Types of Popcorn Machines
In home kitchens, popcorn is usually made in a microwave or on a pan, but in cinemas and other places where this corn snack is offered, specialized machines are generally used. Everyone knows what such a machine looks like, but almost no one knows how it works. There are two types of popcorn machines: traditional machines using oil and oil-free machines that use hot air. The second type is becoming increasingly common both in home kitchens and for commercial use. Popcorn without added oil is simply healthier, and the operation of oil-free machines is simpler and faster.
Popcorn machines also differ in terms of power supply. You can choose between electric and gas-powered machines. In cinemas, places serving popcorn, and various outdoor events, high-capacity machines powered by both electricity and LPG gas are commonly used. Installing the latter type can sometimes be challenging, but its efficiency is usually higher than that of electric machines.
How Kernels Turn into Popcorn
Each corn kernel pops under high heat. Microscopic water particles inside the kernel turn into steam during the roasting process, which causes the kernel to explode from the inside. For kernels to pop, they must have low starch, protein, and fat content and a thin shell. This is why not all varieties of corn can make perfect popcorn. Only specific popping varieties can be used. The most popular ones are Płomyk, Dobosz, and Jantar.
How It Works, Cleaning, and Spare Parts
Every oil-free popcorn machine is extremely simple to operate – kernels are poured into a special container, and the roasting process is initiated with a single button. For machines using oil, the operation is slightly more complex, usually involving a few steps: turning on the power switch to activate the lighting and heating of the main chamber, switching on the oil tank, pouring in the required amount of oil, and adding kernels and other ingredients (e.g., sugar, flavorings, and colorings).
Popcorn machines must be thoroughly cleaned daily using appropriate cleaning products. It's important to avoid using aggressive agents and to clean the external metal parts with a soft cloth and an anti-corrosion cleaner. After cleaning the machine, all surfaces should be dried completely.
No matter which popcorn-making device you choose, ensuring the availability of spare parts is essential. Every frequently used catering device is prone to malfunctions and breakdowns. It's better to prevent issues and have access to necessary parts than to risk extended downtime or the need to invest in a new device.
Features to Consider
When choosing a popcorn machine, consider several key functional and aesthetic parameters:
- type of power supply and wattage (professional machines usually have slightly higher wattage than home-use machines – around 1600 W),
- size and capacity,
- time required to prepare a batch of popcorn,
- design – depending on your needs, you can choose between modern machines and retro-style ones resembling devices from past decades,
- seal tightness,
- stability (non-slip feet) and/or mobility of the device.
Some popcorn machine models feature a timer that allows you to precisely set the roasting time for the kernels.
