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.

Choosing the right popcorn machine for your home theater isn't as easy as it sounds as today’s selection has become quite expansive.

When we think of popcorn, it brings back memories of buttery tubs from the local cinema, fairs, or, sporting events dating back to childhood. Actually, popcorn goes back more than 5,000 years in our history. It must have been quite a sight when people had to run in all directions to catch kernels as they popped off a hot stone over a campfire!

However, now popcorn machines aren’t just found in commercial venues like theaters and concession stands. There are sizes convenient for home use, fraternity and sorority houses, or small businesses using them for special promotions.

Popcorn machines come in "ounce amount" sizes and generally range from 2-ounce to 14-ounce machines. One quart of cooked popcorn is made from one ounce of uncooked kernels. So the number of people who can eat from a "batch" depends on how much popcorn they are apt to consume. You may have to try several times to find out how far a batch will go with your particular group. It only takes 3 to 4 minutes to pop the popcorn in the proper oil once the kettle is heated for 7 to 9 minutes ahead of time.

As for Popcorn Machine Kettles…anodized aluminium is the best material choice for your popcorn machine because of the heat transfer that it offers, as well as, its easy cleaning aspects. Generally, there are tempered glass panels and clean-out trays made of stainless steel. All of these surfaces can be cleaned with window cleaner, or soap and water after they have cooled.

Many popper units can be shipped totally assembled - convenience these days, right? Additionally, many machines can be placed on the counter, or on a separate cart that would require minimal assembly. Some people prefer a cart, as portability may be important to some. Also, many machines come with a three-prong plug, so they can generally be plugged into any standard outlet.

Imagine how full your house will become if you serve popcorn in your home theatre. Your children will be the hit of their classrooms if they bring in this delectable treat in for "show and tell", or an end-of-year event. Bring your portable popcorn machine to a corporate picnic, or other small business event to provide additional flair and perhaps allure the cravings of people of all ages.

The bottom line is that personal preference and spatial requirements will ultimately dictate which popcorn machine is most suitable for your situation.

For movie lovers, a home theater might just be the closest place to paradise…a special spot at home. A home furnished with comfortable furniture, excellent stereo, television equipment and luxurious accessories - a relaxing spot to enjoy a favourite movie or show. Although experiencing a movie in a home theater should be similar to experiencing it at the local cinema, there is one key difference: a home theater is designed to be personal. The movie buff enjoys kicking back with a film in his, or her, own home theater. Yet, they want the sound and picture quality of the cinema, delicious popcorn and cotton candy of the concession stand, plus the comfort of a movie-themed space. They certainly don't want beepers and cell phones going off during pictures, or, people they don't know scrunched close to them and the dreadful public bathrooms with inevitable sticky floors. Accessorizing your home theater allows you to put that personal touch on your cinema-quality space - giving you the personal theater-like experience that sets your home theater apart from the local showplace.

In your personal theater, one thing that probably won't cut it is microwavable popcorn. Part of the theater experience is enjoying buttery movie-style popcorn in festive popcorn tubs. Although many popcorn brands claim to taste like movie popcorn, most do not! However, you can get the taste of quality movie-style popcorn in your home without running down to the local theater each time you decide to watch a film. Movie popcorn machines that even look like the real thing are available to purchase as home theater accessories. While you're accessorizing your home theater with concession stand materials, you shouldn't forget the cotton candy machine, snow cone machine, or classic theater popcorn tubs. With these accessories, you'll have a home theater that is ready to cater to the masses, or, just you and your family - delicious snacks for all kinds of movie gurus!

In addition to your personal concession stand, the look and feel of your home theater should set it apart from others by being inherently personal. This means fitting it with movie posters, wall hangings, furniture and other stylistic accessories that best fit your likes, personality and tastes. Just like the theater downtown, framed movie posters on the wall of your home theater can give it an authentic feel. Choose the posters that highlight your favorite movies and choose the style of frame that gives your home theater that extra personal touch.

Accessorize your home theater in a way that will represent both comfort and personal style. Once this has been done, simply kick back and enjoy the show!