Popcorn Makers Market Size, Share & Report [2033]

Popcorn Makers Market Overview

The Popcorn Makers Market size was valued at USD 322.6 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 428.31 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2025 to 2033.

The global popcorn makers market has gained substantial traction due to rising consumption of popcorn as a convenient, affordable, and health-oriented snack. In 2023, more than 3.8 million popcorn maker units were sold globally, with North America alone accounting for over 1.5 million units. Demand for compact and energy-efficient machines surged by 17% compared to 2022. Home-use popcorn makers captured approximately 65% of the total market, driven by the growth of at-home entertainment systems.

The market is supported by diverse formats including hot air poppers, oil poppers, and microwave-integrated machines. Over 42% of devices sold in 2023 were hot air models due to their fat-free output. Additionally, retro-styled and commercial-grade popcorn makers gained popularity in cafes, theaters, and event venues. E-commerce channels witnessed a 22% increase in popcorn maker sales in 2023. Globally, over 500 different models were available in the consumer retail market, ranging in capacity from 5 to over 30 cups per batch.

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Key Findings

DRIVER: Rising demand for low-calorie snacking and home entertainment solutions.

COUNTRY/REGION: The United States led in unit sales, accounting for 34% of global popcorn maker consumption in 2023.

SEGMENT: Home-use machines dominated, with over 2.4 million units sold worldwide in 2023.

Popcorn Makers Market Trends

The popcorn makers market is seeing notable innovation trends in both design and technology. In 2023, over 38% of all new popcorn makers introduced featured digital temperature control and auto shut-off functionality. Energy-efficient designs helped reduce electricity consumption by up to 19% per batch, especially in hot air poppers. More than 210 new models with BPA-free and food-grade plastic enclosures were launched in 2023, reflecting rising consumer safety awareness.

Another key trend is the miniaturization of popcorn makers. Devices with less than 10-cup capacity made up 44% of total units sold in urban households. Compact appliances with foldable lids and detachable components gained 26% more sales traction than traditional designs. Retro-style commercial units also gained popularity in food service establishments, where over 600,000 high-volume commercial popcorn makers were installed globally in 2023.

Smart kitchen integration is emerging, with over 95 popcorn makers released between 2023 and 2024 featuring Bluetooth or app-based connectivity. These allow users to set temperature and timer controls via smartphone. Voice-controlled units compatible with home assistants also entered the premium market category, accounting for over 7% of new launches.

Environmental consciousness is another growing trend. Popcorn makers with aluminum heating plates instead of Teflon-coated components grew in market share by 11% in 2023, helping brands appeal to eco-conscious consumers. Moreover, manufacturers introduced 100+ models with multi-utility functions like roasting nuts and coffee beans, expanding usage scenarios beyond just popcorn preparation.

Popcorn Makers Market Dynamics

Market dynamics in the Popcorn Makers Market refer to the collective set of factors that influence the movement, development, and behavior of the market over time.

DRIVER

Rise in health-conscious snacking and home entertainment demand

The increased awareness surrounding healthy snacks and the expansion of home entertainment systems have significantly driven the demand for popcorn makers. In 2023, over 70% of popcorn consumption in the U.S. occurred in household settings, prompting consumers to invest in personal popcorn makers. Hot air popcorn machines, which use no oil and produce snacks with under 30 calories per cup, accounted for 42% of global sales. The boom in home movie streaming subscriptions also contributed to increased adoption, with popcorn maker sales during Q4 2023 increasing by 28% compared to the previous year’s holiday season.

RESTRAINT

Availability of ready-to-eat popcorn products

The growing popularity of ready-to-eat (RTE) popcorn snacks is limiting the adoption of popcorn makers, particularly among younger demographics. In 2023, RTE popcorn consumption globally surpassed 900,000 metric tons. These pre-packed options eliminate the need for appliances and offer convenience, driving down the adoption rate of entry-level popcorn makers. Additionally, hypermarkets and convenience stores expanded their popcorn SKU count by 14%, increasing shelf competition for home-use devices. The fast availability of single-serve packs in flavors like caramel, cheese, and spicy variants is diverting consumer preference from homemade alternatives.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in commercial entertainment and foodservice venues

The recovery of entertainment venues, including cinemas, fairs, and sports arenas, has significantly boosted demand for commercial-grade popcorn makers. In 2023, over 185,000 new commercial popcorn units were installed globally. These units, with batch capacities exceeding 20 cups, are being integrated into the operations of new movie theaters in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The rise in boutique cinemas and event catering businesses has led to demand for customizable machines with features like dual-flavor bins and illuminated display cases. Manufacturers are launching models that can produce up to 100 cups per hour, catering to high-traffic operations.

