A cotton candy maker works by melting sugar and then spinning it rapidly through tiny holes, creating fine strands that solidify in the air and can be collected to form the fluffy treat.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Heating the Sugar: The heart of a cotton candy machine is a spinning head that contains a heating element. You pour granulated sugar, or even hard candy pieces, into the center of this head.
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Melting: The heating element heats the sugar to a high temperature, causing it to liquefy.
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Spinning and Extrusion: The spinning head rotates at a high speed. Centrifugal force pushes the melted sugar outward. The head has tiny holes or apertures around its perimeter. The liquid sugar is forced through these tiny holes.
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Solidification: As the molten sugar is ejected through the holes, it immediately hits the cooler air outside the spinning head. This rapid cooling causes the liquid sugar to solidify into thin, hair-like strands.
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Collection: These fine strands of sugar are flung outward into a large bowl surrounding the spinning head. You can then use a cone or stick to collect the strands, twirling it around to gather the cotton candy. The constant spinning and collecting build the familiar fluffy texture.
In short, the machine melts sugar and then forces it out in fine strands that solidify as they cool, allowing you to gather it into the fluffy confection we know as cotton candy.
