New Design Options in Todays Popcorn Makers

Ever since its introduction in the late 1800's, the automatic popcorn maker has been an integral part of Americana. They were one of the very first automatic, specialty cooking appliances that actually functioned the way it was supposed to do. Even so, as more features and design options have been added to these modern day wonders of technology, they still perform flawlessly as they were designed to.

More Features and Design Options

The choices in todays popcorn makers has grown to range from simple one serving home units, to larger commercial poppers that can pop several pounds at a time. They have also become far more decorative. New modern popcorn makers are now designed to resemble old fashioned carnival style popcorn makers down to the most minuscule detail.

Hot Air Popcorn Makers

Popcorn makers have recently seen some newer technological innovations added to them that are quite amazing. Hot air popping systems completely eliminate the need for oil and start the kernels popping almost instantly. Also, hot air technology has made the development of amazing and highly profitable popcorn vending machines possible.

Amazing Popcorn Vending Machines

These new vending machines are truly works of mechanical art. By simply inserting money in a slot and holding a bag under the dispenser, fresh hot popcorn is instantly produced in individual servings. Then the bag of fresh, hot popcorn can be placed under salt and butter flavored oil dispensers to add these two condiments. The truly amazing thing about these new vending machines is that they are completely tamper proof.

Popcorn Factories

Popcorn has been an ideal anytime snack for most families. Popcorn is available in many flavors such as caramel, plain salted, tomato, cheese, Dill Pickle, Salt and Vinegar, Cheese, White Cheddar, Holiday Corn, and White Popcorn.

Popcorn factories supply ready to eat instant popcorns in various types such as buttered popcorns, plain salted popcorns and many types of flavors to meet the ever increasing demand for readymade popcorn. There are popcorn parlors that generally need stock in bulk and some factories supply raw material to them. Most factories produce popped corn as well as unprocessed corn kernels to cater to the requirement of both types of buyers. All these products carry necessary instructions needed to pop corn and mention shelf life.

Factories manufacture popcorn vending machines that offer bulk-popping corn, which are often found in malls, exhibitions and at birthday parties and different occasions where popcorn is consumed in large quantities. Popcorn factories manufacture a huge selection of movie theater quality popcorn machines too. They carry warranty and guarantee for the same.

Factories also manufacture popcorn portion packs, which include pre-measured amounts of popcorn, seasoning salt and flavored oil. Along with this, they may also produce accessories such as popcorn buckets, popcorn bags, popcorn boxes and more.

Some popcorn factories may offer popcorn machines to buyers. People can access such information online through websites of vendors. This makes shopping for popcorn machines and other fun food equipment simple and easy. People may choose popcorn machines that suit all needs, for small home use popcorn machines to large heavy vending machines.

Other than manufacturing, these factories also carry on the process of branding and marketing popcorn products. This is an essential function as it helps to increase their sales to a large extent. Many factories have separate departments that specialize in standardization and advertising. They also inform wholesalers and retailers of new brands that are coming up. Most factories directly sell to wholesale dealers and retailers and there are no minimum purchase requirements.

The History of Popcorn

Popcorn is loved by young and old today. Popcorn itself dates back many centuries. It is believe by many historians that popcorn first came from Mexico. The oldest ears of corn have been found to come from a Bat Cave in west central Mexico around the year of 1948. It was here that Cachise Indians dating back to 2,500 B.C. are thought to have grown and eaten popcorn. History shows a funeral urn also found in Mexico from 300 A.D. that shows a picture of a maize god. The picture depicts this god holding some form of popcorn headdress. Popcorn kernels have also been found off the east coast of Peru as well.

The surprising fact about popcorn is that it was introduced to the Europeans by many Native American tribes. These English colonists were introduced to popcorn at the first Thanksgiving feast. The natives presented the popcorn as a gift of goodwill to the English settlers. Another interesting fact is that after the Europeans were introduced to popcorn we see the creation of breakfast cereal as they had the idea to mix the popcorn with milk and sugar.

Today there are a number of ways to pop popcorn. However, one of the earliest ways to make popcorn was to toast it over an open fire until it began to pop. The American Indians would pierce the center of the cob with something sharp then they would spread some form of oil over the cob and lay it almost in the fire. This would cause the kernel to pop attached to the ear.

Today there are other ways of making popcorn. There is the older method of using a popcorn popper where the loose kernels are poured into an electric device that heats the kernels and pops them. Butter can be melted on top of the machine and then can be poured over the popcorn. The most common way of making popcorn today however is through the use of a microwave. Most popcorn companies are producing microwave popcorn. The popcorn itself is in a bag and placed in the microwave, as it is heated the kernels pop inside the bag. After about two to three minutes you have a bag full of great tasting popcorn.

