Whether you manage a concession stand or a movie theater, popcorn is a popular snack that you should offer on your menu. Popcorn comes in many different forms and can be prepared a variety of ways, making it a versatile addition to your menu. Popcorn is very inexpensive, allowing you to boost sales and your profit margin. Given the popularity of popcorn, there is a wide range of commercial popcorn machines available on the market. To help you make an informed purchase and set your business up for success, we have outlined the best popcorn machines below.
Shop All Popcorn Machines
Check out our top choices for the best commercial popcorn machines:
Best Popcorn Machine Overall: Paragon 1112110
Best Countertop Popcorn Machine: Carnival King PM30R Royalty Series
Best Popcorn Machine Cart: Carnival King Popcorn Popper Royalty Series Kit with 8 oz. Popper and Cart
Best Movie Theater Popcorn Machine: Cretors President PR60C1E-5E1O-X 60
Best Budget Popcorn Machine: Galaxy 4 oz. Black Popcorn Machine
Note: All prices are current to time of publication. See product page for updated pricing.
The Paragon 1112110 delivers maximum output, creating 221 oz. per hour. The unit's four-switch operation allows you to effortlessly set it up, making it user-friendly for your staff. Additionally, the "ready" lights provide a visual indicator of when you can add ingredients for cooking. Its top and bottom are red, adding a visually appealing touch that can grab customer attention. Furthermore, the aerated warming deck of this popcorn machine plays a dual role in keeping your food warm while catching kernels and smaller pieces, ensuring popcorn stays fresh and warm for longer and promotes easy cleaning.
Shop Paragon 1112110 | $1,239.00- Makes 221 1 oz. servings per hour
- Four-switch operation for effortless control
- Built-in "ready" lights
- Aerated warming deck promotes easy cleaning
- Aluminum kettle isn't as durable as other options
- Not ideal for movie theater settings
The Carnival King PM30R Royalty Series keeps hot popcorn flowing as quickly as your customers can eat it up. Its bright red stainless steel frame and eye-catching printed graphics draw in passing customers for a delicious snack. The machine needs only a few minutes to warm up, and the safety circuit breaker feature prevents motor burnout, giving you peace of mind during busy service hours. It produces up to 165 oz. of popcorn per hour, making it ideal for high-volume operations. Additionally, its cabinet can hold up to 85 oz. of popcorn.
Shop Carnival King PM30R Royalty Series | $239.99Runner Up: Paragon 1104210
Read customer reviews for the Carnival King PM30R Royalty Series.
- Built to deliver value and durability
- Popper makes 165 oz. of popcorn per hour and the cabinet holds 85 oz. at a time
- Keeps popcorn fresh with a built-in LED light and 300W heated warming deck
- Features an 8 oz. stainless steel removable kettle
- Switch may break
- Prone to dents
The Carnival King 382PM30RKIT2 is a reliable choice for high-demand settings. After the popcorn is ready, it will fall onto the popper's warming deck, where it stays fresh. The removable stainless steel kettle and kernel tray make cleaning a breeze, allowing for quick maintenance between uses, while the sturdy side handle and dual 14 1/2" rear wheels provide easy maneuverability. Operation is straightforward, with just three switches to control the unit. The front, back, and side see-through clear panels that make up the cabinet are all constructed of heavy-duty plastic, ensuring durability and visibility. Additionally, the removable crumb tray, kettle, and interior top/bottom are made of stainless steel, adding to the machine's longevity and ease of maintenance.
Shop Carnival King Popcorn Popper Royalty Series Kit with 8 oz. Popper and Cart | $339.99Runner Up: Carnival King PM1360
Read customer reviews for the Carnival King 382PM30RKIT2.
- Best value in the market; can draw a crowd and pay for itself in only a few hours
- 8 oz. non-stick kettle makes 165 oz. of popcorn per hour; ideal for mid-level demand
- Cart includes side shelf and storage cabinet for condiments, buckets, and supplies
- Made of durable, easy-to-clean stainless steel
- Stainless steel kettle may heat unevenly
- Not ideal for high-volume use
Elevate your movie theater experience with the Cretors President PR60C1E-5E1O-X 60 popcorn machine. As the inventors of the first popcorn machine, Cretors brings a legacy of quality and innovation to your theater concession stand. Its nickel-plated steel kettle cooks popcorn quickly and efficiently. With just the push of a button, the One-Pop feature kettle heats up, pops a batch of popcorn, and then turns itself off. The exclusive Cornditioner warming system circulates warm air to maintain the perfect temperature for popcorn, guaranteeing a high-quality, fresh, and crisp product. The direct injection oil feed delivers popcorn oil inside the kettle, eliminating messy exterior oil drips and spills.
