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Popcorn Machines

C

CPickler

Well-known member
Joined
May 2, 2021
Messages
153
Location
Eads, TN (Outside of Memphis)
Now things are getting serious. I want to get a real popcorn maker for my theater. I am looking at the 8 oz options from Paragon likely either the Theater or Professional. I know they are quite a bit more expensive than some of the other machines out there, but the reviews all seem to say it is the last machine you will ever need to buy and worth it. What thoughts or experiences do you have with your popcorn machines for your theater and what size did you go with? I'm leaning towards a little bigger because it might get used for the occasional scout or neighborhood function as well.

For those with the popcorn machines, do you use the pre-portioned packs or make your own blend? Any recommendations there as well?
 
I got the larger Paragon something like 15 years ago. I don't use it anywhere near as often as others, I am sure, but it has been 100% reliable and makes great popcorn as long as your mix is correct. If you have bad popcorn with a Paragon, that fault is with you.

I use the pre-portioned packs usually, but have done it myself as well. Either way works fine unless you mis-measure the salt. Again, that is operator error.
 
Mr.Poindexter said:
I got the larger Paragon something like 15 years ago. I don't use it anywhere near as often as others, I am sure, but it has been 100% reliable and makes great popcorn as long as your mix is correct. If you have bad popcorn with a Paragon, that fault is with you.

I use the pre-portioned packs usually, but have done it myself as well. Either way works fine unless you mis-measure the salt. Again, that is operator error.
Click to expand...
Do you have a favorite brand for the pre-portioned packs?
 
No favorite brand. I cannot even remember the brand I am using but I didn't exactly try a bunch of different brands.
 
My Paragon Vintage machine has been great. Much higher quality than my previous machine. I use Gold Medal Mega Pop Popcorn Kit (8 oz., 24 ct.). Sams Club used to have good case discounts on the popcorn and machine.
 
You will not regret buying a Paragon. Ours is the oldest piece of gear (only piece that’s never been updated!) in our theater and still going strong.

Nice thing about the 8 oz popper, is you can also use smaller pre-packs, i.e.: the 4 oz makes 4 nice 32 oz size servings, great when it’s just two of you.

We’ve tried them all currently using Mega Pop and these containers.

 
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I gave away our Great Northern popper when we moved a few years ago, it was fine but was a super pain in the rear to keep clean.

Replaced with this and not only does it make better popcorn (especially with their premeasured packs), but it’s 100% dishwasher safe.

popsmith.com

Stovetop Popcorn Reimagined - Popsmith

With Popsmith, stovetop popcorn popping has never been easier or fun. Check out our stovetop popcorn machine popper and pre-measured popcorn kits today!
popsmith.com popsmith.com
 
thrillcat said:
I gave away our Great Northern popper when we moved a few years ago, it was fine but was a super pain in the rear to keep clean.

Replaced with this and not only does it make better popcorn (especially with their premeasured packs), but it’s 100% dishwasher safe.

popsmith.com

Stovetop Popcorn Reimagined - Popsmith

With Popsmith, stovetop popcorn popping has never been easier or fun. Check out our stovetop popcorn machine popper and pre-measured popcorn kits today!
popsmith.com popsmith.com
Click to expand...
I ordered one of these! Looks cool and simple!
 
I'm kind of a popcorn nerd. I have a Popsmith... as well as 4 other poppers. would have given it to you. Really don't like it. My older steel WhirleyPop (not aluminum version) is just so much better in every way... Popsmith is in a closet and likely soon to be tossed.

nicely packaged and presented... just doesn't have as much venting as the steel whirleypop, so makes soggier popcorn in my testing.
IMG_1979.jpeg

Currently testing: 24 different types of kernels, 35 spices/toppings, 5 kinds of oils, 4 different oil poppers. Popsmith worst of these poppers, at least for me.

IMG_0855 (1).jpeg

I have been researching theater-style poppers for years... pretty sure I'd go GoldMedal brand or Paragon when I'm ready to up-level to an automatic theater-style drop popper. They're just kind of a pain to clean and don't actually make "better" popcorn than using a whirleypop once you really know how to use it. I can do a batch in <5 minutes in Whirley pop and it's amazing with right combo of oils, premium kernels, and right toppings.

But they do bring the visual, auditory, and olfactory appeal when in use in a theater style setting. So probably will add one at some point.
 
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That’s a lot of testing. I haven’t had any issues with soggy corn when I have my timing right. It’s about not waiting too long to remove from the heat and take the lid off.

And the big reason I replaced my Whirly Pop is the Popsmith is dishwasher safe.
 
thrillcat said:
That’s a lot of testing. I haven’t had any issues with soggy corn when I have my timing right. It’s about not waiting too long to remove from the heat and take the lid off.

And the big reason I replaced my Whirly Pop is the Popsmith is dishwasher safe.
Click to expand...
I also want to use and then put in the dishwasher. Also has to be able to use with induction. With induction heat removal is rather quick. I’ve had several types over the years and really don’t like cleaning most of them.
 
