FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQsThe size you need is entirely dependent upon the amount of people you feed on a regular basis. Remember that the "ounce amount" relates directly to how many ounces of popcorn can be produced in one batch. For small groups of guests, the four-ounce popper may be perfect for you. If you entertain large groups you may want to buy the eight-ounce popper to avoid making multiple batches all the time. Also, take note that four-ounce machines generally do not have warming trays because there is usually no popped corn left over in the machine. For help with picking out the perfect popper, check out the following chart:
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4oz Machine
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| 6oz Machine |
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| 8oz Machine |
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| 12oz Machine |
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What does 4oz, 6oz, 8oz, etc. really mean? It is not the size of the machine it is the size of the popcorn machine's cooking kettle. See the picture below:
We suggest buying an 8 ounce kettle.
Four ounces of popcorn is not much. An 8 ounce popcorn machine makes between 3-4 gallons of popcorn per batch. Our 8oz popcorn machines will also work with 4 ounce portion packs and cooks it quicker. Check out this great 8oz Popcorn Machine that is currently on sale: http://www.familyrecroom.com/antique-1900-design-tops-popcorn-machine-maker-cart-p-6516.html
One ounce of uncooked kernels yields one quart of cooked corn. Another way to look at this ratio is to think of a bag of microwave popcorn. A four-ounce bag of kernels (for a four-ounce popper) yields approximately the same amount of popped corn as a bag of microwave popcorn. Depending on how much your guests love popcorn, a four-ounce serving of popcorn could serve about 8 servings. Don't forget to buy serving popcorn scoop boxes: http://www.familyrecroom.com/scoop-cardboard-fresh-popcorn-container-p-98.html
Do not forget to remove the protective tape from certain metal parts of your popcorn machine. CLICK HERE for more information.
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If I have any 8 ounce kettle, do I have to make 8 ounces? |
Absolutely not! Our Popcorn Machines such as an 8 ounce kettle meets the demands of a small concession business yet still works perfect for a home theater. We speak from experience when we tell you that an 8 ounce kettle is a must have. But we do stock all popcorn kettle sizes for all your popcorn making needs. |
How long does it take to cook a batch of popcorn?
Once the kettle has heated, each batch should take approximately three to four minutes. Heat the kettle for seven to nine minutes before you are ready to pop. When it is ready, pour in the oil. Toss in a few kernels to test the "poppibility." When those pop, include the rest of the kernels. Shut your lid and let it go, until you hear the popping start to slow (three to four minutes). Dump the kettle and dig in.
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Does a popcorn machine require much maintenance? |
Minimal maintenance is required. One of the biggest myths about owning a "theater style" popcorn machine and cart is that they are difficult to clean. This is not the case! The only real cleaning that is required is for you to wipe off the excess oil from the kettle after you finish popping with a damp cloth will do the trick. All our popcorn machine models are equipped with exclusive "easy move" removable kettles. The kettle can be removed from the machine and any carbon build-up on the kettle can quickly and easily be removed with "Fantastic Orange". It works great for the glass as well. The product is available in any local grocery store, is safe, inexpensive, and simple to use. You can also remove the stainless steel trays and run them through a dishwasher after a few uses. |
Choosing the correct oil will be your biggest decision. Oil affects the taste and the nutritional value of your popcorn. Manufacturers love coconut oil because it burns the cleanest, and supposedly tastes the best. If you are health-conscious however, you may want to steer clear of coconut oil and try canola oil (canola oil has a lower fat and cholesterol content). Other oils frequently used are sunflower, peanut and soy. The best plan for choosing oil is to research the nutritional value, then trial and error each to determine which tastes best. The only oil to avoid is vegetable oil, because it cannot stand the heat of the kettle and tends to catch on fire. We suggest not worrying about all this and buy our premade packs which have everything already in it. Click the following link for more details: http://www.familyrecroom.com/complete-popcorn-packs-kettle-machines-p-97.html
Only the cart needs assembled. The popper units are shipped completely assembled.
Yes. The hottest part of the popper is the kettle, and the kettle is always at the top of the machine. The base of the popper remains cool enough to set upon a countertop.
The popper has a three-prong plug, and it can be plugged into any standard US outlet.
Yes. They are real wheels and are very portable units.
Our popcorn poppers utilize tempered glass panels, stainless steel clean-out trays, and aluminum corner posts. These surfaces can be cleaned using standard window cleaner or soap and water. To keep your kettle as clean as possible, let it cool after each use then wipe it out with a damp cloth. Cleaning kits must be used when the kettle becomes black with carbonization. Never submerge a kettle in any type of liquid because its electrical components can short out. We suggest buying the following: http://www.familyrecroom.com/popcorn-machine-kettle-cleaning-p-99.html
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What makes theater popcorn taste so much better than microwave popcorn? |
The taste and flavor of popcorn is determined by the type of oil and seasoning salt that is used in the cooking process. Our Popcorn Company utilizes a specially formulated coconut cooking oil that is partially absorbed by the popcorn as it pops. This is what gives the popcorn its flavor. Most microwaveable popcorn does not contain any oil & as a result it comes out dry and flavorless. |
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Why does popcorn Pop? |
Quality popcorn has a moisture content of 13-14% inside the hull. When the popcorn is heated the moisture turns to steam and expands. Eventually the pressure from the expanding steam causes the hull to explode. Storing popcorn in a sealed container at room temperature or less will keep the moisture content consistent and the popcorn fresh. Avoid storing popcorn in extremely warm and dry conditions which will cause the moisture content in the popcorn to reduce. A loss of as little as 3% moisture can cause the kernel to become un-poppable (an old maid). |
Only top quality machines have warming decks. We have been in the business since 1998 and have used all the machines currently on the market. Buying a popcorn machine with heating element underneath the unit for ultimate performance is a must. Combine that with the heat lamp/light, and your popcorn will remain fresh & hot for hours.
Just some Popcorn Machine history:
Popcorn was first discovered by the Native Americans, who believed that the popping noise was that of an angry god who escaped the kernel. During the Great Depression popcorn was comparatively cheap at 5-10 cents a bag and became popular. Thus, while other businesses failed the popcorn business thrived and became a source of income for some struggling farmers. During World War II, sugar rations diminished candy production causing Americans to eat three times more popcorn than they had before. At least six localities (all in the United States) claim to be the "Popcorn Capital of the World": Valparaiso, Indiana; Van Buren, Indiana; Marion, Ohio; Ridgway, Illinois; Schaller, Iowa; and North Loup, Nebraska. According to the USDA, most of the maize used for popcorn production is specifically planted for this purpose; most is grown in Nebraska and Indiana, with increasing area in Texas. As the result of an elementary school project, popcorn became the official state snack food of Illinois.