Popcorn machines having popping kettles in direct fluid communication with exhaust ducts are described herein. The effluent produced as a byproduct of corn popping travels directly from the kettle into an exhaust system of the popcorn machine via an exhaust duct that extends through a kettle cover or lid. The exhaust systems can include one or more filters configured to remove smoke, odors, and/or other particulate matter before venting the effluent into the surrounding area as filtered exhaust.
