Looking to jazz up your party or event? Popcorn is the perfect addition! It’s easy, affordable, and guaranteed to be a hit. Whether you’re hosting a movie night, a birthday party, or a casual get-together, serving freshly popped popcorn can take the experience to the next level and add a touch of fun. If you’re hosting a larger party, renting a popcorn maker is a fantastic option for making large batches of popcorn for your guests. It’s also a great way to bring that classic movie theater vibe right into your home. But once you have your popcorn maker, you might be scratching your head about how to use a popcorn machine.
Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with simple popcorn maker instructions below, along with information on popcorn machine rentals, some fun popcorn facts, and answers to common questions we get about popcorn machines!
- How to use a popcorn machine
- Popcorn machine serving sizes
- How to clean a popcorn machine
- Where to rent a popcorn machine
- Frequently asked questions
- 5 fun facts about popcorn
How to Use a Popcorn Machine
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- Preheat the kettle: Turn on the popcorn machine and allow the kettle to heat for 7-9 minutes. This ensures the kettle reaches the optimal temperature for popping.
- Pour the oil: Carefully pour your chosen oil into the hot kettle.
- Test a few kernels: Add just two or three kernels to the oil as a test. If they pop quickly, it indicates that the kettle is sufficiently hot for the rest of the popcorn.
- Add the remaining kernels and close the lid: Once the test kernels have popped, add the rest of your popcorn kernels to the kettle. Quickly close the lid to prevent the popcorn from escaping as it pops.
- Dump the kettle when popping ends: Wait until the popping sound slows down significantly, indicating most of the kernels have popped. Carefully open the kettle and dump the popcorn into a serving bowl or container.
Enjoy your freshly made popcorn!
Popcorn Machine Serving Sizes
How much popcorn will a popcorn machine make? How much oil do I use in a popcorn machine?
For each person, you need approximately 2 tablespoons or 1 oz of kernels. That will make about 3.5 cups of popcorn.
| Size of Machine | Amount of Oil | Quantity of Kernels | Amount of Popcorn | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 oz | 1/4 cup | 1/2 cup | 14 cups | 4 |
| 6 oz | 1/4 cup | 3/4 cup | 21 cups | 6 |
| 8 oz | 1/3 cup | 1 cup | 28 cups | 8 |
| 12 oz | 1/2 cup | 1 1/2 cups | 42 cups | 12 |
| 14 oz | 1/2 cup | 1 3/4 cups | 49 cups | 14 |
| 16 oz | 2/3 cup | 2 cups | 56 cups | 16 |
What types of popcorn machines are available to rent?
There are two types of machines that you can rent:
The two machines work the same, they just look different. The popcorn cart has a vintage look to it, making it great for themed parties. The tabletop is for those times when you have limited space.
How to Clean a Popcorn Machine
When the party is over and it’s time to return your popcorn machine rental, you might be wondering how to clean a popcorn machine. Not to worry, it’s actually not that hard at all! Here are step-by-step instructions:
- Turn the machine off and unplug it: Always start by turning off the machine and unplugging it. This ensures your safety as you clean.
- Let it cool: Allow the machine to cool completely before you begin cleaning. This can take about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the model and how long it was in use.
- Remove the kettle: Most popcorn machines have a removable kettle. Take it out carefully to clean separately. If your kettle is not removable, skip to step 5.
- Clean the kettle: For removable kettles, mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe the inside of the kettle and avoid abrasive cleaners or pads as they can scratch the surface. For tough stains, you can use a kettle cleaning solution designed for popcorn machines. Follow the instructions on the cleaner for the best results.
- Wipe down the machine: Using a damp cloth, wipe down the exterior and interior surfaces of the machine. Be sure to clean the glass or plastic windows well, as they can get very greasy.
- Dry thoroughly: After cleaning, dry all parts thoroughly with a dry towel or cloth to prevent any water spots or buildup.
Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble any parts you removed and it’s ready to be returned to the rental company!
Where to Rent a Popcorn Machine
Looking for the perfect popcorn machine for your next event? You can use Reventals to easily find high-quality popcorn machines from reputable vendors in your area.
Here are the cities we currently serve:
- Atlanta Rentals
- Austin Rentals
- Baltimore Rentals
- Chicago Rentals
- Dallas Rentals
- Houston Rentals
- Las Vegas Rentals
- Los Angeles Rentals
- Miami Rentals
- Nashville Rentals
- New Orleans Rentals
- New York Rentals
- Philadelphia Rentals
- Phoenix Rentals
- Salt Lake City Rentals
- San Antonio Rentals
- San Diego Rentals
- San Francisco Rentals
- Santa Barbara Rentals
- Seattle Rentals
- Tampa Rentals
- Washington Rentals
FAQ’s
Q: How much does it cost to rent a popcorn machine?
A: To rent a popcorn machine, the price can range from $65-$90 per day. This cost generally includes everything you need to start popping: the machine itself, kernels, oil, and sometimes even seasoning options. For larger events or if you want to offer a variety of flavors, considering a higher-end model might be worth the extra cost.
Q: What type of oil do I use in a popcorn machine?
A: Coconut oil is often the top choice for making popcorn because it not only tastes great but also burns cleanly. You can also consider using sunflower, peanut, or soy oil for popping popcorn. It’s best to avoid vegetable oil, though, as it doesn’t handle high heat well and could pose a fire risk.
Q: Is plain or flavored popcorn better?
A: Keeping your popcorn plain is the healthiest option. You can always add the usual butter and salt to add flavor. If you like to change things up a bit, check out these recipes for savory popcorn seasonings. And if you’re like me and have a sweet tooth, you might like this recipe better.
Q: What do I serve my popcorn in?
A: Most rental companies sell popcorn cups or bags for very little cost. But if you have a special theme in mind, you can easily DIY your own cups! For DIY popcorn cups, all you need is some brown paper lunch bags and stickers or some cute paper and washi tape. Check out our Pinterest board for ideas here.
Looking for popcorn party ideas, check out our blog Ticket to a Fantastic Outdoor Movie Party
Ending on a High Note: 5 Fun Facts About Popcorn
Let’s end off on a high note with some fun facts about popcorn:
- Popcorn’s history stretches back over 5,000 years. It has been enjoyed not only as a snack but also used decoratively and in ceremonies.
- Those unpopped kernels at the bottom of your bowl? They’re affectionately known as “old maids.”
- In ancient times, people made popcorn by heating sand in a fire and then stirring popcorn kernels into the hot sand.
- A single kernel can pop with such force that it might leap up to 3 feet in the air!
- Each kernel contains a small amount of water. When heated, this water turns to steam, building pressure until the kernel POPS!
Inspired to make popcorn at your next event? Visit Reventals to find and rent high-quality popcorn machines from trusted vendors in your area.
