Popsmith vs Whirley Pop: The Ultimate Popper Showdown

Everyone knows that stovetop popcorn tastes way superior to air-popped and microwave popcorn, but the right equipment matters! 

You’ll likely find yourself choosing between the Popsmith vs Whirley Pop. One has been around for decades, the other is a newcomer that’s already been featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things, Good Morning America, and numerous other media outlets.

But beyond history and headlines, how do these stovetop popcorn makers stack up? And why is the Popsmith becoming a crowd favorite? Read on to find out!

Material and Construction

The Popsmith is made from stainless steel with a multi-clad metal bottom. This specialized base ensures even heat distribution and prevents burning. At around 4 pounds, it’s built to last and feels premium.

The Whirley Pop, on the other hand, is an aluminum popcorn popper with a lid that has quick-release clips to hold it in place. While its lightweight design makes it easy to handle, it feels flimsy, too. And because it’s aluminum, it’s susceptible to scratches.

The Whirley Pop also has a much thinner bottom than the Popsmith. This might make it heat up faster, but it’s also prone to uneven cooking — especially if you’re cooking something like kettle corn.  

Design & Function

The Popsmith comes in several colors to match your kitchen. But it doesn’t just look sleek and modern. It works like a charm, too. 

Every inch of this stainless steel popcorn popper was designed with intention — from the smiley-faced vent to the patented spinner that keeps kernels in constant motion. 

Using the Popsmith is really easy. You just need to turn the crank clockwise. The handle doesn’t get hot to the touch, and when popping is done, you simply take off the lid and pour the popcorn into a bowl. 

As for the Whirley, it’s more old-school. It has a hand-crank mechanism, but the wires are tiny and barely cover the bottom of the pot. The gears are also prone to wear with frequent use, while the quick-release clips can be bothersome when you’re transferring hot popcorn into a bowl.  

Cleaning

One of the biggest benefits of using the Popsmith vs Whirley Pop is cleanup. Cleaning the Popsmith is a breeze. This stovetop popcorn popper is completely dishwasher safe. You can just load the entire thing into the dishwasher, or use a sponge to wipe it down. 

You can’t say the same about the Whirley Pop. It’s not dishwasher safe, and with all its nooks and crannies, it can be a pain to get it spotless. 

Price and Overall Value

The Popsmith retails for $199 while the Whirley Pop starts at $30. Clearly, there’s a huge price difference between the two. 

But the Popsmith Popper’s higher price tag reflects its quality and craftsmanship. This stovetop popcorn machine is made to last a long time!

While you might pay more upfront, if you love popcorn and eat it often, the Popsmith is 100% worth it. How beautiful it looks in your kitchen is just the cherry on top of the cake (or as we like to say, extra butter on top of already buttery popcorn). 

So, Which One Should You Go For?

Don’t get us wrong, the Whirley Pop is a good popcorn maker. 

However, if you’re looking for a premium piece of cookware — something that your grandkids will be fighting over one day — you won’t regret treating yourself to the Popsmith. It makes excellent popcorn, adds a pop of color to your kitchen, and is built like a tank. 

What are you waiting for? Buy the award-winning Popsmith Popper today or choose to Bundle ‘n Save for the ultimate popcorn-making experience.