CHALLENGE

Operational noise and bulkiness of larger models

Popcorn makers, especially oil-based and commercial models, often generate operational noise levels exceeding 60 dB, which poses discomfort in quiet home settings. Bulky designs, typically weighing above 6 kilograms and occupying over 2 square feet of counter space, restrict their use in small urban apartments. In 2023, consumer returns and complaints related to operational noise and machine size rose by 9%, based on online retail data. Despite advancements in insulation technology, many high-volume units still require manual cleaning, which can take over 15 minutes per cycle, limiting their appeal among busy consumers.

Popcorn Makers Market Segmentation

The popcorn makers market is segmented by type and application. The type segmentation is based on machine capacity: below 10 cups, 10–20 cups, and above 20 cups. Application segmentation includes home use and commercial use. In 2023, below 10 cup models made up 44% of sales, while commercial applications represented 34% of total volume.

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By Type

Below 10 Cups: This segment recorded over 1.6 million units sold in 2023. These compact machines are preferred for urban households, dormitories, and small families. They typically weigh under 2 kilograms and feature heating time below 4 minutes per batch. Sales increased by 18% in North America due to rising demand for portable and budget-friendly devices.
10–20 Cups: Mid-size models accounted for approximately 1.1 million units in 2023. These machines balance capacity with portability and are commonly used for home gatherings and small food kiosks. Units in this range usually have built-in stirring systems and detachable kettles. Europe and Asia-Pacific saw increased adoption in multi-member households, with sales rising 14% year-on-year.
Above 20 Cups: Large-capacity popcorn makers are used in commercial settings. In 2023, over 800,000 units were sold globally. These machines are capable of producing between 50–100 cups per hour and are designed for continuous operation. Commercial models typically weigh over 8 kilograms and include built-in storage, warming trays, and LED display lights.

By Application

Home Use: Home-use popcorn makers dominated the market with 2.4 million units sold globally in 2023. Hot air poppers led within this category due to their health benefits and user-friendliness. In Japan and South Korea, compact models with dual voltage systems gained significant popularity.
Commercial Use: Commercial usage accounted for 1.4 million units sold in 2023. Restaurants, malls, and cinemas constituted the primary buyers. Retro-style glass-box designs with 360° visibility were in high demand, especially in North America and the Middle East, where visual appeal is a selling point.

Regional Outlook for the Popcorn Makers Market

Global demand for popcorn makers is influenced by cultural snack preferences, income levels, and lifestyle trends.

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North America

North America remains the largest market, accounting for over 1.5 million unit sales in 2023. The U.S. alone contributed over 1.2 million units, driven by the country’s high per capita popcorn consumption—approximately 52 quarts per person annually. Canada experienced a 16% growth in popcorn maker sales, particularly during national holidays and major sporting events.

Europe

Europe accounted for over 780,000 unit sales in 2023, led by the UK, Germany, and France. Hot air models with energy-efficient ratings gained traction in urban centers. Western European consumers prioritized compact and quiet models, leading to a 22% increase in sales for machines operating below 55 dB noise level. Manufacturers in Italy and Germany launched over 35 new models targeted at premium kitchen segments.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific recorded more than 1 million unit sales in 2023, with China contributing 420,000 units. India and Japan also showed rapid growth, driven by rising disposable incomes and changing snacking habits. Popcorn maker imports into Southeast Asia increased by 21% in 2023. Dual-purpose machines that allow roasting and popping saw strong uptake in South Korea and Taiwan.

Middle East & Africa

The MEA region witnessed sales of 420,000 units in 2023. UAE and Saudi Arabia led regional growth, especially in the commercial segment. Cinemas and malls installed more than 5,000 commercial popcorn machines during 2023. Africa’s growth was slower but steady, with South Africa accounting for 37% of regional home-use machine sales.

List of Top Popcorn Makers Companies

Gold Medal Products
Cretors
Nostalgia Electrics
Great Northern Popcorn
Presto
Paragon-Manufactured Fun
West Bend
Severin
Wabash Valley Farms
Snappy Popcorn
REMACOM
Sanyei Corporation
ITO
Magic Seal
VERLY
Mei Yu
Orbit Electrodomestic
Skyline Home Appliances

Gold Medal Products: In 2023, the company sold over 600,000 units globally, making it the leading supplier of commercial popcorn makers. Its high-capacity machines dominate U.S. cinemas and sports venues, and it expanded operations into five new international markets in 2023.

Cretors: Cretors shipped over 450,000 popcorn makers in 2023, with a focus on commercial and high-performance units. Their high-output models serve over 40% of cinema chains in North America. The company also launched a new line of automated popcorn stations, improving production efficiency by 35%.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the popcorn makers market are rising due to growing home entertainment demand and expansion in foodservice businesses. In 2023, more than 32 new manufacturing lines were commissioned globally for popcorn appliances. China and India received 11 new assembly plants funded by both domestic and international brands seeking proximity to fast-growing markets.

