Really?

So do basement threads show up on the main page by default or is the default that they are hidden?

The default is hidden ....

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Basement posts are not on my main page on my phone.

exactly. thank you. It was a rhetorical question, btw.

The DEFAULT that you setup is to hide them from the front page.... hence my description BURIED.

ALL basement threads, by pinside default are buried. Only accessible via the basement link or going in a changing the setting.

Who said I was unhappy?

Here's a screenshot of the main page on my phone. Notice the popcorn thread at the bottom .....

Screenshot.png

there already exists a proper place for this thread: gameroom.

a quick glance in that thread reveals other similar topics:
garbage cans: vintage or not?
soda machines
panel light diffusers
pool tables
etc.

My main complaint is that this thread is less discoverable because the main forum search will not bring back basement results (at least "popcorn machine" didnt return this topic for me). Stumbling across this thread and then being sucked in has made my life much better and I wish that for others.

I didn't realize basement threads did not show up in the main forum search. That's a problem. This is a great thread for discussing popcorn machines used in our game rooms.

There are a number of similar threads that have not been moved to the basement. Perhaps this thread should have been titled "Gameroom Popcorn Machines".

Has anybody tried getting this moved back to Gameroom Talk using Moderator Feedback?

First of all, you are absolutely correct. This thread should be in the "All Gameroom Talk" sub-forum, and I will move it there now. In my haste to explain why it was moved to the basement, I completely overlooked the fact that there was already an appropriate sub-forum for it.

Secondly, you really need to learn how to express yourself in a more polite manner. Even when you are making a point that is valid, you have a tendency to do it an a nasty way.

I just moved it.

Awesome, thank you!!!!

Should we also get the title changed to "Gameroom Popcorn machine...... who has one" to eliminate any future confusion?

I think it's fine. It's in the appropriate sub-forum now, so people will know it's in reference to game rooms.

agreed.

My politeness sometime runs thin in the face of perceived knee-jerk moderation.

I edited my previously snarky comments out and simple left behind the brilliance of my main thoughts....

These are good kits. If you are looking for super healthy and approved for use in schools for the kiddos, check these out from your local distributor. Popcorn still tastes pretty good: sunflower oil(less oil too), pure white salt and same large kernal popcorn.

http://www.sunnypop.com/

Thanks for that!

Love that its a Gold Medal product.

I have a family member thats trying to watch their health, and this would be an awesome option!

Not sure what you guys use to clean your popcorn machine. I use ZEP nontoxic degreaser. It's hands down the best thing I have used. Especially if you use ACT 2 popcorn oil from SAMs. Some sticky shit. This machine is 8 years old and I just gave it its annual cleaningimage.jpeg

20151220_084227.jpg Ok.........for what its worth here's mine. Hot dogs too! Moved them there for awhile until I find replacement pins for the Dr Dude and Party Zone I just sold!

Anyone know the differences in the Great Northern models Foundation, Roosevelt and Princeton? They seem to vary greatly in price but have the same features.

i recently learned that Gordon's Food Service (GFS) sells 8oz kits. $27.49/36 pkgs. Here in SW michigan. Can't comment on the quality, haven't tried. They also sell Flavacoll. I also found out our local movie chain uses Weavers popcorn. I haven't found where you can purchase it, but its really good quality, at least when they make it. I also had some left over the last time we went, had a refillable bucket, filled before we left. Cam home and dumped it in the machine. Heated it up a couple of times, but didn't eat any. Finally ate some almost 2 weeks later and it was still very good after letting it warm up.

I've bought the 8oz. kits from GFS in the past; They were "Pop Weaver's" brand. GFS has competitive pricing for brick & mortar store sales of popcorn supplies. Limited selection, but that's where all of the school & other fundraising organizations buy their popcorn, Super Pretzels, Bosco Sticks and all of the other J&J Snack Foods healthy choices.

I don't think what they had when I was there was Pop Weaver brand. I buy a number of things there throughout the year. I just hadn't ever seen, or maybe noticed the popcorn kits before.

The GFCs I've seen have Vogel popcorn kits in 24 packs.

They taste good, but you can make the same thing for 1/20 of the price by buying your own Flavorcal, Coconut Oil and Kernels.

Great deal on Great Northern Popcorn Black Bar Style Lincoln 8 Ounce Antique Popcorn Machine (Bar Style)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000QWCAB4/ref=dp_olp_used

That's the brand I saw. The only issue I've had is that the popcorn I've made (great northern 8oz packs) Seems tougher than the popcorn I get from the theater. I usually heat up the kettle for a min or 2, then add the oil and salt and let that get good and hot, then add the corn. is it just the quality of the corn, or the machine, or the way I'm making it. I also let is sit in the machine for 30 mins or so before I start eating it.

