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 for making a quick-cook grain or pulse via flat plate compression or gun puffing by controlling the porosity of the grain or pulse. Further, the grain or pulse made in accordance with this invention retains the texture, flavor and appearance of the original grain or pulse.

A method for making a quick-cook grain or pulse via flat plate compression or gun puffing by controlling the porosity of the grain or pulse. Further, the grain or pulse made in accordance with this invention retains the texture, flavor and appearance of the original grain or pulse.

There is provided an apparatus (100) and method (200) of puffing grain food. The puffing chamber is pre-heated, and the moisture loss from the grain food during the puffing process is determined and the temperature controlled based on the determined moisture loss, until a desired end moisture content of the puffed grain food is obtained.

There is provided an apparatus (100) and method (200) of puffing grain food. The puffing chamber is pre-heated, and the moisture loss from the grain food during the puffing process is determined and the temperature controlled based on the determined moisture loss, until a desired end moisture content of the puffed grain food is obtained.

Disclosed is a heated air popcorn popper which provides a heating base assembly and popping pitcher having an interior popping volume which is detachable from the base assembly for introduction of popcorn kernels. The base assembly providing heated air to the popping pitcher causing unpopped kernels to pop and form popped popcorn. The detachable popping pitcher includes a pitcher lifting handle such that the popping pitcher can be lifted away from the heating base assembly to permit any remaining unpopped or popped kernels to be emptied from the detachable popping pitcher for cleaning.

Disclosed is a heated air popcorn popper which provides a heating base assembly and popping pitcher having an interior popping volume which is detachable from the base assembly for introduction of popcorn kernels. The base assembly providing heated air to the popping pitcher causing unpopped kernels to pop and form popped popcorn. The detachable popping pitcher includes a pitcher lifting handle such that the popping pitcher can be lifted away from the heating base assembly to permit any remaining unpopped or popped kernels to be emptied from the detachable popping pitcher for cleaning.

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.

A self-contained popcorn popper has an open side provided with an air-flow curtain extending at least partially across the open side and directed inwardly. Effluent from popping flows upwardly into a U-shaped vent, through an effluent filter and flows into said air flow curtains to reduce particulate-bearing effluent emitted from the popper cabinet. Heated air is recirculated in a lower warming bin to maintain heat in popped corn dumped from a popping kettle and that air is recirculated in the bin, also to reduce emission of particulars into the environment surrounding the popper.