Mighty-X Food Grade Non-Stick Silicone Candy Molds, 6 Pack

Silicone molds can be a great way to up your crafting game. Whether you’re making ornaments, candles, bath soap or candy, a mold lets you create shapes and designs you might not be able to accomplish on your own.

Silicone molds come in many shapes, sizes and designs for all your needs. But there are a few things to look at when you’re shopping for silicone molds.

First, how will you be using them? If your projects involve items you can eat, you’ll need something that’s safe for direct contact with food. Molds that are considered food-grade are typically coated or use materials that won’t leach chemicals when heated.

Consider size. Using small molds may turn out cute and tiny items, but filling many will take time. Larger molds may be offer more versatility overall. However, there’s a reason molds usually come in large trays with multiple small cavities; larger molds aren’t always as flexible, making it tougher to remove your items once they’ve cooled. Whatever size you get, you’ll want to make sure your mold is flexible enough that you can push your creations out from the bottom once they’re ready.

Color doesn’t make that much of a difference, although contrasting hues may help you get organized if you’re making separate batches that are heating and cooling at different times.

Temperature tolerance is also an important factor. You’ll want something that can tolerate cold if you plan to create foods that need to be set in a freezer. On the other hand, you may want it to be able to withstand the heat of a dishwasher or oven. Look for a mold that can handle at least 200 degrees Fahrenheit if you want to clean it in the dishwasher. For oven use, you can find molds that can withstand temperatures of 400 degrees F or more. In general, though, most silicone molds can be used at both very low and very high temperatures — just make sure you check each item before you buy.

Cleanup is another element to look at. Look for molds with nonstick coatings to avoid dealing with sticky residue that makes cleaning tough. You can use warm, soapy water to handwash most molds, but some can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

Check the construction of your silicone mold. It’s best to look for one that’s 100% silicone for the best durability and ease of use. To check for fillers, you can try the pinch test. Simply pinch the silicone between two fingers and make sure it retains its color. If it takes on a whitish shade briefly, chances are, fillers are included.

• Before you use your silicone mold for the first time, take some time to clean it. This will help remove any chemicals and other substances it encountered during manufacturing and shipping.
• Carefully check the uses of each type of mold you’re considering. Not all molds are safe for baking foods, for instance.
• Consider where you’ll work on your projects, assuming you’re not buying your molds for baking. You’ll also need a place to store your molds between uses.
• Keep in mind that as fun as novelty shapes can be, you might not find them as practical as one with a more neutral design. Molds with square or oval cavities, for instance, might be more versatile than those shaped like animals or Christmas trees.
• Molds aren’t the only thing you’ll need for your project. Make sure you’ve invested in other supplies, such as mixing bowls, mixing spoons and baking sheets.
• It can be tempting to store your silicone molds in a stack, but this can warp the surface. If possible, store them in a flat layer. If you’re transporting them, put a layer of cardboard between each mold to preserve its shape.
• You’ll usually want to let your items cool for a while before removing them. The amount of time they’ll need to rest varies from one project to another, but make sure you have a comfortable, cool place for them to stay undisturbed during this cool-off period.
• Silicone is usually safe for putting directly on the oven rack, but you might want to set it on a baking sheet before sliding it in. This can catch any spillover, rather than allowing it to drip to the bottom of your oven, where it will create a mess.