Orville Redenbacher Hot Air Popper - Fast, Low-Calorie Popcorn Maker

In this review the Presto Orville Redenbacher hot air popper is evaluated for home cooks who want fast, low-calorie popcorn without the mess of oil. The bottom line: this popper delivers up to 18 cups of fluffy popcorn in under 2 1/2 minutes using hot air, which makes it an excellent choice for health-conscious households and busy families. It stands out for speed and ease of cleaning while offering a simple butter melter that doubles as a measuring cup, though a few kernels can still escape during use.

Key Features

• Hot air popping: Pops corn using hot air rather than oil, producing a low-calorie snack at about 30 calories per two-cup serving.
• Fast performance: Capable of popping up to 18 cups in less than 2 1/2 minutes, making it useful for quick movie nights or gatherings.
• Low waste: The design leaves almost no unpopped kernels, so more of the bag becomes edible popcorn than with many competitors.
• Butter melter and measure: The 1/2-cup measuring cup on top doubles as a butter melter and helps control added toppings.
• Easy to clean: Because it pops with hot air, the base and cover simply wipe clean and require minimal maintenance.
• Compact storage: Built-in cord wrap keeps the unit tidy and saves space when storing the popper.

Who It's For

This popper is ideal for people who want a healthier alternative to oil-popped corn, such as calorie-conscious individuals, parents preparing a quick snack for children, or anyone who values speed and simplicity. It also fits well in small kitchens where a compact appliance that stores neatly is important.

Those who want flavored or oil-rich popcorn as a primary result should look elsewhere, since this unit is optimized for hot air popping and minimal added fat. Users who require very large commercial batches will also need a larger appliance than this 18-cup-capacity model.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Produces large batches quickly, up to 18 cups in under 2 1/2 minutes.
• Healthy, oil-free popping yields low-calorie servings with almost no fat.
• Simple to clean with a wipe-clean base and cover and an easy cord wrap for storage.
• Handy measuring cup doubles as a butter melter to add controlled flavor.

Cons

• Some users report occasional kernels escaping the chute during popping, which can be messy if not contained.
• Not intended for oil-based popping or heavy flavoring during the popping process.

Specifications

Brand	Presto (Orville Redenbacher)
Capacity	Up to 18 cups per batch
Method	Hot air popping (no oil)
Measurements	Approximately 14 in high
Power	120 volts, 60 Hz (North American electrical standards)
Accessories	1/2-cup measuring cup that doubles as a butter melter
Storage	Built-in cord wrap

Our Verdict

The Presto Orville Redenbacher hot air popper is a practical, value-oriented appliance for households that prioritize speed, health, and convenience. It consistently produces large bowls of fluffy popcorn with minimal cleanup and low calories, making it a smart buy for families and snackers who want a quick, oil-free treat without fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this popper use oil?
It pops corn with hot air, not oil, so the popcorn itself is low in calories and contains no fat from the popping process.

How much popcorn will a batch make?
A single cycle can produce up to 18 cups of popcorn in under 2 1/2 minutes.

Is it difficult to clean?
The base and cover wipe clean easily since the unit does not require oil, and the measuring cup/butter melter is simple to rinse.