SMC Discussion Areas

Not sure if this falls in this category but looking at this machine what would be a fair offer?

Nice machine!  If Ross pops on, he can give a much better estimate.  If complete and working in nice shape, I have seen them from $1000 to $2000.   That one looks real nice from the picture.

Neat machine...the larger Manley Popcorn machine I believe are 220 volts..

Looks to be in great condition..  They are a beast so find some space!   8)

Found one on eBay the sold for $639 but the stirring motor had an issue.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/121238935372?nav=SEARCH&sbk=1

Seen one 2 years ago for $300 in a flea market North of Kansas City... didn't know much about it... they look pretty cool.

Nice machine...... the eBay ad give the dimensions  71" high…37" wide…..24" deep

It is an M-Line Manley, probably built in the late 1940s.  It would be approximately 2 feet deep, 3 feet wide, 6 feet tall.  Advertisements for this machine say you need 12 square feet to operate this machine (6 square feet for the machine and 6 square feet for the operator).  It would require a 220 volt outlet.  And it weighs around 200 - 250 pounds.  It has a 12 ounce kettle, which means that you use 12 ounces of popcorn when you make a batch.

This is one of the best popcorn machines ever made.  It will make fantastic popcorn.  Some of the newer machine have sacrificed the quality of popcorn for maintainability.  Don't worry about making extra popcorn, it only costs you about 50 cents a batch to make.  If you put the left-over in a plastic bag it will last for more than a week.  All of the plastic areas light-up.

In terms of price, as usual, condition is the key.  This looks like a nice machine.  If it is in good original condition, complete, and working, $1,000 or more would not be out of line.  In this case, would like to see the back for completeness.  Key considerations on condition are the plastics--not faded or cracked.  Reproductions are available.  Also, look for corrosion on the pan (the area of the popcorn fails after being popped), and for rust on the top inside the kettle area.  These two areas will tell you the difference between good condition and excellent condition.  Keep in mind that you will probably need to rewire it.  A good restorable machine is probably in the $500-$600 range.  If they don't show you that it works, assume that it doesn't work (I would consider it a restorable machine if they can't show you that it works).  Incredibly good design, they will take a lot of abuse and you can still get them working.

Just let me know if anyone has any other questions on Manley popcorn machines, Ross.     

Thanks for the info , I will go back and take a good look now that I know where to look for condition issues.

WOW GREAT looking machine!!!!

Ross...PM sent.

Greg

        Bought a Coke machine from a guy in Bakersfield Calif. who is moving and has 4 of these, 3 of them are parts machines for sale.
If anyone has interest, P.M. me and I will put you in touch.