Popcorn is a snack enjoyed all around the world. It can be cooked several different ways, but the one of the most popular ways to get it is from a kettle popper. These aren’t just for the movies; there are smaller poppers that can be used for personal use if you’re a big popcorn fan. There are all shapes and sizes with various outputs depending on the need. This guide is to help you figure out which one best suits you. There are a few things to consider before you make your choice.
The first thing you need to determine is how much popcorn you are going to want to make. This will determine what size kettle you are going to need.
- 4-10 oz: These are great for churches, school functions, or home theaters.
- 12-18 oz: This size is ideal for office lobbies, auto shop waiting rooms, convenience stores, or anywhere you want to offer courtesy popcorn.
- 20-36 oz: Poppers this size are what you see at concession stands, sport stadiums, concert venues, or anywhere there is a high demand for snacks.
- 37+ oz: These offer extremely high popcorn production that are usually for popcorn or snack specific companies.
The ounces are based on the kettle capacity, not popcorn output. A 4 oz. kettle can produce about 115 one ounce servings per hour, an 8 oz. puts out 170 one ounce servings per hour, and a 14 oz. can pop up to 220 one ounce servings per hour. If that’s not enough, then the 20-37+ oz . kettles are probably for you.
Not only do you need to consider how much popcorn you’re going to make, but you need to allow for the size of the popper itself. The smaller ones are going to fit on most counter tops and take up anywhere of 16-22 inches of space, whereas the medium to large ones are more suited for a cart for portability or are stand alone. A cart adds whimsy to the event, drawing in more customers to look at the display.
The last thing you’ll need to decide on is features and style. A lot of poppers offer “old maid” drawers that make cleaning out un-popped kernels quick and easy. Another feature is heat lamps that keep the popcorn warm well after popping. If the delicious smell doesn’t draw customers in, then there are different styles to attract hungry people. There are classic looks, fun carnival looks, and retro looks . No matter which popcorn popper you choose, you’re sure to have a line of people waiting for a tasty treat!
