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Popcorn is among the world’s most famous snacks, favored for multiple events, from movie watching to party hosting. Your popcorn machine not heating up is a common issue that seems to affect almost every small business owner in the popcorn cooking industry.
The primary reason your popcorn machine might not heat up is most likely due to a defect in the heating element. The heating element present in the component may be a spring-like resistance coil or a horseshoe-shaped solid rod, depending on the model and design of the unit.
This article aims to expand on why your heating element might have malfunctioned and some practical approaches to solving and preventing future malfunctions. You will also learn about key aspects of your unit to observe to identify specific problems and handle each scenario.
How Does a Popcorn Popper Work?
The popcorn popper is an integral component of your popcorn machine precisely because it is responsible for heat generation in the unit. This electric appliance heats the popcorn kernels with adequate heat to allow them to pop into a ready-to-consume form. A defective one means that the popcorn machine will not heat up and the kernels won’t pop.
There are two types of popcorn poppers: hot-air and oil poppers. A fan-like impeller is present on the hot air popper and its primary purpose is to deliver a turbulent stream of hot air to the kernels in the popping chamber. On the other hand, oil poppers feature rotating rods that stir the kennels into heated cooking oil. In both configurations, a heating element positioned on the base of the popper generates the heat and a simple on-off switch is used to activate it.
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What Causes a Faulty Popcorn Popper?
Several things can go wrong with your popcorn popper, considering it consists of more than one element. A faulty thermostat is among the most common causes of popcorn popper problems, such as un-popped or scorched corn. Replacing the defective part is the most economical corrective approach, but specialists recommend replacing the entire popper unit as a long-term solution. Other aspects to consider when looking for causes of faulty electrical appliances include the switch, the electrical cord, or the thermal cut-off.
Excess oil splatters can also be a point of concern for oil poppers, especially when cooking on metal components. Cleaning them is a practical approach to fixing this issue, as well as preventing future occurrences. Ensure your cleaning routine includes a soapy sponge and rinse with clean water after each session. Confirm with the manufacturer before immersing the entire unit into the water during your cleaning process.
How Do I Identify a Popcorn Popper Problem?
One way of identifying if your popcorn popper has a problem is whether the unit is entirely non-functional. To confirm this defect, ensure your unit is correctly plugged into a power outlet and try to turn it on. You may need to replace the electrical cord, thermal cut-off, or switch as a testing approach.
Your popcorn popper also has a problem if it does not heat, meaning there is an issue with its heating element. If your unit uses an oil popper, you can test this, whereas those using hot-air poppers can inspect the element. Replacement is the most practical approach for faulty heating components.
There may also be a problem with your popcorn popper if the oil popper’s stir rod fails to stir as required. If such a concern arises, it would be wise to test the motor and consider a replacement if you find it faulty.
Observing the fan is another approach you can use to detect if your popcorn popper has a problem. A hot air popcorn popper requires the fan to function ideally for adequate heat distribution. If the fan malfunctions, disassembling the popper might help clear any debris limiting the motion of the propellers.
What Tools Are Required for Popcorn Popper Repair?
Numerous working tools can play different roles in the repair process of a popcorn popper. The most integral element is a replacement unit for the faulty part, primarily available only from the manufacturer or an authorized spare parts dealer. You will require specific part numbers found on the owner’s manual to correctly order replacement materials. Disassembling tools required include screwdrivers and wrenches, while a multimeter will prove effective in testing oil or a hot-air popper.
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Should I Wait for My Popcorn Machine to Heat Up?
It should take no more than seven minutes for your popcorn machine to heat up. After this duration, the kettle will be hot enough for the corn to pop. It will take four to five minutes after pouring your corn into the kettle before it is ready for serving.
Steps to Repairing a Popcorn Popper
The steps involved in repairing a hot-air popcorn propeller are few and simple. Here are the steps involved:
- Unplug the unit and turn it upside down.
- Unscrew the base and carefully remove the chute.
- Loosen the motor by removing the holding screws.
- Separate the housing and the base to reveal the circuitry and heating coil.
- Test the element using a multimeter and replace it if necessary.
Repairing an oil popcorn popper involves a different methodology: Here are the steps involved:
- Unplug the popper and turn it upside down.
- Unscrew the access plate to gain access to the serviceable components.
- Use a multimeter to test the functionality of these items and replace the faulty ones.
The main reason why your popcorn machine might fail to heat up may be because of a faulty popper. The popcorn popper is responsible for everything concerned with heating and it uses electricity to generate and distribute the heat to the respective unit components. There are multiple approaches to handling such issues; you may decide to handle the task at home or seek professional input from a reliable service provider.
