Presto PowerPop Microwave Multi-Popper Review: Healthy Popcorn in Minutes

Looking for a faster, healthier way to make popcorn at home? The Presto PowerPop Microwave Multi-Popper promises to deliver fresh popcorn in just 2.5 minutes without any oil required.

I put this microwave popcorn maker through its paces to see if it lives up to the claims. The 3-quart capacity fills a decent-sized bowl, and the unique PowerCup concentrator system focuses microwave energy to pop nearly every kernel.

The bottom line: this is a solid choice for health-conscious snackers, but there are some trade-offs to consider. Here’s what I found.

What I Liked

Fast Popping Time

The Presto PowerPop lives up to its speed claims. In my tests, a full batch of popcorn was ready in about 2 minutes and 45 seconds. That’s faster than most bagged microwave popcorn and comparable to air poppers.

Yellow, white, and hybrid popcorn all pop fast in this unit. You can have up to 3 quarts of fresh popcorn in as little as 2.5 minutes, which is perfect for snack cravings or movie night.

No Oil Required

One of my favorite features is the oil-free operation. You can throw in the kernels and microwave them without adding any oil at the bottom. This makes the PowerPop ideal for anyone counting calories or looking for a healthier snack option.

Popcorn is naturally high in fiber, and skipping the oil keeps it light. I often eat popcorn while dieting, and this popper makes that much easier. You can still add oil for a buttery flavor if you prefer, but it’s not necessary.

Pops Nearly Every Kernel

The PowerCup concentrators are the secret to this popper’s efficiency. These disposable discs concentrate heat energy so effectively that virtually every kernel pops. In my batches, I consistently saw minimal unpopped kernels at the bottom.

The PowerBase and PowerCup system combine to focus microwave energy right where it needs to be. This means less waste and more popcorn in your bowl.

Easy to Use and Clean

Setup is simple with just three parts: the base, the bowl, and the lid. Add the concentrator disc, pour in your corn kernels, and you’re ready to go. The bowl locks into the base with a counterclockwise turn.

The bowl and lid are dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup easy. The base just wipes clean, and the concentrator discs are disposable. No scrubbing baked-on oil or messy butter residue.

What Needs Improvement

Ongoing Concentrator Costs

The biggest drawback is the cost of replacement PowerCup concentrators. Each paper cup disc gets about three uses with oil or up to 15 uses without. The popper comes with eight concentrators, which sounds generous until you realize heavy popcorn fans will need to reorder frequently.

Replacement concentrators run about 50 cents each, so the ongoing expense adds up over time. This is worth factoring into your budget if you make popcorn regularly.

Thin Plastic Bowl

The plastic bowl could be higher quality. It’s noticeably thin and feels a bit flimsy, though I haven’t had any issues with durability. It does the job and hasn’t cracked or warped, but a sturdier bowl would feel more premium.

Seasonings Don’t Stick Without Oil

If you pop without oil, your salt and seasonings won’t stick well to the popcorn. The oil helps seasonings adhere to each kernel. I’ve adapted by just eating my popcorn plain, but this is a trade-off for the healthier oil-free approach.

How It Compares

The Presto PowerPop isn’t the only microwave popcorn popper on the market. Here’s how it stacks up against the competition.

Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper offers a 12-cup capacity and requires no consumable parts. However, it may leave more unpopped kernels than the PowerPop’s concentrator system. Choose Nordic Ware if you want zero ongoing costs.

Silicone poppers like the HotPop are collapsible for easy storage and completely dishwasher safe. They’re great for small kitchens, but they typically don’t pop as evenly as the PowerPop. Pick a silicone popper if storage space is your priority.

The paper bag method costs almost nothing and works surprisingly well. Just add kernels to a brown paper lunch bag and microwave. However, it’s less convenient and doesn’t include a serving bowl. The PowerPop wins on convenience and portion control.

For consistent results and maximum kernel efficiency, the Presto PowerPop is hard to beat. Just be prepared for the ongoing concentrator expense.

Final Verdict

The Presto PowerPop Microwave Multi-Popper earns a 4.2 out of 5. It delivers on its core promise: fast, healthy popcorn with minimal hassle.

The speed is impressive, the oil-free option is great for health-conscious snackers, and the kernel efficiency beats most competitors. The ongoing cost of concentrator refills is the main drawback, but if you make popcorn regularly, the convenience is worth it.

I recommend this popper for anyone who wants quick, healthy popcorn at home. With 4.5 stars from over 4,000 Amazon reviews, I’m not alone in that assessment.