Foodservice News and Trends from PMR

The Ultimate Guide to Concession Equipment

Written by PMR | Aug 29, 2024 8:13:01 PM

Nothing makes a carnival or sports event better than great snacks and food. The aroma of popcorn, hot dogs, and cotton candy evokes many fond memories. Concession equipment that can withstand large crowds is the unsung hero that operators rely on behind those scenes.

Popcorn Machines

No concession stand is complete without popcorn. The sound and smell of popcorn can draw in customers who are not considering purchasing food. When selecting a commercial popcorn machine, look for non-stick kettles that can handle large quantities of kernels. Built-in warming components assist in preserving popped corn at the right temperature for releasing the buttery corn scent. Ensure the machine has a removable crumb tray to help with easy cleanup. 

Cotton Candy Machines

Nothing is sadder than receiving hard or stale cotton candy. A dependable cotton candy machine turns plain sugar into soft, airy puffs of fun. When selecting a commercial cotton candy machine, look for a high-capacity model with a removable spinner head for easy cleaning. Also, consider a see-through add-on top to help keep the cotton candy free of debris.

Hot Dog Rollers

What’s more all-American than enjoying a hot dog at the state fair or favorite sporting event? Ensure there’s enough for busy crowds with a hot dog roller to handle larger quantities. Having a roller with independent heating controls allows for different areas of cooking and warming to help eliminate overcooking. Also, ensure that the motor is powerful enough to run continuously in order to keep the food flowing.

Snow Cone Machines

When it's hot outside, a cold snow cone hits the spot. Having a commercial snow cone machine that handles the heat is important for stadiums and fair concession stands. Considerations before purchasing a snow cone machine include:

  • Accepts multiple types of ice, including cubed or chunked 
  • Stainless steel cutting blades to make coarse or fine shaved ice particles 
  • Built-in show cone shaper
  • Drainage deck with a hose to make it easier to empty melted ice

Remember to order a wide variety of snow cone syrup flavors to make them even more fun! 

Nacho Warmer

A stack of nachos smothered in hot melted cheese is a great snack. Ensure the chips are warm and ready to serve with a nacho warmer. One that will serve busy concession stands will have a large capacity while also being insulated. Another feature to help keep those chips fresh is an adjustable thermostat and a convection heating fan. 

From that first bite of a hot dog to the last sugary strand of cotton candy, food from concession stands at fairs and stadiums must be fresh, ready to serve, and memorable. The best equipment makes food even better while also helping operators create profits. That’s why Winco’s complete line of concession equipment can help anyone serving event snacks. By emphasizing creating a unique experience for customers, operators can make sure customers keep lining up time and time again for the foods that bring happy memories. 

Find the right Winco equipment for your business - click below to get started: