If you're shopping around for a stovetop popcorn popper, two names you've likely come across are the Popsmith and the Whirley Pop. One has been around for decades. The other is a newer arrival that's already earned a spot on Oprah's Favorite Things and plenty of other media you trust.
But headlines aside, how do they actually compare? Here's the full breakdown:
| Popsmith Popper | Whirley Pop | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel with multi-clad metal bottom | Aluminum |
| Mechanism | Patented stirring system | Wire crank and gear system |
| Induction Compatible | Yes | No |
| Capacity | 6 quarts | 6 quarts |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | No |
| Price | $199–$219 | Starts at $30 |
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. And unlike aluminum poppers, it works on induction stovetops, too.
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.
The Popsmith handles that without issue. Whether it's chocolate-glazed popcorn or other sugar-based recipes, its multi-clad metal bottom distributes heat evenly enough to handle the temperatures those recipes demand — no hot spots, no scorching, no batch wasted.
Design & Function
The Popsmith comes in several colors to match your kitchen. But this stainless steel popcorn popper doesn’t just look sleek and modern. It pops better, too.
The smiley-faced vent releases steam at exactly the right rate, and the patented spinner keeps kernels in constant motion so nothing burns and nothing gets left behind.
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 transfer the popcorn to 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 pouring hot popcorn into a bowl.
"We have used a Whirley Pop for many years, but there is no equal to the Popsmith Popper. Pops fast with little effort with very little unpopped kernels. The best popper on the market!"
— Rollie H., Verified Buyer
Cleaning
One of the biggest benefits of using the Popsmith vs Whirley Pop is the 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 difficult to clean thoroughly.
Price and Overall Value
The Popsmith starts at $199, while you can buy an entry-level Whirley Pop at around $30. Yes, that's a significant difference. But the Popsmith's higher price point reflects what it is: a stainless steel stovetop popcorn popper designed to last decades. And how beautiful it looks on your counter? That's just the extra butter on already buttery popcorn.
If you love popcorn and eat it often, the Popsmith is worth every penny. And if you tend to buy quality once rather than replacing cheap things twice, it's an easy call.
So, Which One Should You Go For?
The Whirley Pop has earned its reputation over decades, and that counts for something. To be fair, if you pop popcorn occasionally and want something that gets the job done without a significant investment, the Whirley Pop will do that. At $30, the barrier to entry is low.
But if popcorn is a regular part of your life, or you care about what's sitting on your stovetop, the Popsmith is the better long-term call. It was built to go further with its better materials, better design, and a build quality that puts it in the same conversation as the premium cookware already in your kitchen. It's not just the best stovetop popcorn popper; it's the last one you'll ever need.
Grab your Popper today and pair it with our popcorn kernels, coconut oil (your choice between butter flavored or plain), and seasonings for the full experience. You'll never look back.
