How Does a Popcorn Machine Make Popcorn?
We all enjoy the delicious treat of popcorn once in a while. Going to the movies and buying some fresh made popcorn from a machine, with all the butter of course, is an American classic.
But how does that popcorn machine turn those little corn kernels into such simple, but delightful culinary treats?
To answer this question, we must first explore what the corn kernels actually are and what’s in them that, with enough heat, makes them pop into the snack we all enjoy. Popcorn is one of the few foods that contain properties that allow it to expand 40 to 50 times its original size.
Three elements of a popcorn kernel that allow this are: moisture inside the kernel, starch inside the kernel around the moisture and the kernel’s hard shell.
It’s a pretty simple but intriguing process. Moisture inside kernel heats to a boiling point and expands. And when the pressure gets high enough, the kernel explodes and gives you the tasty treat.
But the kernel exploding isn’t really an explosion at all, which is what makes popcorn so unique. What’s actually going on is an expansion where thin, jelly-like bubbles form, solidify and fuse together to form a three-dimensional network…something akin to a sink full of soap bubbles.
Popcorn machines heat large quantities of kernels at once
For commercial vendors or non-profit venues, popcorn machines can make larger amounts of popcorn than a simple pot with some peanut oil on your home’s stove – but the concept is basically the same.
A heating element beneath the kettle heats the kernels inside to a point where they virtually all pop at once. Oil aids in the process of making this happen and gives the popcorn that great taste but hot air popcorn machines also produce the same great tasting product without the oil and subsequent fat.
It’s easy to make some great tasting popcorn with a machine. You can even get packs where you can easily pour the oil and popcorn into the kettle all at once in our popcorn supplies section.
Take a look at our wide selection of popcorn machines and check back again soon to learn more about commercial popcorn machines and the delightful snack itself.
