Next to having authentic theater seats in your home theater, the item that can really get the attention is a lighted movie marquee. Insert your favorite movie poster, turn on the chase lights, and see a truly dazzling showpiece! Marquees are built to order, even hardwired to your preferences. In fact, these are the same marquees built for theaters everywhere. Movie marquees are a major highlight when we go to the movies. That, along with the smell of delicious buttery popcorn, completes the movie experience!

You can have that same theater experience at home too. After all, you’ve invested in a quality popcorn machine and home theater audio/video system - make everything complete with a quality movie marquee.

With a movie marquee built to your specifications, you will have a wide range of available options open to you.

For example, the power cord can cut to any length – long or short. Also, some people prefer a cord that comes out the back, hiding it completely, while others might opt for a cord that comes out the bottom of the marquee. An exposed bottom cord might seem like a detractor, but this will allow you to more easily move the marquee to another location in the future. Your light and power switches may also be installed on the side of the marquee, or the back of the unit. Those dazzling chase lights that go around the marquee are often found at your local hardware store. Most manufacturers can also provide you with the bulbs as well.

Marquees can make a striking impression in the most unlikely places such as: home theaters, library media rooms, car dealerships and lunch/break rooms. These are just some of the places who might just see one, two or three!

Create that movie theater ambience with a custom built movie marquee.

After movie night, you might have some popcorn packs or bulk popcorn left over. What is always important to remember is the proper storage of your unused kernels. We've heard stories of improperly stored popcorn kernels. When stored in the wrong environment, you can get overly starchy and bland tasting popcorn. In some cases, the kernels simply won't pop. Certainly, this is not a good situation, especially when you have a crowd of popcorn-crazy people to feed. Has this ever happened to you?

We hope not, but if so, here are a few helpful reminders you can keep in mind for storage of popcorn kernels.

1. Never refrigerate popcorn. While kernels do have a trace amount of moisture inside, the additional moisture of refrigeration will make the kernel lose popping power. Fresh popcorn kernels naturally have some moisture. This moisture is what will make the kernel explode, but excess moisture is a bad thing.
2. Store your kernels in a moisture-free and dry environment. Average room temperature is the best (60 to 70 degrees and average humidity hovering around 50%).
3. Always keep kernels away from sunlight and heat. A hot garage or vehicle will dry out kernels in no time.
4. Keep your bulk kernels in an airtight bag or container. This can prolong kernels for period up to 2 years. If you use popcorn corn/oil/salt packs, they should be fine as they are in the box.

These simple rules can help keep your popcorn fresh and delicious.

Now go get popping!

Some might feel a little overwhelmed with having a full size popcorn popper in the home. At a glance, a popper with a cart stands tall and may take some space to accommodate. Yet, once you have one, it's irresistible! For those who have one furnished in a home theater or game room, it's a necessity. It's just as vital as that big screen TV, or pool table. Just imagine movie night with real authentic tasting, buttery-good popcorn, rather than the bland tasting microwave brand you've known. With a theater-style popper, you'll have great tasting popcorn, plus, an exciting visual experience. Watch the popcorn fireworks happen before your eyes!

So what size popper is right for me?

A family of four can usually get by with a 4 ounce popper. In fact, a 4 oz* machine will produce 80 servings of popcorn per hour! For a larger family (6 to 8 people), consider a 6 oz*, or 8 oz* popper. The 6 oz popper will produce 120 servings per hour, while an 8 oz popper will make 160 servings per hour. *indicates the number of kernels the kettle can pop at one time

Here's another way to look at what a popper will produce.

4oz popper= four 1 ounce servings per cycle, or two 2 ounce servings per cycle
6oz popper= six 1 ounce servings per cycle, or three 2 ounce servings per cycle
8oz popper= eight 1 ounce servings per cycle, or four 2 ounce servings per cycle

*Average serving amount for a child is 1 to 2 ounces of popped corn
*Average serving amount for an adult is 2 to 3 ounces of popped corn

Look for a popper with ample storage capacity for popped kernels and also a warming deck. With a warming deck, never leave your popcorn cold. If you should have leftover popcorn after your game, party or movie night, simply bag it up in an airtight container. Popcorn will stay fresh for several days. If you find yourself popping popcorn frequently via the microwave, or stovetop popper, it's time to consider a real popcorn experience with a full size theater-style popcorn machine. In the long term, an authentic popcorn popper will save you money $$$$.

