OT: Popcorn machines

[snowdale]

I'm in the market for a real popcorn machine. There is several brands
out there.Is there anybody out there that can recommend a machine or
brand.

Thanks
Brad


--
snowdale
This USENET post sent from http://rgparchive.com

[Jazman]

snowdale;1903719 Wrote:
> I'm in the market for a real popcorn machine. There is several brands
> out there.Is there anybody out there that can recommend a machine or
> brand.
>
> Thanks
> Brad

If you want a high quality, American-made machine, then Paragon is what
I would recommend. But, there is a cost premium. If you want a good
quality machine, and don't mind made in China, then Gold Medal is a
great brand (and cheaper than Paragon).

I wanted a matching cart for the popper in my gameroom, but just
couldn't justify a $200 premium for the Paragon. Went with a Gold Medal
4-oz machine with matching cart.

Email me if you have more questions and have some more detailed
questions. I can also send you a link to the place I bought mine from.

Best of luck,
Jaz


--
Jazman

--------------------------------

[William Brower]

I'd just get an old microwave and spruce it up a bit, can't beat those
microwave bags of popcorn.

Sorry I can't help you, but some of those old popcorn machines can fetch
some big bucks.

Good-Luck.

Bill


--
William Brower

[Todd Scott]

Brad, Gold Medal is about as good as any, the only other thing you
need to know is ounces. Like as in ounces it can handle. We have an 8
ounce and it makes a lot of popcorn for my family (5). Plus my wife
takes popcorn to work all the time, the only problem is that they
sometimes get in an argument about who gets it. Check craigslist to
find a local deal. Sams club has good deals on new ones. Todd

[mikebw22]

> I'm in the market for a real popcorn machine. There is several brands
> out there.Is there anybody out there that can recommend a machine or

> brand.> This USENET post sent from  http://rgparchive.com

I think these machines (Great Northern Popcorn) looked pretty good for
the value when I was checking them out. I would only buy the 8oz
popcorn capacity, not smaller. You can buy them with and without a
cart.
I haven't bought one yet so can't give you a review.
http://www.discounttommy.com/c-116-full-popcorn-machine-with-cart.aspx
http://www.greatnorthernpopcorn.com/Popcorn-Machines/c257966/
Paragon and Gold medal are good commercial machines but expensive.

Mike

[dino...@yahoo.com]

The replies so far are good. One thing I can add, get a larger model (6-8oz) with a heater element in the bottom. I used to have a 4oz with only the light. I upgraded to an 8oz Paragon Theater Pop 8 which has both the light bulb and te heater element in he bottom. After popping, let it sit for at least 30 mins. The heater cooks off any moisture and you get nice crunchy popcorn.
Also, I did a lot of testing with oils and popcorn. IMO and that of my wife, the best oil is Naks Pop 2:
http://www.ht-express.com/catalog/catalog_detail.asp?CID=100&PI=1255

It is coconut oil. Probably the least healthy, but if you care about healthy you aren't eating popcorn. So live it up.

The popcorn we liked best is Megapop:
http://www.ht-express.com/catalog/catalog_detail.asp?CID=100&PI=22234

Also, you might want to consider a "butter" dispenser. They are pricey. I was lucky and landed one on ebay for $100. The "butter" topping we like is Mor-Gold Plus:

http://www.ht-express.com/catalog/catalog_detail.asp?CID=100&PI=7598


Enjoy,
Dino
www.thetheos.com

[Jazman]

Wow- wasn't sure how many people had poppers. Quite a few I guess...

Some more details then... The one I bought has a heated deck (a must
have IMHO) in addition to the heater lamp. One feature I liked was it
had a separate switch for the kettle heat and stir bar. So, you can
leave the stir bar on while the kettle cools to prevent burning. I
ended up getting the 4oz kettle so I can make smaller batches if I want
but can still do multiple runs. I think the popper works better if you
do a couple batches in a row. I also ended up buying pre-packaged
oil/corn/salt. The price premium is not that much and the convenience
can't be beat. I paid $400 for the popper and cart as a package new.

Jaz


--
Jazman

--------------------------------

[Jawbreaker]

We've had the Benchmark Street Vendor model for seven years and pop
with it almost every single day. It still works perfectly and I think
it looks great on the matching cart.

I wouldn't go with anything less than 8oz in a popper. Leftover corn
stays great in the warming deck and tastes even better the next day.
Several friends and coworkers also bought the same machine after
getting hooked on our corn. After lots of tinkering here's what I
found makes the best corn...

1/3 cup Crisco Canola oil (it has to be Crisco brand...I've tried them
all)
1 cup Snappy popcorn (2/3 white 1/3 yellow)
1/2 tbs Gold Medal Flavacol original

It's perfect and much more low fat than using coconut oil. The only
problem is shipping popcorn from Snappypop costs as much as the corn
itself.

