This is the official Spring '07 Popcorn Machine & Supplies Power Buy thread from StargateCinema.com (http://www.stargatecinema.com)

Thanks to those that have already inquired and purchased!

You can sign up for the Power Buy here. (http://www.stargatecinema.com/pages.php?pageid=4)

And see our Popcorn Machines (http://www.stargatecinema.com/Popcorn-Machines-c-2.html) and Popcorn Supplies (http://www.stargatecinema.com/Popcorn-Supplies-c-3.html) here. Make sure you sign up on our site here (http://www.stargatecinema.com/pages.php?pageid=4) for Powerbuy status in order to see the PB pricing! Once you receive an email from us that your account is at Power Buy status you will see PB pricing. All PB pricing ends in ".77". All of your information is kept private and will not be sold or redistributed in any way.

Please post relevant questions and comments here.

Thanks again for your continued support.

Ken

Ken -- any thoughts on the difference between the Premiere and TheaterPop poppers (4oz/6oz)? Both have similar specs (it appears), but substantial price differences.

Thanks.

The Premiere does not a have an old maid drawer or warming tray. Our site had incorrectly said that it did for a couple days and up until this morning when someone asked about it. I highly recommend a machine that has both an old maid drawer and warming deck. Some people like to leave popcorn in their machine for a day or so then turn on the warming tray and reheat the popcorn and say that they like the popcorn better that way. Plus it, obviously, keeps it warm while you're serving it initially. The old maid drawer makes cleanup much easier- no wrestling with the unpopped kernels at the bottom of the machine.

Ken

Ken,

A few questions:

1. Does the contempo have "Popcorn" written across the top on both sides?
2. Do you have a picture of the contempo on the cart?
3. We usually make about 3 or 4 bags of microwave popcorn. Any idea what size popper that would be the equivalent of?
4. Does the contempo need a certain amount of clearance on the sides to "breathe"
5. Can it be plugged into a standard outlet where a subwoofer already resides?


That's it for now, might have more later.


Stew

1. Does the contempo have "Popcorn" written across the top on both sides?
The graphics are on three sides- every side except the back (the side with the doors).

2. Do you have a picture of the contempo on the cart?
Yes, see attached photo.

3. We usually make about 3 or 4 bags of microwave popcorn. Any idea what size popper that would be the equivalent of?
Most microwave bags of popcorn are about 2.75-2.9 ounces. You can go with a 4 ounce machine and do multiple batches, of course. The machines take about 5 minutes to heat up then take a few minutes to pop a batch. You may want to consider a 6-ouncer, though, if you usually pop 3-4 bags of microwave popcorn.

4. Does the contempo need a certain amount of clearance on the sides to "breathe"
The kettle is the hottest part of the machine and that's obviously suspended in the middle of the machine. The machine will emit some steam and heat so you should have some room around it.

5. Can it be plugged into a standard outlet where a subwoofer already resides?
This depends on how many watts your subwoofer is using and how many amps your circuit is. Here's something I found on wattage and amperage:

"A 15-amp circuit can handle a total of 1,800 watts, while a 20-amp circuit can handle a total of 2,400 watts, but these figures represent circuits that are fully loaded. In practice, you should limit the load on a 15-amp circuit to no more than 1,440 watts, and the load on a 20-amp line should exceed no more than 1,920 watts."

Ken,

There is an overwhelming number of popcorn machines to chose from on your site (which is a good thing, don't get me wrong). I am looking for a machine that has a warming lamp and an old maid tray, and anything else that would make cleanup easy. I also need just the machine, no cart necessary. Can you list (or better yet, provide links to) some of the lowest price machines that meet those requirements? I haven't decided what size, but probably 4 or 6 oz. would be plenty.

Also, there are Popcorn Machine FAQ & Popcorn Machine Comparison links on your website that I was hoping would help answer my questions above, but neither of the links worked for me. They just took me to a the main page on your site. Is it just me or is there a problem with those links?

Thanks,
Guy

Can I put 6oz pre-packs into the 4oz popper? It seems like there is plenty of room in the kettle to do so.