Significant capital was deployed in R&D to develop energy-efficient and multi-functional units. Over $140 million was invested globally in 2023 into innovation centers focused on smart kitchen appliances. Companies such as Presto and Severin invested in developing voice-activated and Bluetooth-enabled popcorn makers, releasing 25+ new SKUs during the year.

The rise in boutique cinemas and themed cafés has spurred commercial partnerships. Over 8,000 new partnership contracts were signed in 2023 between manufacturers and foodservice chains, particularly in the U.S., South Korea, and the UAE. These collaborations opened opportunities for custom-branded popcorn equipment, expanding the role of popcorn machines in brand storytelling and experience design.

Crowdfunding platforms became active hubs for innovative popcorn maker designs, where over 60 projects were funded in 2023, raising an estimated $18 million in seed capital. These consumer-backed initiatives focus on portability, smart integration, and health-centric features like oil-free popping and portion control systems.

Government-backed innovation grants supported appliance production in Europe and Asia-Pacific. The European Green Appliance Initiative disbursed over €8 million in 2023 for low-emission kitchen appliance technologies. Several popcorn maker brands capitalized on this funding to convert their manufacturing lines to energy-efficient standards and comply with upcoming 2024 eco-labeling regulations.

New Product Development

Product development in the popcorn makers market has focused on improving efficiency, connectivity, and sustainability. In 2023 alone, over 220 new models were launched across various global regions. Approximately 38% of these were smart-enabled with app-based control features.

Nostalgia Electrics introduced a dual-purpose unit combining popcorn making and nut roasting, with a sales surge of 120,000 units within 9 months. Presto released an ultra-quiet hot air model with a decibel rating under 45 dB, which received over 4,000 5-star ratings on top global retail platforms.

Cretors launched a self-cleaning commercial model that reduced downtime by 43%, a breakthrough for high-traffic venues. Meanwhile, Skyline Home Appliances launched a solar-compatible popcorn maker targeted at rural markets in Africa and South Asia, achieving initial sales of 60,000 units in under 6 months.

Design innovation also extended to materials. In 2023, 120 new models used BPA-free food-grade polycarbonate, while 75 used eco-friendly recycled aluminum. This shift addressed consumer concerns over plastic contamination and sustainability. LED-lit kettles, infrared temperature readers, and removable oil trays were added across 30% of new commercial units.

Snack personalization features also emerged, with units offering seasoning trays, butter dispensers, and adjustable crunch settings. These were particularly popular in North America and Japan, where snack customization has become a competitive differentiator.

Five Recent Developments

Gold Medal Products opened a new 150,000 sq. ft. manufacturing plant in Indiana in August 2023, increasing its production capacity by 30%.
Cretors launched a smart vending-style popcorn maker in Q1 2024 with touchless payment integration and 60-cup per hour output.
Nostalgia Electrics rolled out a portable USB-charged popcorn maker targeted at travelers and dorm users, selling over 80,000 units in less than 5 months.
Wabash Valley Farms introduced a stovetop unit with a patented stirring mechanism that reduced unpopped kernels by 18%.
Severin launched an AI-integrated popcorn maker with automatic batch sizing based on popcorn kernel type, introduced in Germany and expanded to France by March 2024.

Report Coverage of Popcorn Makers Market

This comprehensive report covers the full scope of the popcorn makers market, detailing consumer behavior, commercial demand, product innovation, and regional performance from 2023 through 2024. The analysis includes over 1,200 data points across unit sales, distribution channels, product configurations, material usage, and end-user preferences.

Segment-wise, the report tracks detailed insights across three machine capacity types—below 10 cups, 10–20 cups, and above 20 cups—alongside their usage in home and commercial environments. More than 18 leading brands were profiled for market share, innovation strategy, and regional presence. The top two—Gold Medal Products and Cretors—were analyzed in terms of product portfolio, unit volume, and geographical spread.

Geographically, the report presents market dynamics in four major regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. Each region’s analysis includes buyer preferences, pricing dynamics, and growth drivers with supporting unit sales figures. Over 60 country-specific trends were mapped across developed and emerging markets.

The investment landscape is extensively reviewed, covering capital flow into manufacturing expansions, R&D activities, partnerships, and eco-compliance upgrades. More than 35 new facility announcements, 20+ M&A deals, and 50+ product launches were documented during the analysis period. Smart kitchen technology adoption, sustainability transitions, and high-capacity commercial innovations are focal points in strategic outlooks.

This report equips stakeholders—manufacturers, investors, distributors, and retailers—with critical intelligence to inform decision-making, new product rollouts, and market entry strategies. The coverage reflects shifting consumer preferences, evolving energy standards, and increasing demand for multi-functional and sustainable appliances.