Here's a link to the popper...

http://www.benchmarkusainc.com/popcorn-equipment/street-vendor-popcorn-machine

Good luck

-Tim

[jammer74]

Checkout discount tommy or great American popcorn company on eBay. I
picked up an 8oz popper with warming deck and light on a cart for $235
shipping included. Foundation model I believe. Description said
830watts but came with 860 .
1 1/2 years using without fail . Came in blue red or black.
Quite happy for the price.
And we get cases of popcorn/oil packages at gfs(gordons) for around 20
bucks.

[KenLayton]

Theaters use one of these three major manufacturers:

Cretors

Gold Medal

Star

Of the three, IMO Cretors is the best one out there. They are built for
heavy duty commercial use and last for decades!


--
KenLayton

[Ry]

Brad,

I have a 8 oz Gold Medal that is great. A little overkill for my
family of 5 but that is what I wanted. I paid a little extra for the
EZ Clean kettle so I didnt have to worry about the kids burning the
popcorn. One correction to an earlier post is that Gold Medal machines
are made in the USA for the most part. When Gold Medal sign a deal
with merchants (i.e. Sams Club) to sell their product they outsourced
these machines to China. So if you go with a Gold Medal machine that
is a "lower end" machine it probably is made in China but go with
their middle to high end machines and it is made in the USA (if this
even matters to you).

[mikebw22]

Popcorn and Pinball. Keeps the flipper buttons well lubricated.

Mike

[ValidPowerDetector]

Have to say Great Northern also. We have had one at our VFW for
2 years now. Makes several batches daily without a whimper.

[DOC DOOM]

On Mar 13, 9:11 am, mikebw22 <mikeb...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Popcorn and Pinball. Keeps the flipper buttons well lubricated.
>
> Mike

If you really are looking for a popcorn machine, I currently have a
1948 Minit Pop "OIL VAT" version for sale?
It’s a machine I recently bought, since then I have gone all thru
it .....works 100%
comes with bags and manual and Cocoanut oil. I but a brand new HIGH
END thermostat in it as well as a new decal for the front glass.
If you have never seen one of these machines work they are MARVELS.
Here is a link to one I did making popcorn. Delivery within 200 mile
of 46567
(Syracuse Indiana) as well

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MgHhHt-m90

The one I have now looks exactly like it but has no "Trash
Can"....some people don't like them
If you prefer I can get one

Link to machine I now have
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/45862-1948-minit-pop-popcorn-machine?in=1122
If truly interested
please call 1-800-241-8577
Thanks DOC

[otis]

On Mar 12, 9:12 pm, snowdale <snowd...@gmail.com> wrote:

Brad,

Gold Medal Products are located in my home town of Cincinnati. Every
March or April (I forget) they have a warehouse blowout sale. I
picked up my snow kone machine at that time. Great deal. Check ebay
for auctions of used/new machines. I am tracking a Gold Medal popcorn
machine as we speak. Just for kicks as I really don't want one.
Can't go wrong with one of those mini theater models on the cart.

JC

[MXV]

I bought this one a few years ago from Sams Club

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod3460304&navAction=v

It's a big hit anytime I have parties or I host pinball league. I
really like it and have had no problems with it in all this time.

MXV

[Bob C]

Benchmark seems to have a lot of bang for the buck, especially if you
get a refurb

Bob C


--
Bob C

[pinballlooking]

ValidPowerDetector;1903984 Wrote:
> On Monday, March 12, 2012 9:51:35 PM UTC-4, mikebw22 wrote:
> > > I'm in the market for a real popcorn machine. There is several
> brands
> > > out there.Is there anybody out there that can recommend a machine
> or

> > > brand.> This USENET post sent from *http://rgparchive.com

> >
> > I think these machines (Great Northern Popcorn) looked pretty good
> for
> > the value when I was checking them out. I would only buy the 8oz
> > popcorn capacity, not smaller. You can buy them with and without a
> > cart.
> > I haven't bought one yet so can't give you a review.

> > http://tinyurl.com/7s9bun6

> > http://www.greatnorthernpopcorn.com/Popcorn-Machines/c257966/
> > Paragon and Gold medal are good commercial machines but expensive.
> >
> > Mike
>
> Have to say Great Northern also. We have had one at our VFW for
> 2 years now. Makes several batches daily without a whimper.

No mater witch one you get make sure you get with a heater element in
the bottom.
I have two Great Northern 8oz make sure you get the 8 oz as it has
heater element in the bottom. It is a good value but I do think Paragon
is nicer.
we use it a few times a week.