There are tradeoffs with each type of machine and most 4 and six ounce machines include a warming deck (not light) and old maid drawer. Benchmark's Premiere and Paragon's 1911 Style 4 oz machine are two exceptions. Here are some of the pros of each brand:

GM Machines: Fun Pop, Neon Sixty, Retro Pop, Deco machines
Larger kettles, EZ Kleen kettles (most machines) that are stainless steel on the outside and aluminum (for heat transer) on the inside,
2 year warranty

Paragon Machines: 1911, Contempo, Theater Pop
Anodized Aluminum Kettles (like nicer cookware), lifetime warranty on 4 oz
machines, 3 yr warranty on others, smaller kettles than GM

Benchmark: Street Vendor, Metropolitan Popper, Premiere
Non-stick kettles, 3 yr warranty, smaller kettles than GM

I highly recommend a warming deck and old maid drawer. Some people actually
let their popcorn sit in the machine and reheat it a couple days later using
the warming deck and prefer it that way. The old maid drawer will help keep
unpopped kernels our of you scoop and bags/boxes and will make cleanup much
easier. Some people say they are able to pop 6 oz portion packs in the 4
ounce machines- especially the GM machines that have a larger kettle. You
really can't go wrong with any of the machines we sell. We sell these three
brands for a reason and all of them are built well. I tell most people to
go with the machine they like the looks of the most and of course has the desired features.

Today I am down in High Point, NC for the Furniture Market show and will not be available to answer questions the rest of the day but will get to everything tomorrow morning. Sorry for the inconvenience. We have someone at the office setting everyone that signs up for the PB to Powerbuy status on our site.

Ken

Everyone, I just want you all to know that I ordered some popcorn and some glaze from Ken and he does a great job. He answered all my questions quickly and gave me updates as to my product shipping and got it here very quickly.

There are alot of companies out there online that are great for ordering stuff all day, but have horrible customer service and after they send it to you they feel as if they are done with you, this isn't the case with Ken and Stargate Cinema. I actually ran into a problem as far as UPS damaging the popcorn case that I ordered and in the process of them repackaging it they busted a couple of the packs getting oil and stuff over everything. I emailed Ken promptly about this and he asked me to take some pictures so he could show his rep and get onto UPS about this and not only that, he is sending me another case out right away.

He went above and beyond rectifying the problem and I am very pleased with how he handled it. Customer service is what sets the great stores apart from the good, and Ken over at Stargate Cinema has a great store. If you have a problem, he will fix it quick.

Just wanted to let you all know that if you are considering ordering anything from him, I definately recommend him as he has a powerbuy going on right now on all his popcorn stuff and he has great prices, along with great customer service.

The Contempo 4oz Popcorn Machine looks pretty nice. Is that lacking anything compared to the other 4oz?

Also, what should we order with a machine? Popcorn....

A stand or cart helps round out the visual/functional appeal, however, if you just want a counter-top machine, it's not necessary. When you order a machine, you will need supplies. My favorite popcorn is "MegaPop Corn/Oil/Salt" kits from Gold Medal. Also, you will need containers to serve your popcorn in and maybe a scoop to fill the containers. I get my popcorn from gmpopcorn dot com and my containers from onlinehometheateraccessories dot com. You may want a kettle cleaning kit, but, normally household cleaners will suffice. Just don't use an ammonia based cleaner on plexi-glass. I love my Paragon Theater Pop popcorn machine. PS: try some "Glaze Pop" from time to time for a sweet treat! :)

Here's my machine with accessories I got from the above vendors.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g273/MidLife_2006/Popper1.gif?t=1175395031

I just ordered the contempo from Ken today. Ken is a great guy and will take care of you. I have bought many other things from him as well for this project and he will help you with any questions you have. Too bad the Premier unit did not have the warming tray or old maid draw. What were they thinking? Oh well, Paragon here I come.

I took this chance to order the prepacks. Great deal!

Definately, I ordered a box of the prepacks as well. Already got them in, just waiting for my popcorn machine...should be here Friday!

Too bad the Premier unit did not have the warming tray or old maid draw. What were they thinking? Oh well, Paragon here I come.

