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10 Best Microwaves For Popcorn 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, Auto Defrost, 1.6 Cu.ft, 13.6" Removable Turntable, 33lb.&1250W, Black Stainless Steel

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,378
Wattage
Size and Capacity
Popcorn Preset

Most important from
3343 reviews

Wattage
Its large interior and powerful 1250-watt output handle both popcorn bags and bigger dishes with ease.
Size and Capacity
Its large interior and powerful 1250-watt output handle both popcorn bags and bigger dishes with ease.
Popcorn Preset
This microwave pops popcorn quickly and evenly, delivering mostly popped kernels without burning the bag.
Turntable
The glass turntable rotates food evenly but can sometimes slip out, suggesting a need for careful placement.
Ease of Cleaning
The black stainless steel exterior looks sleek but requires regular wiping to keep fingerprints at bay.

The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) is a solid choice for those looking for a microwave that can handle popcorn and everyday cooking with ease. Its 1250-watt power means it cooks quickly and evenly, which is great for popping popcorn without many unpopped kernels. The large 1.6 cubic foot interior is roomy enough to fit most popcorn bags and even larger dishes, making it versatile beyond just popcorn. It features a 13.6-inch removable glass turntable that helps rotate food evenly, preventing hot spots while you cook.

This microwave's inverter technology ensures even heating and better texture for popcorn and other foods, avoiding overheated or cold patches. The smart sensor menus adjust heat automatically for common foods, though popcorn isn’t specifically listed. Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the stainless steel interior and removable turntable, though the black stainless steel exterior may show fingerprints and require regular wiping. The quick start button is handy for fast cooking sessions, and safety-conscious users will appreciate the two-step child lock feature.

Though it doesn’t have a popcorn-specific preset, its power, size, and smart features make it a reliable option for popcorn lovers who don’t mind setting the time themselves. It fits well for families or individuals wanting a versatile, easy-to-use countertop microwave that balances modern technology with practical design.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,378
Wattage
Size and Capacity
Popcorn Preset

Most important from
3343 reviews

Wattage
Its large interior and powerful 1250-watt output handle both popcorn bags and bigger dishes with ease.
Size and Capacity
Its large interior and powerful 1250-watt output handle both popcorn bags and bigger dishes with ease.
Popcorn Preset
This microwave pops popcorn quickly and evenly, delivering mostly popped kernels without burning the bag.
Turntable
The glass turntable rotates food evenly but can sometimes slip out, suggesting a need for careful placement.
Ease of Cleaning
The black stainless steel exterior looks sleek but requires regular wiping to keep fingerprints at bay.
#2

BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Black, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CF-BK

Rating
9.4
Wattage
Size and Capacity
Popcorn Preset

Most important from
11982 reviews

Wattage
Delivers strong performance with efficient popcorn popping thanks to its powerful 1000-watt motor and spacious 1.7 cubic feet capacity.
Size and Capacity
Delivers strong performance with efficient popcorn popping thanks to its powerful 1000-watt motor and spacious 1.7 cubic feet capacity.
Popcorn Preset
The dedicated popcorn preset simplifies cooking, removing guesswork and ensuring consistently good results.
Ease of Cleaning
The smooth stainless steel interior makes cleaning straightforward and helps maintain a sleek look in the kitchen.

The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven offers a good balance of features for someone looking for a microwave that handles popcorn well, along with general cooking needs. It has a solid 1000-watt power level, which is strong enough to pop popcorn efficiently without long wait times. The 1.7 cubic feet capacity is fairly large, fitting well in kitchens where you want to prepare multiple servings or larger dishes. Its 12.4-inch turntable ensures even cooking, which is important for popcorn to avoid burnt spots. The microwave includes a dedicated popcorn preset, making it simple to pop a bag with one touch, reducing guesswork.

Positioned over the stove, it also features a 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds and a built-in light, which helps manage cooking odors and provides better visibility on the stovetop. This combination saves counter space and adds convenience. Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the smooth stainless steel interior, although like many over-the-range models, it can be a bit bulky to install or move if needed. Some users note the vent fan is effective but can be noisy at higher speeds.

This microwave is well suited for those who want a reliable, everyday cooking appliance with a strong popcorn feature and the added benefit of an integrated vent for their kitchen.

