Making tasty snacks at home doesn’t have to be expensive. Through cheap equipment you can enjoy all the benefits of popcorn and chips. Here are the best five budget-friendly popcorn machines and gas chips fryers for home use.
Great Northern Popcorn Company Popcorn Maker
Price Range: $60 - $100
The Great Northern Popcorn Company Popcorn Maker is one of the most popular choices when it comes to people who like making snacks at home because not only is it affordable but also functional. You can make 8 ounces per batch with this machine which can be enough for small parties or family movie nights. The stainless steel kettle pops corn swiftly while having an inbuilt stirring mechanism for even popping.
Key Features:
Capacity: 8 ounces per batch
Material: Stainless steel kettle
Dimensions: 15 x 12 x 23 inches
Heating Time: 3 minutes per batch
It’s small, hence easy to store away when not using it, plus, it has a popcorn scoop and kernels included so you don’t need to buy anything else to start popping right away!
Presto PopLite Hot Air Popper
Price Range: $20 - $30
If you want an inexpensive option among popcorn machines then Presto PopLite Hot Air Popper is your best bet! It does not use oil but instead hot air thereby making air-popped corn which has a lower calorie content as compared to other types. This appliance takes less than five minutes to pop up eighteen cups of popped corn thus they may suit bigger gatherings too.
Key Features:
Capacity: 18 cups per batch
Material: Plastic
Dimensions: 11 x 9 x 6 inches
Heating Time: 5 minutes per batch
Cuisinart CPD-700 EasyPop Popcorn Maker
Price Range: $50 - $80
Simplicity and effectiveness are the trademarks of the Cuisinart CPD-700 EasyPop Popcorn Maker . This popcorn machine has a capacity of 10 ounces and comes with a removable non-stick popping chamber that makes cleaning up a breeze. With its compact design, it fits easily on most kitchen counters.
Key Features:
Capacity: 10 ounces per batch
Material: Non-stick aluminum
Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 15 inches
Time of Heating: 4 minutes per batch
This machine also has a butter warmer so you can add flavor directly to the popcorn while it pops.
T-Fal Ultimate EZ Clean Deep Fryer
Price Range: $50 - $80
The T-Fal Ultimate EZ Clean Deep Fryer is a very good choice if you are looking for an affordable gas chips fryer. It has a large capacity of 3.5 liters which is enough to make chips for small gatherings. The adjustable temperature control allows you to achieve the perfect crispiness for your chips as it ranges from 300°F to 375°F (150°C to 190°C).
Key Features:
Capacity: 3.5 liters
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 13 x 11 x 8 inches
Heating Time: About five minutes until desired temperature is reached
It also comes with an easy-to-clean oil filtration system that saves oil life and simplifies maintenance.
5. Hamilton Beach Professional Style Deep Fryer
Price Range: $70 - $100
If you’re looking for a fryer on a tight budget, the Hamilton Beach Professional Style Deep Fryer is perfect. It can hold 4 liters of oil and heats up very quickly thanks to its powerful heating element.
Because this deep fryer has adjustable temperature control, it can be used for frying various types of food.
Key Features:
Capacity: 4 liters
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions :15x11x11 inches
Heating Time: 5 minutes to reach desired temperature
What’s more, it comes with a big frying basket which has a cool-touch handle making it easier and safer at the same time.
Tips for Choosing the Right Equipment
Below are some factors you should consider when shopping for popcorn machine or gas chips fryer:
Capacity: Small capacities are good for everyday use while larger ones are best suited when there is a large number of people like in parties or events that occur at home.
Ease of Cleaning: Models with removable parts and non-stick surfaces make cleaning much more manageable; this also applies to popcorn machines as well as fryers.
Tangible: While plastic is lighter than other materials such as stainless steel, which is usually heavier, SS tends to be more robust compared to plastic and can be cleaned easily. Besides, they have better heat retention and even cooking performance.
Any of these cheap substitutes can give you the pleasure of munching on homemade popcorns or crisps without breaking the bank. No matter if it’s a movie night with family on weekend or Friday evening get-together for friends over drinks, such snacks will always deliver.
