In a hurry, here are our top pick, editor’s choice, and best value.
Top pick
6252 Great Northern Campfire
This is a camper popcorn maker for outdoor fun. And it comes with the goodwill of a brand that works towards providing theater-style popcorn!
Editor’s choice
Whirley-Pop Popcorn Popper
A popcorn maker with features to make your life easy – the Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper is a must-buy. It is designed for your complete convenience.
Best value
Cook N Home 02627 Stainless Steel
Its 02627 Stainless Steel Popcorn Popper is a versatile device that you can use on anything from a gas stove to an electric stove.
Have you noticed how even the most boring food becomes tasty when traveling? Imagine what a camping trip can do to popcorn! But first, you must pick the best popcorn popper for camping!
Many brands offer popcorn poppers for camping. These differ in material, capacity, and heating method. Some are perfect for campfires – while others are suitable for stoves, grills, etc. Buyers must assess all qualities and pick a popper that’s quick, convenient, and easy to carry and use.
So let’s find out about the best popcorn makers while you’re out camping. We also have complete buying and popcorn-making guides for you. So keep reading!
Table of Contents
Can You Make Popcorn Outdoors?
First things first: is it really possible to make popcorn outdoors while camping? The answer is a resounding “yes!” You can pop a batch of corn kernels and prepare delicious snacks while camping.
But should you prepare a campfire to use popcorn poppers? The answer depends on the item you use and the procedure you follow to make popcorn. You can use the campfire, fireplace, or backyard grill for this purpose.
Why Should You Buy a Campfire Popcorn Popper?
Making popcorn and snacking on them can add a fun element to enhance a trip with family and friends – and add a relaxing activity during summer camps and boy/girl scout campfire programs. All you need are some basic ingredients and a popcorn popper.
You will get the chance to make beautiful memories while you chat and enjoy the rustic ambiance, away from honking cars, bright lights, and disturbing phone calls! Won’t it be fun? Here’s why investing in a camping popcorn popper might be a good idea:
a) Convenience
Camping popcorn makers are easy to use. You can make delicious snacks and enjoy them fresh. Just open the lid, add the ingredients, and let it rip! In no time, you’ll have large quantities of your delicious and healthy snacks ready!
b) Satisfying and Fun Activity
A corn popper can be an exciting addition to your camping trip. Wouldn’t it be thrilling to sit around the warm fire and wait for the much-awaited “pops” of the kernels? The whiff of freshly-made popcorn in the fresh outdoor air is just so satisfying!
c) Healthy and Tasty Snacks
As we all know, fresh popcorn is one of the healthiest snacks. It can kill the hunger pangs after a day of hiking and setting up tents. Plus, you can add your favorite flavoring agents to the kernels and start munching on delicious snacks!
Features to Consider While Buying the Best Popcorn Popper For Camping
Now you know of the best camping popcorn poppers. But at the time of choosing one for yourself, it’s essential to consider a few features. They will help ensure that the product is just right for you and your camping party. Take a look at them below –
Size
Camping popcorn makers come in various capacities. Depending on the number of people joining your camping trip, choose a popcorn popper with a capacity between 2 qt and 6 qt. Remember that a large popcorn will take up more space while transporting.
Material
Camping popcorn makers are like cooking pots made of materials that facilitate the even distribution of heat. This helps all the kernels pop. Materials like aluminum and cast iron are the most preferred. But don’t forget that cast-iron poppers are quite heavy.
Handle
Make sure the popper has a handle that allows a firm grip on the popcorn maker. Longer handles are useful for campfires without burning and help shake kernels. Some poppers have a stirring handle to let the corns inside move with a rotator in the handle!
Heat Source
An essential aspect to consider while choosing a campfire popcorn popper is its heating method, or in other words, how it is cooked. Some poppers can be used on stove-tops and grills or using hot air. Camping poppers are specifically designed for open flames.
Cleaning Method
Find a popcorn maker that is easy to clean. That’s because burnt popcorn may stick to the kettle and become difficult to clean. Some poppers come with a stirring mechanism to prevent sticking. Plus, it’s best to clean it before packing it up and making a move.
Best Popcorn Popper for Camping: Our Top 7 Picks
Our team of campers and foodies has tried and tested a wide range of popcorn poppers for campers. And we have picked our favorites based on convenience, capacity, safety, design, and more!
So drumroll, please – because we have our list of the best popcorn poppers for campers!
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
| 1 | 6252 Great Northern Campfire Firepit Popcorn Popper | Brand Satisfaction |
| 2 | Coleman Popcorn Popper | Best for Small Parties |
| 3 | Cook N Home 02627 Stainless Steel Popcorn Popper | Versatile Heating |
| 4 | Camp Chef Popcorn Popper | Best for Camp Stoves and Oven |
| 5 | Coymarkt Oil Free Popcorn Machine Popper | Best for Healthy Snacking |
| 6 | Mud Pie Fall Fireside Popcorn Popper | Best Ready-to-Use Popper |
| 7 | Whirley-Pop Popcorn Popper | Best Overall |
1. 6252 Great Northern Campfire Firepit Popcorn Popper
Specification
- Capacity: 4 qt
- Material: Aluminum
- Size & Weight: 12” x 6” x 12”; 1 lb
A popcorn popper designed for your safety and convenience – the 6252 Great Northern Campfire Firepit Popcorn Popper comes from one of the best popcorn makers you’ll find.
