My BELLA Theatre Popcorn Maker is not heating up. The popcorn kernels dont pop and the kettle is not heating up This is just the second time I used it. What is the problem???! Thanks

Sounds like the kettle isn't getting hot enough. The thermostat is usually at fault in this situation which can be determined by checking the amp draw on the kettle. the common complaint is the kette is too hot and burning but what really is going on is it's not hot enough so the seed won't pop. Because of the heat that is there it will loose it's moisture, dry out and burn instead. You will end up with lots of old maids . Really stale corn seed will act the same way because all the moisture in it is gone and thats what is needed to pop it.

That model has a thermostat (also called a high limit) that is set at 450F. it should produce a popping cycle of 3 mins, and yes will burn popcorn if you don't dump it fairly quickly.
The speed it heats cannot be too fast, there is only so many watts in the heat element. it may go to hot, but never to fast.
The best way to test temp is time the 2nd popping cycle with a stop watch. the second batch should be 3 mins +/- 30 seconds. if it is 4 mins it is too cold. a 2 min popping cycle is to hot.
A popper that is too cold is also popping poor quality popcorn, higher amount of unpopped kernels, and small chewy popcorn.
Measure carfully when doing time test popping. That model is 2oz oil, 6oz popcorn, and 1 tsp salt. Start timing when you put ingredients in, and stop when you dump it. The kettle must be hot, that is why you time the 2nd batch.

The manufacturer rates it as a 2.5 ounce kettle. This means 2.5 ounces of raw kernels each batch.
1 ounce of kernels = 1 quart of popped popcorn.
Roughly a half gallon of popcorn every 3-4 minutes.

Turn on the heater and let heat for 2-3 minutes. The Elite EPM 250 popcorn maker uses a 2.5 oz kettle. This is for 1/3 cup of uncooked kernels. Add kernels with a tablespoon of popcorn oil (available in markets) and a 1/3 teaspoon of what's called "Flavacol". It's a seasoning that they use in movie theaters to add flavor, saltiness and color. It's available online (ebay) or at Smart and Final. Use this combo and you can't go wrong. For cleaning, let kettle cool, the add 1/2 cup water. Turn on kettle and let boil for 2-3 minutes. Then empty it out.

The instructions say make sure kettle motor is plugged in. Turn unit ON with switch on crown of machine. Allow unit to run for 3-5 minutes to heat up kettle. Turn unit off. Add 2 teaspoons of your favorite popcorn cooking oil to the kettle. Then add 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels to the kettle. Turn the unit on and close the door. When popping sound slows down turn the unit OFF. Flip the kettle over with the crank handle to empty the kettle. Repeat process until desired amount of popcorn has been popped.

There are several possible culprits for your Kernel Caper.
1) You may need to add a little more oil to the kettle. Let it come to full heat--just as soon as the oil starts to smoke.
2) The corn you are using must be reasonable fresh and have sufficient moisture to pop the kernel. You can try putting 1 tsp/1 lb of corn in a ziploc bag or screw top bottle. Leave for 24 to 48 hrs to let the corn absorb the moisture.
3) Finally, due to the small size of the popping kettle some kernels will be thrown from the kettle from other kernels popping open.
This is a great little popper. You might have some luck decreasing the size of your batch--reduce your oil and corn by 1/4 each.
Good Luck

Normally that is caused by too many kernels used. It pops too fast and jams up in the kettle. It could be a problem with the kettle though. Call 920-347-9122 for help with it.

The only real solution is to put less kernels in kettle - it pops so fast that it jams up and burns. Adding a little more oil usually helps as well.

Please call Nostalgia electrics at 1-920-347-9122 so we can help you get the piece you need.

When Popper Has Popped Corn Just Before.
1. Pour the properly measure amount of Oil into the kettle.
2. Wait about 45 seconds - or until the Oil in the kettle starts to smoke slightly.
3. Pour the contents of the properly measured corn cup (kernels plus popcorn salt or Flavacol) into the kettle.
4. Wait about 2 1/2 minutes. If you are using a pan on the stove without an agitator, you must constantly shake gently. When the crackling noise of the popping corn is no longer heard, dump the kettle and empty it completely.
5. Repeat if needed for more popcorn.
6. When you are finished popping, turn off the kettle agitator switch (if you have one) and turn off the Pilot light/ heat switch.
7. After the machine has cooled enough so as not to be dangerously hot, wipe the outside of the kettle with a soft damp cloth. This helps prevent a heavy build-up of the Oil.

TIPS
- Bagged floss keeps a day or two, depending on the humidity
- Use bags to make and display cotton candy in advance - use cones for immediate sales
- Unless you're experienced, it's best to turn off the motor to refill the spinner head
- If machine will be used more than 20ft. from power source, be sure to have an adequate extension cord