Shop Cretors President PR60C1E-5E1O-X 60 | $13,539.00Runner Up: Cretors Mach 5 M560D1E-C1OX-X
- 60 oz. kettle produces 1,200 small 1 oz. serving bags per hour
- Exclusive Cornditioner warming technology
- Innovative one-piece kettle design with direct oil feed
- 5' cabinet and recessed 50 lb. storage bin provides extra corn storage
- High price
- Only for high-volume use
The Galaxy 4 oz. black popcorn machine is a great investment for turning a quick and easy profit. Featuring a built-in merchandising light and easy operation, the machine is designed to attract customers with its enticing display. The case is made with tempered glass, ensuring both safety and visibility. The easy-open doors provide convenient access to the case, while a magnetic latch ensures that they close properly, keeping the popcorn fresh and secure. Additionally, the durable stainless steel frame of the machine is built to withstand frequent use.
Shop Galaxy 4 oz. Black Popcorn Machine | $94.99Runner Up: Carnival King PM470
Read customer reviews for the Galaxy 4 oz. black popcorn machine.
- Can pay for itself in a few hours
- Quick operation with simple controls, magnetic latch, and easy-open doors
- Includes a popcorn scoop, measuring spoons, and a removable crumb tray for convenience
- Stainless steel frame, stainless steel 4 oz. kettle with 470W of popping power
- Kettle is difficult to clean
- Popcorn consistency can vary
How to Choose Popcorn Machines
There isn't one style of popcorn machine that fits best for every foodservice concept. For the best results, evaluate your menu and output expectations to identify which machine matches your needs. We've outlined common purchasing considerations for popcorn machines below to inform your decision:
1. Footprint
The available space in your kitchen or food service area significantly impacts what machine you can buy. If you operate out of a food truck or have a small kitchen, a countertop popcorn machine is an ideal choice. On the other hand, if you have a large snack bar area or a commercial kitchen with ample space, opting for a larger popcorn machine is recommended.
2. Output
The output capacity of a popcorn machine refers to the amount of popcorn it can produce within a certain period. If you expect low to moderate popcorn sales or popcorn is not a primary item on your menu, a machine designed for light use will suffice. If you operate a movie theater or any establishment where popcorn is one of the most popular items on the menu, investing in a high-capacity machine built for cinema use is recommended. These machines are specifically designed to handle continuous and high-volume popcorn production, ensuring you efficiently meet demand during peak hours.
3. Kettle Material
The kettle material plays a significant role in how the popcorn will pop and the overall durability of the machine. Common materials used for popcorn machine kettles include aluminum, nickel-plated steel, and stainless steel.
- Aluminum: Aluminum kettles are a popular choice for their heat conduction properties, which allow quick and efficient popping.
- Nickel-plated steel: Nickel-plated steel kettles offer a balance between durability and heat conduction. The nickel plating helps to prevent rust and corrosion, extending the lifespan of the kettle.
- Stainless steel: Stainless steel kettles are known for their durability and resistance to corrosion. They are easy to clean and maintain, making them a long-lasting option for commercial popcorn machines.
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Whether you've been in the foodservice business for years or are just getting started, knowing what kind of popcorn machine to invest in can set you up for success. By using the list above, you can identify which machine best fits your business needs.
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The demand for freshly popped popcorn is constant in certain industries, making it a favorite among customers and ensuring steady sales. Because popcorn has a high profit margin and comes in many forms , it lends itself well to concession stands , snack bars, and movie theaters. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the efficiency and quality of your popcorn machine, preventing grease buildup, food contamination, and other hazards. It also ensures your popcorn retains its taste. We'll outline the proper cleaning steps below to help you maintain your commercial popcorn machine. Shop All Commercial Popcorn Machines Popcorn Machine Cleaning Instructions Before you clean your popcorn machine, there are a few safety steps to follow to preven
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