In-depth review
DASH SmartStore Stirring Popcorn Maker Review (2026)
In-depth review of the DASH SmartStore Stirring Popcorn Maker: batch size, stirring bar, storage, and who should buy it.
DASH SmartStore Deluxe Stirring Popcorn Maker DSSP355GBWH02 (White)
The crowd popper: 24 cups in one batch, stirred by a motor, with a lid that measures and a bowl that serves.
Our verdict
The DASH SmartStore is the best popcorn maker for large batches, because it solves the one problem every other popper leaves open: feeding a crowd in a single round. Twenty-four cups pop in one batch, the motorised stirring bar keeps the kernels moving, and the lid measures 8, 16, and 24 cups while the clear bowl doubles as the serving bowl. The honest limits are that the stirring mechanism needs cleaning after every use and the base is heavy to pour from when full. Buy it if you pop for a family or a party; buy the Presto PopLite only if you pop for fewer people and want the simplest machine.
What we like
- The stirring bar keeps the kernels moving for an even pop without shaking or cranking.
- The 24-cup capacity handles a crowd without a second batch.
- The lid carries built-in measuring cups for 8, 16, and 24 cups, and the clear bowl doubles as the serving bowl.
What to watch out for
- The stirring mechanism needs cleaning after every use, or oil builds up.
- The popcorn can taste flat if the oil is measured too sparingly.
- The base is heavy to lift and pour from when full.
Who it is for
Families, parties, and film nights where one batch must feed everyone without a second round.
One batch for a crowd
Twenty-four cups is a serious batch: enough for a family film night with no second round, and enough for a small party without anyone waiting. The motorised stirring bar does the work that a Whirley Pop asks your arm to do, keeping the kernels moving for an even pop without shaking or cranking. The lid carries built-in measuring cups for 8, 16, and 24 cups, so the portion is right before the machine starts, and the clear bowl doubles as the serving bowl, so there is one less thing to wash.
Storage and cleanup
The base nests inside the bowl for storage, which is the clever part of the design: the machine takes up less shelf space than its 24-cup capacity suggests. The trade-off is cleaning. The stirring mechanism needs cleaning after every use, or oil builds up, and the base is heavy to lift and pour from when full. The butter-melting tray doubles as a steam vent, which helps the popcorn stay crisp, but it adds another part to wash.
How it stacks up
Against the Presto PopLite 04820, the SmartStore wins on batch size and on serving a crowd, while the PopLite wins on simplicity and on cleanup. Against the Whirley Pop Original, the SmartStore wins on effort, since the motor stirs for you, while the Whirley Pop wins on theatre flavour. Against the Great Northern Little Bambino, the SmartStore wins on batch size, while the Bambino wins on looking good on display.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- The stirring arm keeps the kernels moving for an even pop without shaking
- The large capacity handles a crowd without a second batch
- The lid stacks neatly on the base for tidy storage
Common complaints
- The stirring mechanism needs cleaning after every use, or oil builds up
- The popcorn can taste flat if the oil is measured too sparingly
- The base is heavy to lift and pour from when full
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Capacity
- 24 cups
- Power
- 850 watts
- Voltage
- 120 V, 60 Hz
- Stirring
- Motorised stirring bar
- Measuring
- Lid measures 8, 16, and 24 cups
- Storage
- Base nests inside bowl
Also consider
Presto PopLite 04820 (Yellow)
The popcorn maker for most kitchens: 18 cups in under two and a half minutes, with no oil and almost no cleanup.
- Power: 1475 watts
- Capacity: 18 cups in under 2.5 minutes
Great Northern Popcorn Company Little Bambino (Red)
The retro tabletop showpiece: a 2.5-ounce kettle machine with a warming light, for film nights that deserve theatre.
- Kettle: 2.5 oz stainless steel
- Capacity: About 4 quarts per batch
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
How much oil should I use?
Measure the oil to the batch size using the lid cups, and start with the maker guidance rather than guessing. Too little oil leaves the popcorn flat and dry, while too much makes it greasy. A thin, even coating is the aim.
Can I pop a smaller batch?
Yes. The lid measures 8, 16, and 24 cups, so a smaller batch is easy to portion. Use the matching oil measure for the batch size, since a small batch with a large measure of oil pops greasy.
How do I store it?
The base nests inside the bowl, so the whole machine stores as one piece on a shelf. Keep the stirring bar and the butter tray with the machine, and store it dry so no oil residue builds up between uses.