Making your own custom chocolate candies using chocolate molds is a great way to add a personal touch to a special event or occasion.  Making chocolates with chocolate molds is easy and can be done in a short amount of time.  There are also many different shapes and designs available to meet just about any occasion.

There are some different types of chocolate molds available on the market that are made from different materials and because of this they have different characteristics.  Here is a brief synopsis of the chocolate molds available on the market and information about how they perform.

Plastic Molds – The most common chocolate molds are made of clear plastic.  They are the least expensive and are meant for craft and hobby users who only make small amounts of chocolates.  The type of plastic and thickness will vary a little bit from maker to maker.
   
Silicone Rubber Molds – Rubber molds are a little more expensive than plastic molds and are very popular with artisan style pasty chefs. Because they are made of silicone they are flexible and can handle higher temperatures than plastic chocolate molds.  This makes them useful for making other treats as well.

Polycarbonate Plastic Molds – Polycarbonate chocolate molds are sometimes called European chocolate molds because many of them are made in Europe.  They may also be referred to as professional quality molds, or confectionery grade molds.  They are typically the most expensive molds available.  These molds are very strong, are easy to use, provide a high gloss finish and last the longest of any of the different kinds of chocolate molds.  Most professional chocolatiers and pastry chefs prefer these types of chocolate molds.

Magnetic Molds – Magnetic chocolate molds are commonly used in making artisan chocolates or chocolates with logos.  They normally come in two parts and are used with chocolate transfer sheets to create graphic designs on top of the chocolates.  First, the transfer sheet is applied to one side of the mold, then both parts are held together with magnets, and the chocolate is cast.  After the chocolates set, the graphic design is transferred to the individual chocolate pieces.

Metal Molds – Before plastic and rubber molds were developed chocolate molds were normally made from metal.  You normally won’t find metal molds being manufactured any more, but don’t throw your old ones out just yet.  The actually have significant value among antique collectors.

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Fun with Candy Molds

If you are looking for something fun to do for an upcoming holiday or special event try your hand at making special candies using candy molds.  Making candy or other treats with candy molds is also a great activity for the kids and can be a fun way to spend family time.

Candy molds are typically made from plastic, rubber or metal depending on the type of candy they are meant to be used for and come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. 

Here are just a few examples of the many different candy molds that are available:

Valentines Candy Molds: Hearts, Roses, I Love You Sign, Teddy Bears, Flowers, Cherubs, L-O-V-E

Nautical Theme Candy Molds: Sea Shells, Seahorses, Starfish, Light House, Mermaids

Birthday Candy Molds: Birthday Bears, “40″ Lollipops, Sweet 16 Lollipops, Balloons, Cake, Gift Box

Father’s Day Candy Molds: DAD, Happy Fathers Day Bar, Necktie, Cigars, Boots

New Baby Candy Molds: Baby Bottle, Rattle, It’s a Girl, It’s a Boy, Diapers, Baby Feet, Stork

This is just scratching the surface when it comes to the many different shapes and designs that are available in candy molds.  Not only are there many different shapes and sizes of candy molds, they can also be used for many different uses besides just making candy.

Candy molds can also be used for making ice cubes or sugar cubes for special events.  They can also be used to make cream cheese or mints or jello for special treats.  Some people even use candy molds to make rice crispie treats or decorations out of plaster. 

Candy molds that are designed for different uses are made from different materials such as clear plastic, rubber or metal.  Some are designed to make molded chocolates; others are designed to make hard candy and suckers.  These latter molds are made of material that can withstand heat so that you can pour the hot candy right into the mold.

Using different colors of candy and different ingredients you can even come up with candies for different color schemes for a wedding or to match a sporting teams uniforms.

The molds that are designed to tolerate heat can be used for making cookies or little cakes or even for soap making.  There is no end to the ways in which candy molds can be used to make an event more personalized and special.

Other ideas for using candy molds: Fondant, Gum Paste, Cinnamon, Cement, Modeling Clays, Candles, Sidewalk Chalk, Play dough, etc.  The sky is the limit when it comes to working with candy molds.

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This is a first quality, tough plastic mold. It is durable and reusable. It is not machine washable. This Thanksgiving candy mold is suitable for chocolate and soap making as well as plaster and concrete crafting. FDA approved.

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Many people consider the best chocolate molds to be the molds made from polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a form of plastic that is recognized for its durability and capacity to withstand heat.  Chocolate molds are made from a special type of polycarbonate plastic that is approved for contact with food by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

Polycarbonate chocolate molds do cost more than regular hobby grade molds, but they will last a lot longer and produce a higher quality finished chocolate candy.  The completed candies come out of the mold more easily and end up with a high quality finish.

They can also be used with other materials for making special treats or decorations.  Although the majority of polycarbonate chocolate molds are made in Europe, there are some companies in the United States that manufacture them.

If you plan on using chocolate molds for a commercial purpose or for a long production run, you should seriously consider buying polycarbonate chocolate molds.

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