Summer is almost here, so it’s time to consider adding a Sno-Cone Machine to the arsenal. There are so many options and prices available to the consumer, that it can be confusing to pick the right one. Of course, you’ll want something that’s reliable and built well. If you are planning to use the machine on a commercial level, you’ll need to look out for some specific features.

1st. Heavy-Duty Motor

With all that crushing of ice, you’ll need power. A 1/3 horsepower motor will work for most situations, and will work with standard home circuits. For extremely high output situations, a 1/2 hp motor, or, 3/4 hp motor will be sufficient.

2nd. High Quality Cabinet

This seems like a no-brainer, but still important to look for a well built cabinet. Stainless-Steel and Aluminum construction is a must. Powder-coat paint finishes on these will resists chipping better than anything else. Durable Polymer Plastic might also be considered. Polymer Plastic is scruff resistant and rust resistant too. Also, look for High-Impact Polycarbonate side panels. Polycarbonate panels are very easy to clean and will not shatter like ordinary glass.

3rd. Attractive Merchandiser $$$$

Profits are the bottom line, so look for a machine that has a back-lit sign. This will certainly grab attention. Plus, a lighted serving compartment will attract sales as well.

4th. Warranty

Last but not least, consider purchasing a new Sno-Cone maker with a solid warranty. Plus, investigate each manufacturer carefully and find out if they have parts, in case you need them down the road. If you decide to buy a used machine, no longer being manufactured, it could be a challenge to get parts should something go wrong.

For many people, the big question when it comes to purchasing a machine pertains to parts. Question:  Is it possible to buy parts for my machine down the road? Absolutely! Your Paragon or Gold Medal Popper is built to last – like a tank! However, there may come a time when it might be necessary to replace the kettle or smaller parts:  i.e. pins, clips, etc. If it’s a simple thing like a lamp replacement, those can be found at most any hardware store.

For replacement kettles, it’s best to go straight to the source. Both Paragon and Gold Medal should have all the parts you need for their poppers. Both of these U.S. companies have a friendly and helpful staff who will guide you through the process. They can be contacted by phone, or email them directly from their websites -

Gold Medal - http://www.gmpopcorn.com/
Paragon International - http://www.manufacturedfun.com/

Some helpful information to have on hand when you contact these companies-

1st – Model number and serial number* If you turned in your registration card at the time of purchase, they’ll be able to easily determine whether you are covered under their respective warranties.

2nd – Date and place of purchase

3rd – If it’s an older machine with little information on any of the above, look for a serial or model number stamped somewhere on the frame of the popper, or, just measure the kettle - circumference and depth. This will tell them whether it’s a 4oz, 6oz, 8oz, 12oz, or 16oz popper.

As we’ve seen firsthand, popcorn poppers will last a very long without any major repairs. Simply stay on top of routine cleanings and you’ll be good for years to come.

Getting the delicious taste of movie theater popcorn at home can be easy and inexpensive. While there are several gourmet varieties of popcorn kernels, the difference in quality between them and the grocery store varieties is negligible so the least expensive kernels will produce the same movie theater taste.

Pop the corn on the stove using either a Whirley Pop Popper or a saucepan. The Whirley Pop Stove Top Popper prevents the popcorn from scorching, is ventilated on top so the popcorn won't retain moisture and evenly heats the kernels. However, a saucepan heated on medium and shaken or swirled every ten seconds once the kernels start popping can be just as effective at producing ideal popcorn.

The key to getting that movie theater popcorn taste, however, is using coconut oil to pop it. This is the oil that theaters use so it provides the same flavor, texture and taste. Despite movie theater popcorn’s reputation for being notoriously high in calories, the fat in coconut oil is actually highly digestible and is burned more easily by the body than other oils. For the best popcorn, use the refined expeller-pressed variety (not unrefined or the popcorn will taste like coconut).

Finally, to complete the movie theater flavoring of the popcorn, unsalted butter and popcorn salt or kosher salt are all that’s needed. Butter can be melted, poured over popcorn in a bowl, salted and mixed; or it can be shaken, with salt, in a brown paper bag for more even coating.

Popcorn makers and popcorn kettles require care when cleaning. The most important lesson is to clean them frequently. If left dirty for too long, the oil and salt used on the popcorn will combine and form a hard crust on the metal. Once the crust forms, it can be difficult to remove. This build-up of crust can get worse depending on the type of oil used. It is recommended to use only coconut oil. Coconut oil has a low melting point and high burning point. This means it will liquefy at low temperatures and can be easily cleaned with warm water. The high burning point will prevent the oil from overheating so it will not burn and smoke, creating a bigger mess.

