Elite Gourmet Fast Hot Air Popcorn Popper, 1300W Electric Popcorn Maker with Measuring Cup & Butter Melting Tray, Oil-Free, Great for Home Party Kids, Safety ETL Approved, 4-Quart, Yellow
Quick take
This hot air popcorn popper from Elite Gourmet is designed for fast, oil-free popping, with a stated 4-quart capacity and quick cook time. It includes a measuring cup that doubles as a butter melting tray, and a vented cover meant to help keep popcorn crisp. The main caveat is that some users report kernels and popcorn can spit out, especially if the machine is filled too full or near the end of the pop cycle.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Oil-free hot air technology for popping without adding fat or oil.
- 4-quart capacity for family snacks and small parties.
- Includes a measuring cup that can melt butter while you pop.
- Vented cover and direct pop into a bowl for reduced steam or condensation buildup.
Cons
- Popcorn and unpopped kernels can eject if you overfill or when only a few kernels remain.
- Expect some cleanup and countertop mess during active popping, depending on your technique and kernel quality.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is mixed but generally points to a few repeat themes. Many shoppers describe the popper as fast and easy to use, with quick heating and straightforward operation. Several buyers also mention they like the build and practical setup, including cord length and the included cup. The main recurring concern is mess, with some reviewers noting that popcorn or unpopped kernels can fling out during popping, particularly if the unit is packed too full or once the pop cycle is nearing completion. There is also limited evidence of long-term reliability, since hot air poppers in general are often replaced after a few years, and reviewer comments vary on whether this model performs better or similar to prior poppers.
How it works and what you get
The Elite Gourmet popper uses hot air (superheated air) to pop kernels without oil. It is built for countertop convenience, popping directly into your bowl, and it includes a transparent cover designed to vent so steam and condensation do not build up as much as they might with a non-vented design. The unit’s capacity is rated at 4 quarts, and it includes a measuring cup that can serve as a butter melting tray for the “buttery theater style” experience.
Key features that matter for everyday use
Oil-free popping for simpler snacking
If you want popcorn that does not require measuring oil, this design leans into oil-free hot air popping. That can make it easier to keep snacks lighter, and it also makes cleanup simpler than stovetop or kettle-style setups that use oil.
4-quart capacity for parties and family movie nights
A 4-quart output rating is aimed at feeding more people without making multiple batches. It is a good size for game nights, backyard get-togethers, or kids’ movie nights when you want popcorn ready quickly.
Butter melting cup for add-on flavor
The included cup functions both as a measuring tool and as a butter melting tray. That is a practical feature if you like coating popcorn with melted butter, or if you prefer to control how much topping you use.
Vented cover to help keep popcorn crisp
The cover is vented, and the popping is set up to direct into a bowl. The goal is to reduce steam and condensation, which can otherwise make popcorn lose crunch faster.
Pros and cons in plain terms
When this popper is a good fit
- You want a countertop hot air popcorn maker that does not require oil.
- You like the idea of popping and preparing melted butter in the same workflow.
- You are shopping for a 4-quart model for family gatherings rather than single-serve snacking.
When you may want to look elsewhere
- You dislike mess from popcorn poppers, especially if you expect zero kernel ejection. Some buyers report spit-out kernels or popcorn during active popping and near the end of the cycle.
- You want the absolute lowest waste when popping. If kernel loss is a major concern, you may need a more enclosed design or a popper known for tighter control.
Tips to reduce kernel “spit” and wasted popcorn
Review patterns suggest mess and kernel ejection are influenced by fill level and timing. For best results, avoid overfilling, and be prepared for more ejecting as the cycle nears completion when fewer kernels remain. If you are sensitive to countertops getting popcorn bits, use a baking tray or sheet pan underneath during the pop cycle, and plan for quick wipe-down afterward.
Price and availability
This model is listed as in stock in the U.S. Review pricing can change, so it is worth checking the current deal before buying.
Verdict: is it worth it?
