Own business: popcorn production. Raw materials and equipment for popcorn production

In recent decades, a product such as popcorn has firmly entered the lives of our compatriots and persistently continues to gain popularity.

In this regard, the business associated with its production and sale is a stable and profitable business.

Making popcorn is not difficult and does not require large financial investments. You can earn quite a lot of money on it. Today we invite you to learn how to organize your own popcorn production.

Popcorn production equipment

The main component of your business will certainly be a puffed corn machine. Such devices are divided into three categories:

1. Designed to hold 6-8 oz. They are used in the preparation of these products on the streets, in parks, in entertainment complexes and small cinemas.
2. Designed to hold 12-16 oz. Such devices, as a rule, are installed in places where there are large crowds of people with active sales of your products: cinema bars, large shopping and entertainment complexes, etc. In addition, such units are sometimes used in small production workshops.
3. Rated to produce over 20 oz. Equipment in this category is capable of producing 20 or more kilograms of finished products per hour. It is mainly used for production on an industrial scale.

If you are planning to open a small popcorn shop, then a 6-8 ounce popcorn machine is the right choice for you.

Instructions for making corn popcorn

INSTRUCTIONS

Attention: the boiler of the popcorn machine heats up to very high temperatures in the range from 199 – 247 * C:

• The device, configured to prepare salted popcorn, heats up to 220 * - 247 * C. This temperature is necessary for the popcorn to pop completely.
• The device, configured to prepare sweet popcorn, heats up in the range from 199 * -223 C. At a temperature of 199 *, only sweet popcorn with pure sugar is prepared. At higher temperatures, sweet popcorn is prepared with a professional glaze, which provides a larger volume of the finished product and a more delicate taste.
• When working with a popcorn machine, be careful: do not touch the boiler with your bare hand, do not look into the boiler while popping popcorn, and it is advisable to wear safety glasses while working.

Before popping popcorn, you need to preheat the kettle for 4-5 minutes. If “heat” and “agitator/motor” are turned on by different buttons, then, after turning on “heat” and heating the boiler, do not turn on the “agitator”.

Once the kettle is hot, add the coconut oil and turn on the turner, wait for the butter to melt, add the sweet topping, give the turner a couple of turns and add the popcorn.

If you are making salted popcorn, melt the butter and add the popcorn and flavacol salt at the same time.

The cooking cycle in a well-heated boiler lasts about 3 minutes: 20 loads per hour.

For the procedure for making salted popcorn, see table #1 below.

• If the kettle of the machine is designed to cook 6 ounces (for example, the Master Pop machine), and you loaded more or less grain, it is likely that not all the grain will pop. In addition, it can be harsh, since the volume of the boiler, the design of the lid, the power of the heating elements and the evacuation speed of the finished popcorn are interrelated.

** We strongly recommend cooking popcorn exclusively in coconut oil, since coconut oil does not burn or smoke at temperatures of 230 degrees or higher, popcorn opens volumetrically and does not burn. All other vegetable oils (except peanut) burn and smoke at temperatures above 200*C.

*** Flavacol salt is added based on the customer’s taste: you can put more or less, but keep in mind that well-salted popcorn makes you thirsty and increases the need for drinks.

After the popcorn that has popped during cooking begins to vigorously and actively leave the kettle, lift the whole lid of the kettle completely to the ceiling or lift the wings of the “butterfly” kettle. Then the popcorn will open very voluminously and will remain crispy and tender for a long time. On many expensive Critorz devices, the lid lifts itself.

For the procedure for preparing SWEET POPCORN from corn, see table #2. ***

Boiler volume	Quantity of grain laid *	Oils	Sweet glaze**
6 oz (170 g) 8 oz (224 g)	6 oz - 20% = 136 g 8 oz - 20% = 180 g	56 g (2 oz) 75 g	85 g (3 oz) 112 g (4 oz)
12 oz (336 g)	12 oz – 20% = 270 g	112 g (4 oz)	170 g (6 oz)
18 oz (504 g)	18 oz – 20% = 400 g	168 g (6 oz)	250 g (9 oz)

• The boiler is designed for a strictly defined volume, and since exactly half the volume of the boiler is added to the sweet additive, the amount of grain must be reduced by 20%, otherwise the popcorn will not open to its full extent and may burn.

** You can substitute pure sugar for half the frosting to reduce cost, but without a tablespoon of compound es for every 6 ounces the sugar will burn and the popcorn will clump.

*** When making sweet popcorn, unload the kettle early, without waiting for the last pops.

If you nevertheless decide to make popcorn from corn with pure sugar, then there is also a way out: there is an additive “compound ES”, one teaspoon of this additive per batch in the boiler will prevent the sugar from burning and sticking to the boiler, and will allow you to work at high temperatures and get an excellent natural product.

CARE

The boiler and the popcorn machine itself must be cleaned daily. During breaks in work, wipe the outer walls of the boiler and the glass of the box with a soft cloth. At the end of the day, dilute a tablespoon of Heath and Clean cleaning product in a liter of warm water and fill the boiler to 70% of the volume. Turn on the heat and warm the boiler to 90*C, but do not boil. After the boiler has cooled down, tip the contents of the boiler into a container, wipe the boiler, remove carbon deposits with a soft cloth and rinse.