--
pinballlooking

[Rompen]

This looks to be the best deal I've found, and this brand gets great
reviews on Amazon.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Great-Northern-Popcorn-Blue-Foundation-Old-Style-Popcorn-Popper-Machine-8-Ounce-/290647281002

[Drone]

Quick question to all those that own poppers: Do they grease up the walls or ceiling to any degree? I'm thinking of adding one to my gameroom, but I'm not sure what the long term effects to the walls will be as I intend to use it often :)

Thanks,
Jim

[Buddy Herron]

The bigger the better they are at doinig what you are afraid of
happening!

Come see my poppers in action!

Buddy

[Bob C]

They do make some steam, have not used mine enough to tell you about
oil/grease residue

Benchmark is good, but I had to make a claim with the shipper as FedEx
seems to destroy anything in a big box as a matter of routine

FYI, some web sites such as 1SaleADay dot com
occasionally sell the Waring WPM25 Professional Popcorn Maker, Red for
$50

The Waring (a good brand name) are really really well made compared to
the "Nostalgia" brand (don't buy Nostalgia, they self-destruct and are
not serviceable). A friend has been using it daily with no issues.

There is also a Waring WPM40 Professional Popcorn Maker you might be
able to get a good deal on that has a heating lamp to keep popcorn warm

Bob C


--
Bob C

[JimS]

On Mar 12, 6:12 pm, snowdale <snowd...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I'm in the market for a real popcorn machine. There is several brands
> out there.Is there anybody out there that can recommend a machine or
> brand.
>
> Thanks
> Brad
>

Depends on your usage. I started with the Waring WPM25 (2oz), then
upgraded to the Paragon 4oz (with heated deck) after determining that
the Waring left too many unpopped kernels and was just too small when
people are over.

As it turns out, we use the Waring 95% of the time because it fits on
our kitchen counter and my wife and I are usually the only ones
eating. The Paragon is in the game room.

Other than a few more unpopped kernels, the Waring does as good of a
job taste wise. There are actually a few things I like a little
better.

1) The pull-out tray is very convenient for serving just a couple of
people.
2) The kettle doesn't get quite as hot. So, even though it takes a
little longer to pop, the house never gets that slightly scorched
popcorn smell. The Paragon doesn't burn the popcorn, but once the
popcorn is emptied from the kettle, the odd bits remaining get
scorched.
3) I like how easy it is to remove and clean the kettle on the Waring.
The stainless steel cleans up great with soap and water. The Paragon
uses anodized aluminum for the kettle which is supposed to transfer
heat better but cannot be cleaned with water (according to the
manufacturer). You just wipe with a cloth, which is okay but does not
seem to get as clean as the stainless steel.

Regards,

Jim

[Jazman]

Walls and ceiling of the popper - yes. So, it does take some work to
keep it clean. We don't use ours THAT often because of it.

But, I think you're talking about the walls/ceiling of the room it's in.
I've noticed no ill effects with mine. The kettle has lids on it that
the popcorn pushs open and flows out. That is all enclosed in the glass
housing. Basically, all I really notice is steam. But, I'm sure there
is something in there that would build up over a LONG time.

Unless you're actually making movie theater quantities of corn, I'm sure
you'll be fine.

Jaz


--
Jazman

--------------------------------

[Drone]

Thanks Jaz,

Guess I'm in the market now :)

Jim

[KenLayton]

As someone who's worked in theaters over 35 years, I can tell you with
absolute certainty, popcorn poppers do indeed generate grease into the
air and they get everything near it covered with "popper grease" after a
while.

The only theaters I have not seen that happen were ones that had a
commercial exhaust hood over the popper.


--
KenLayton

[Don H.]

A good variety from inexpensive to commercial. Sells all the supplies too.

http://www.popcornpopper.com/popcorn-poppers.html

- Don

On Monday, March 12, 2012 9:12:54 PM UTC-4, snowdale wrote:

> I'm in the market for a real popcorn machine. There is several brands
> out there.Is there anybody out there that can recommend a machine or
> brand.
>
> Thanks
> Brad
>
>

> --
> snowdale

[William Brower]

You know after seeing and reading this thread for days now, I'm on a
popcorn kick. For those who do not have the pleasure of having one of
these fancy Popcorn machines I recommend Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet
Popping Corn, make sure you get the "Movie Theater Butter" type....You
do have a microwave?. I've just finished a bag myself (pig) and I very
satisfied with the contents. I've added another 1/4 stick of butter to
the bag to satisfy my every popcorn need.

Have a nice nice :)

Bill


--
William Brower

[William Brower]

Yep those Yuengling are kicking in...I meant have a nice night :)

[William Brower]

I meant to say :)...those Yuenglings are kicking in :).