Cotton candy was first introduced at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. It was then that John C. Wharton and William Morrison produced their spun sugar delight for surprised customers. The sweet treat became an instant hit and it has continued to populate carnivals, ballparks and concession stands to this day.
Now there is a range of cotton candy machines available to help you join in the fun of producing this delicious treat. Available in a variety of sizes, styles and designs, there is a machine for just about every need from home to business. The type of machine you choose will depend on the amount of candy you want to produce and the skill of the operator.
What Wharton and Morrison discovered was the process for melting and reforming sugar into fine, hair-like strands. Using centrifugal force, the heated candy is forced through small holes, thinned out and then allowed to reform. As the fine threads of cotton candy form, they are collected on a paper tube until they form a sizable clump that comprises a single serving.
The process of candy spinning was further refined by Thomas Patton, who developed a machine that used a gas-fired plate to spin the sugar and collected the final product on a fork. Dentist Josef Lascaux also got in on the early market, distributing the candy at his Louisiana dental office. By the early 1900’s, it was a hit and its popularity has never let up.
Though cotton candy machines have made the process easier over the years, it is still a rather complicated affair and it takes a deft hand to do it properly. Adjustments need to be made to the heat level of the machine to keep the sugar from being rendered too thick or too thin. Some machines make this easier with stabilized heating that takes the guesswork out of it.
There is also almost an artistry involved in the winding of the candy fibers onto the paper cone. Dampening the tip of the cone can help the sugar to stick better and the motion you use to collect the fibers can result in larger, fluffier tufts. The true experts even add a flick of the wrist at the end of the process, just to give it some extra flair.
Once you get the hang of it, cotton candy making can be fun and is something people of almost any age can participate in. Of course, young children should never try it without adult supervision. But with a range of professional quality machines now available, it is possible to add this fun, flavorful treat to your business or bring the fun right to your own home.
Consider the quantity you need to produce and your skill level when choosing a machine. You should be able to find something that fits your budget and meets your needs, no matter how large or small. With the proper model and the necessary supplies, you can put a new spin on fun with with everyone’s favorite sweet treat.
Looking for a new cotton candy machine, check out the variety we have in our cotton candy machines store.
