Popcorn Sez

[BrianS]

Haven't found anything to buy in ages so I pulled the trigger on a Popcorn Sez based off a couple photos and a conversation with the Owner.  Won't be able to pick it up for a couple weeks.  Owner says it is complete and has been sitting in their basement for over 30 years. It appears to be in decent original condition although the dome shows some discoloration in the plastic but no holes.  Any input from those of you who have worked on these that I should look for when I pick it up?  Any items that are usually missing?  I have seen some posts where these have a ceramic type heater and others that just show a light bulb.  Are there different models with different heating options?  Any thoughts appreciated

[mygoose101]

Here was mine. I bought it unrestored but it was complete and working. All original globes are going to be yellowed, as was mine. I had machine repainted and bought the decal kit from sodadecals.com and a new globe from Funtronics. My biggest mistake was selling it but will replace it with the same thing. It's a great and relatively inexpensive collectible.

[BrianS]

That looks great!  Also glad to hear you liked it so well that you want to have another one down the line.  I have never sold one of my machines but just curious if the value of a restored unit covered the cost of the restoration.  Unlike soda machines, i am guessing the value of a restored sez unit is higher than a nice original.

[mygoose101]

Mine was a decent original, paid $500 for it. My restoration cost was $1,000. That included the globe and decal kit and it sold for $2,500.

[MoonDawg]

I have seen some posts where these have a ceramic type heater and others that just show a light bulb.  Are there different models with different heating options? 

    Popcorn machines use a ceramic heater to heat the oil, while popcorn warmers like the one above uses a light bulb to keep the product warm.

[Funtronics]

    Popcorn machines use a ceramic heater to heat the oil, while popcorn warmers like the one above uses a light bulb to keep the product warm.

There is an actual heater in the Pop Sez machine. The light bulb is not the heater. I restore mine with the heaters unhooked and tell the buyer how to hook it up if he wants to use it. I don't want to be responsible for the warmer catching fire. They get really warm. They are probably safe but you never know how long someone might leave it on.

[BrianS]

I got some additional pics of the Popcorn Sez I am going to buy.  One is of this document inside the machine.  Thought it was an interesting read.

[briandr1]

I sure like the popcorn sez warmers hope to obtain one some day.

[cohammer]

Like that , would love to own one

[BrianS]

Was finally able to pick up my new toy and bring it home.  Appears complete but needs to be rewired before seeing if all components function.  Can't wait to dig into it.