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 3.4. The Great Northern Top Star 12 oz leads on heating power. The Great Northern Top Star 12 oz costs $9.46 less ($320.53 vs $329.99).
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.
Olde Midway POP-P1200 12 oz
#4 in 12 oz and upFull review
A 12 oz countertop machine for events. It matches the Top Star on features but has a little less power.
Amazon $329.99$329.99
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Great Northern Top Star 12 oz for heating power (120 W per oz of kettle (1,440 W, 12 oz) vs 108 W per oz of kettle (1,300 W, 12 oz)).
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 | Olde Midway POP-P1200 12 oz |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 66 $26.71 per oz of kettle ($320.53, 12 oz) | 64 $27.50 per oz of kettle ($329.99, 12 oz) |
| Kettle size 20% | 85 12 oz kettle | 85 12 oz kettle |
| Heating power 10% | 60 120 W per oz of kettle (1,440 W, 12 oz) | 44 108 W per oz of kettle (1,300 W, 12 oz) |
| Features 20% | 75 heated deck, unpopped kernel tray, separate kettle, stirrer and light switches, cabinet light | 75 heated deck, unpopped kernel tray, separate kettle, stirrer and light switches, cabinet light |
| 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 | Olde Midway POP-P1200 12 oz | |
|---|---|---|
| Popping | ||
| Kettle size | 12 oz | 12 oz |
| Kettle material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Rated power | 1,440 W | 1,300 W |
| Popped per batch | 80 cups | - |
| Price per oz of kettle | $26.71 | $27.50 |
| Features | ||
| Type | Countertop | Countertop |
| Heated deck | Yes | Yes |
| Unpopped kernel tray | Yes | Yes |
| Control switches | 3 | 3 |
| Cabinet light | Yes | Yes |
| Cart included | No | No |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 42.3 lb | - |