This is a camper popcorn maker for outdoor fun. And it comes with the goodwill of a brand that works towards providing theater-style popcorn! Besides, the brand is known for its wide range of popcorn-making products of the highest quality for prolonged usage.
This corn popper from Great Northern is a simple yet handy vessel for outdoor usage. We love how it’s designed to protect your hands from burning. It has a handle extendable up to 2 feet – and it’s equipped with a cool tube, keeping you away from the fire.
You don’t have to worry about wearing mittens anymore! Plus, the quick clip lid of the vessel makes it easy for you to clean it after use – with just a paper towel. It can let out moisture for the best texture. Laslty, it’s sturdy, durable, and perfect for open-fire corn popping!
2. Coleman Popcorn Popper
Specifications
- Capacity – 2 qt
- Material – Cast-iron
- Size and Weight – 4” x 9” x 12”; 1.25 lbs
A ruggedly designed popcorn popper with a rustic touch, Coleman Popcorn Popper is a popper with a durable pot. It is perfect for making popcorn for a small camping party.
Coleman is a brand known for its wide range of outdoor activity gear – from tents to coolers, from sleeping bags to canopies. So, you can understand that the Coleman Popcorn Popper, in a classic beige shade, is engineered for your camping needs.
It has a rectangular body – with a lid that you can slide to open and close the container. It has sort of a unique design because of its shape and mechanism – which we love. You could describe it as rustic – or even rugged – because of the material and color of the product.
Plus, it’s really tough and durable. It’s small and compact, making the vessel ideal for a small group of campers. Plus, it is easy to carry when you’re out backpacking and don’t want huge luggage. We love the expandable handle to keep your hands away from the flames.
3. Cook N Home 02627 Stainless Steel Popcorn Popper
Specifications
- Capacity – 6 qt
- Material – Stainless steel, aluminum
- Size and Weight – 16.75” x 8” x 7.5”; 4.29 lbs
A vessel that you can use on any heat source, the Cook N Home 02627 Stainless Steel Popcorn Popper is a must-have. It is engineered for crunchy popcorn – every time!
Cook N Home is a trusted name in the domain of household products. Its 02627 Stainless Steel Popcorn Popper is a versatile device that you can use on anything from a gas stove to an electric stove. It’s an upgrade from 02626 as this new model is also induction-compatible.
We suggest using it on a stove, oven, or grill for making popcorn while camping. That’s because it has a rather short handle. But what we love about the handle is that it has a stirring mechanism with metal gear to help keep the kernels stirring inside and prevent them from sticking.
On top of that, it has a non-stick bottom. Another great feature is the lid with vents to let steam out and ensure crunchy popcorn. All-in-all, it’s an excellent vessel to pop kernels in large quantities. Plus, with so many heat source options, you can also use it indoors. If you like this product make sure to read the full review.
4. Camp Chef Popcorn Popper
Specifications
- Capacity – 3.5 qt
- Material – Alloy Steel
- Size and Weight – 4” x 9” x 11.5”; 16 oz
An easy-to-use popcorn popper with an eye-catching square pot, Camp Chef Popcorn Popper is a convenient device to easily make delicious popcorn that can make your family camping trips fun.
Are you looking for a popcorn popper for your next camping trip with your family or old classmates? The Camp Chef Popcorn Popper is a vessel that you will all enjoy using! Just set it on the camp stove or grill – and it will soon pop out delicious popcorn – with no burns!
The device makes enough popcorn for a medium group of hungry campers. Its main pot is made of alloy steel, making it sturdy and durable. At the same time, it’s fairly light. We’d have preferred the handle to be a little longer so it could be used safely on campfires.
The wooden grip, though slightly flimsy, keeps your hands safe by preventing the heating of the handle. It’s pretty small and easy to carry. Additionally, you will love to use it during backyard camping experiences! It’s an excellent choice to get healthy snacks in minutes.
5. Coymarkt Oil Free Popcorn Machine Popper
Specifications
- Capacity – 2 qt (approx.)
- Material – Sheet metal
- Size – 7.87” x 7.09” x 2.95”; 7.4 oz
The ultimate non-stick corn popping pan to make popcorn without fat – Coymarkt Oil Free Popcorn Machine Popper is ideal for weight-watchers. Health-conscious snackers can enjoy popcorn without feeling guilty!
Calorie counters dread how their diet goes for a toss during a trip, right? But it doesn’t have to happen while snacking during your next camping trip. You can thank the Coymarkt Oil Free Popcorn Machine Popper for that. It can whip up delicious popcorn – without oil!
