Hard Candy Molds: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

This guide covers all information you’re looking for about hard candy molds.

So, before choosing a mold for your small scale candy making equipment or the normal candy making machine, read this guide.

Which are the Available Types of Hard Candy Molds?

Hard candy mould

Ideally, hard candy molds refer to designs often made of white opaque plastic material and are generally less flexible.

They are quite a number, but the commonly used types include the following;

• White plastic molds – You can use them to temperatures above 350°F, thus ideal to use in the oven and hard candy.

• Silicone molds –Quite versatile and easy to use. They are also flexible, durable, and thus beneficial in many applications.

• Polycarbonate molds – Are made designed from a sturdy thermoplastic material known as polycarbonate.

They are rigid, thus brings out finest detail and design to hard candy. Experts mostly use these molds for professional results, and they also improve the candy-making experience.

• Aluminum molds – Relatively durable and yields excellent results, thus a worthy investment in hardy candy craft.

All these types of hard candy molds are available in different shapes, designs, and sizes depending on your requirements.

You can thus get customized pieces based on your specific requirements.

Can you Make Hard Candy without Molds?

Yes.

There are a number of alternatives you can explore when making hard candy without molds.

First, you can decide to pour the hot candy on a relatively heat-resistant surface or a greased cookie sheet.

Allow the candy to cool slightly, then score it into a checkerboard pattern using a sharp knife.

Let the candy cool, then breaking it into somewhat smaller square pieces.

Alternatively, you can pour the candy into a cookie sheet filled with powdered sugar.

Allow it to cool a bit, then use a pair of well-oiled scissors to cut the relatively warm candy.

Using powdered sugar, in this case, presents two main benefits, which include the following;

• It allows the hard candy to maintain warmth and pliability for a more extended period.

• Powdered sugar serves as cushioning material. As such, it cuts candy to be pillow-like rather than flat.

In short, it is possible to make hard candy without molds, but you need to be highly meticulous to attain desirable results.

What is the Difference between Hard Candy Mold and Chocolate Mold?

Hard candy mold is made from a white opaque material, whether plastic or metallic, and it’s usually less flexible.

It exhibits better heat resistance of up to 350°F and above, thus can withstand hot liquid common with hard candy.

Hard candy mold is also rigid, durable thus ideal for bringing out the most delicate details of the hard candy.

On the other hand, chocolate mold is somewhat flexible and often made from a relatively soft and clear plastic material.

You can use chocolate molds in chocolate making machines.

Generally, this type of mold is translucent and can only withstand heat to a moderate temperature.

Ideally, you can use hard candy molds to make chocolates, but you cannot use chocolate molds to make hard candy.

How Does Flexible Plastic Candy Mold and Hard Candy Mold Compare?

Flexible plastic candy molds are made specifically for soft candies, including chocolate, caramel, cream cheese, butter mints, etc.

They have relatively low heat resistance thus can only withstand moderate temperature to a specific extent.

Pliability of these designs of candy molds enables you to make softer candies.

You can also twist the mold to release the candies without the products.

Alternatively, you can clean them by hand using hot soapy water and rinse them with warm water.

On the other hand, you can use hard candy molds for both soft and hard candies,

The materials used for manufacturing hard candy molds exhibit incredible heat resistance.

Thus, they can tolerate hot liquids of high temperatures of up to 350°F and above without deforming.

Hard candy molds are rigid thus can bring out best details of your mold patterns.

These designs are dishwasher safe, but you can as well clean them by hand using hot water and recommended detergents.

Hard candy mould

What is the Standard Size of Hard Candy Mold?

There is no absolute standard size of hard candy mold.

Generally, this item is available in different designs, patterns, and shapes, making it somehow difficult to proclaim a particular size.

For instance, the size is primarily determined by the actual dimensions of the ultimate hard candy you are producing.

Moreover, you can also find customized designs, which often come in different sizes based on your demands and preferences.

Nevertheless, the average material thickness for hard candy mold ranges from 3mm to 8mm.

How do you Prepare Hard Candy Mold before Use?

When planning to use a hard candy mold, it is always fundamental to prepare it appropriately to get the best results.

The preparation process involves thoroughly handwashing the mold in warm and soapy water then drying it.

