As summer heats up, your concession stand is likely in full swing—whether you’re serving up snacks at fairs, theaters, festivals, or stadiums. Now’s the perfect time to give your equipment a little TLC. Mid-year maintenance keeps your machines running smoothly and helps avoid costly breakdowns during your busiest season.
Here are some quick, essential maintenance tips to help extend the life of your popcorn poppers, cotton candy machines, and hot dog grills:
Popcorn Poppers: Keep It Fresh and Fluffy
- Check the heat settings and thermostat to make sure you're getting a consistent pop every time.
- Inspect moving parts including drive shafts, connectors, and agitators for signs of wear—replacing worn parts can prevent more expensive damage down the line. A Cretors machine is built to last, which is why we have parts available for purchase to keep your concessions popping!
- Clean the kettle regularly to avoid carbon buildup that can impact popping performance and flavor.
- Inspect filters to see if they are dirty and/or saturated with oil.
- If your popper has the washable filters, make sure they have been cleaned regularly.
- If your popper has disposable filters, replace with a clean, new disposable filter.
- If your popper has a Cornditioner™, make sure that it is blowing warm air into the cabinet to keep popped corn crispy and fresh tasting.
- Oil Pumps: Inspect oil pumps for wear and tear; replace the clear plastic oil line if hard and brittle, including making sure the hose clamps are tight to prevent oil leaks.
- Wipe down interior and exterior surfaces with food-safe cleaners to maintain hygiene and keep your equipment looking show-ready.
Get all the cleaning supplies you need direct from Cretors.
Cotton Candy Machines: Don’t Let the Sugar Stall You
- Clear out sugar residue daily, especially around the spinner head—excess buildup can clog the machine and affect performance.
- Inspect heating elements and moving parts for wear and tear.
- Tighten screws and bolts—vibrations during operation can loosen components over time.
- Check leather flaoters to make sure they are in good condition. If worn, replace with new ones.
- Store in a dry environment when not in use to avoid sugar clumping or rust.
Hot Dog Grills: Keep the Roll Going
- Clean rollers daily with a damp cloth and mild detergent—burnt-on residue not only looks bad but can also impact taste.
- Use the tip-up feature on your Cretors High Roller Hot Dog Grill for quick and thorough cleaning under the rollers.
- Inspect the auger drive system—our patented design requires fewer parts, but regular checks still ensure long-term reliability.
- Test temperature zones to ensure even cooking across the grill.
General Maintenance Best Practices
- Keep a maintenance log with serial numbers to track cleanings, repairs, and part replacements.
- Order spare parts proactively—don’t wait for something to break mid-rush. Our Replacement Parts Kits, Individual Parts by Machine, and Repair Kits make it easy to buy original OEM parts direct from Cretors so you have exactly what you need.
- Train staff on daily and weekly cleaning protocols to make upkeep a team effort.
At C. Cretors & Company, we’ve been designing concession equipment for over 135 years, and we know one thing for sure: well-maintained machines perform better, last longer, and keep customers coming back for more.
Need replacement parts, cleaning supplies, or professional service? Shop now or reach out to our Customer Service team—we’re here to help keep things running smooth.
Happy snacking!