If the boiler is very dirty, leave it overnight, you can repeat the “procedure” several times. Attention:

• The boiler must not be immersed in water - it is electrical equipment.
• The boiler must not be scraped or rubbed with abrasive materials or sponges with an abrasive surface; this will destroy the surface layer of the inner surface of the boiler, the product will begin to burn, and the boiler will rust and deteriorate.
• The boiler is the most valuable and expensive component of your equipment; if it gets damaged, you will not be able to prepare a quality product.

Corn grains

Ordinary corn is not suitable for these purposes - we will need special varieties grown in special conditions and in a suitable climate.

Depending on the opening rate, the grains are divided into types such as “butterfly” and “caramel”.

First grade grains open in the form of voluminous torn flakes and are the most common raw material in the production of puffed corn. In particular, they are used to produce salty and sweet popcorn coated with glaze.

Caramel grains open in the form of flakes with a dense mushroom-shaped surface. As the name suggests, they are used to make a caramelized product.

Types of equipment

The devices are floor-standing and table-top. Floor-standing models are more suitable for summer (street) cafes and coffee shops, while tabletop models are intended for use in closed establishments.

The machines differ in the amount of grain that can be loaded, as well as the amount of electrical energy required for their operation.

The devices consist of:

• bowls for corn grains with a capacity of 5 to 7 kg with numerous holes;
• loading and unloading pipes;
• fan;
• air duct;
• a chamber heated to 200 - 240 °C;
• heating element;
• stirrers;
• receiver for the finished product;
• storage container;
• container for sifted grains;
• oil compartment;
• coutera (not all models);
• ventilation device;
• mesh separating the receiver from the nozzle;
• observation window.

Coconut oil for popcorn

In general, you can use any type of refined vegetable oil to make popcorn. However, yellow coconut oil is best. The production of popcorn based on this product has the following advantages: the finished product has a pleasant nutty aroma and a sweetish taste, is not bitter, and the unpleasant smell from burnt oil will not be as strong as when using other raw materials. When purchasing coconut oil, be sure to ensure that you are purchasing a natural product and not a fake one. To do this, do not hesitate to ask the seller for a certificate of conformity.

How to make a popcorn machine with your own hands

Many people like to sit in front of the TV with a loved one and munch on something tasty, such as popcorn. But in this case, we will need a so-called “popcorn machine”.

Let's make the easiest-to-make popcorn machine from an aluminum can with our own hands that we can come up with.

I think that getting an aluminum can from a drink will not be difficult, especially since many people consume popcorn along with Coca-Cola, so here is the material for making a popcorn machine.

How to make a popcorn machine with your own hands

In order to make a machine for making popcorn, as well as to make popcorn itself at home, we will need:

• Aluminum can for beer, cola or other drinks;
• Knife;
• Vegetable oil;
• Corn grains;
• Deep bowl.

How to make a popcorn machine with your own hands, as well as prepare popcorn, step-by-step instructions:

Step 1

We rinse the aluminum can so that there are no residues from the drink, and dry it. Next, you need to use a knife to make a rectangular “door” through which the finished popcorn will fly out; it will also serve as a protective guide visor.

How to make a popcorn machine with your own hands

Step 2

We bend our visor up a little. That's it, the popcorn machine itself is ready! What, you didn’t expect to do it so quickly? ????

How to make a popcorn machine with your own hands

Step 3

Now pour a little vegetable oil into the jar through the cut hole, about 1/4 of the jar.

How to make a popcorn machine with your own hands

Now place our homemade popcorn machine on the stove so that it does not turn over, you can use some kind of grate for this.

When the oil is hot enough, pour a handful of corn kernels through the top hole of the jar and place a plate near the visor of the jar. When our popcorn is ready, it will begin to “jump” out of the can, and the visor will direct it straight to our plate.

That's it, now you can enjoy your popcorn!

How to make a popcorn machine with your own hands

By the way, this popcorn machine can be “mobile” and even work from a candle; a cut-off second aluminum can with cutouts on the sides for air access can serve as a stand for the candle, as well as a “can-pop machine” holder.

How to make a popcorn machine with your own hands

Source: https://bestdiy.ru/kak-sdelat-apparat-dlya-popkorna-svoimi-rukami.html

Flavoring additives

To offer your customers a wider range of products, it is necessary to use various flavoring additives in the production of popcorn. So, as a rule, salted, sweet glazed and sweet caramelized popcorn are available for sale. In the process of making salted popcorn, appropriate savory additives are used, which can have different flavors (cheese, mushrooms, bacon, paprika, etc.).

Preparing glazed popcorn involves using a special glaze, which can vary in both taste and color. To make caramelized popcorn, caramelization mixtures are used.

MINIJOY Snack Maker

The MINIJOY company offers 2 options of machines for making popcorn at home. The first one has a more compact size and modest design. The second one is 39 cm high and 23 cm wide and attracts with its impressive design. The device is made in the form of a real old-fashioned popcorn machine (these could still be found at famous American fairs and amusement parks). Both devices are completely safe. The heating element is securely hidden in them, and the body is made of thermal insulating material. Therefore, you can safely involve children in preparing the holiday snack.