Immediately the mold dries, spray its cavities lightly using a cooking spray.

However, if the excessive cooking spray accumulates in cavities, just wipe the excess with a paper towel.

What is the Process of Making Candy Using Hard Candy Mold?

When making candy using hard candy mold, here is the primary process you ought to use;

• Spray your preferred hard candy molds and inside of the candy funnel using a cooking spray. This is part of the mold preparation process before using it.

• Make a batch of hard candy using your preferred recipe, color, and flavor as a way of creating a unique candy.

• Pour the hot candy syrup in a ready funnel with a stopper, which covers the hole.

• Lift the stopper slightly to allow an adequate amount of hot syrup to flow into all the sprayed mold cavities.

If you are making lollipops, place the stick immediately before the hot syrup starts to set.

• Allow the syrup to set and cool to room temperature without refrigerating it.

• Immediately the syrup cools down, and candy becomes hard, release the candy from the mold.

It is quite a straightforward process as such.

Can you Reuse Hard Candy Mold?

Yes.

You can reuse hard candy mold as many times as possible as long as it is still in pristine condition.

Ideally, all you need is to make sure you wash the mold in relatively hot water after releasing the candy.

Furthermore, you need to store it in a cool and dry place until the next project.

What is the Number of Cavities in Each Hard Candy Mold?

It depends on numerous variables.

The actual size of the mold is a fundamental determinant of the specific quantities it can hold.

Essentially, the larger the mold, the more cavities it is likely to have.

Secondly, the specific pattern of the mold you are creating determines the number of cavities in each hard mold.

Some patterns tend to occupy smaller spaces within the mold hence would make more cavities.

On the contrary, there are patterns, which tend to take bigger spaces hence would make fewer cavities on the mold.

Also, the customization input tends to influence the number of cavities in a mold.

You can always decide the design by customizing your mold to suit the specific number of cavities ideal for your needs.

Generally, there is no exact number of cavities for a specific hard candy mold.

It depends on many factors, including the ones mentioned above.

How do you Make Layered Candy Using Hard Candy Mold?

Essentially, layered candy tends to look like it has striped sides.

To make this type of candy using hard candy mold, you need to melt two or more candy colors and place them in disposable decorating bags.

Pipe in the desired preferred number of layers.

Make sure you tap the mold after every layer to ensure you release any air bubbles, then allow it to cool and set.

If you need a different look, you may choose to experiment with propping the mold at an angle while it cools.

Are Hard Candy Molds made Using Safe Food-Grade Material?

 Hard candy mould

Yes.

Hard candy molds come in direct contact with the candies in the entire production process.

Therefore, the materials used for making the molds must comply with all health and safety requirements.

These materials are BPA-free, which is critical because BPA is toxic and can cause different cancerous, coronary, and respiratory illnesses.

Most quality and safety agencies, which approve suitability of these molds, also ensure they are made from food-grade materials.

How do you Prevent Candy from Sticking on Hard Candy Mold?

Make sure you wash your hard candy molds scrupulously.

This should be at least one day earlier than when you are planning to use the mold.

Dry the molds using a clean towel and air dry them overnight to ensure there is no moisture, debris, or any foreign substance on the surface.

Technically, a cleaner hard candy mold surface prevents candy from sticking to the mold.

So the trick is always ensuring the surface is thoroughly clean and dry at least one day to the candy-making day.

Can you Use Soap on Hard Candy Mold?

Yes.

However, it is not necessarily recommended.

Most soaps contain a compound, which is prone to reducing the glossiness appearance of the final product.

Secondly, some hard candy mold materials tend to be relatively absorbent.

Therefore, they can easily absorb soapy water during cleaning.

When this happens, there is a high likelihood that the taste would transfer to your candies.

How Long Does it Take Candy to Set up in Hard Candy Mold?

Generally, it is dependent on two major elements, which include the following;

Mold size – Ideally, smaller molds often take a shorter time for candy to set up than medium or large hard candy molds.

Type of ingredients –Some ingredients require heating of the syrup to higher temperatures, whereas others only require moderate temperature.

In such instances, the former will take more time to set up in the hard candy mold compared to the latter.

Are Hard Candy Molds Dishwasher Safe?

