How Does a Popcorn Machine Work?
Preparing the Popcorn Popper
Popcorn machines are generally large, enclosed boxes that have a popcorn pan at the top and a warmer area at the bottom. As the popcorn pops, it bursts out of the pan and falls to the bottom of the machine, where it is kept warm until it is consumed. Before the popcorn machine is turned on, oil, seasonings and popcorn are added to the pan. The oil is necessary to heat the corn kernels quickly and evenly. The type of oil used influences the flavor of the popcorn, as does any salt or flavorings that are added to the kernels before popping. For example, many movie theaters add butter-flavored salt to their popcorn popper pans.
The Popping Process
When the popcorn machine is turned on, the pan in the top immediately starts heating. As the pan heats, a small paddle travels around the pan on a circular path. The paddle rotates the kernels, which is incredibly important. Without this constant motion, the kernels wouldn't pop evenly; some would burn while others wouldn't get enough contact with the oil to burst.
As the oil becomes fully heated, the popcorn begins to burst. The heat from the oil turns the water inside the kernels into steam, which expands and causes the kernel to explode.
Finishing the Popping Cycle
As the popcorn pops, it eventually overflows from the pan and pushes its way past the light, swinging lid that's situated over the pan. The popcorn falls into the base of the popper, where it is kept warm (usually by light-bulb-type warmers) until it is consumed. When the popcorn has finished popping, the person manning the machine can grab a handle located on the side of the pan and flip the pan over to make sure that all popped corn is dumped into the warming area.
Tags: kept warm, machine turned, Machine Work, Popcorn Machine, popcorn machine