A stainless steel kettle is highly recommended for any brand that you buy. They do not absorb any oil, they are easy to clean (wet rag) and they last a life time.
See the chart, it has some pretty interesting information about how many servings per minute you can get and the accessories needed.
[ 02-10-2005, 03:01 PM: Message edited by: Richard Gomez ]
We purchased ours last year through www.ehayes.com
They are local to us but you can access their website. We buy a lot of things through them. Their phone number is also listed and they are very helpful with letting you know how much it pops. Also check your outlets we could only get a certain type because of our wiring and outlets.
I thought our old popcorn maker was dead, too, until one of our Dads bought a new heating element and replaced it. It works good as new. Did you try that yet?
I'd definitely suggest you find a local dealer (probably a restaurant supply or concessions supply) and talk to a salesman about features and considerations where you can actually LOOK at the equipment.
We purchased a popcorn machine and a cotton candy machine at a great price from the vendor that we used to rent them from. Both are refurbished and in excellent working condition. We figured that the money that we used to spend on renting them twice a year would be better used to purchase them outright.
We got ours through Gold Medal. They have a huge selection of sizes and prices as well as all the supplies. Their website is www.gmpopcorn.com
or you can look in the phone book for a local dealer. If you are going to spend the money to get a larger one, I strongly suggest getting one from someone that offers a local person for support and repair.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris