Popcorn machines and methods of making and using the same

A side panel for a popcorn machine comprising:

• at least one transparent portion;
• a first vertical rail that is connected along an edge of the at least one transparent portion and further comprises a portion of a hinge that is configured for pivotal connection to the popcorn machine;
• a second vertical rail that is connected along an opposed edge of the at least one transparent portion and that further comprises a latch;
• and
• wherein the latch is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

A popcorn machine having at least one side panel having edge lighting comprising:

• an upper unit spaced from and above a base unit;
• a plurality of columns being spaced apart and connected to the upper and base units;
• at least three side panels that extend within the respective spaces located between the upper and base units and between spaced apart columns;
• at least one of the side panels further comprising a transparent portion and having a channel connected to an edge of the transparent portion;
• and
• a lighting element configured to be located within the channel and to shine light through the edge of the transparent portion of the side panel.