Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A - Gold Medal offers a collection of equipment, where your setup can be customized based on your unique needs. A good place to start is with the following items: a 10-gallon low-profile cooker mixer and low-profile cooling table, a 32-oz popper or larger, a tumbler, and Main Street Elite Popcorn Staging Cabinet.
A - For most applications, the 10-gallon size is appropriate. It can produce up to 40 lbs per hour of finished product. The low-profile design is made for comfort and ease of operation, which means greater productivity.
A - The first step to determine if you need a hood is to consult with your local health department. Not all locations require hoods. Certain equipment can mitigate the need for an expensive hood system, such as Gold Medal’s Karmel Klean Hood System, an enclosed recirculating system design.
A - Deciding how much space is needed for a popcorn shop is dependent upon your unique needs. Gold Medal can consult with you and help you build a production plan including an equipment layout.
A - The first batch in a cold kettle requires approximately 20 minutes to cook. On continuous operation, you’ll get approximately a 12-minute dump-to-dump cycle. At about 80 ounces per batch, that’s nearly 25 pounds of popcorn produced per hour.
A - For best performance, steam cleaning is recommended between every 3-4 batches during regular operation. Performing daily and weekly unit cleaning is also advised. Step-by-step instructions for cleaning are included in your equipment manual.
A - There are a number of different recipes for making caramel corn. Gold Medal offers multiple product options so you can choose the method that works best for you. Often customers will customize the recipes to their own taste. The key to any caramel corn recipe is to use high-quality ingredients and the right equipment. Check out our video on this here.
A - The best way to make cheese popcorn is in a tumbler. The tumbler is made to gently toss and coat the popcorn, covering it thoroughly while minimizing breakage. Gold Medal offers an entire line of cheese pastes, so you can find the the flavor that works best for you. Check out our video on this here.
A - The first point to remember is not to overwhelm yourself with too many flavors. You risk wasting product if it goes out of date. Gold Medal recommends to roll flavors in and out, while also having core flavors that are always available. Some of the most popular popcorn flavors to sell are movie theater, caramel, cheese, caramel and cheese mix, hot cheese, and white popcorn.
A - Gold Medal offers many different packaging solutions. Heat-seal bags for maximum freshness, kraft window bags offer an attractive packaging, and a selection of printed and non-printed bags (some with ingredients and bar codes included). Plus tins and tubs are available for custom order.
A - Please address this question with your local health department first. They can advise on what information is required. Gold Medal is able to provide all the information you may need.
A - Setting pricing is a balance of finding a price that is attractive to the consumer yet profitable for the operator. To help you develop the best pricing structure, Gold Medal offers modeling and tools. We can coach you through the process.
A - The type of oil that is best for you can vary. The most commonly used popcorn oil is coconut or white coconut. However, there are other oils including corn oil, canola oil, peanut oil, and blended oils.
A - The majority of popcorn poppers wet pop. Why? It tastes better! For the familiar taste and texture of traditional popcorn wet popping is the solution.
A - How much money you can make depends upon a lot of different factors. However, profit margins average 70-80% for most gourmet popcorn products, which means there is significant potential. Using Gold Medal’s P&L models, you can get a good idea of how your shop may perform financially.
A - Yes, you can find complementary products such as cotton candy, fudge, frosted or glazed nuts, or candy and caramel apples that can bring in additional sales dollars.
A - You can expect to receive deliveries from a Gold Medal branch or distributor.
A - Customer support is a main foundation at Gold Medal. Lifetime training is our commitment to you to make sure that you are confident in the operation, cleaning, and maintenance of your equipment. For added peace of mind, you can trust Gold Medal’s warranty as the longest in the industry. New product innovation is important and Gold Medal is known for developing products and resources that support your business. Maintaining a large in-stock inventory means you’ll find more products readily available.
A - To get started, complete the form below or call us directly at 800-543-0862. A Gold Medal team member will reach out to you. We may schedule a free site visit to learn more about your needs. And you are always welcome at any of our showrooms for free demos and samples.
Why Choose Gold Medal?
With Gold Medal, you get far more than just a piece of equipment. You receive the industry’s highest level of support. From initial consultations and product samples to hands-on demos and training, our team is here to help your gourmet popcorn shop be successful. With a top-quality team consisting of 17 branch locations and a global distribution network, Gold Medal is well-equipped to provide a superior service experience.