System and method for managing a popcorn popping process

A popcorn machine, comprising:

• a kettle pivotable between a home position and a dumping position;
• a motor operatively coupled to the kettle and configured to rotate the kettle between the home position and the dumping position;
• a position detection system configured to detect when the kettle approaches the dumping position;
• and
• a controller communicatively coupled to the motor and the position detection system, the controller configured to:
• control the motor to rotate the kettle from the home position toward the dumping position at a first speed;
• receive a signal from the position detection system when the kettle approaches the dumping position;
• reduce the rotational speed of the kettle from the first speed to a second speed that is slower than the first speed when the kettle approaches the dumping position;
• and
• stop the kettle at the dumping position.

A popcorn machine, comprising:

• a kettle pivotable to a dumping position;
• a drive assembly operatively coupled to the kettle and configured to automatically pivot the kettle to the dumping position;
• a sensor system configured to determine that a popping process is complete;
• and
• a controller communicatively coupled to the drive assembly and the sensor system, the controller configured to:
• receive a signal from the sensor system indicating that the popping process is complete;
• activate the drive assembly to automatically pivot the kettle to the dumping position;
• enter a dump mode after the kettle reaches the dumping position;
• and
• oscillate the kettle while in the dump mode to facilitate emptying of contents from the kettle.