For what its worth, I thought the same thing on the Premiere unit, but ended up staying with the same manufacturer (Benchmark?) and going with the Metropolitan. I like the fact that the "POPCORN" letters on top are removable, and the cart is oriented to allow the unit to be tucked against a wall or in a corner, with easy access to the popper and the shelves in the cart. Also seems to have the critical features of the "good" units (warming tray, drawer, wattage, annodized kettle, etc.).

I originally was going to go with either the Contempo or the TheaterPop, but the only stands were the carts with the wheels, which wasn't for me.

Incidentally -- I went back and forth and back and forth on 4 oz or 6 oz and ended up deciding on 6 oz. Ordered a 6 oz MegaPop case in advance of the machine and made a pack on the stove top. Glad I did -- was not as much popcorn as I thought, and reaffirmed in my mind that the 6oz was the way to go.

In any case, just my two cents...

For what its worth, I thought the same thing on the Premiere unit, but ended up staying with the same manufacturer (Benchmark?) and going with the Metropolitan. I like the fact that the "POPCORN" letters on top are removable, and the cart is oriented to allow the unit to be tucked against a wall or in a corner, with easy access to the popper and the shelves in the cart. Also seems to have the critical features of the "good" units (warming tray, drawer, wattage, annodized kettle, etc.).

I originally was going to go with either the Contempo or the TheaterPop, but the only stands were the carts with the wheels, which wasn't for me.

Incidentally -- I went back and forth and back and forth on 4 oz or 6 oz and ended up deciding on 6 oz. Ordered a 6 oz MegaPop case in advance of the machine and made a pack on the stove top. Glad I did -- was not as much popcorn as I thought, and reaffirmed in my mind that the 6oz was the way to go.

In any case, just my two cents...

Yea, I wanted a 6 oz, but just did not have the funds left after the big project which is still ongoing. We only have 3 people in my family and normally only go through 2 bags of microwave popcorn. 2 batches with the 4 oz should be fine for my needs 90% of the time. I was surprised how little difference there was between the prices for the prepackaged popcorn and oil packs between 4oz and 6 oz. It definitely was not 30% less!!! I will try the prepacks, but eventually will probably buy bulk. I normally don't like too much salt. I also needed to save as much counter space as possible as there was no room for a cart in my area.

I saw they sell starter packs. I think I'll just grab one of those when we buy the contempo 4oz.

For what its worth, I thought the same thing on the Premiere unit, but ended up staying with the same manufacturer (Benchmark?) and going with the Metropolitan. I like the fact that the "POPCORN" letters on top are removable, and the cart is oriented to allow the unit to be tucked against a wall or in a corner, with easy access to the popper and the shelves in the cart. Also seems to have the critical features of the "good" units (warming tray, drawer, wattage, annodized kettle, etc.).

I originally was going to go with either the Contempo or the TheaterPop, but the only stands were the carts with the wheels, which wasn't for me.

Incidentally -- I went back and forth and back and forth on 4 oz or 6 oz and ended up deciding on 6 oz. Ordered a 6 oz MegaPop case in advance of the machine and made a pack on the stove top. Glad I did -- was not as much popcorn as I thought, and reaffirmed in my mind that the 6oz was the way to go.

In any case, just my two cents...
I was in the same situation...I initially ordered the Premiere 6 oz. but received a call from Ken the day after my order informing me of the error on the website about the warming tray and old maid drawer. So I ended up ordering the Metropolitan instead. I also ordered the megapop prepacks and some buckets. Mine is scheduled for delivery today as the Metro was on back order for a bit. I can't wait to make that first batch tonight!

I saw they sell starter packs. I think I'll just grab one of those when we buy the contempo 4oz.
I bought the same starter set as well as some tubs. Mine comes in tomorrow. I might have to fire it up to test it in my kitchen before my basement is finished.

I've been having microwaved popcorn for too long. I hope this will be an improvement ;)

Hey guys, just a quick question. Just popped my first pack of the Megapop 6oz preportioned popcorn. It really isn't that buttery to me...although I do ask for butter at the movie theater so prolly about the same. Is there a specific kind of butter topping you all use that find complements the Megapop pretty well?

