How to Buy a Popcorn Machine
Popcorn machines are great for a school fund-raiser, concession stand or home kitchen. A quality popcorn machine can add to any event and provide endless snacks for family and friends. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine what type of machine you're looking for. You can purchase a table-top unit for family game nights or buy an industrial-sized system to sell popcorn at special events. Choosing between antique, stainless steel, commercial grade and specialty poppers depends on need and cost.
-
2
Consider three things before purchasing: wattage (power), warming cups and chutes. Based on table-top units, 860-watt units will make your popcorn in less time. If time isn't of the essence, consider 640- or 480-watt units. A machine with a warming cup is an extra benefit because it warms the butter while the popcorn is popping. And chutes move the popcorn to a bowl or container so you don't have to dig the popcorn out of the machine.
-
-
3
Establish the price you're willing to pay. Popcorn poppers can cost anywhere from a few dollars to thousands. Research costs at shopping sites such as bizrate.com, Google shopping and Yahoo shopping. Visit some well-known stores in your area. Places like Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Kmart and Sears may carry popcorn machines of various sizes.
-
4
If you're looking for concession-stand poppers, try standardconcessionsupply.com. You can find poppers that vary in price, are made of stainless steel and give you the feeling of a county fair. Many of these poppers come with a cart for added effect. If you're looking for small machines for your kitchen, air poppers range from $10 on up. Small kitchen poppers are beneficial by not taking up a lot of space but giving a snack-size portion. Poppers of this size can pop 12 to 18 cups in just a few minutes.
-
5
Do your research. Regardless of size or where you're going to use it, investigate the quality of machines you are interested in. Visit free consumer product reviews such as www.reviews.cnet.com to read ratings on various machines. Other sites such as Consumer Reports also provide reviews but paid subscriptions are required.
-
6
Purchase your popcorn machine. When ordering online, consider the potential added fees of shipping and handling.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Understand your machine's warranty. Having an industrial machine break down could cost you hundreds of dollars. If you're investing in a quality machine, check into an extended warranty option, if available.