PopCorn Machine Review - West Bend Stir 82306X Stir Crazy 6-Quart Popcorn Popper

The West Bend Stir 82306X 6-Quart electric popcorn machine can be yours for around $30. With price in mind, I can't be overly critical unless there are major faults in the design, which there aren't. This popcorn machine does exactly what it was designed to do, and that is to give you enough popcorn to make you think you are actually at the cinema. This popcorn machine can produce around 6 quarts of popcorn in five minutes -- it does not mess around.

It has a number of nice features too. The motor driven stirring rod works to ensure that every kernel gets popped, and when the popcorn machine is done, the machine stops automatically so you have no burnt popcorn (a common complaint with stove top popcorn machines, if you do not keep a close eye on them). The designers also had the neat idea of turning the cover into a bowl in which to hold the popcorn. Now that is what I call thinking outside the box.

As for the taste, well, to my refined pallet, the taste is not quite as good as that taste you get from the stove top popcorn machines, but then these have drawbacks of their own, notably unease of cleaning and burning. However, I said I would not be overly picky, so I am going to give this popcorn machine the thumbs up on taste.

Finally, when it's time to clean up, rest assured that this popcorn machine is easy to clean. You can wipe it down with a damp sponge.

In summary, it's a great value popcorn machine which will give you volume quality popcorn in no time at all, and it has a lot of great features.

© Stephen Turner 2006.

Stephen Turner has set up an information and resource website called Popcorn Machine. On the site you'll find loads of popcorn machine information and advice, articles, features, discussion and specially chosen links to other popcorn machine websites, so please take a look. Stephen would also welcome your feedback on the site: click on the contact link on the site. This article may be reproduced in its original form provided that the author's copyright note and this 'author resource paragraph' are displayed below the article.

Popping the Popcorn Myth

How many times have we heard that popcorn is a good, healthy snack? It is a given! Popcorn has been a fun and healthy snack since ancient civilization.

Americans are eating 17 billion quarts of popcorn a year.

How many of them do you think are microwaving their popcorn? Probably most (not me - I do not own a microwave).

There are findings now that microwaving butter-flavored popcorn can cause damage to our lungs.

The chemical of concern is in the artificial butter flavoring and is known as diacetyl. When heated, the fumes are reported to be toxic.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health discovered this when 31 people who worked at a popcorn factory were diagnosed with severe lung disease. It has been linked to breathing vapors from a butter flavoring. Eight are on waiting lists for lung transplants.

This lung condition, known as bronchiolitis obliterans (which translates to "destroying the lungs), is starting to crop up in a variety of places throughout the country.

Meanwhile what is a healthy ways to make popcorn?

Consider air popped popcorn as a healthier choice over the microwaved style. This way is not only healthy, but it will also prevent the lung condition that can result from microwaving butter-flavored popcorn.

My favorite way of making popcorn is the old fashioned way of popping it in a pot on the stove. Organic popcorn kernels popped in virgin coconut oil is one of the healthiest ways of making popcorn today.

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America Loves Popcorn - Annual Popcorn Sales Continue to Grow

Popcorn has been an American favorite since 1907 when electric popcorn poppers were first introduced. These machines made it relatively easy to pop popcorn anywhere. Annual popcorn sales continue to grow and new popcorn creations have been invented.

How Has Popcorn Evolved to Remain Competitive?

There are always new and clever snack products on the market. Popcorn companies, however, have modernized their product over the years. Microwavable popcorn, for example, changed the industry in the 1980’s and it has become a household staple. Variety tins and special flavored gourmet popcorn have also gained popularity, not to mention that it’s the top moviegoers snack choice.

Popcorn makers have also capitalized on the low-fat, low-calorie trend as people attempt to lose weight. Light, 100-calorie snack packs and 94% fat-free versions are choices that are now available. They also advertise the health benefits of popcorn, including its high dietary fiber.

How Much Popcorn is Sold Annually?

Americans consume more than 17 billion quarts of popcorn annually. That averages out to roughly 68 quarts per person. And in 2001, popcorn sales in America exceeded $1 million.

Boy Scouts of America has cashed in on the success of popcorn sales. A mere 7 councils participated the first year that scouts sold popcorn. Over the last 25 years it has become the top-rated fundraiser for cub scouts packs across America. Today, Trail’s End serves more than 285 councils (including packs and troops,) with over $1 billion raised for the nonprofit organization. For this reason, it is the only pre-approved fundraiser of Cub scouts and Boy Scouts of America.

An American Favorite

Popcorn is destined to be an American favorite for many years to come. From light versions to chocolate-drizzled gourmet caramel corn and variety tins, popcorn is a versatile product that can be changed to meet the current marketing trends and remain a profitable product.

