Devices for popping corn can include a pot, a lid assembly configured to mate with the pot, and an agitator assembly configured to be positioned within an interior volume of the pot, and to releasably engage the lid assembly when the lid assembly is mated with the pot. The agitator assembly can include at least one blade configured to cause un-popped kernels of corn within the pot to tumble as the agitator assembly is rotated within the pot, to help prevent sticking and burning of the kernels. The agitator assembly also can include at least one arm that transmits torque to the blade. The arm can be offset laterally from the axis of rotation of the agitator assembly.

Devices for popping corn can include a pot, a lid assembly configured to mate with the pot, and an agitator assembly configured to be positioned within an interior volume of the pot, and to releasably engage the lid assembly when the lid assembly is mated with the pot. The agitator assembly can include at least one blade configured to cause un-popped kernels of corn within the pot to tumble as the agitator assembly is rotated within the pot, to help prevent sticking and burning of the kernels. The agitator assembly also can include at least one arm that transmits torque to the blade. The arm can be offset laterally from the axis of rotation of the agitator assembly.

A popcorn extruder includes a feeder, a popping chamber, a heating device, an unloading device, and a discharge tube. The chamber is a vertical cylindrical barrel. Said heating device and said unloading device are installed on top of the barrel and at the bottom of the barrel, respectively. Said feeder has a discharge end connected with the upper-end side wall of the chamber. Said discharge tube has one end installed at the upper-end side wall of the chamber. Said unloading device has a conical structure. Said conical structure is located in the chamber, and said conical structure has the tapered end facing up. Said heating device includes a fan, an air duct and a heater installed in the air duct; said fan is connected with one end of the air duct; and said air duct has the other end inserted in the chamber and is adjacent to the conical structure.

A popcorn extruder includes a feeder, a popping chamber, a heating device, an unloading device, and a discharge tube. The chamber is a vertical cylindrical barrel. Said heating device and said unloading device are installed on top of the barrel and at the bottom of the barrel, respectively. Said feeder has a discharge end connected with the upper-end side wall of the chamber. Said discharge tube has one end installed at the upper-end side wall of the chamber. Said unloading device has a conical structure. Said conical structure is located in the chamber, and said conical structure has the tapered end facing up. Said heating device includes a fan, an air duct and a heater installed in the air duct; said fan is connected with one end of the air duct; and said air duct has the other end inserted in the chamber and is adjacent to the conical structure.

A cooking system that utilizes vibration to improve the convenience of preparing food and the quality of the finished product. The system uses a vibrating device coupled to a cooking vessel with a pad and/or isolation blocks disposed between the vibrator and the vessel. The cooking system can be adapted to prepare specific foods in specific quantities, such as popcorn in pre-packaged containers.

A cooking system that utilizes vibration to improve the convenience of preparing food and the quality of the finished product. The system uses a vibrating device coupled to a cooking vessel with a pad and/or isolation blocks disposed between the vibrator and the vessel. The cooking system can be adapted to prepare specific foods in specific quantities, such as popcorn in pre-packaged containers.

A cooking system that utilizes vibration to improve the convenience of preparing food and the quality of the finished product. The system uses a vibrating device coupled to a cooking vessel with a pad and/or isolation blocks disposed between the vibrator and the vessel. The cooking system can be adapted to prepare specific foods in specific quantities, such as popcorn in pre-packaged containers.

A grain-popping machine and associated pod-based popping method is disclosed. The grain-popping is configured to receive a pod. Each pod includes a plurality of cells, with each cell preferably containing a single grain kernel or seed, flavoring, and a cooking medium such as oil or shortening. In a preferred embodiment, the pod is loaded into the grain-popping machine through a slot so that it is held in position adjacent to a heating element. The heating element is activated to begin a popping sequence. When each grain kernel or seed in the pod reaches popping temperature, it absorbs the flavoring in its cell and ejects through the bottom of the pod, which can be weakened to ease ejection, into a bowl positioned in a receiving area of the grain-popping machine. The pod is then removed and disposed of.

Systems and methods for preventing dumping of a popping kettle in a popcorn machine above a preset temperature to facilitate fire containment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a popcorn machine can include one or more temperature control systems to prevent the popping kettle from exceeding a normal operating temperature range. In the event such systems fail, however, embodiments of the present technology include lock systems that will lock the popping kettle in an upright position before the kettle reaches a temperature that will ignite the popping oil. Locking the popping kettle in this manner prevents an operator from inadvertently dumping burning oil onto popcorn piled in the bottom of the cabinet, igniting the popcorn and causing the fire to spread. Locking the kettle can also provide additional time for a fire suppression system to extinguish the fire while it is contained in the kettle.

A method of manufacturing candied popcorn, including providing: a kettle to pop popcorn kernels into popped popcorn; a drum to tumble the popped popcorn and sift out unpopped or undersized popcorn; a hopper to place the popped popcorn onto a tray; a scarf plate; and a drizzle applicator to apply an edible adhesive to the popped popcorn; preparing a volume of popped popcorn using a wet pop technique; transporting a portion of the volume of popped corn to the drum to sift out unpopped or undersized popcorn; placing the popcorn from the drum onto a tray; adjusting the height of the tray relative to a belt and placing the tray onto the belt; applying a first application of the edible adhesive onto the remaining popcorn; passing the remaining popcorn under the scarf plate to receive dry product; applying a second application of the edible adhesive onto the remaining popcorn.