Rating
9.4
Wattage
Size and Capacity
Popcorn Preset

Most important from
11982 reviews

Wattage
Delivers strong performance with efficient popcorn popping thanks to its powerful 1000-watt motor and spacious 1.7 cubic feet capacity.
Size and Capacity
Delivers strong performance with efficient popcorn popping thanks to its powerful 1000-watt motor and spacious 1.7 cubic feet capacity.
Popcorn Preset
The dedicated popcorn preset simplifies cooking, removing guesswork and ensuring consistently good results.
Ease of Cleaning
The smooth stainless steel interior makes cleaning straightforward and helps maintain a sleek look in the kitchen.
#3

BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 1000W, 1.1cu.ft, Black & Stainless Steel, 1.1 Cu.ft

Rating
8.8
Wattage
Size and Capacity
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
21734 reviews

Wattage
Delivers quick, even heating with no cold spots, making it perfect for popcorn and everyday meals.
Size and Capacity
Compact size fits well on countertops without feeling bulky, yet offers plenty of interior space.
Ease of Cleaning
Easy to clean interior and exterior surfaces keep maintenance hassle-free.

The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 microwave is a solid choice if you want a reliable kitchen helper that works well for popping popcorn and everyday cooking. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly and evenly, which is great for getting your popcorn just right without burning it. Its 1.1 cubic feet capacity is roomy enough to fit a standard popcorn bag or larger dishes, making it versatile beyond popcorn. The built-in popcorn preset button takes the guesswork out of timing, so you can enjoy your snack with ease. The microwave also features a removable 12.4-inch glass turntable, which helps rotate your food for even cooking and is simple to clean.

The push-button door and child safety lock add convenient and safe operation, especially for households with kids. The control panel is easy to read thanks to a large LED display, and the various presets expand its use to other foods like vegetables and pizza. The microwave has a footprint of about 20 by 16.5 inches, so it requires a decent amount of counter space. While the exterior combines black and stainless steel for a modern look, fingerprints and smudges might show up easily, requiring regular wiping.

This microwave is suitable for those who want a dependable, easy-to-use appliance with a handy popcorn feature, but be ready to accommodate its size on your countertop.

Rating
8.8
Wattage
Size and Capacity
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
21734 reviews

Wattage
Delivers quick, even heating with no cold spots, making it perfect for popcorn and everyday meals.
Size and Capacity
Compact size fits well on countertops without feeling bulky, yet offers plenty of interior space.
Ease of Cleaning
Easy to clean interior and exterior surfaces keep maintenance hassle-free.

Buying Guide for the Best Microwaves For Popcorn

Choosing the right microwave for making popcorn can be a fun and rewarding experience. Microwaves come with various features and specifications that can affect how well they pop your popcorn. Understanding these key specs will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best microwave for your needs.
WattageWattage refers to the power output of the microwave. Higher wattage means faster cooking times and more efficient heating. For popcorn, a microwave with at least 800 watts is recommended to ensure the kernels pop evenly and thoroughly. If you frequently make large batches of popcorn, consider a microwave with 1000 watts or more. If you only make small amounts occasionally, a lower wattage microwave will suffice.
Size and CapacityThe size and capacity of the microwave determine how much popcorn you can make at once and how much space it will take up in your kitchen. Microwaves come in various sizes, from compact models to larger ones. If you have limited counter space, a smaller microwave might be more suitable. However, if you often make popcorn for a group, a larger capacity microwave will be more convenient.
Popcorn PresetMany microwaves come with a popcorn preset button, which automatically sets the optimal time and power level for popping popcorn. This feature is particularly useful for those who want a hassle-free popcorn-making experience. If you are new to making popcorn in a microwave or prefer convenience, look for a model with a popcorn preset.
TurntableA turntable is a rotating plate inside the microwave that ensures even cooking by moving the food around. For popcorn, a turntable helps distribute heat evenly, resulting in fewer unpopped kernels. Microwaves with turntables are generally more effective for making popcorn. If you want consistent results, choose a microwave with a turntable.
Ease of CleaningMicrowaves can get messy, especially when making popcorn. Look for a microwave with an easy-to-clean interior, such as one with a non-stick coating or removable turntable. This will make cleaning up after making popcorn much simpler and quicker. If you value convenience and cleanliness, prioritize this feature.

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