Popcorn machines are one of the prides of American ingenuity. Native Americans and ancient South Americans cooked popcorn with heated sand centuries before western powers visited. Still, it was not until 1885, when Charles Cretors of Chicago, Illinois created a stand-alone popcorn machine that customers could purchase bags of the healthy, delicate snack straight off the street.

The biggest types of popcorn machines can churn out tons of popped corn in one day. These are perfect for large arenas, stadiums, circuses, fairs and movie theaters. To find a high-volume popping machine, look for those with kettles that are 16 ounces or more.

Of course, microwave ovens are the most typical of "popcorn machines" in office break rooms and homes. Microwaves are quite handy for making a simple bag of popcorn for a meeting break or for "Friday movie night" at home. However, when it comes to high-volume production of popped corn, it takes high-powered poppers to fulfill customer orders.

Personal Popcorn Machines

For many people, it is a joy to be able to pop movie-style, buttery popcorn in the comfort of their own homes or offices. For this purpose, many manufacturers of popcorn machines have made smaller, desktop versions of their larger cousins. They work exactly like the big ones found in movie theaters and stadiums, but only take up about 18" of counter space.

Even the smallest popcorn poppers can make about 120 servings per hour. This makes them perfect for smaller parties, birthdays, school dances and fundraising fairs. One can be bought or rented for a special occasion and kept running throughout the year.

How Basic Popcorn Machines Work

In order to pop delicious movie popcorn, the kernels are poured into a kettle that hangs above a receptacle tank. A small bit of oil, used to conduct heat to the kernels and to create a nice flavor, is then added and the unit is turned on. An electric current heats the kettle until the oil and corn inside gets to the temperature at which corn pops (around 212°F), at which time the corn pops until it spills out over the kettle and into the tank below.

Taking a Step Back through Time

Some people love popcorn machines purely for their classic old-time style and look. They will purchase antique popcorn machines and place them near their home or office entertainment systems for a nostalgic touch. Luckily, in today's world, many popcorn manufacturers have created replica machines that are gas- or electric-powered and provide more reliable cooking skills than their predecessors.

These replica machines are typically cheaper than truly older ones and are modernized for easy use. Most of them feature the traditional two- or four-wheeled cart and the quaint red and white striped awning. The machine itself sits vertically on the surface of the cart and can feature etched glass doors on its case and a side area for the storage of old-fashioned popcorn boxes, salt and napkins.