Popcorn Maker
Popcorn Maker
Use of Hot Dog Grills and Popcorn Machines by James Musselman
Could a hot dog grill or popcorn machine be the right addition to your business? We tend to think of them as just being fixtures in movie theaters and gas stations, but these machines actually see use in a lot of different arenas. Here’s a look at some of the most popular types of hot dog grills and popcorn machines, as well as places they get used. You may be surprised by the number of locations where a machine like this could be useful! Here’s what you should know about them.
Popcorn Machines
Almost everyone loves hot, buttery popcorn, right out of the machine. There’s even that special movie popcorn flavor that you just can’t get at home. Imagine being able to offer that to your customers. Of course, your business will dictate whether or not a popcorn machine is a good choice for you. While a hot bag of popcorn can be a great choice while you’re walking through the toy store, department store, or at an outdoor facility, it’s not always convenient for customers who need to keep their hands clean and free.
But more places can be good opportunities for popcorn machines than you might think. Put one by the entrance and charge a small fee for fresh bagged popcorn. The smell will get those stomachs rumbling and the profit margin from popcorn is one of the highest around. The initial investment for the machine isn’t all that high, and your popcorn machine will pay for itself pretty quickly.
The most common machines on the market run on power from a standard outlet. Popcorn machines from Anvil, one of the biggest manufacturers, are about twenty inches by sixteen and a half by twenty-seven, and weigh around fifty pounds. They feature a completely stainless steel interior, and toughened glass to allow you to see the product without worry the windows wil break. A heater and warming light keep popcorn warm and fresh, and the bottom plate and tray are removable. That makes the whole machine easy to keep clean and sanitary.
Every good popcorn machine should come with a serving scoop, and have kettle and heating elements that have their own temperature limit switches. This prevents overheating. Look for nonstick kettles that are easy to load and unload – a hinge down feature can help. Fast food stores, concessions, cafeterias, and all kinds of other businesses can benefit from a popcorn maker.
Hot Dog Grills
A hot dog grill is another excellent choice. These can cook hot dogs and other sausages attractively, and add a lot of the same benefits of a popcorn machine. However, they offer a more substantial meal to customers. You can choose from five, seven, and nine roller grills to produce anywhere from twelve to twenty-four hot dogs at once. That allows you to pick the hot dog grill that’s going to be right for your situation. Larger businesses won’t want to deal with an overly small hot dog grill, and smaller ones won’t want to waste electricity or food.
Like popcorn machines, the majority of hot dog grills operate on power from a wall outlet. Smaller grills are about twenty-three inches by ten inches by ten inches, but the larger ones can be up to twenty-three by sixteen by ten inches. Remember to check the available space before you order your hot dog grill.
A good grill will have rotating rollers to prevent fat and sausage residue from building up, and a removable drip pan that’s easy to clean. They should also feature variable temperature control. After all, it’s a lot easier to make hot dogs well if you can dictate different temperatures for the front and rear of the grill.
If you run a food related business, it might be time to think about adding a popcorn machine or hot dog grill. These simple, easy to maintain machines are inexpensive to operate, but offer a lot of possibilities. Check out the options from Anvil or other manufacturers to see if they have the machine you’ve been waiting for. A new popcorn machine or grill might change your business.
About the Author
About the Author: Jim Musselman is an avid hunter, home butcher and an independent distributor of commercial and home butcher supplies including meat grinders and other supplies.
Our Paragon “Theater Pop” popcorn machine in action