Not necessarily.

It is not recommended to wash hard candy molds on a dishwasher.

While they are hardy and can endure the heat produced by the machine, the detergent used with the dishwasher may certainly etch them.

Moreover, a dishwasher is also likely to leave permanent residue marks on the surface or cavities of hard candy molds.

Can you Make Mixed-Color Candy Using Hard Candy Mold?

Yes.

In this case, you’ll need to use plastic bristle paintbrushes to paint different colors in your hard candy mold.

Bristle paintbrushes are preferred because regular options often leave behind fine hairs and are ruined during hardening of the candy.

While at it, paint different colors inside the hard candy mold using colored candy coatings.

If you need a few chips of each color, you may buy a rainbow mix bag or buy individual colors.

In a dabbing motion, paint the areas inside the mold where you’d wish to apply the color using a plastic bristled candy brush.

Allow each color to dry before applying the next and repeat the same process when using subsequent colors, if any.

Determine the thickness by holding the mold up to the light. If you can see through the hard candy, then add another coat.

Let the mold cool off in the refrigerator for a few minutes.

Once the mold cools off, pour melted candy coatings over the top of your painted design the fill the top.

It gives you a solid colored base, which you’ll allow to harden in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.

Should you Spray Hard Candy Mold before Filling?

Not necessarily.

It is not recommended to spray hard candy before molding unless you are filling extremely sticky ingredients.

The most important thing, in this case, is making sure your hard candy molds are sufficiently clean and dry before filling them.

What’s the Difference between Plastic Hard Candy and Silicone Hard Candy Molds?

Silicone hard candy mould

 Plastic hard candy mould

Ideally, most plastic hard candy molds are reusable, relatively easy to wash, and are available in numerous varieties.

It is also easy to release the remaining candy from a plastic hard candy mold by a simple flex.

On the other hand, silicone hard candy molds are comparatively expensive but tend to be dishwasher safe.

Do you Manufacture 3D Hard Candy Mold?

Yes.

You can find different varieties of 3D hard candy mold, both standard, and customized designs.

This is essential since it makes it easy when making 3D hard candies.

Can you Produce Different Shapes of Candy with Hard Candy Mold?

Different shapes of hard candy mould

Yes.

Hard candy molds come in different designs.

You can find multi-patterned hard candy molds designed to produce molds of different shapes.

How do you Fill Hard Candy Mold?

To attain best results when filling hard candy mold, fill each cavity less than half full.

While at it, use a decorator brush to color the sides to the top section until you can hardly see through it.

Let it cool for a few minutes, then allow the candy to set.

Now you can start filling each cavity with your preferred ingredient, but you have to ensure it is cold or room temperature.

Extremely hot filling can melt the molds.

Leave about 1/8 inch below the edge.

Top it off using the rest of the melted candy.

Tap the hard candy mold to release air bubbles, let it cool then set.

Wait for a few minutes until the mold’s bottom appears fully frosted over if the hard candy is not releasing quickly.

Can Hard Candy Mold Withstand High Temperatures?

Yes.

The materials used for manufacturing hard candy mold have incredible tolerance to high temperatures.

Moreover, they have strong dimensional stability; hence the surface cannot alter or deform even when hot liquid is poured on them.

Why are Stainless Steel Hard Candy Molds the Best?

Ideally, stainless steel is a food-grade material making it a suitable choice for making hard candy molds.

It is incredibly stable and can endure different environmental conditions and abuse, likely to be subjected to making hard candy.

Stainless steel exhibits excellent tensile strength, incredible heat resistance, and it’s appealing to the eye.

Notably, this material features anti-bacterial compounds; it is easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for hard candy molds.

In general, stainless steel meets all the health, safety, and reliability requirements for making hard candy molds.

How Should you Store Hard Candy Mold?

The best place for storing hard candy mold is a clean and dry place.

This should be away from sun and protected from dust.

Essentially, such an environment is ideal for storing hard candy mold and can see the last for quite a considerable period in good condition.

Are Plastic Hard Candy Molds BPA Free?

Yes.

Plastic hard candy molds will hardly emit toxic compounds in your hard candy.

And this is necessary because BPA can be dangerous when exposed to hot candy liquid or syrup.