Makes sense, but for me cleaning the WP is dead simple... under 1 minute. Add dish soap and water, lid back on and stir with the built-in stirring mechanism, rinse with water, rub soapy wand over the underside of lid parts. I prefer that over putting it all in a dishwasher.

On the cooking side, I definitely do know my timing and have done side-by-side with exact ingredients and heat levels and the Popsmith always (4 out of 4 tests) makes slightly soggier popcorn without the crisp/crunch of my skilled whirly-pop technique. Just could never make it match up. I believe it's in the venting, but just a guess.
By the way, I think the Whirley Pop Aluminum versions are WAY inferior... and oodly, their "high end" platinum version is also inferior with the poorly vented glass lid. The only perfect one is the heavier steel one with the traditional vented/flapped steel lids and the metal gearing, not plastic gears. Have had all 3. Only 1 qualifies as great.

To each their own... all, including popsmith, can make a great batch of popcorn.
 
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SJHT said:
I also want to use and then put in the dishwasher. Also has to be able to use with induction. With induction heat removal is rather quick. I’ve had several types over the years and really don’t like cleaning most of them.
Click to expand...
I bought the Whirly Pop when I still had a Great Northern machine. I’d pop it in the WP then bag it up and put it in the Great Northern. WP wasn’t dishwasher safe but definitely easier to clean than the big thing.

With the Popsmith I dump the popcorn and let it cool for about 60 seconds, then I run hot tap water through it to rinse, does a great job, then after a movie I put it into the dishwasher.
 
Regardless of popper, what did all of your testing show? Give us your final recipe! 😀
 
1735768984313.pngNumber one must-have is legitimate Flavacol... 1/8 to 1/4 Tsp right in the oil. There are no substitute copycat "popcorn salts" that come close... and that's why all real movie theaters will only use original Flavacol.



1735769099520.pngAnd for me, must use yellow-colored solid coconut oil. i do 2-3 tblspn in the kettel to 1/2 cup of high-quality fresh kernels.
Dutchman's is our favorite. But Franklin Gourmet is a close 2nd.


As for kernels, sorry... anything you buy in a grocery is only "B" popcorn at best, and only for an emergency when you're out of high quality corn. If you have to buy from Amazon, then Amish Country popcorn is OK... give it a "B+"... better than grocery store brands.


After testing dozens, I tend to buy online directly from smaller midwest farms... my favorite is Riehls, and they sell about a dozen varieties. If you want classic movie-theater style big fluffy, you want their "Goldenrod" variety. But my wife is addicted to their hullless Baby Blue kernels... she likes these miniature strains... makes tiny popped corn, what some would consider half-popped. I don't love it, but she loves it. Blue kernels have their own subtle taste too. We're both so fixed on our favorite, I now have to make two bowls... Goldenrod for me, Baby Blue for her...
1735768689217.png1735768648771.png

Fun to get some of their sampler packs too... try red kernels, blends, baby white, baby yellow, baby blue... I like their Ruby Red also.

But to keep it simple, if you want the very best Movie Theater style popcorn - here it is, you won't be disappointed: 1/2 cup Riehle's Goldenrod kernels, 1/8-tsp Flavacol right in oil before cooking, and 3 Tbsp Dutchman's Yellow Coconut oil.

That's all you need for a perfect batch.

Don't get me started on toppings... i have about 30 for mixing things up sometimes, including some cheese powders, flavorings (without added salt... there's enough salt due to the flavacol so stay from those grocery "kernel seasonings" crap that has way too much salt). But high quality toppings is a subject for a whole other post some day. :)
 
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josh said:
Number one must-have is legitimate Flavacol... 1/8 to 1/4 Tsp right in the oil. There are no substitute copycat "popcorn salts" that come close... and that's why all real movie theaters will only use original Flavacol.

And for me, must use yellow-colored solid coconut oil. i do 2-3 tblspn in the kettel to 1/2 cup of high-quality fresh kernels.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I also use Flavacol!
 
1735770162059.pngFor a really unique twist, follow the movie-theater recipe above, with slightly less Flavacol, then sprinkle this on the finished corn. Amazing taste...

Can get at Amazon or pick up at Trader Joe's
 
DaveN said:
Impressive collection of toppings. We love this one Amazon.com along with this butter flavor topping Amazon.com
Click to expand...
Yep, i currently have that same brand of White cheddar and also their Yellow cheddar for when we want the cheesy-corn taste every now and then.
As for oily "butter-flavor" toppings like they have at theaters... I'm in the "never" camp, but I know some people love that nostalgic taste. Soggy popcorn isn't for me.
 
josh said:
But to keep it simple, if you want the very best Movie Theater style popcorn - here it is, you won't be disappointed: 1/2 cup Riehle's Goldenrod kernels, 1/8-tsp Flavacol right in oil before cooking, and 3 Tbsp Dutchman's Yellow Coconut oil.

That's all you need for a perfect batch.
Click to expand...
Do you add melted butter at the end? Also, sprinkle any Flavacol on top? Thanks!
 
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