Popcorn machines, Commercial, and SuppliesWho wants popcorn? One of the quintessential American treats, popcorn has been enjoyed for centuries by civilizations throughout the Western hemisphere. The popularity of this snack has only increased over time.
This history of popcorn goes back well over 2000 years. Ancient American civilizations made popcorn by either heating the kernels on a hot stone, or by heating them in a clay pot surrounded by hot sand. Early colonial accounts tell of popcorn being used as a snack, but also for personal adornment and as a sacrifice to the gods.
The popcorn machine, as we know it today, was invented in the late 19th century. Because they were relatively heavy and bulky when compared to modern popcorn makers, they were often set on wheels and pulled around by either a horse, or a team of men. Despite their substantial size, the fact that they could be easily transported from event to event, made them ubiquitous at carnivals, parades, and nearly every other public celebration.
During the Depression of the early 20th century, popcorn sales continued to grow despite the economic pressure most other businesses faced. This was largely due to it being inexpensive to make, thereby making it affordable to a monetarily pinched general public. Street vendors of the time often made huge profits off of the sale of popcorn, making it one of the brightest industries of the Depression era.
With the onset of World War II, popcorn machine owners continued to increase their profits. Because of nationwide food rationing for the war effort, many people and businesses had to do without commodities like sugar. This made the manufacturing and purchasing of candy much more costly, creating void in the snack food industry that popcorn vendors were more than ready to fill.
Commercial popcorn machines began popping up in movie theaters and ball parks across American during the first half of the 20th century. Thousands of people attended these venues everyday, which created a need for larger and higher capacity popcorn makers. As these larger machines became fixtures at such events, the profits kept rolling in.
In the 1940’s, the invention of microwave popcorn helped bring the theater experience into the world of home television. As microwave ovens became standard appliances in the American home, microwave popcorn sales began increasing exponentially. Today’s popcorn revenue is often estimated to be well over 200 million dollars annually; and is a testament to America’s love affair with this ancient treat.
Vintage popcorn machines are still popular to this day. Many new machines are designed to mimic the look of the old style street vendor machines of decades past, and many people purchase these machines to add a touch of nostalgia to their home. The cost of such machines for the home can vary, depending on the size and features, but can often be purchased for less than a few hundred dollars.
Modern commercial popcorn machines can be quite a bit more expensive than those designed for home use. Many of these machines can cost several thousand dollars, with some larger machines costing upwards of ten thousand dollars.
Popcorn is perhaps the oldest snack food currently still be enjoyed by the general public. Popcorn machines are found at nearly every public event and in many homes as well. Due to our addiction to popcorn, these machines are sure to be with us for a very long time.
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