Great Northern Top Star 12 oz
#3 in 12 oz and upFull review
A 12 oz countertop machine for big parties and small events. Strong power and features at a home price.
Amazon $320.53$320.53
The Great Northern Top Star 12 oz is the better popcorn machine overall, rated 3.5 to 2.6. The Great Northern Top Star 12 oz leads on value, features and heating power. The Gold Medal Super Pop Maxx 16 oz 2600 wins on kettle size. The Great Northern Top Star 12 oz costs $1,734.83 less ($320.53 vs $2,055.36).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Gold Medal Super Pop Maxx 16 oz 2600
#5 in 12 oz and upFull review
A heavy-duty 16 oz machine for busy concession stands. Home users and small events get the same kettle size for far less.
Amazon $2,055.36$2,055.36
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Great Northern Top Star 12 oz for value ($26.71 per oz of kettle ($320.53, 12 oz) vs $128.46 per oz of kettle ($2,055.36, 16 oz)), features (heated deck, unpopped kernel tray, separate kettle, stirrer and light switches, cabinet light vs heated deck) and heating power (120 W per oz of kettle (1,440 W, 12 oz) vs 107 W per oz of kettle (1,710 W, 16 oz)).
- Choose the Gold Medal Super Pop Maxx 16 oz 2600 for kettle size (16 oz kettle vs 12 oz kettle).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 12 oz and up popcorn machine; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Great Northern Top Star 12 oz | Gold Medal Super Pop Maxx 16 oz 2600 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 2.6/5 |
| Value 30% | 66 $26.71 per oz of kettle ($320.53, 12 oz) | 0 $128.46 per oz of kettle ($2,055.36, 16 oz) |
| Kettle size 20% | 85 12 oz kettle | 100 16 oz kettle |
| Heating power 10% | 60 120 W per oz of kettle (1,440 W, 12 oz) | 42 107 W per oz of kettle (1,710 W, 16 oz) |
| Features 20% | 75 heated deck, unpopped kernel tray, separate kettle, stirrer and light switches, cabinet light | 30 heated deck |
| Listing 10% | 0 no listing published, scored as none | 0 no listing published, scored as none |
| Warranty 10% | 0 warranty not published, scored as none | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| Great Northern Top Star 12 oz | Gold Medal Super Pop Maxx 16 oz 2600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Popping | ||
| Kettle size | 12 oz | 16 oz |
| Kettle material | Stainless steel | - |
| Rated power | 1,440 W | 1,710 W |
| Popped per batch | 80 cups | - |
| Price per oz of kettle | $26.71 | $128.46 |
| Features | ||
| Type | Countertop | Countertop |
| Heated deck | Yes | Yes |
| Unpopped kernel tray | Yes | - |
| Control switches | 3 | - |
| Cabinet light | Yes | - |
| Cart included | No | No |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 42.3 lb | - |