Puffed corn cups

Paper cups for popcorn are rightfully considered the most popular and widespread type of packaging for this product due to the following advantages:

— for the production of such containers, grease-resistant cardboard is used;

— this packaging is environmentally friendly;

— glasses are very convenient to use for both the seller and the buyer;

— this packaging is brightly colored and serves to additionally attract the attention of customers.

Endever Vita-140

The device from Endever has a power of 1100 W and is capable of delivering a portion of the finished product in just a couple of minutes. Hot air cooking technology allows you to do without the use of oil, which reduces the calorie content of the dish. The device is made of heat-resistant plastic, has a fairly long cord and compact dimensions. A measuring spoon is supplied with the device.

Boxes for popcorn

There is another type of packaging for popcorn, which is cardboard boxes. Despite the fact that they have an attractive appearance, it is better not to use them for two reasons:

— the design of such containers implies the presence of cracks through which flavoring additives and crumbs can spill out, which is unlikely to please customers;

— when unfolding, the box often, as they say, “plays” in the hands of both the seller and the buyer, which causes certain inconvenience.

Educational construction set made of cardboard

Anyone can make a children's construction set from cardboard! If you have a box lying around on your balcony, it’s time to use it. A cardboard shoe box will also work.

Required:

• - cardboard (preferably double-sided colored)
• - scissors
• - paints, markers

A sheet of cardboard needs to be drawn into parts and cut out. These can be rectangles, squares, circles and ovals. The size of the parts can be from 3 to 15 centimeters. Then you need to cut slots on the parts of the constructor, with the help of which the parts will be connected to each other.

Bright unusual DIY construction set

If you use cardboard from a box, then the parts of the construction set will need to be additionally painted. The more colors you use, the brighter and more interesting the children's construction set will be.

Such a construction set can be cut out from a bright gift bag, from stationery plastic corners and paper folders.

Unusual construction set made from round parts

The shape of the parts can be anything, the more varied, the more bizarre the children's structure will turn out.

DIY cardboard constructor

You can take this construction set with you on a trip or just on a visit. It weighs almost nothing and won't take up much space in your luggage, but it will certainly be able to captivate your child and his friends.

Look how easy it is to make a construction set from ordinary playing cards!!!!

Playing cards are great for creating designs

But that's not all. There are several more ways to make a children's construction set with your own hands. In one of the articles you can read how to make a construction set from wooden sticks and branches. This construction set will be very useful for boys.

The construction set can also be made from cocktail tubes.

Additional income

When eating sweet or salty dry foods, which includes popcorn, a person usually begins to feel thirsty.

Take advantage of this to secure additional income for yourself, as well as to attract more clients.

Moreover, most large companies producing soft drinks provide their refrigerators for use free of charge only on one condition that you will not store competitors’ products in them.

Popcorn maker design

The machine for making popcorn at home can have different configurations. Most often, a compact machine is a rotating platform with a protective cover, sometimes transparent, which allows you to observe the entire process. In such devices, the finished product remains in the bowl into which the grains were poured. You can find different models: a “ball” popcorn maker, machines with a neat and modern design, or devices that look like a steamer or a regular saucepan.

Larger devices have a solid body with a boiler installed inside. Such machines seem to “spit out” the finished treat into a separate container, which allows you to try the treat without waiting for all the grains to burst. They are usually made in a retro style for home use or for making popcorn outdoors during public events. There are also industrial designs - solid ovens without additional decor.

Staff

Even if you are planning to open a very small point selling puffed corn, the issue of personnel selection should be given increased attention. The best person for this type of work is a sociable, smiling and always positive person who, moreover, easily finds a common language with children, who will make up the bulk of consumers of your products. However, no matter how pleasant your employee is, do not forget to regularly monitor how he performs his duties.

How to choose a popcorn machine for street vending?

Few people know, but the first popcorn machines were produced precisely as street machines. In those years, there were no movie bars in cinemas; moreover, cinema owners strictly forbade bringing popcorn inside! They could be understood - in the era of silent films, the crunch of popcorn greatly distracted from watching! The photo below shows one of the first steam (!!!) devices from Cretors & Co.

popcorn machine from Cretors & Co

Since the 1930s, popcorn has been rapidly making its way into movie theaters, with demand stimulating the production of machines with 16, 32, and 54 ounce boilers. These are already giants with a bunch of options. They cost a decent amount of money (700 thousand-2 million in our money), are installed in multiplex cinemas and satisfy even peak loads (New Year's holidays, for example).

Such devices are designed for the most difficult use: non-stop operation for many hours in a row, constant automatic oil supply, vapor filtration system (replaceable filter + additional exhaust hood above the device). Cinemas can afford such equipment: with the average cost of a 10-screen cinema in Moscow being 150 million (each hall is 15 million), 2 million for the most expensive popcorn machine is not a lot of money.

Another thing is the original segment of popcorn machines - outdoor machines with 4-10 ounce boilers! I filmed a very detailed webinar on this topic - it’s long and sensible, watch (and like)