Kettle Corn Commercial Machines
- Generally have three operating buttons:
- The first button generally is the kettle heat switch. Once you push this switch, it allows the kettle to heat up to 350 to 400 degrees F very quickly.
Very Important! Turn the heat switch OFF when popping is near done. As you hear the popping wind down, turn this switch off. This stops your popcorn from burning and just as important, keeps the internal heating elements and thermostats in the kettle from burning out. Don’t fret. You will have plenty of heat to finish the popcorn. - The second button is generally the motor button. The motor switch activates the motor that turns the agitator that keeps your popcorn, oil, and salt in constant motion in the kettle so your popcorn does not burn. Turn the motor switch on after turning on your heat switch.
- The third button generally is the heat lamp. You can turn on the heat lamp after you start the kettle heat and motor switches. The lamp will help keep your popcorn warm and fresh when done.
- The first button generally is the kettle heat switch. Once you push this switch, it allows the kettle to heat up to 350 to 400 degrees F very quickly.
When to Add the Popcorn, Oil and Salt to the Kettle Corn Equipment?
The rule is about 30 seconds but no longer than one minute for the oil to be added. It is important that after the heat switch is turned on, that the kettle not be empty for more than a few seconds.
Order of Ingredients (Have scissors handy)
The oil is always put in first. If you are using coconut oil, wait about 10 seconds after putting the oil in, this will all the coconut oil to melt. If you are using popcorn paks, cut off the top part of the package on the oil side. Be careful! Do not touch the kettle with your hands. ALWAYS USE WORN POT HOLDERS. You may have to place a part of the pak on the kettle to protect your hand.
How Much Popcorn and Oil?
The maximum quantity of popcorn recommended in the popcorn kettle is determined by the size of the kettles.
- For 4 oz kettles, you can put 4 oz. of raw popcorn seed. For small families or groups, 4 ounces is plenty.
- For 6 oz kettles, you can put in 6 ounces of popcorn seed.
- FOR 8 oz kettles, you can put in 6 ounces of popcorn seed.
- For entertaining a large group or selling commercially to a large group, a 6oz. or 8oz kettle machine is necessary.
How much Popcorn to add? The general rule is two thirds popcorn and one third oil.
Handling the Kettle Corn Equipment When Popcorn is Close to Being Finished:
When The Popcorn is very close to finishing popping, turn OFF the heat switch, but leave the motor running. Dump the popcorn out GENTLY using the kettle handle (ready operating manual to be sure this is the best thing to do for your machine. There are some wires inside the kettle and in the neck of the kettle, and they can break with excessive force.
If you follow these guidelines when operating your commercial kettle corn machine, your kettle corn machine will serve you well with fewer trips to the repair shop.
Of course, it is very important to read through your operating manual and become very familiar with your kettle corn equipment – every popcorn machine is different. Keep the manual in a handy place to reference as you may need it!
Happy Kettle Corn Popping!!