How to Make Theater Popcorn

Posted on February 12th, 2009 by Marck

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For movie fans, movie snacks are as important as the feature presentation. People go to the theaters for treats like soda, candy, and popcorn as much as the movie itself. If you run a small theater business, or if you have a home theater complete with snacks, you can make your own theater popcorn that viewers will enjoy snacking on as they watch a great movie.

Popcorn Machine

Popcorn at home is usually made using microwave ovens or kettles. Popcorn made in this way tastes terrific, but authentic theater popcorn is made with a popcorn machine. Popcorn machines are a bit on the expensive side; a good machine can cost anywhere between $900 or over a thousand dollars. Popcorn machines are made for popping large volumes of popcorn. When choosing a popcorn machine, here are some things to consider:

Kettle. The material of the kettle determines how evenly heat is distributed to pop all the corn kernels. Choose one made from aluminum; stay away from ones made from steel or copper.
Output. If you’re running a business, a high-output popcorn cooker will generate more profit, especially if you have to feed a lot of moviegoers.
Design. The design of a popcorn machine can attract customers to your theater or consession stand. There are many designs of popcorn machines to choose from; you can choose from a vintage-themed popcorn cooker from the 1950s, or use a sophisticated steel chrome-plated popcorn cooker.

Cooking Theater Popcorn

To cook theater popcorn, you need the following ingredients:

Oil. Butter has long been used as the preferred oil ingredient for cooking popcorn, but it will burn if you use it in a popcorn cooker. To avoid that burnt butter taste, use artificial butter substitutes, or oil with a high smoking point.
Popcorn. Any kind or brand of popcorn kernels will do great for theater popcorn. Buy in bulk; stay away from microwaveable sachets or brands. Good theater popcorn is prepared especially for popcorn machines.
Salt. Salt keeps the popcorn kernels from turning insipid, and also adds a lot of flavor to the popcorn when they’re ready to serve.
Flavoring. Flavoring powders are available in packages or canisters. If you’re running a concession stand, it helps to have at least three flavors around: cheese, barbecue, and sour cream and onion.

To prepare theater popcorn, follow these steps:

Add a small amount of oil into the popcorn kettle.
Add the desired amount of popcorn. Make sure to leave some room for the popcorn kernels to expand.
Turn the machine on and wait for the popcorn kernels to spill over to the box. The box will keep the popcorn kernels warm until you’re ready to serve them.
If you need more popcorn, tip the kettle over to get rid of the remaining kernels, and clean it if necessary. Add more oil and popcorn kernels.
When you’re ready to serve the popcorn, scoop a serving of the popped kernels into a tumbler, and add some salt and flavoring powder. Shake the canister to fully flavor the popcorn kernels, and serve the popcorn immediately.

Great-tasting popcorn always goes great with a nice movie. With the right machine and the right way to cook popcorn, every movie will keep you and your customers satisfied from the previews to the end credits.