good balance between speed and energy use despite the average 1000-watt power.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) microwave is a solid choice if you want a compact microwave primarily for popcorn and everyday cooking in small spaces like apartments or dorm rooms. With 900 watts of power, it offers enough strength to pop popcorn effectively, giving you a good balance between speed and energy use. Its 0.9 cubic feet capacity is modest but suitable for small to medium popcorn bags and typical reheating tasks. The 10.6-inch removable glass turntable helps ensure even cooking, which is important for popping popcorn evenly without burning. A handy popcorn preset among its 6 auto menus simplifies the process, so you don’t have to guess timing or power levels. Other features like child lock and mute function add safety and convenience, especially in shared living spaces. Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the stainless steel interior, which resists stains and odors well.

On the downside, while the microwave has a good variety of power levels (11), it lacks smart home compatibility, so you won’t get app controls or voice commands. Also, the capacity might feel limiting if you want to make large batches of popcorn or cook bigger dishes. If your focus is a reliable, easy-to-use microwave for popcorn and basic cooking in a compact size, this Toshiba model fits the bill nicely.