Another important rule in cleaning a popcorn machine is that the kettle should absolutely never be submerged in water. Only a soft, slightly damp, cloth need be used. Cleaning the kettle directly after use while it is still warm makes the task easy. Waiting too long may require a mild detergent or a spray-on carbon cleaner. There are also some effective brush-on liquid carbon cleaners that work well. After applying the carbon cleaner, wait 30 minutes and up to 4 hours, until the carbon has loosened. Then a soft brush and cloth can be used to wipe the machine clean.

On the glass, standard window cleaner works the best. Never use a vinegar-based glass cleaner as it will produce a strong odor the next time you use the popper.

Perhaps by now you’ve decided which size popper would suite your needs the best. If not, feel free to contact our customer service representatives by phone. Home Theater Express knows popcorn and popcorn poppers from the inside out! We are available by phone Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm Eastern Standard Time. Just call us toll free at: 1-800-774-0893

Now for getting started making great popcorn! Here are a couple of important tips to help you along....

1st.  Keepin’ clearance! Popcorn machines get very hot, while also emitting steam. That said, always set up the popper in a well ventilated room - a few feet away from any walls. We’ve heard the stories…poppers that were set up too close to wallpaper and “matte” finished walls…not so easy to wipe down! Ceiling clearance is important as well. Just use common sense.

2nd. Keepin’ a “clean machine”! Alwaysmake sure your kettle is clean before starting. Any residual buildup of oil and butter will slow the kettle heating time. Over time this buildup can also “burn” permanently into the kettle. Plus, leftover deposits of oil and butter will make cleaning more difficult too. Just like a fry pan, your kettle requires cleaning prior to each use. No need to clean after every single popping cycle -just wipe down at the end of the day. Just make sure the popper is unplugged and the kettle has cooled down completely.

Make sure you wipe down the inside of the machine too. It is much easier in the long-term to keep on top of cleaning after each use. Use a “multi-surface” cleaner - one that is safe on glass, aluminum, metal and plastic. At Home Theater Express, we carry a large variety of kettle and machine cleaners to make the job as easy as possible. Our Gold Medal Watchdog Cleaners do the very best job possible for all types of poppers.

Don’t forget these two simple yet important tips when getting started on your popcorn adventure! Good luck!

So, you know you want popcorn, but you can't be sure exactly how much you want? No fear – there are multiple options to consider. The decision is yours... a 4 oz., 6oz. or 8oz. popcorn popper? But how do you decide? Well, let's take a look at what each one has to offer...

If it's just a quick snack you're after for yourself, then the 4 oz. popcorn popper is absolutely ideal; offering just enough delicious popcorn to satisfy even the most discerning of tastes. If it's a good night in with just the two of you that you're considering, then maybe you should go for the 6 oz. popcorn popper; it offers a great amount of popcorn for two people to enjoy whilst watching the latest movie or just hanging out on the sofa. Finally, if there's a small group of folks at your place and you really want to impress with your entertainment, why not perk things up with the 8 oz. popcorn popper? You'll get a great amount of popcorn that'll leave everyone with a smile on their face!

The great thing about popcorn poppers is that they all provide the same delicious tasting popcorn, every time. The only dependency is you and how much popcorn you need. But no matter how much that is, you can't go wrong by choosing a popcorn popper, in 4, 6 or 8 ounces. So get popping now!

There’s nothing like relaxing with a bowl of hot, buttery popcorn while watching a good movie. If you think this also comes with a lot of fat and calories, think again. When making popcorn, a variety of oils may be used to create different tastes and accommodate dietary preferences. Here’s a rundown of high-temperature cooking oils that can determine how healthy your popcorn really is.

Coconut and corn oil are the most commonly used to make popcorn as well as the most flavorful. The downside to coconut oil is that it is higher in saturated fat than other popcorn popping oils. Ask most any movie theatre what type of oil they use – the answer is usually coconut oil.

Sunflower oil have less than ten percent saturated fat and a very light taste.

We sell all of these quality oils: coconut, corn, and sunflower. The nutritional information is posted with each products’ description.

What do your palette and your diet demand? Not sure? Just ask our friendly sales staff.