We picked this up at a local antique store and thought it would look perfect in our bar. This piece was manufactured in 1955 by the Braun Manufacturing Company. The unit had seen a fair amount of use. It was rusty and I found a thousand year old cashew stuck at the bottom :). Being that this is a unit people are going to eat out of I had to sterilize the heck out of it. The cabinet required the usual prep (sanding, primer, etc.). Though I lost the “Hot” sticker that was on the original, I still think it looks great.
This unit uses heating elements in the base to warm the nuts (my heating elements are missing). These were usually on the counter of merchants like gas stations and deli’s, not necessarily bars. It’s funny that the unit indicates cost per hand full because there is no coin mechanism. I assume patrons paid the merchant directly before taking their “hand full” of warm salty nuts. I am sure this will see a lot of use in our bar.
Click Image to Enlarge
Hepcats Haven 
“Hepcat”?!?! Where did you even learn that word? GREAT job on the Nut Hut! You two are just THE coolest cats – waaay too hip to hop! ;- ) GREAT site – keep it comin! ((HUGS))
~Vickie~
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I heard it some where, can’t remember. Thought it was cool though. Its been a blast posting on here and sharing my point of view. I hope everyone enjoys it.
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do you sell parts for “little nut huts”?
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Hello,
Unfortunately I do not have parts for these machines.
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Question…If you’d please be so kind.
I’m trying to fix one for the American Legion hall by my house. Wasn’t working when I was asked to look at it. The sliders were not working properly, and the bottom of the unit was packed with nuts. If I give you my email address, is there any way you could possibly take a picture of the slider mechanism? I’m having a hard time trying to find any support, or info on replacement parts due to it’s age. Seems so simple, but I’ve run into a wall. I’m thinking someone monkeyed w/ it over the years, put it together incorrectly, and has left me scratching my head.
Please let me know, and many thanks.
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I will send you photos ASAP!
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Hello,
Just wanted to follow up and say thank you very much. Nice to know there’s still people out there that will take a few minutes out of ones busy day to help someone. I can already tell what the issue is just by looking at these pics, and I look forward to getting it in working order again!
Again, greatly appreciated.
Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays,
Cullen
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My pleasure. I wish you luck and I hope you have a great Christmas!
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Just purchased a “Little Nut Hut” on ebay…they said it “works” but, when I was cleaning it his weekend & noticed that when you slide the bar out to bring the nuts forward, the rest of the nuts would just fall through to the back of the machine. There is a little hinged flap that looks like it is in the wrong position but I wonder what the right position is? HELP! My boyfriend now believes I’m an idiot. 🙂
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Hi Darcy-you’re not an idiot..lol. Check out the pictures I posted of the inside of the nut hut under the following link. Maybe this will help show you the correct position.
http://hepcatrestorations.com/dear-hepcat/
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THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! The slides were upside down!
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The little light bulb does not heat the NUTS! there are heaters below the hopper that stores the product. Too many people install bigger bulbs at the top, which eventually damages the red roof.
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Thanks thats good to know.
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Do you know if there are heating coils available–or a suitable substitute?
I have aquired a nice Nut Hut, but the heating coils have been removed.
Thanks
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Rodney: I have 2 nut huts, both have heating coils under metal storage area where nuts lay. There is a coil for each side. The light is not to heat the nuts. Try buying another from ebay and use for parts. These were made in the 1955 era, so parts are probably not available unless you get real lucky. Good lucky Rodney. Tim
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You are exactly rught, I have one I restored there are electric coils under the metal storage part.
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Would anyone have the red top to this little red nut hut? Mine is damaged and would like to purchase the top, please e-mail me directly beuregard@hotmail.com if you have one you or anyone would like to sell. Thanks
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I just scored one of these very machines at a local little consignment shop, all parts are present (with the exception of the signs) and in perfect working order, heating elements and all. Anyone know where I can score any of the original signs for the machine? I’d like to keep it all original before I restore or possibly sell. There is surprisingly little on the internet about this machine. All I know is that is circa 1955 Braun Mfg. Anyone know what a possible value on this machine might be?
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Does anyone know where to buy one of these? My uncle had one when I was younger and it brings back fond memories. I would love one for my basement.
Thanks!
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Hi Rich,
We have one for sale, but it is missing the heating coils.
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I would be interested in it if you still have it.
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Hi Sarah.
Yes, we still have it.
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Mine works perfectly and i would consider selling. Email me at Madbradsen70@Yahoo.com
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Do you still have this available for sale?
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Hi Sarah,
Yes we do. Are you located in Sacramento?
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Mine works, has coils and light all original. Willing to sell. Email if interested Madbradsen70@Yahoo.com
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kvwr, you dont by chance still have your little nut hut? and are u still interested in selling it?
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Yes, we’re selling it for $225.
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how long is it supposed to take to heat the nuts?
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I don’t know Jeff..our heating element never worked.
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I do not use my Nut Hut on a regular basis(mouths, need I say more) so when I fill it & turn it in, I’d say the nuts are hot in 15-20 minutes or so. Mouths eating my cashews…..😧
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My father used to own 30 or so of these as a home business in the 1960’s to 1980’s. He placed them mostly in local bars and serviced them on a Saturday. For the most part they sat behind bars on the bar backs and the bartenders “vended” them to customers at a quarter a pop for a handful of nuts. Dad usually sold cashews and mixed nuts in 2-3lb bags, and gave the bar a supply of paper soufflé cups to hold the serving. Our job as kids was to way the machines and bag the nuts. Not a ton of profit, but good cash flow to support the family; plus it gave dad an excuse to visit 20 bars on a Saturday.
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I am looking for an original Little Nut Hut like they used to have in bars in 1950s. Can anyone out there help me?
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Hi Pam. We have one for sale. Let me know if you’re still interested and I’ll quote you price/shipping etc. unless you’re local to Sacramento, California. You can find it at the shop.
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If Pam is not interested in the one you have for sale could you maybe quote me one for elk horn Wisconsin I asked about these awhile ago but never saw any mail from you getting back to me thanks Natalie lovato naughtynat72@hotmail.com
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Hi. It looks like the heating element is not working. Let me know if you’re still interested.
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Hepcat, Are you able to update the link to interior pictures of the little nut hut from above? Or create a new link? Thank you
Tinkering in Phoenix
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Hi Peter. Upon further examination, I found that mine is actually incomplete. It’s missing the interior heating element.
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Does anyone know where I can get a 1940’s Atwater Kent console restored?
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Do you know where i can get a diagram of the nut hut , haveing trouble with the dispensing parts , not sure what we are
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Hi there,
We just purchased a little nut hut. I’ve always loved them. It did not come with any useful instructions. Can you tell me if the little light bulb is supposed to stay on constantly while the machine is on! On our unit it keeps going out….we were thinking maybe it’s supposed to do that. Please help.
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