Which candy mold is the best?
From succulent bon-bons filled with decadent truffles to fruity gummy candies, candy molds make all types of sweet confectionery possible. They range from simple squares and circles to elaborate shapes to make all kinds of candy you can imagine.
Professional chefs and amateur confectioners appreciate a candy mold that releases easily and lasts for years. The LoBake Half Ball Polycarbonate Chocolate Mold is the one that skilled confectioners use, and it’s also the best candy mold to start learning.
What to know before buying a candy mold
You start by melting the chocolate in a candy box – so where is this melted chocolate going? There are a few things to consider when choosing a candy mold.
Materials
Candy molds can be made from a variety of materials. The choice you choose is largely a personal preference, but some candy molds are better for certain candies than others.
- Clear Plastic: These molds are perfect for budget confectioners. They can be used for chocolate candy, but other uses include bath bombs and soap making. These cannot be heated at all.
- White Plastic: White plastic molds offer the same use as clear, but can be heated up to 350 degrees. This means that they are not only suitable for candy, but can also be used for hotter liquids like melted wax.
- Silicone: Flexible silicone molds are versatile and easy to use. They can be baked and easily release most candy. However, if your candies are not perfectly cooled or if your chocolate is not well tempered, the candies will not come off cleanly.
- Polycarbonate: This is the gold standard for chocolate makers. The rigid polycarbonate allows candy makers to produce beautifully detailed and elaborate designs, and the clear view means you can tell when the candy has set.
- Aluminum: Aluminum candy molds are used almost exclusively for making hard candy.
Types of candy mold
There are four basic types of candy molds.
- Flat candy molds
- Resin candy molds
- 3D candy molds
- Hollow candy molds
Each of these molds can be made from a variety of materials. Your candy-making recipe may specify both the type of mold and the recommended material. For best results, follow the recipe directions.
Amount of candy
Do you plan to make sweets in small quantities every now and then, or do you dream of opening a full-fledged confectionery? Choose a mold with the number of cavities that matches your goals. Keep in mind, however, that larger molds can be more difficult to work with. Choose a handy mold that is easy to work with.
What to look for in a quality candy mold
Easy to clean
With many nooks and crannies, even the most complicated candy molds should be easy to clean. Some of these molds can be washed in the dishwasher, but others must be hand washed.
Sustainable
The best candy molds will last for many years, through dozens of lots of candy. Look for well-made candy molds that use plastic that doesn’t look brittle. Silicone molds should be flexible and odorless. Aluminum candy molds will be light because of the material, but they shouldn’t have any seams, chipped metal, or other imperfections.
Fun shapes
Candy molds can be very classic and simple, but they can also come in a wide variety of fun and funky shapes.
How much you can expect to spend on candy molds
Candy molds are available at all prices, but as the prices go up, expect the quality to increase dramatically. Expect to spend between $ 10 and $ 20 on a candy mold.
Candy mold faqs
What’s the best chocolate to use in a candy mold?
A. Chocolate is notoriously finicky. He likes specific temperatures and no humidity, and he will react badly to anything that doesn’t meet his specific needs.
Because chocolate is a challenge, beginner candy makers should start with tempered chocolate (also known as compound chocolate). This chocolate is ready to melt and add to candy molds.
Most professional bakers prefer to control everything in their candy making. This includes tempering their own couverture chocolate. The couverture chocolate should be tempered before use to create the beautiful shine and distinctive pop of perfectly tempered chocolate.
How do you use candy molds?
A. It’s important to follow exactly the recipe you use, but here are some general guidelines for filled chocolate candies.
- Melt your chocolate and add it to the mold.
- Turn the candy mold over to allow all of the chocolate to drip off, leaving a thin, even layer in the mold.
- Use a scraper to remove excess chocolate from the outside of the cavities.
- Let harden completely, then add your filling just below the rim of the cavity.
- Gently add a cap of chocolate, tap on the counter to remove air bubbles and level with the scraper.
- Let harden completely, then invert the mold on waxed paper and pat to release the chocolates.
What are the best candy molds to buy?
Top candy mold
LoBake Half Ball Polycarbonate Chocolate Mold
What would you like to know: It is the best mold for professional quality confections.
What you will love: The mold has 32 cavities and is made of strong, durable polycarbonate for a professional finish on your candies. It is dishwasher safe and easy to use.
What you should consider: You have to prepare this candy mold correctly for the candies to come out.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
Best candy mold for the money
What would you like to know: Start your candy making with five different molds.
What you will love: Each cavity is approximately 1 inch wide and ½ inch deep – the perfect size for solid candies or goodies. The silicone is easy to release, and the fun shapes are adaptable for year-round candy making. The molds each contain 15 candies and the set includes an ebook of five recipes.
What you should consider: You must request the ebook by providing your email address.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
To be checked
The Silly Pops Large Gelatin Bear Mold
What would you like to know: Expand your candy making with these gummy bear molds.
What you will love: These molds feature three to five different animals to make cubs, lions, monkeys, penguins or mammoths larger than usual. They are safe in temperatures of -40 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. These molds are BPA free and produce around 100 candies.
What you should consider: Each eraser is only 1 inch high.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
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Suzannah kolbeck written for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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