I agree...I always put on extra butter topping and found that my first batch didn't have that buttery flavor I was expecting from the megapop prepacks. I just found this...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=385091

Still reading, though. I'd love to get some recommendations from others.

I use MorGold Plus in a plastic squeeze bottle that I heat in a microwave.
Odells is another favorite topping, especially when warm. :) Do a froogle search for butter topping warmer kit. They have an inexpensive butter warmer now that is much cheaper than the $300 restaurant models with the pump.

I noticed that they have a $60 butter warmer thing. I don't have any big stores around me but just went to walmart and bought the Orville Butter Topping stuff...it's like $1.87 a bottle so we will see how it is. Hope to try out some better stuff later. By the way....the caramel glaze on the popcorn, omg amazing! Haven't tried out the chocolate yet but if it is as good then I'll be jumping for joy! Might have to try the other flavors too....anyone tried any of the Cherry pink, blue berry one, red cinnamon, pop n' glaze?

I just used my new Contempo 4 oz popcorn machine that I got from the Stargate Cinema power buy (Thanks Ken) last night. The quality of this machine is fantastic. It is really a vendor quality machine. Unfortunately my first batch of popcorn for our movie was disappointing. The unit shipped with (3) country harvest 4oz packs and we made 2 batches. The popcorn was a bit stale, however, and not as good even as my normal microwave popcorn. Is it possible that the popcorn was a bit old? Could Paragon ship slightly outdated stock with it's machines? It also had a bit too much salt for my liking, although the salt is in a separate part of the pouch and I could add less next batch.

I am also wondering if I could have added the first pouch a bit too early to the kettle or maybe I should have added the oil first and let it melt before adding the corn. Any hints or suggestions? To be honest, I also was not that impressed with the ease of use of the preportioned packs. It was not that easy to get the contents squeezed out of the pouch into the kettle do to the limited room above the kettle, which is extremely hot. The oil was also a solid, so again was not that easy to squeeze out. I think premeasuring bulk ingredients in a measuring cup and dumping in may actually be easier.

Please respond back with any suggestions to help with the next batch. I also have a case of the Cinemagic packs from benchmark that came with the starter kit to try as well. I imagine it is like anything else and I need to find the brand and form factor that suits my family. Again, if you are looking for a popcorn machine, don't hesitate for a second to buy from Ken as he will give you fantastic support after the purchase. I think he is getting sick from my daily calls asking about tons of other products he sells as my theater project is nearing the end. I can't wait till I actually get to use my theater instead of the TV in my family room to watch movies.

I had the EXACT same experience a year or two ago when I got my Theater Pop popcorn machine. The first time I fired up the machine was in the garage (good thing, too) and there was smoke/steam/burning and sticking. I too, used the pre-packs that came with the machine. Very disappointing and somewhat embarassing. :o Fortunately, the next day my MegaPop brand popcorn case-packs arrived and I tried again. The difference was night and day! Delightfull aroma, fluffy crunchy popcorn! :D
You really need "fresh" popcorn. Some popcorn is 'stale-dated' on the package and you need to adhere to the freshness date. Stale popcorn will burn, be chewy, and will have loads of unpopped kernals. The packages that ship with machines most liked have dried out or not been stored in optimal environment. But please, try some fresh popcorn before making judgement. :) A pair of cooking gloves or other thin heat resistant gloves would make the process safer and eaisier. The cocnut oil will turn to liquid above 76 degrees and will pour in. I find it easier and less messy to use when the oil is solid, though. YMMV.

Thanks midLife for the words of encouragement. The funny thing is you said that stale popcorn leaves a lot of uncooked kernals, and that is exactly what I saw, tons of uncooked kernals. I forgot to mention it in the post though, so most surely the popcorn with the machine was too old. I went to the grocery store today and picked up a bag of cheap Giant brand, and a small Orville Redenbacher's Original jar as well as some canola oil. I think you convinced me, however, to try the Cinemagic packs from Benchmark or the single sample pack of Mega pop I have. So much popcorn to try, so little time!

