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This article will discuss what makes a commercial popcorn machine different than the average popcorn popper used in the home.

KegWorks

Commercial Popcorn Machines Make Lots of Popcorn!

Frankly, the commercial popper is not much different than the popcorn maker most people have at home.

If you're familiar with the Stir Crazy Popcorn Maker, then you'll know that the center basin gets hot. Your choice of olive, peanut, corn or coconut oil is placed in the basin, and it melts. You add the unpopped popcorn kernels. There is a spoke that twirls around the center basin so that the popcorn is continually stirred as it's popping. Once the corn has all popped, you turn off the popcorn maker and enjoy!

Commercial popcorn machines work in the same way, just on a much larger scale.

There is a large kettle that gets warm. Oil is placed in the kettle and it melts. Unpopped popcorn kernels are then placed in the kettle, and a spoke also twirls around the kettle to prevent the popcorn kernels from sticking or burning.

However, instead of making enough popcorn to feed a family of 4 or 6, a commercial popcorn machine makes enough of the warm and tasty treat to feed 100 or more!

Differences Between Commercial Popcorn Machines and Home Use Poppers

The difference that stands out between a commercial popcorn machine and the one most people keep on their counter is simply the size of the popper.

Commercial poppers come in "ounce" sizes, with 4 ounces being about the smallest and 16 ounces the largest. The "ounces" refers to the kettle size, meaning that an 8 ounce popper has an 8 ounce kettle.

Most manufacturers advise that you should not add more unpopped popcorn kernels than the size of the kettle. For example, if your popcorn popper has a 12 ounce kettle, then you should add at most 12 ounces of popcorn. However, in a pinch, several manufacturers state that you can add as much as 2 ounces extra if need be.

How much oil should you use in a commercial popcorn machine? Most popcorn machine manufacturers indicate that a ratio of 2/3 popcorn to 1/3 oil. This is another difference between the popper on your counter and a commercial machine!

3 Step Popping Process

Commercial poppers make popcorn in a 3 step process.

Generally the first step is to turn on the heat switch. This allows the kettle to begin warming. Do not let the kettle warm for longer than 30 seconds before adding oil and popcorn, or there is the risk of damaging the heating element or other parts.

Always add your oil first. This allows it to melt a little bit before the corn goes in.

Step two is to turn on the stirring motor. You can turn on this motor as soon as you turn on the kettle heat switch. Step three is to turn on the heat lamp which will keep your popcorn warm and delicious.

Once the sounds of popping corn slow way down and you think just about all the kernels are popped, turn off the heat switch. You don't need that anymore since the corn is popped! You can also turn off the stirring motor, but leave the heat lamp on.

Costs and Availability

Commercial popcorn machines are now readily available at concession stores and online. Some of the more common brand names include Waring, Benchmark, Paragon and KegWorks. Some popcorn makers come with a nostalgic-looking stand, or you can get your commercial popper as a tabletop model.

Prices range anywhere from 5 for a 6 ounce kettle machine, to as much as 00.

The commercial popper industry has take note of consumers' increased interest in health and diet, so it will be easy to find the commercial popcorn machine to fit your needs.

Pauline has been a writer and researcher for more than 25 years. Enjoy more of her material at Stovetop Popcorn and Commercial Popcorn Machine.