Are you looking for a home or commercial popcorn machine? There are many types and sizes of popcorn machines on the market. Finding one that meets your needs is actually quite simple. The size of a machine refers to the number of 1 oz. servings it produces. For instance, a 6 oz. machine produces 6 one ounce portions of popped corn. One ounce of pop corn is enough to fill a kid’s portion bag measuring 3” W (wide), 2” D (deep), and 8” T (tall). It takes about 3 to 4 minutes for the machine to finish one cycle. When you are looking for the right size popcorn machine for your needs, it is important to determine how many one ounce servings of popped popcorn you will need per cycle.
Different Sizes Available
• 4 oz. popcorn machine – ideal for small volume needs. These can make up to 92 oz. of popped corn in an hour. Excellent for home use, office use in a break room or other small gathering needs.
• 6 oz. or 8 oz. popcorn machines – ideal for large volume needs. These can make 113 oz. and 147 oz. of popped corn in an hour. Great for larger home entertaining, social events, restaurants, video stores, small concessions, and other larger group needs.
• 12 oz. or 16 oz. commercial popcorn machines – ideal for extra large needs. These can make 221 oz. and 295 oz. of popped corn in an hour. Perfect for theaters, amusement parks, sports arenas, mall and other large venues.
Important Components
• Heated Deck – The “deck” or surface that the popped popcorn rests on after it is finished popping is heated from below by a heating element. Heating the popcorn from below is way more effective than heating it with heat lamps or heating elements from the top. The warm surface keeps popcorn dry and warm until it is ready to be served. It also prevents popcorn from getting chewy over time.
• Old Maid Drawer – Old Maid is a term used for popcorn kernels that have not popped. A good machine will have a way for these kernels to be separated from the popped kernels. Many use an old maid drawer to catch the kernels so they do not mix with the product that is ready to be served.
• Cart or Base – Larger antique popcorn machines are very heavy and should come with a base or cart for easy access. Some old fashioned popcorn machines with carts even come with wheels which enables them to be moved easily. Popcorn poppers should be elevated for function as well as safety of small children.
• Construction – Stainless steel surfaces are by far the best type for food contact and easy clean up. Another good kettle or popping surface is anodized aluminum. This type of coating is durable and distributes heat better. The cabinet exterior should also be made of a long lasting material that is easy to clean. Tempered glass panels are ideal for long term frequent use.
• Maintenance – Most popcorn machines only require cleaning. A damp cloth can be used to remove any excess oil from the kettle between uses. You should occasionally take out the steel trays for a good cleaning. The glass panels can also be cleaning periodically with regular glass cleaning products. You can also purchase a kit which contains all the supplies needed for proper cleaning and maintenance of popcorn equipment.
• Warranties – Most new popping machines come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Each company is different so keep that in mind when you are shopping around. Warranties are of course not included when you purchase a used popcorn machine so always weigh your options carefully.