I recommend (no expert here, just an opinion) the pre-packs that are made for kettle popcorn machines. The popcorn, oil and flavorings are specifically made for machine use and are designed for that "movie theater taste". Other forms may not be as suitable for machine use. Kernal type and the volume it pops to and texture all play a role. More healthful oils may also not provide that movie house taste. I would start with the coconut oil first and then as you get more familiar with your machine, start trying other recipes. :) Oh and as a P.S. try the pre-packs for 6oz kettles in your 4oz machine. That's what I do and even though you have a few more unpopped kernals, the 6oz packs seem to work better for some reason.

Ok, now I am even more perplexed. I tried the Fun Pop sample that I have and it tasted much better to me with less salt than the Country Harvest that came with the machine, but it was even more stale, although most kernals popped. It squished down when I bit on it instead of being crunchy. I think I may really be adding in the popcorn too early as the instructions said wait 4-7 minutes and I only waited about 4 minutes once I saw the smoke start from any left over oil on the kettle. I saw somebody else post about putting only one kernal in and waiting until that pops before adding all the rest of the popcorn, does that make sense? I hope somebody has some suggestions for me to try.

I too bought a 4 oz Contempo from Ken. (Excellent customer service!) I tried putting a few kernals in at first as others suggested but the results were only just OK. Yesterday I heated the kettle, poured in the contents of a 6 oz Megapop pack and let it pop. Left the door a jar to let the steam out. Made 3 batches and let it sit with the warmer on for a few hours. Turned out perfect. Just like theater popcorn!

I make popcorn in my Theater Pop 4oz (same machine as Contempo, just different colors) in the theater in the bar area that is tile floor. I leave the door somewhat ajar and some does get on the floor, but letting out steam is VERY important. A top vented machine provides even better results! I dump the kettle right before all the corn has popped to prevent any burning. The prepacks are relatively inexpensive and I find that wasting a little bit is better than the chance of any burnt kernals. Nothing's worse than burnt corn aroma. :( I leave popcorn in the machine about an hour before serving, stirring every 15 minutes or so. The heated warm deck dries out the popcorn to make it less chewy and more crunchy. The heating element is to one side of the old maid drawer, so this is where the heat is concentrated. (look under the deck tray).
Popcorn needs to sit in a warmer for a length of time for the best results. Even an hour or two is not too long and let it sit and turn on the warmer the next day and it's even better. :)
If your popcorn doesn't have a freshness date, find some that does. :)

I am using the Megapop 6oz preportioned packs. I love the popcorn but to move there just isn't any flavor. I add all the oil, let it melt, then add the popcorn and salt. I can't even taste the salt though. I don't know if I'm used to tons of butter and salt but to me it definately needs some extra salt/butter.

I think you guys are onto something as the steam is definitely part of the problem. I did let out most of the steam on my last batch, but I also have the same problem with microwave popcorn if you eat it as soon as you open the bag. I normally shake it to let out all the steam and "air dry". I think leaving it in the unit with the warming tray on is the next thing I will try. I am also going to try to only pop a few kernals before I put in the entire pouch. Thanks fo the suggestions.

Use fresh popcorn with coconut oil. Turn off kettle switch right before popping stops, dump kettle, and leave in the unit for at least one to two hours, stirring every 15 minutes. Add warmed butter flavored topping (MorGold Plus or Odell's) and serve.
A couple weeks ago I had 30 pre-teens. Did 6 6oz prepacks (that's 36 oz popcorn) and every thing was gone! I did it about 1 1/2 hours before they arrived.
If you follow these steps and don't get satisfactory results then either your machine is defective or your popcorn is not fresh.
Last resort, go to your local cinema house and ask what/how/when the products they use. Young reps will tell you. ;)

this talk of smoke worries me a bit. is that common?

Other forums indicate that you need to let the popcorn age and that will get rid of the soggy texture. Cook the popcorn the night before and let it sit in the warmer to crisp up.

