From luscious filled bon-bons to decadent truffles to fruity gummies, candy molds make every type of sweet confection possible. They range from simple squares and circles to elaborate shapes to make every kind of candy you can imagine.
Professional chefs and amateur confectioners alike appreciate a candy mold that releases easily and lasts for years. The LoBake Half Ball Shape Polycarbonate Chocolate Mold is the one trained candymakers use, and it’s the best candy mold to start learning with, too.
You start by melting chocolate in a candy pot — then where does that melted chocolate go? There are a few things to consider when choosing a candy mold.
Candy molds can be made in a variety of materials. Which you choose is largely a personal preference, but some candy molds are better for certain candies than others.
There are four basic types of candy mold.
Each of these molds can be made from a variety of materials. Your candy-making recipe might specify both the type of mold and the recommended material. For best results, follow the recipe’s direction.
Are you planning on making small-batch candies infrequently, or is your dream to open a full-fledged confectionery? Choose a mold with the number of cavities that match your goals. Keep in mind, though, that larger molds can get harder to work with. Choose a manageable mold that is easy to work with.
With many nooks and crannies, even the most complicated candy molds need to be easy to clean. Some of these molds can be washed in the dishwasher, but others must be hand washed.
The best candy molds will last for many years, through dozens of batches of candy. Look for well-made candy molds that use plastic that doesn’t feel flimsy. Silicone molds should be flexible with no odor. Aluminum candy molds will be light because of the material, but they should not have seams, flaking metal or any other imperfections.
Candy molds can be very classic and simple, but they can also come in a wide variety of fun and funky shapes.
Candy molds are available at all price points, but as prices get higher expect the quality to increase substantially. Expect to spend between $10-$20 for a candy mold.
A. Chocolate is notoriously finicky. It likes specific temperatures and no moisture, and it will react poorly to anything that doesn’t meet its specific needs.
Because chocolate is challenging, beginning candy makers should start with tempered chocolate (also called compound chocolate). This chocolate is ready to melt and add to candy molds.
Most professional bakers prefer to control everything about their candy making. This includes tempering their own couverture chocolate. Couverture chocolate needs to be brought into temper before it’s used to create the beautiful shine and distinctive snap of perfectly tempered chocolate.
A. It’s important to follow the recipe you are using exactly, but here are some general guidelines for filled chocolate candy.
LoBake Half Ball Shape Polycarbonate Chocolate Mold
What you need to know: This is the best mold for professional, quality confections.
What you’ll love: The mold has 32 cavities and is made of strong, durable polycarbonate for a professional finish on your candies. It’s dishwasher-safe and easy to use.
What you should consider: You have to prepare this candy mold properly for candies to release.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: Start your candy making off with five different molds.
What you’ll love: Each cavity is approximately 1 inch wide and ½ inch deep — the perfect size for solid confections or filled bon-bons. The silicone is easy-release, and the fun shapes are adaptable for year-round candy making. The molds hold 15 candies each, and the set includes a five-recipe ebook.
What you should consider: You have to ask for the ebook by providing your email address.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
The Silly Pops Large Gummy Bear Mold
What you need to know: Expand your candy making with these gummy bear molds.
What you’ll love: These molds feature three to five different animals to make larger than usual gummy bears, lions, monkeys, penguins or mammoths. They are safe at temperatures from -40 to 450 fahrenheit. These molds are BPA-free and make around 100 gummies.
What you should consider: Each gummy is just 1 inch tall.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Suzannah Kolbeck writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