Essentially, this compound is harmful to humans and can lead to a wide range of respiratory, cancerous, and coronary diseases.

How do you Clean Hard Candy Mold?

Technically, hard candy mold should be dry, clean, and polished before each use.

Always wash this component using hot water and ensure you clean by hands and not necessarily by dishwasher.

Importantly, never soak these molds in soapy water since some materials are somewhat porous and can easily absorb the soap.

Moreover, soapy water can also reduce the shininess of your ultimate product. The soap may also etch the mold cavities.

Polishing the cavities of the hard candy molds is also recommended.

If the cavities are somewhat dull, the hard candies will also be lack the ideal gloss.

Therefore, ensure you dry and polish the molds right away.

Can you Use Hard Candy Mold to Make other Types of Confectionery?

Yes.

Hard candy mold is relatively versatile, making it easy to use it to make other confectionery.

The most critical element is ensuring you are using the right ingredients mixed in correct proportions.

Some of the confectionery you can make using this type of mold include soft candy, toffees, marshmallows, and lollipops among others.

Are there Custom Hard Candy Molds?

Yes.

You can always find a variety of customized hard candy molds.

In this case, you need to provide your design prototype to the manufacturer for approval and subsequent manufacturing.

Custom hard candy molds are suitable since they enable you to attain the specific pattern, size, and shape of candy matching your needs.

Which are the Quality Standards for Hard Candy Mold?

Given hard candy molds are used explicitly for making confectioneries, it is fundamental that they meet stipulated health and safety standards.

Several quality standard certifications are used on these components depending on the region and target market.

Nevertheless, the commonly used ones include the following;

Food and Drug Administration

Often known as FDA, it refers to a federal agency in the US responsible for safeguarding public health.

In this case, FDA ensures all the hard candy molds used, especially within the American border, meet safety, health, and efficacy requirements.

This quality standard certification is essential since it enforces production and use of superior quality molds.

cGMP

It is an abbreviation for current Good Manufacturing Practices.

Ideally, this refers to practices needed to comply with the guidelines recommended by different agencies.

Most of these agencies regulate authorization and certification of manufacturing and selling of different components, including hard candy molds.

cGMP, in this case, guarantees consistency in quality and safety of the processed products.

ASTM

This is an international standards organization responsible for developing and publishing voluntary consensus for various components and materials.

It is a dominant quality standard certification, especially in the USA.

However, it is also acceptable in different parts of the world as a reputable quality standard certification.

SGS

It is a quality standardization agency responsible for verifying, testing, and inspecting many products, including hard candy molds.

The essence is to ensure quality standards are met satisfactorily.

What is the Lifespan of Hard Candy Molds?

Technically, the specific lifespan of hard candy molds is determined by cleaning and maintenance frequency.

Usage is another determinant factor of actual lifespan of this component.

Also, the specific material used for manufacturing the mold influences its overall durability.

For instance, polycarbonate and stainless steel hard candy molds are likely to last longer than plastic sheet molds.

Moreover, the particular operating conditions they are subjected to regularly also determine the lifespan of these components.

Nevertheless, when all factors remain constant, properly used, and taken good care of, these candy molds can last over 20 years.

What is the Hard Candy Mold Cost in China?

Silicone hard candy moulds

It depends on a host of variables.

First, the specific type of material used for making the molds determines the actual cost.

Mostly, stainless steel and polycarbonate hard candy molds tend to be relatively expensive than other available materials.

Of course, this is because the materials mentioned above exhibit better technical properties and can endure different harsh conditions.

Another cost-determining element is the design of hard candy mold you are purchasing.

Technically, a custom design is costlier than a standard design.

The former entails comparatively more work and cost to design and manufacture than the latter.

In China, the quantity of hard candy molds you are purchasing at any specific time also influences the price.

Most manufacturers often provide higher discounts on purchasing more quantities and vice versa.

And importantly, the specific manufacturer or brand you are buying in China is another fundamental determinant of cost.

Some companies have an incredible reputation as far as quality of the hard candy molds they manufacture is concerned.

In general, there is no specific cost of these molds in the market. Numerous factors, including the aforementioned ones, determine them.

You can contact us for all your hard candy molds.