Besides adding a subtle flavor, oil prevents sticking and burning. But this Coymarkt pan is a non-stick sheet metal vessel designed for oil-free cooking. So, even if you cook without fat, the corn kernels will move around freely and prepare popcorn with no burnt taste.
We also love how easy it is to use. Plus, there’s a small window on the side that you can open to easily pour out the cooked popcorn. The top lid has small vents that let out steam to ensure the crunchiness of your freshly prepared snacks. It’s a great little vessel for camping trips!
6. Mud Pie Fall Fireside Popcorn Popper
Specifications
- Capacity: 2 qt (approx.)
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Size and Weight: 7” x 7” x 27”; 1.25 lb
The best popcorn popper for camping for anyone looking for a hassle-free vessel – the Mud Pie Fall Fireside Popcorn Popper requires no assembly. It’s small – with a vintage look.
Planning a solo backpacking trip to the nearby hills? The Mud Pie Fall Fireside Popcorn Popper can be a great travel buddy as your personal popcorn popper. This popper is small and light – and it’s easy to carry anywhere you go. Plus, it comes pre-assembled.
So, no need to pull out your screwdriver – because the popper is all set to go on the fire, straight out of the box! It has an average-length handle and a mango wood grip to keep away heat while you cook. You can place it on a stove, grill, oven, or small fire to get started.
We love the vintage design in black metal, with a pan and a lid hinged together. There’s a lock that seals the pan while you pop the kernels, though it could be a little sturdier. The holes on the lid allow the steam to escape so that you can cook yourself perfectly crunchy popcorn.
7. Whirley-Pop Popcorn Popper
Specifications
- Capacity – 6 qt
- Material – Aluminum core
- Size and Weight – 18” x 8” x 10”; 3.3 lbs
A popcorn maker with features to make your life easy – the Whirley-Pop Popcorn Popper is a must-buy. It is designed for your complete convenience, with a stir-handle and easy-to-use body.
The Whirley-Pop Popcorn Popper promises to make your favorite snacks in just 3 minutes. Now, considering the enormous capacity of 6 Quartz, you’d say this popper is quite fast, right? Another great feature that adds to its specialty is how light it is, at 3.3 lb.
We love its spin handle to allow us to keep the kernels moving inside the pan while cooking. That means no more sticking and burning – even if you put just a dash of oil! Its patented metal gear design moves every kernel and makes it pop by 42 times the actual size!
Though it is actually designed as a stove-top popper, it can be an excellent vessel for your camping trips or backyard tent parties.
You can set the vessel on the stove, grill, gas, small open fire, etc. Its wooden handle grip should keep your hands safe while you pop those corns!
How to Make Campfire Popcorn
You have chosen the best popcorn popper for camping. But how do you use it to make delicious popcorn? Using a camping popcorn popper is one of the easiest things to do. And the best part is that you can involve the blazing campfire in the process.
So here’s how you can use the kettle for popping corn kernels!
Ingredients:
- Popcorn kernels: ¼ cup
- Canola oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt: To taste
- Other seasonings: Optional
Directions:
Step 1
Start by building a campfire. Allow it to burn until you have a substantial coal base, just like in the case of s’mores.
Step 2
Remove the lid of the popcorn popper and pour the corn kernels into it. Drizzle the oil over the grains.
Step 3
Sprinkle salt all over the corn. You can also add other seasonings like chili powder, garlic powder, cheese powder, etc.
Step 4
Then, give everything a good stir so that the kernels are coated properly in the oil and seasonings. Put the lid back on the popper.
Step 5
Place the popcorn popper over the fire. Keep shaking the popper frequently so that the corn kernels inside keep moving and get equally heated.
Step 6
After a couple of minutes, you will hear that the kernels have started popping. Continue shaking – and the popping will become more vigorous.
Step 7
Allow the corn kernels to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the pops can be heard a few seconds apart.
Step 8
Shake the popper a couple more times to ensure that the kernels are all done.
Step 9
Remove the popper kettle from the fire and set it down to rest. Using oven mitts, remove the lid and transfer the popcorn to a bowl for everyone to enjoy.
Step 10
Eat and enjoy, enjoy and enjoy.
We suggest enjoying the popcorn from a single bowl and refilling it as and when required. However, if the group is large, you can divide the batch into separate bowls. Just make sure to have it while it’s still hot and crunchy.
You can also add the seasonings later – and play around with the flavors with taco, ranch, or tandoori spices. If you’re planning to make a batch of kettle corn, add a tablespoon of sugar along with oil and salt.
Here are some other fun ways to make popcorn while you’re out camping. We suggest using a popcorn popper to make the job safer.
Final Words
Now you have a list of our favorite camping popcorn makers. So, we hope that you will be able to easily pick the best popcorn popper for camping from this list. Remember to consider your camping party’s size and the heat source you’ll likely use.
There are some wonderful poppers that you can use to cook popcorn straight in the campfire’s heat. But it’s not always easy to handle such a vessel. So pick those designed for a stove, oven, grill, etc. – and let the fun begin!
