Popcorn is a simple and tasty snack food that many people enjoy. It being one of the most wholesome, economical & easy to make foods available, is consumed by Americans in a quantity of 16 billion quarts annually. Having such a huge consumption, the popcorn makers today have become one of the most essential household items. The popcorn makers used at home can be classified in the following categories:

• Hot Air Poppers, use a circulating band of heated air to pop kernels. It does not require oil or butter, and is considered the healthiest way to pop corn and are generally less expensive than oil models.
• Hot Oil Types, transfers heat from the container to the kernels, and need oil or butter to keep the kernels from sticking together and to the pan; are used mainly to provide more flavor than hot air models.
• Stove Top Popcorn Maker, a most practical way of making popcorn. Simply pull out your best kettle in the cabinet and keep it on the conventional stove. Wait until the popcorn is ready. Drizzle it with your favorite butter or sprinkle it with salt.
• Microwave Popcorn Makers, conducts heat and can be used to cook various foods more quickly and easily. Also, it can also heat kernels and make them pop out as popcorns.

Besides, being a great household item, popcorn makers have become a must at certain venues, such as theaters or the Coney Island boardwalk. In fact, these are some great places to taste interesting popcorn recipes. Popcorn makers can also pop up in unexpected places. Such of these units are the Commercial Popcorn Makers.

Cleaning Popcorn Makers
Usually the popcorn makers feature tempered glass panels, stainless steel clean out trays, aluminum corner posts, etc. and these are the parts that need maintenance. The best way to maintain is to clean it. If not cleaned properly, then the popcorn can come out chewy or not to your satisfaction. Some ideas that can be used, while cleaning a popcorn maker:

• Let the machine completely cool down before beginning any cleaning.
• Clean it after each use. Do not cut corners and allow build up. Never store unless completely cleaned. Make certain all kernels are removed from the machine before cleaning begins.
• Use the best supported products. Plated and anodized cookers are designed to be cleaned with a clean cloth after every use. The cooker has electrical elements, never submerge it to clean. If the popcorn maker's interior burns with oil stain, then use special stain removal kits to correct the condition.
• Use standard household cleaners and glass cleaners, as they are effective for cleaning the machines walls. Always use a clean-white cloth.
• Steel trays and aluminum corner posts are best cleansed using soap and warm water.
• Before keeping the cooker in storage, wipe down its inside and outside.