When it comes to making popcorn at home, the Whirley Pop has been a trusted name for years. But today, I’m diving into a much pricier option: the $200 Popsmith popcorn maker. With a similar stirring mechanism, the Popsmith immediately reminded me of the Whirley Pop, which I reviewed four years ago. Naturally, I decided to pull the Whirley Pop out of storage and see how these two stack up. Is the Popsmith’s premium design and functionality worth five times the price of the Whirley Pop? Let’s find out.
Where to Purchase
I picked up the Popsmith from the official website popsmith.com. There is also an Amazon listing where it appears to be sold for the same price as the official website. I paid $199 for my unit, although the price has fluctuated slightly since I’ve been keeping track.
Whirley Pop can be purchased on Amazon for anywhere from about $40-$60, depending on the model. When I bought my unit back in 2021, it was $33.
Unboxing the Popsmith
The Popsmith arrived in a large, elegant box with impressive packaging. I paid $199 for the unit and added a five-pack of their popcorn kits for about $20. Right out of the box, the Popsmith stood out with its heavy-duty stainless steel construction, sleek design, and a patented stirring mechanism. The presentation was top-notch, and a clear step up from the more utilitarian Whirley Pop.
Included in the box were the main unit, a sturdy lid with a built-in handle for stirring, and a card with a large QR code. The Popsmith is advertised as being made of premium stainless steel, with features like compatibility with all stovetops, dishwasher safety, and a multiclad metal bottom for even heating. The stirring mechanism is designed to prevent burning and sticking, promising consistently fluffy popcorn.
Unboxing the Whirley Pop
In contrast, the Whirley Pop is a no-frills classic. Made of aluminum, it’s lighter and less robust but functional. At around $40, it’s a much more affordable option for popcorn enthusiasts. The Whirley Pop requires manual stirring throughout the popping process, which can be a bit tedious, but it gets the job done. It’s not dishwasher-safe, and while it lacks the refined look of the Popsmith, it’s been a reliable favorite for decades.
Note: I first reviewed the Whirley Pop back in 2021. You can watch that review here.
Round 1: Following Their Instructions
For the first round of testing, I followed the manufacturer’s instructions for each popper. Here’s how they performed:
Popsmith:
Using one of the included kits, I preheated the Popsmith for two minutes, added the provided oil, and let it melt. Once a couple of test kernels popped, I poured in the rest, added the seasoning, and turned the handle occasionally as the popcorn popped. The process was smooth and easy. The handle turned effortlessly, and the popcorn was evenly cooked with no burnt kernels. The end result was a large bowl of buttery, flavorful popcorn that smelled as good as it looked.
Whirley Pop:
For the Whirley Pop, I used half a cup of kernels, two tablespoons of oil, and a pinch of salt. Unlike the Popsmith, preheating is not recommended. However, the Whirley Pop requires constant stirring throughout the popping process, which can take several minutes. The results were just as impressive: light, crisp popcorn with very few unpopped kernels. The lack of pre-applied seasonings meant the flavor was more subtle but still enjoyable.
Round 2: Swapping Recipes
To level the playing field, I swapped the recipes for round two. I used the Popsmith popcorn kit in the Whirley Pop and prepared standard popcorn in the Popsmith. The results? Virtually identical. Both poppers produced fluffy, evenly cooked popcorn, regardless of which recipe I used. The main difference came down to the user experience.
Observations and Verdict
Ease of Use:
The Popsmith’s design makes it easier to use. Occasional stirring is all that’s required, whereas the Whirley Pop demands constant attention. The Popsmith’s handle also feels sturdier and smoother, adding to its ease of use. The lid is also considerably easier to remove.
Build Quality and Aesthetics:
The Popsmith’s stainless steel construction and sleek design make it a standout piece in the kitchen. Several people who saw it in my home commented on how nice it looked. In contrast, the Whirley Pop’s aluminum build and simple design are functional but far less eye-catching.
Performance:
In terms of popcorn quality, both poppers delivered excellent results. The Popsmith’s included kits were a nice touch, offering perfectly balanced seasoning and oil, but at nearly $4 per kit, they’re not cheap. When using basic recipes, the end results were nearly indistinguishable.
Value:
At $200, the Popsmith is a significant investment. While it offers better aesthetics, slightly easier operation, and a more durable build, the Whirley Pop performs just as well for a fraction of the cost. The choice ultimately depends on your priorities: If you value style, durability, and convenience, the Popsmith might be worth it. If you’re looking for reliable performance on a budget, the Whirley Pop is hard to beat.
Final Thoughts
The Popsmith is a beautiful, well-made popcorn popper that’s enjoyable to use and produces excellent popcorn. However, its premium price tag might be hard to justify for most people, especially when the Whirley Pop delivers comparable results for a fraction of the cost. If you’re a popcorn enthusiast who loves high-end kitchen gadgets, the Popsmith won’t disappoint. But for those on a budget, the Whirley Pop remains a fantastic choice.
Have you tried either of these popcorn makers? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Video Review
Check out the full video review below.