The Cub Scouts were selling Weaver brand popcorn. I was impressed with the quality but it was 'fundraiser prices' and I haven't seen it for sale locally. Would definitely purchase again if I found it

Also, I have been using Crisco brand coconut oil lately, it leaves less of a coconut taste than Trader Joes brand. And it's a little bit cheaper

Has anyone come up with a solution for the Great Northern top section corrosion issue? I want to replace mine and the part is pretty inexpensive but I would like to figure out a way to prevent it in the future.

Here is my machine.

Ugh... broke the plastic door on my GM Antique Deluxe 60

So, I'm just browsing around the site and I find a POPCORN topic!!!! What is better than popcorn with anything including pinball. My kids bought me a small machine a couple of years ago for Christmas. I've experimented with all types of popcorn, oils and salt. I use Coconut oil (colored and in the gallon container) and Flavacol salt. Still messing around with corn. I started with the 50 pound bag figuring I would blow through that in no time or so I thought. It didn't take long to figure out that bag goes a LONG WAY and keeping the corn fresh is really important. So I am now buying smaller bags to keep it fresh. I'm going to work backward and see if I can pick up any tips.

The 50 pound bag is usually the same price as the 20 pound, so it makes sense to buy the #50.

Pour the corn into some 5 gallon buckets and stand on the lids to seal them up for storage.

Keep your daily supply in a tupperware.

Never put the corn in the fridge, because the fridge will suck all the moisture out of it.

Definitely agree with not refrigerating. I read once that was the way to go. Definitely bad advise. I also read you could hydrate seeds by putting a very small amount of water in a jar and shaking it around. I was skeptical but tried it anyways. Some of the seeds sprouted. LOL If it does get a bit stale, the squirrels get a free meal.

You provide great pinball and popcorn advise. Is there anything you aren't good at? I could use some tax advise.......

I use my vacuum sealer to seal up my popcorn in 3 pound bags. I usually get the 12.5 pound bag...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YLGA0W

I will go through this in about 2-3 months. I am always on the look out for good popcorn, this is one of the better ones I have had.

My popcorn machine is basically a cooking pot. Pour the kernels in with some Wesson oil, cover and then shake the pot on the stove until the popping stops. Pour the popcorn into a bowl and add butter(not margarine) and salt. Pretty simple.

Switch to Coconut oil if you want it to come out less greasy.

KETTLE CORN!!!

Hey Hearthley I have the same machine as you. Where did you get the cups? I have originals but would like to save them and run some others like you have.

Thanks!

I've been thinking of moving away from the 8oz kits.

I've got the flavacoll, but what's your preferred source for oil (sticks?) and corn?

Find your local "concession sales" and buy a gallon of "Red Coconut Oil" and #50 large yellow corn.

I'll try coconut oil next time. Thanks

This is the oil I use. Comes out great.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YLI9E2

I had used the LuAnn sticks of oil, which were pretty good (and a free gift from a member here!) but switched after I ran out.

I also got this stuff as someone mentioned kettle corn.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M8YEY6C

Not exactly kettle corn, but close and very tasty! My buddy got all of the other sugar flavors and they are actually pretty darned good!

Says it needs extra cleanup instead of wiping down. How hard and how do you clean up after?

My problem with the gallon containers is after the first inch is gone, I have to reach further and further into the container and get oil all over my hand scooping it out. What do you guys do, transfer it to a smaller jar as you use it? Use an extendable scooper? Im sure I am missing an embarrassing ly simple fix for this....

That is the one downside. But if you are careful, it's not too bad. Just roll up your sleeve. Well worth the effort for the better taste. I use a metal tablespoon with a 4 inch handle. When I get almost to the bottom, I place the entire container in the microwave and put it on a warm setting until it turns liquid then pour that into a smaller container.

Perhaps something like this would work?

http://www.amazon.com/Prepworks-Progressive-Handled-Coffee-Scoop/dp/B000HM606Y

Scoop_(resized).jpg

It does leave a little sugar coating, similar to the salt coating after a regular batch, on th ekettle and walls of the machine. So contrary to their statement, it is as simple as wiping it down. If you do it while still warm, it is a quick clean up. What I do is I actually make a small batch of regular popcorn afterwards, which does a good job of soaking up the leftover sugar. It is such a small amount of sugar and is mostly unnoticed when eating that second batch. After that, I do a quick wipe with a warm cloth.

I just use a wooden spoon.

Coconut oil turns into a liquid on a hot day, so you can always pour it into a margarine tub.

IIRC, 75°F is the point where it liquifies. You can take the gallon jugs that it comes in from some vendors (Detroit Popcorn Co. for example) and warm up by placing in a large pot/kitchen sink with hot tap water to pour out into quart or pint jars.

For the coconut oil, I found that a standard ice cube is about 2 tablespoons. You can always fill one and then separate it out for later use or keep it in the fridge for easy use later.

I miss the sticks for the sole reason of being so easy to measure.