a corn popping apparatus comprising a box - like cabinet with a tiltable lid to which is attached a large metal popping kettle . when the lid is lowered the bottom of the kettle projects downwardly into the cabinet interior through a panel covering the top of the cabinet . in this lowered lid position , the kettle is heated to popping temperature by a fuel burner inside the cabinet . the opening in the panel through which the kettle projects is sealed by the bottom wall of the kettle to block undesirable venting of combustion products and heated air through the top of the cabinet . the lid and the subjacent cabinet top panel also coact to provide an air space therebetween which provides a thermal barrier . a popped corn holding vessel is detachably secured to a cabinet exterior wall to receive the kettle contents when the lid is tipped upwardly . a lid counterbalancing device is provided to reduce the time and effort required to raise the lid for kettle dumping . the cabinet includes wheels which can be pivoted between raised and ground - engaging positions .