Tracy Rose is a Freelance Writer with a Bachelor's Degree in Written Communication. She enjoys writing for a variety of websites including http://weightloss.suite101.com on weight loss topics and http://www.StepByStepFundraising.com on topics such as popcorn fundraisers.

Permission is granted to reprint this article under the condition that the above links are active.

Choosing a Nostalgia Electric Popcorn Maker

If you've decided to get a nostalgia electric popcorn maker for Christmas, either for yourself or somebody else, you now find yourself swamped with other decisions. How big should it be? Should you get a hot oil popcorn maker or a hot air popcorn maker? Where will it be used the most?

Fear not, dear friends. With our handy guide, you can determine which nostalgia electric popcorn maker is right for you, or whichever lucky person is getting it for a Christmas present.

Ask yourself: What will it be used for?

Are you seeking a popcorn maker for everyday home use? For a child's present? Are you in charge of the fall and Christmas festivals for the PTA or your church, and you're looking in to purchasing one for those events? Are you putting one in your business so customers can have snacks?

Answers to these basic questions will help you determine what kind of a nostalgia electric popcorn maker to get. If you're looking for something for basic, regular use, you'll want a popcorn maker that's tabletop or countertop to save space. You probably won't need a very large one, since you won't likely be feeding a lot of people with it.

However, if you're using it at a festival, a business, or at other parties and events, you'll probably want a larger popcorn maker that comes with a cart. Not only will you be able to feed more people, but you'll also have the presence and visual appeal of a full-size nostalgia electric popcorn maker.

Plus, if you know exactly where you'll be using it, you'll be able to determine what kind of popcorn maker you can afford. Some tabletop machines start at $60, while those with carts can be found for around $200, so figure out what will give you the most popcorn for your budget.

Hot oil popcorn makers vs. hot air popcorn makers

When you're thinking of buying a popcorn maker, you also need to think about how the popcorn will be popped. Hot oil popcorn makers use oil to keep the kernels from sticking together or sticking to the pan, and the popcorn they make is usually more flavorful.

Hot air popcorn makers use a batch of hot air to pop the popcorn and keep it from sticking together, which means that these are much better for health-conscious individuals. However, hot air popcorn doesn't have as much flavor, so you'll have to add your own afterwards.

Where to buy

Online is probably the best place to hunt down nostalgia electric popcorn makers. Since online retailers typically have lower overhead, they're able to sell products at a discount for consumers. Plus, it's just plain easier to find nostalgia electric popcorn makers online. Look for retailers that have an obvious, posted return and exchange policy on their site.

Finding the perfect nostalgia electric popcorn maker is a search that's worth the time. Getting a maker that lets you have fresh, buttery popcorn that doesn't come from a bag is an admirable endeavor indeed.

Darin Brin is with LiquidationConnect.com, which provides unique and nostalgia gift items direct to consumer. Visit them online at http://www.liquidationconnect.com to find your nostalgia electric popcorn maker today.

An Introduction To Popcorn

Popcorn has been a perfect snack for most families to have while watching TV. It is available in many flavors such as caramel, plain salted, tomato, cheese, Dill Pickle, Salt and Vinegar, Cheese, White Cheddar, Holiday Corn, and White Popcorn.

Many people consider popcorn a diet food since it does not contain sugar, is light, fluffy, and easily digestible. Popcorn contains healthy carbohydrates, which makes it a good source of energy. Popcorn is a whole grain food and a wholesome source of fiber. Popcorn is a great option that works to restrain hunger between meals. People can feast on popcorn instead of starving and staying hungry until the next meal.

Popcorn is available in two varieties, buttered and unbuttered. Large buttered movie popcorn normally contains 1500 calories a cup. However, for diet conscious people, unbuttered popcorn is available that contains only about 50 calories per cup.

Unbuttered popcorn is a good staple for low-calorie diet. Unbuttered popcorn can become boring and tasteless after some time. There are many things people can do to make unbuttered popcorn a tastier snack. A dash of cinnamon, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic and onion salt, peanuts and raisins can add to the flavor. These are options that make unbuttered popcorn a little sweeter or a savory to suit the palate.

People can make popcorn at home or purchase it ready made from local stores. There are grocery stores that sell sugar-free, reduced calorie caramel corn, plain salted unbuttered instant popcorn and many other varieties. Corn kernels are also available that can be popped at home. People can also choose from many different colors and types of popcorn and popcorn oils from grocery shops. However, all varieties of colored popcorn pop a shade of white, but each color does have its own exclusive appearance, texture and most importantly flavor.

Popcorn provides detailed information on Popcorn, Popped Popcorn, Popcorn Machines, Popcorn Factories and more. Popcorn is affiliated with How Many Carbs In Pizza.