1. Which popcorn machine size do I need?
2. Why are hard-coat anodized aluminum kettles considered the best?
3. What makes popcorn pop?
4. How long does it take to cook a batch of popcorn?
5. What type of oil should I use to cook popcorn?
6. What's the best way to keep my popcorn machine clean?
7. Why do you make poppers in 120 volts and 240 volts?
8. What is "expansion ratio" on popcorn and what is the optimum level?
9. What is your return policy?
10. The oil in my portion packs is solid! Is something wrong?
11. How long do the portion packs last in storage?
12. Are your portion packs kosher?

The popcorn machine kettle size refers to the approximate number of one-ounce popped popcorn servings the kettle will produce in one popping cycle (which takes about 3-4 minutes). For example, a 4 oz. popcorn machine will produce enough popcorn in one cycle to fill 4 one-ounce popcorn servings. A one-ounce serving is a bag approximately 3 -1/2“ wide by 2" deep and 8" tall (if you use a different serving size, convert it to one ounce servings). The best way to determine the actual size popcorn machine you will need is to figure out how many one-ounce servings you will go through in your busiest hour. Divide the number of one-ounce servings per hour by 16 and you will have the size popcorn machine you will need to meet your busiest demand. Example: In the busiest hour you need 125 one-ounce servings of popcorn. 125 divided by 16 equals 7.81, so you should order an eight-ounce popcorn machine. We offer a buyer's guide which can help you determine the appropriate size. Click here for details.

When you are cooking popcorn there are two key elements, heat transfer and ease of cleaning. Aluminum provides the best heat transfer of any approved cooking material which means that the heat from the elements transfer completely to the food resulting in much better performance. When you anodize aluminum you are changing the molecular surface of the aluminum and filling in the pores of the material. This makes a very smooth and slippery surface which can be cleaned very easily and is extremely durable.

A popcorn kernal actually has approximately 12% moisture inside of it. As you heat up the kernel the moisture turns into steam and expands. Once the kernel reaches 475 degrees Fahrenheit the expanding steam forces the hull to explode (or pop). Back to Top

All of our popcorn machine poppers are design to cook a kettle of kernels in approximately 3-1/2 minutes. The cycle time is based on having the kettle heated to cooking temperature before loading the kettle.

The type of oil that you use will effect the taste of the popcorn. The most common type that is used is coconut oil. It normally is regarded as the best tasting and has long been a staple at movie theaters. However, many health conscious people prefer canola oil due to its lower fat and cholesterol content Other types that are often used are sunflower, peanut and soy.

All of our popcorn machine poppers utilize tempered glass panels, stainless steel cleanout trays, aluminum corner posts and either plated or anodized kettles. These surfaces can be cleaned using standard window cleaner. You will want to note that you should never submerge a kettle in any type of liquid because it has electrical components inside of it that can short out. Our popcorn machine kettles are designed to be wiped out with a clean cloth after each use. Should you have a kettle that gets burned on oil stains you can order our kettle cleaning kit which will allow you to clean it to near new conditions. Back to Top

Popcorn Machines Direct sells popcorn machines in over 40 countries world-wide. Different countries have voltages on their electricity ranging from 100-240 volts. You should always order the popper that most closely matches the voltage of your electrical service. In the United States you should always use 120 volt poppers.

Expansion ratio refers to the increase in volume that occurs as popcorn pops. It is determined by measuring the volume of popcorn prior to and after popping. An expansion ratio between 40 and 44 is usually considered ideal. If the expansion is less than 40 the popped corn can be a little chewy and if the expansion ratio is over 44 the popcorn becomes very brittle and tends to break apart into small pieces. Back to Top

We want you to be totally satisfied with your purchase from Popcorn Machines Direct, which is why we offer a 30-day money back guarantee on all of our products (for health related reasons, we cannot accept returns or exchanges on any food items). If you are dissatisfied with your purchase for any reason, simply contact us within 30 days of receipt. If we cannot resolve the problem, we will gladly give you instructions on how to proceed with a return. Upon arrival of the returned item, a credit will be issued for the cost of the item minus the shipping charge and a 15% restocking fee. All returned products must be in their original packaging and must be returned in a never-used condition. Customers will be responsible for return shipping charges. Click here to view complete details on our return policy. Back to Top

Nope! The coconut oil in our portion packs is a solid at most room temperatures. In the summer months, it will likely be liquid, but during the rest of the year it will be a solid.

Our portion packs last a full year unopened.

Yes! Our portion packs are kosher, circle U Parve, and are notated so on the packaging.