Anyone agree with this?

popcorn kernals are loaded with moisture. Heating the moisture produces steam which 'explodes' (for lack of a better term) the kernal. Stale popcorn has dried and there is not sufficient moisture to produce the steam pressure to "pop" or explode the kernal. This is a conundrum however, since, steam or moisture laden air can make the fluffy popped kernal chewy. So, while moisture is required to produce steam to pop the kernal, that same moisture/steam can flatten or cause a soggy popcorn. You need fresh moist popcorn kernals for good popping results while at the same time you must separate the resultant steam from the popped product as quickly as possible. Vent away immediately as much steam as feasiblly possible and then heat/air dry/oven dry or other moisture removal means to dry the popped product.
Indeed, I find the warmer deck to help dry/crisp the product and once again indeed (IMHO) find the popcorn 'better' the next day. :)

"this talk of smoke worries me a bit. is that common?"

A small amount of smoke may appear if the oil is heated beyond it's smoke-free temperature. This is usually minimal and not a problem with home-poppers using fresh product. Oils have different smoke-free temperatures. Some oils smoke at lower temps than others. Any kettle/frying pan/skillet can emit small amounts of smoke from residual oils/food product/dust/etc. Most output is steam and IS normal. :)

OK, I had much better luck tonight. I used the Naks 6oz packs with sunflower oil in it in my 4 oz machine. I poured in the oil after about 4 minutes and put in 3 kernals only. After they popped I added all the rest of the corn. I then let the popcorn sit for 1/2 hour before trying it, and it was much drier and crunchier than the other night. Thanks guys for the help.

I too think I have the hang of it. My only question now is the steam. Since I have to leave the door open to let the steam out, kernals jump out also. Why don't they design a model that lets the steam out the top of the machine perhaps even include a small exhaust fan? Has anyone cut the plexiglas door or drilled holes in it to let out the steam but keep the hot popping corn in?

I'm planning on building a pull-out AV wood rack/cabinet. Is it possible to build one of your countertop poppers into the rack, or will it be impossible to access some of the buttons/doors, or will they emit too much heat to have the sides blocked? The rear would vent into a small area under the stairs which has telephone/cat5/subpanel access. I've been discussing with my contractor about putting a special HVAC return in there, as well (pulling air in from the bottom of the rack). The front would vent into a hallway outside the theater.

What are your thoughts, Ken? Any poppers you'd recommend for this sort of installation?

My popper doesn't really emit much heat from the sides...I have the 6oz Metropolitan. All the steam and stuff vents from the front doors and the warming tray is at the bottom, but it doesn't make the whole unit hot or anything. I personally wouldn't see any problem with it.

I agree with vili. Not knowing or seeing the situation, I would think you should be OK with proper ventilation.

All of the controls will be on the side with the doors. They will all give off about the same amount of heat, so you should be ok with any model.

Ken

Due to popular demand we have decided to extend the Powerbuy for two more days- until midnight Thursday.

Thanks for everyone's support on this Powerbuy!

Ken

LAST DAY FOR POWER BUY PRICING. Pricing is good until Midnight tonight. Thanks again to everyone who has ordered. We will be announcing the prize winners next week.

Thanks,
Ken

Did the drawing happen?

No, it hasn't happened yet. The power buy was up until recently and I didn't want to post the winners until it was removed. They will be poster later today or tomorrow at the latest. Until then, good luck to everyone and thanks for a great power buy!

Ken

No, it hasn't happened yet. The power buy was up until recently and I didn't want to post the winners until it was removed. They will be poster later today or tomorrow at the latest. Until then, good luck to everyone and thanks for a great power buy!

Ken

Ken, I know you are busy but alot of us are interested in knowing who won the drawings. You indicated they would be posted last week, now here we are a week later... Could you please give us an update, the main powerbuy thread has been down for a couple weeks??

Thanks..

Belusch- I saw the winners in another thread on this forum. Might be on the 2nd page but I saw who the three winners were.

Scroll down on this page or follow this link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=848185)

Yes, guess I should have posted in here as well. The winners were posted on the 16th in a separate thread as pointed out. Here's the info again for good measure:

And the winners are. . .

Please visit this page to see if you have won one of the prizes:

Spring '07 Popcorn Machine and Popcorn Supplies Power Buy Winners (http://www.stargatecinema.com/pages.php?pageid=59)

Thanks again to all those that bought machines and/or supplies.

-Ken

bummer!!

missed out- just saw this!!