The science behind how a home popcorn machine makes the popcorn kernels pop is actually quite simple. Most brands of popcorn kernels contain a moisture content of 13 to 14% in the hull of the corn. When the popcorn machine heats the kernel it turns the moisture in the hull to steam. The steam expands and eventually the pressure from the steam results in the hull exploding. It is important to store the popcorn kernels in a airtight container at room temperature. This helps keep the kernels fresh and prevents the moisture within the hull from fluctuating. Conditions that are too warm or too dry can affect the moisture content of your popcorn kernels. A fluctuation of even 3% moisture can prevent your kernels from popping or becoming “old maids”.
Many wonder why popcorn purchased at a theater tastes so much better than popcorn made at home in the microware. This is because the taste or flavor of your popcorn is a result of the type of oil or seasoning salt used when making the popcorn. Most theaters use coconut oil which is of course absorbed by the kernels in the popping process. Theaters also use a butter flavored salt for an even better taste and if you are like most people, you go for that extra squirt or two of liquid butter to top it all off. Microwave popcorn is usually oil-free and dry. The taste is usually only infused by some kind of butter. This is why most people add flavored salts to their homemade microwave popcorn.
You can now have that wonderful movie theater popcorn flavor at home. Manufacturers have created smaller versions of the movie theater popcorn machines. These more compact, home theater popcorn machines are available at most department stores. You can also find them at more comparable prices on the internet. Things to keep in mind when purchasing a new popcorn machine:
• Size – Home popcorn machines come in many different sizes. The size of a machine pertains to the amount of 1 oz. servings of popped corn a machine can produce in one cycle. Each cycle lasts about 3 to 4 minutes. In deciding which one best fits your needs you will have to calculate how much popcorn you need produced in that amount of time.
• Base or Cart – This is important depending on where you plan to place your popcorn machine. A good base will elevate the machine for proper access and it will place the popper at a safe height away from small children. Popcorn machine carts have wheels so you can safely move it from one area to another.
• Construction – Some of the best popcorn machines are made from stainless steel or another good food handling surface. The windows or glass panels should also be made of a sturdy and easily cleaned material. Commercial popcorn makers have an “Old Maid” drawer or a place for any kernels that did not pop to fall into. This prevents unpopped kernels from mixing with the ready to serve popped corn.
• Maintenance and Warranty – Popcorn poppers are usually low maintenance and very easy to clean. Regular cleaning of the interior components as well as the exterior should be all that is needed in long term usage. It is wise to purchase a new unit instead of a used popcorn machine because most manufacturers include a warranty should anything malfunction or become damaged over time.