Nothing Says Fun Like A Popcorn Machine

Popcorn is one of the most popular snacks of all time.  Whether relaxing at home or catching the latest release at the movie theater, everything just goes better with fresh popped popcorn.  In order to provide the best quality popcorn, you need to find a popcorn machine that can get the job done.  Keep reading to find out exactly what you need to know to get the right machine for you.

Corn kernels consist of 12% moisture.  As the corn is heated, that moisture is converted into steam and causes the kernel to expand or pop.  Popcorn machines provide the heat necessary to facilitate this process.  Depending on the size of the machine, you can produce anywhere from one or two to a half dozen one ounce bags of this delicious treat in a single cycle of 3-4 minutes.

When you are considering which type of machine to buy, serving amount is one of the major factors to take into consideration.  For home use, smaller machines are usually adequate but larger facilities like movie theaters will need to serve more people in a shorter amount of time and therefore will need larger popcorn machines.  Popcorn making is really pretty simple and the right machine gives you the perfect start.

Two other factors to bear in mind are heat transfer and ease of cleaning.  The better the popcorn machine can conduct heat, the more thoroughly and accurately it will be able to pop the corn.  You want a finished product that isn’t loaded with unpopped kernels or overcooked to maximize taste.  In most cases, aluminum offers the best heat transference, allowing for the most even cooking.

As it happens, anodized aluminum is also the best surface in terms of cleaning.  Because the process of anodizing fills in the natural pores in the metal, it makes for a smoother surface that is much easier to keep clean.  Most anodized aluminum popcorn machines can be cleaned with a simple cloth and some standard window cleaner.  If you keep your machine clean after every use, it will run better and last longer.

There are several different methods for making popcorn, including hot oil and hot air.  Most standard machines use hot oil and the type of oil you use can affect the taste of the final product.  Movie theaters generally use coconut oil as it results in the best taste.  Some people prefer to use canola, peanut or sunflower oil for health reasons, as they are all better for you than coconut oil.

Of course, the healthiest option of all is hot air.  Popcorn made in a hot air poppers free of any excess oil and therefore free of excess fat.   Both table and cart style machines are available with the traditional oil-cooking poppers, while most hot air poppers are table top.  Prices can vary depending on size, make and style but there is something out there to suit every taste.

Whether it’s for those home movie nights or your theater or concession stand, nothing beats the appeal of good, old-fashioned popcorn.  Do your homework and you can find a machine that fits your needs and your budget.  You’ll be adding a little pop to yourlife before you know it!