Gold Medal Cotton Candy Machines

Gold Medal Cotton Candy Machines: What You Need to Know

Cotton candy is a classic fairground and concession stand staple many people enjoy served fresh. A Gold Medal cotton candy machine enables proprietors to spin light, fluffy clouds of the sugary treat right before customers' eyes. To preserve prepared candy floss for later consumption, operators can purchase airtight bags and plastic containers to seal the delicate candy away from humidity and provide a tidy takeaway option for consumers on the go.

Common Questions About Gold Medal Cotton Candy Machines

How much is a commercial cotton candy machine?

Commercial cotton candy machines are more durable than residential versions and are designed to produce higher volumes of product, so typically they're more expensive. When shopping for a Gold Medal cotton candy machine, you can expect to pay about $700 for an economy option, while models with more features and higher output cost as much as $2,000.

Another important factor to consider is how the machine will be used. If you plan to use the cotton candy machine at remote locations such as parks, fairgrounds, and community events, you may need to purchase a sneeze guard, stand, cart, or wagon as well. These accessories can run anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a thousand dollars or more. Add-ons such as pan covers, floss trees, and merchandisers can significantly increase your investment as well. Listing all the different cotton candy supplies and accessories you'll need to supplement your cotton candy machine can help you get a more accurate estimate of potential startup costs.

How can I merchandise with my Gold Medal cotton candy machine?

Gold Medal wagons and carts are available to support your cotton candy machine and facilitate mobility. These carts enable passersby to see the machine clearly and are decorated with eye-catching graphics advertising the cart's wares. Using a wagon or cart, operators can easily transport the cotton candy machine to events such as day festivals, parades, and sporting events, bringing the product to customers to promote sales.

To display premade product, cotton candy accessories, such as countertop floss trees, can hold several bags of cotton candy at eye level, enabling shoppers to select their own flavor from available options. Floor-model floss trees can hold dozens of candy floss bags and extend the display area when placed alongside a cart. Disposable plastic containers can be filled with candy fluff and stacked around the cotton candy machine for customers to choose from. A cotton candy tray can hold paper cones topped with candy floss, arranging the product to promote impulse buying.

Can I use regular sugar in my Gold Medal cotton candy machine?

Cotton candy machines are designed to work with pure granulated sugar. It's important to select a high-quality sugar that contains no added cornstarch, dextrose, or corn syrup as these additives can damage the unit. Sugar marked "free flowing" often contains additives to prevent clumping, which can cause scorching and produce a poor product texture. Similarly, brown sugar has a small amount of added molasses and won't work in your cotton candy machine.

Not all granulated sugar has the same texture, so you may want to experiment a bit to find an option that suits your needs. A medium-coarse sugar, such as sanding sugar, is a good place to start. Finer granulated sugars with very small particles may not melt effectively in the machine, so don't use caster or confectioners' sugar.

In addition to sugar coarseness, factors such as ambient temperature, humidity, and wind exposure can affect product quality. Some cotton candy machines feature adjustable heat control settings to mitigate these factors, and covers for the floss pan can be purchased separately.

How do I use a cotton candy machine?

All cotton candy machines contain swiftly moving parts as well as hot elements that produce molten sugar. Always read the machine's user manual carefully and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for setting up and using your cotton candy machine.

When choosing an area to set up your Gold Medal cotton candy machine, select a location with a flat, level surface that provides adequate support and stability to the machine. Ensure the proper electrical connections are available and verify all machine switches are turned off before connecting to a power source.

During use, operators should wear protective eyewear and keep their hands away from moving parts. Only cotton candy cones should be used to retrieve product from the machine. Never refill the machine while the motor is running.

After use, let the machine cool completely before cleaning.