Popcorn Machines: History of the Popcorn Maker
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Do you ever wonder where some of the world’s most popular munchies come from right before they are topped with salt and butter? Indeed, the making of good popcorn, apart from the toppings of luscious butter and creamy caramel, is mainly dependent on the device that makes it – the popcorn machine.
The very first popcorn popper came from Peru’s northern coast, dating back to 300 A. D. – the era of the pre-Incan culture. It was a shallow apparatus that was open on top with a single handle that was held when the device was placed above an open fire.
Today’s popcorn poppers bear little resemblance to those created in the past. The advancement of these poppers has evolved over timing from building these devices out of thin sheets of aluminum to thick pieces of steel. Nowadays, one can find popcorn in many places such as malls, cinemas and fairs. You see popcorn eaten by almost everyone – young, old, children and adults making it a very popular snack food.
Over the years, there have been some notable advancements in popcorn machines such as in 1885, when Charles Cretors of Chicago made an advancement in popcorn popping by creating the very first modern popcorn machine. The machine was huge and rather heavy and used a gas burner whose distinctive scent became part of popcorn’s trademark. Popcorn grew in popularity, which was evident from popcorn’s presence at cinemas, amusement and theme parks, restaurants and even among street vendors.
In 1922, JR Burch opened the Burch Manufacturing Company, which produced popcorn machines. Although it went in circles for years, it eventually was able to maintain its activities under a new business name.
Fred Hoke and James Holcomb started manufacturing and selling industrial size popcorn machines after Dan Tolbert’s design. By 1934, the partners were no longer in business due to a large amount of unpaid debt.
A big blow to popcorn maker manufacturers came in the mid 1980s when microwave popcorn came about. Although far less healthy due to their high fat content, microwave popcorn offered a more convenient way to make popcorn and quickly became popular.
Popcorn makers work in different ways depending on their design. While some models use oil for popping, others use hot air to appeal to more health conscious people. Popcorn makers also come in different sizes – small for household use, large for movie theaters and fairs.
Although undeniably more convenient when pre-popped, popcorn tastes a lot better the very moment after it is popped. It is indeed a tasty morsel and popcorn makers make it possible for you to enjoy this great snack anytime you want.
photo credit: ScypaxPictures
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