Wow, just got through the entire thread (read most, but skimmed a bit). I've been looking into buying a machine for a while, and just pulled the trigger the other day. This is what I bought (Paramount 6oz):
Popcorn Machine (resized).jpg
I understand this is not the top of the line, and that it may rust a bit, but has anyone tried this perticular model? If so how did it work?

I purchased this machine and the prepackaged kits before reading this thread. As such, I think I made a mistake with the prepackaged kit as it says soybean oil. Is this no good and should I throw it away when it arrives? Here's a link to the kit:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00472MN70/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00

When I realized my mistake I looked up my local concession stand supplier and found Butcher Boy Coconut oil with butter flavoring. It does not say pure coconut oil, but was wondering if it should be used. They do not have a product that says pure coconut oil. I'd hate to buy a gallon of the wrong stuff. Picture of the oil below:
Coconut Oil (resized).jpg

Will do.

I tried the butcher boy coconut oil with butter without flavacol for a base test. Color was great corn had good consistency, but it was a little bland. I had to put some salt on it.

Next batch I mixed 3/4 cup corn 4-5 TBLSPOONS of oil 1 teaspoon of better butter flavacol and it turned out great. I don’t have anything to compare this too, as it has been a very long time since I made popcorn this way, but it tasted great.

I've purchased the butcher boy coconut oil with butter flavoring, which is an orange color and comes in a one gallon container. 5 gallons seems like a lot of oil that would last you many years.

My guess is the oil I have is very similar to this oil from webstaurant, but I am not positive as I've never used this oil before.

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/paragon-1015-coconut-popcorn-oil-1-gallon/3801015.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInZ_Yt_3P4AIVi0sNCh3WawZdEAQYASABEgL7UfD_BwE

Never mind, that is a lot of popcorn. I would go with yellow coconut oil with or without butter flavor. I have the butter flavor and like it, but I have not tried the without so I can't compare. It looks like the only options through Webstaurant is LouAna brand.

I scoop the oil into the kettle, then add flavacol, then 2-3 kernels. Once those pop I add the rest of the kernels. Once the popping slows down I dump them out and mix up the batch.