Abstract: An automatic dispenser and a method to operate the same dispenses food prepacked in packets, particularly popcorn. The dispenser includes a frame with at least one conveying unit, at least a microwave oven and a collecting container mounted on the frame, the conveying unit being positioned above the oven and the container under the oven. The microwave oven includes at least a top inlet door and a bottom outlet door, the packets being fed one-by-one into the inlet door by way of the conveying unit, and dropping out from the outlet door into the collecting container.