Fun Times Party Rental · Equipment Instructions
Popcorn Machine Instructions
Instructions for Proper Popcorn Machine Use. Follow the electrical precautions, operating steps, and oil-to-kernel measurements for your kettle size.
Operating reference
Instructions for Proper Popcorn Machine Use
This guide presents the operating instructions provided by Fun Times Party Rental, including the steps for warming the machine, popping batches, and measuring ingredients when you are not using the included popcorn kits.
Follow the instructions for the machine delivered with your rental. The measurements below distinguish 6-ounce, 8-ounce, and 14-ounce kettles.
Read first
Before You Start the Popcorn Machine
Plug the machine directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord. If another machine with a heating element is being used, the machines must be plugged into separate outlets/circuits as specified in your rental instructions.
This machine is not to be operated by minors. For these rental instructions, minors are anyone under 18 years old.
Locate the Light, Heat, and Kettle switches before beginning. Hot surfaces are present during operation; avoid contact with the kettle and heating elements.
Step-by-step
How to Operate a Commercial Popcorn Machine
- Warm up the machine. Turn the Light and Heat switches to the ON position. Allow the machine 3 to 4 minutes to warm up.
- Turn on the kettle. Turn the Kettle switch to the ON position.
- Add the popcorn kit. Add the entire contents of the oil/butter and kernels/salt included in the popcorn kit. If not using popcorn kits, see the original oil-to-kernel ratios below.
- Watch the popping. When the time between popping nears 3 to 5 seconds, dump the kettle.
- Repeat as needed. Repeat the steps starting with “Add entire contents of popcorn kit.”
Tip from our existing instructions: Always pop 3 to 5 batches at a time for the best-tasting popcorn.
At the event
Keep Your Instructions Handy
Keep this page accessible while the responsible adult operates the machine. The photograph illustrates a serving display; the operating steps above are the instructions to follow.
Quick reference
Popcorn Machine Oil & Kernel Measurements
If you are not using the Popcorn Kits, use the following oil/butter-to-kernel ratios from the original instructions.
| Kettle size | Popping oil per batch | Popcorn kernels per batch |
|---|---|---|
| 6 oz | ¼ cup | ¾ cup |
| 8 oz | ⅓ cup | 1 cup |
| 14 oz | ½ cup | 1¾ cups |
After popping
Enjoy Your Freshly Popped Popcorn
Once popping slows to the interval described above, dump the kettle and repeat for another batch as needed. Keep a responsible adult operating the machine.
For model-specific shutdown or cleaning instructions, refer to the documentation supplied with your rental or contact Fun Times Party Rental.
Common operating questions
Popcorn Machine Instructions: Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers for people operating a commercial popcorn machine. Select a question to expand its answer. Use the instructions and measurements supplied with your actual rental machine.
How do you use a commercial popcorn machine for the first time?
For the Fun Times Party Rental machines covered here, plug the machine directly into the wall, turn on the Light and Heat switches, and allow 3–4 minutes for warm-up. Turn on the Kettle switch, add the included popcorn kit, and dump the kettle when popping slows to approximately 3–5 seconds between pops. Read the full operating steps and safety notes before starting.
How long does a popcorn machine take to warm up before popping?
These rental instructions specify 3 to 4 minutes after turning on the Light and Heat switches. Warm-up times for other commercial popcorn machines can differ, so follow the directions for the model provided.
How much oil and popcorn do you put in a 6 oz popcorn machine?
When you are not using the included popcorn kit, the original Fun Times Party Rental instructions list ¼ cup popping oil and ¾ cup popcorn kernels per batch for a 6-ounce machine. The 8-ounce and 14-ounce machines require different amounts; see the complete kettle-size measurement table.
When should you dump the kettle on a popcorn machine?
Follow the original instructions: dump the kettle when the time between pops approaches 3 to 5 seconds. Then start another batch using the same prescribed steps if you need additional popcorn.
Can you use an extension cord with a rental popcorn machine?
No. Fun Times Party Rental's operating instructions require the machine to be plugged directly into a wall outlet, without an extension cord. When another heating appliance is in use, follow the instructions about using separate outlets/circuits.
Can you make several batches of popcorn in one machine?
Yes. After dumping a completed kettle, repeat the instructions beginning with adding the popcorn kit. Our existing directions recommend popping 3 to 5 batches at a time for the best-tasting popcorn. Never leave the machine operating unattended.
