Which makes better-tasting popcorn?

The West Bend, for most people. Oil popping with a stir rod gives richer, theater-style corn, and the butter well adds flavor as it pops. The silicone popper makes lighter air-popped corn you season yourself.

Which is better for a small kitchen?

The silicone popper. It is 8 x 8 inches and collapses to 2.3 inches, so it fits in a drawer. The West Bend is roughly 13 x 11 x 11 inches and weighs 3.44 pounds.

How much popcorn does each make?

The West Bend makes 24 cups per batch from 6 ounces of kernels. The silicone popper makes 15 cups.

Is the silicone popper worth it at $9.99?

Yes if you want cheap, fast, low-fat popcorn and already have a microwave. It is dishwasher safe and stores flat. Skip it if you want oil-popped flavor or batches over 15 cups.

Which is easier to clean?

The silicone popper, which is fully dishwasher safe. The West Bend has a non-stick surface and a dishwasher-safe cover and butter lid, but the base needs hand wiping.

Does the West Bend need oil?

Yes. It is an oil popper with a stirring rod, so you add oil and kernels. The silicone popper is air-popped and needs no oil, though you can add some.

West Bend Stir Crazy Hot Oil Popcorn Popper vs Silicone Microwave Popper

Buy the West Bend Stir Crazy if you want movie-theater oil-popped corn in big batches and don't mind a countertop appliance. Buy the silicone microwave popper if you want cheap, fast, air-popped corn that folds into a drawer. The West Bend has no current price given here; the silicone popper is $9.99 at Amazon as of November 4, 2026.

Today the Silicone Microwave Popper costs $29.50 less at its best price.

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