Flat Iron Fluffy Marshmallow Machine

Do you want a snack or dessert, but aren't sure what to do? Do you have marshmallows, stale or fresh, lying around, but no materials to make s'mores? Then this is the project for you.

This project will teach you how to turn a flat iron into a marshmallow machine.

There is an option to create an Arduino timer with a light, but it isn't required.

For S'more maker

1. Flat Iron (dollar store or thrifted, something you can easily take apart)
2. Large can (we used an 18.5 ounce)
3. Duct Tape
4. Linerless rubber splicing tape
5. An old oven mitt for insulation

Tools

1. Screwdriver
2. Drill (or some other means to cut through the top of the can)
3. Scissors

For Arduino timer (optional)

1. Arduino nano + connecting cables
2. 4 male-to-male wires
3. 330 Ω resistor
4. An LED bulb
5. Circuit Breadboard

Using a small screwdriver, take the flat iron apart. Be sure to keep the internal electronics intact and connected to the heating pieces. Then feel free to throw out/repurpose all parts except the internal electronics and heating pieces.

Use a drill or other cutting implement to cut two holes in the bottom of the can opposite each other, each large enough for the heating pieces to be inserted into. Use duct tape to smooth over sharp edges.

Insert the heating elements into the top of the can. Add duct tape to the top to keep the things in place.

Use the linerless rubber splicing tape to secure the heating elements at the bottom. Be sure to cover the parts that will get the most hot

Wire the breadboard and Arduino nano in this configuration. This will create the light that indicates the timer.

This code will be a timer, and will cause the light on top to light up.

int Marshmallow = 0 ;

void setup() {

pinMode(3, OUTPUT);

pinMode(2, INPUT);

}

void loop() {

Marshmallow = digitalRead(2) ;

if (Marshmallow == HIGH) {

digitalWrite(3, HIGH) ;

delay(180000);

digitalWrite(3, LOW);

delay(1000);

digitalWrite(3, HIGH);

delay(1000);

digitalWrite(3, LOW);

delay(1000);

}

else {

digitalWrite(3, LOW);

}

}

Cut the oven mitt in half horizontally, just under the cuff.

Sew the edges to the cut cuff closed to prevent fluff from falling our and contaminating and food.

Place the cuff upright around the can, with the cut edge on the bottom.

Tuck the Arduino into the cuff, or secure it in some other way.

Secure the cord so it won't pull the electronics off. We tied it through the oven mitt loop, then secured the connection with the linerless rubber splicing tape.

Feel free to decorate your marshmallow machine. We added a ribbon, which helps secure the Arduino timer on the side, and googley eyes, which give it personality.

Plug it in, and put in on top of a marshmallow to make it fluffy. If you made the Arduino timer, plug that in as well and press the button. If the flat iron heating components are shorter than the can, you may want to raise the marshmallow up.