Kettle Corn Popper Machines

Here's what I've found on the internet for Kettle Corn Popper Machines. They're all fairly expensive, usually a few thousand dollars. You also need to get a sifting bin or some sort to dump what you make into them. This will put you back a tad too. You'll be spending up to $10,000 to get everything you need to be in business. Making $500 a day with kettle corn is a fairly easy day of popping, so you make your money back pretty quickly once you're set up and popping.

The older ones were usually made out of cast iron, while the newer models then to be made out of steel or aluminum. I've heard that cast iron distributes the heat better and more evenly while cooking the kettle corn, but many health departments now have an issue with this material. (Don't get me started on the logic of health departments.) The metal kettle corn popper machines are much lighter, I can easily wrangle my North Bend Originals kettle corn popper machine into my trailer by myself. I've heard that the cast iron kettle corn popper machines are extremely heavy. (200 pounds plus?)

You can usually find a used kettle corn popper machine on ebay. Somebody is usually getting out of the business because even though it's profitable, you've got to work yer butt off. You also SWEAT you butt off on hot days. So getting into the kettle corn biz is not for everyone. Shipping is kind of tricky when ordering on ebay, since you hardly find anyone close to you selling a used kettle corn popper machine. Expect to pay anywhere around $200 to ship a kettle and a sifting bin of some sort.

Kettle corn popper machines then to come in two sizes. The large ones have a volume of 150 quarts, and the smaller ones tend to all use the same 80 quart bowl. The smaller 80 qt "kettles" are usually found in industrial kitchens to cook large quantities of food. They are adapted to make kettle corn but placing a propane burner under them and mounting them to a frame. They tend to be harder to stir than a large kettle corn popper machine because you've got to hold the paddle more vertically to get at the kettle corn. You will also be kicking yourself if you start to get busy and you can only make small amounts. If you're completely broke and aren't too sure if this is for you, then smaller will always work for now.

North Bend Originals - www.northbendoriginals.com

I own their 160 qt machine. I have to say I'm very happy using this kettle corn popper machine. The kettle was tooled specifically for kettle corn and is a breeze to mix because you can stand further away from the center and hold and mix the paddle at a comfortable angle. This unit isn't that heavy, I can easily move it around by myself.

They also sell kettle corn sifters, sinks, storage units and are an EZ UP tent distributor. They can sell you the entire package and are very helpful in getting your business up and running. They also sell an indoor electric kettle.

Kettle Corn Machine - www.kettlecornmachine.com

These guys sell a large bowl kettle corn popper machine called the Master Series Machine. I like the fact that it's all aluminum and won't change color. My Northbends black spray paint coating has now started to come off after all the heating and cleaning it's gone through.

They also sell a smaller 80 qt popper called the Sweet Machine A1. I find it odd that they don't have any vent holes on the sides of their machines. I know this is good to block the wind of a breezy day, but burning propane at these temperatures need a ton of oxygen to get a good flame.

Mann Made Poppin Machines - www.kettlekorn.com

Their specialty seems to be their ready made kettle corn kiosks or carts. I think I saw one at Fenway Park. They sell both electric and propane kettle corn popper machines.

The indoor aspect looks like a good idea. I know if you are in a steady location, you'll get repeat, loyal customers. AND you can't get rained out. Did I mention making kettle corn in a thunder storm is nearly impossible?

Ye Older Kettle Cooker - www.kettlepopcorn.net

I've seen a bunch of these kettle corn popper machines being used at Craft Festivals. Looks like a descent unit. They seem to use a good looking brass sifter. It doesn't look too large and it seems it would be tricky having two people scoop out of it at the same time.

They also have a ready made Concession Trailer. I haven't seen too many used in my area. I get the impression they're more common at flea markets and bigger events. I know a trailer wouldn't be something too welcome at the events I go to, but then I'm only located in the North East.

Kettle Corn Express - www.kettlecorn.info

How would you like to be able to stand next to a scalding hot kettle and just turn a crank? I know I would and I almost bought one of these machines. They're not cheap, but if crazy volume is what you need, take a look at this sucker. Then take a look at my review of this machine on my blog.

They also sell the classic style electric poppers for indoor events. I own a large Cretors electric popper. I was hoping I could use it inside during the winter months, but it never got as hot as my propane one and never mixed the sugar very well. I couldn't use it for what I wanted to do.

M&L Concession Products - www.kettlepopper.com

They offer an 80 qt kettle corn popper machine. They also sell sinks, tents and sifter tables. I've seen a whole bunch of their 80 qt machines popping up on ebay, so if you're looking to sneak into the kettle corn biz on the cheap, this might be the way to go.

Hill Billy Kettle Corn - (site gone)

These guys are out of business, but you can find their kettle corn popper machines on ebay from time to time. They used a cast iron kettle and a round sifter attached to the front of the unit.

I can just picture a Hill Billy stirring this sucker. This popper in the video below seems to be this machine. [note: if my partner let out that howl after each batch, I'd have to beat him with the paddle.]

Kettle Korn of Ohio - (site gone)

These guys are out of business too. This model was 24 quarts, Teflon coated, stainless steel. Approximate Weight Is 330 Lbs. What the hell did they have inside the thing? Rocks?