Popcorn Machines Bring the Fun Home

There is nothing like the tantalizing aroma of freshly popped movie theater popcorn. It brings back memories of the campfire or drive in of our youth. A popcorn machine can bring that memory to life at your home and create new memories for future generations.

Where did something that smells so good come from? Popcorn has been around for over 5000 years. Sand was the main heat source for preparing popcorn. Heating sand in a fire and stirring kernels in the sand to pop them was one of the first methods of making popcorn. Tossing kernels onto a hot stone placed on a fire and having to catch the popcorn as it shot off in all directions was another method. What a fun campfire game! The Iroquois used heated sand in pottery to make popcorn. Soup and beer made from popcorn were often part of their dinner menu.

The first popcorn poppers were mesh baskets held over open fires. The first mobile popcorn machine driven by steam came about in 1893, weighed about 400 to 500 pounds and could be pulled by a boy or small pony.

The machine we are used to seeing at movie theaters, fairs and street corners came about in the 1920’s. A popcorn machine would be a fun and enjoyable addition to a family night or classic addition to your home entertainment room. It would also be a great tool for a fund raiser.

You can purchase popcorn makers and the supplies from the same seller. Popcorn is a fairly inexpensive snack and even a small machine can make quite a bit of popcorn. The merger of nostalgia and modern technology make the antique popcorn machine very popular with its nostalgic look. They are often red in color with designs on the metal sides. Made with stainless steel and tempered glass, the machines are easy to clean.

Prices range from $200 to over $2000 depending on its size, design and whether it is free standing on a cart or sits on a countertop. These machines use oil to pop the kernels and have the visual fun of watching the corn pop inside the body of the machine.

Looking for a fun, inexpensive way to raise money for your club or cause, a popcorn machine could be your answer. The initial investment can be low and some supplies are included with the initial purchase or rental of a popcorn machine.