The Elite Gourmet Fast Hot Air Popper is a solid choice if you want quick, oil-free popcorn with a practical butter-melting measuring cup and a capacity suited to sharing. The biggest decision factor is whether you can tolerate some popcorn and kernel ejection during popping. If you are okay with a little mess and you avoid overfilling, it should fit well for frequent movie nights and casual parties.
FAQ
How much popcorn can this popper make at once?
It is rated for up to 4 quarts of popcorn per batch.
Does it require oil?
No. It uses hot air technology to pop kernels without adding oil.
Is there a way to melt butter while popping?
Yes. The included measuring cup also functions as a butter melting tray.
Will kernels or popcorn fly out during use?
Some buyers report that popcorn or unpopped kernels can eject during active popping or near the end of the cycle. Fill level and technique can affect how much mess you see.
What size setup does it work best with?
It is designed to pop directly into a bowl, so you will want a bowl that can catch the output and keep your counter easier to clean.
Who should buy this popcorn popper?
Buyers who want an oil-free countertop hot air popper, like the idea of melting butter in the included cup, and need a sharing-sized capacity are the best fit.
Who should avoid it?
If you want an enclosed system with minimal mess or you are very concerned about reducing kernel loss to near-zero, you may prefer a different style of popper.
Specifications
| Product Title | Elite Gourmet Fast Hot Air Popcorn Popper, 1300W Electric Popcorn Maker with Measuring Cup & Butter Melting Tray, Oil-Free, Great for Home Party Kids, Safety ETL Approved, 4-Quart, Yellow |
|---|---|
| Category | Home & Kitchen > Kitchen & Dining > Small Appliances > Specialty Appliances > Popcorn Poppers |
| Brand | Elite Gourmet |
| Manufacturer | Elite Gourmet |
| Model Number | EPM712Y |
| Color | Yellow |
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) |
| Item Weight | 0.86 Kilograms |
| Brand Name | Elite Gourmet |
| Included Components | Popcorn Popper |
| UPC | 717056131410 |
| Part Number | EPM712Y |
| Item Type Name | Popcorn Popper |
| Capacity | 4 Quarts |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 5.1"L x 5.1"W x 12.9"H |
| Special Features | Built-In Stirring System |
| Is Electric | No |
| Special Feature | Built-In Stirring System |
Available variants
Size
- 4 Quart
Recommended next
Nostalgia Vintage Hot-Air Popcorn Maker Machine
A retro, stand-up hot-air popcorn maker that skips oil and aims for a movie-theater vibe at home. It can pop up to 12 cups per batch (with a measuring cup included), and buyers like the look, size, and simplicity, with the main tradeoff being some unpopped kernels and occasional cleanup friction.
Olde Midway Vintage Style Popcorn Machine Maker Popper with Cart and 8-Ounce Kettle - Black
A vintage-style popcorn machine with a real concession-cart look, built-in warmer deck, and an 8-ounce kettle that can produce large batches (about 3 gallons) per run. Buyers praise the sturdy build, easy cleaning, and simple 3-switch operation, with a couple of usability tradeoffs like a bright warmer light and occasional instruction confusion during assembly.
West Bend Stir Crazy Movie Theater Popcorn Popper, Gourmet Popcorn Maker Machine with Nonstick Popcorn Kettle, Measuring Tool and Popcorn Scoop for Popcorn Machine, 4 Qt., Black
The West Bend Stir Crazy is a countertop movie-theater style popcorn maker designed for quick, larger-batch popping. It uses a removable nonstick stainless-steel kettle with a motorized stirring rod, plus a quick-release tilt system for easier serving, but it does require some cleanup typical of hot-air oil-style popcorn machines.
Great Northern Popcorn Company 83-DT5621 Northern Company Red GNP Little Bambino 2-1/2 Ounce Retro Style Popcorn Popper Machine
The Great Northern Popcorn Company Little Bambino is a compact, retro-style countertop popcorn popper designed to make movie-night popcorn at home with a removable tray for easier serving and cleanup. It uses a 2.5-ounce stainless-steel kettle and a separate warming light, with simple two-switch operation for a more “theater stand” experience.