Seriously thinking about individual molds (oven-able)

[Maythorn]

I started the search and I think that Milky Way molds can't go in the oven if you want to gell. That would mean silicone molds would be necessary. I like to cut slabs and loaves but I think I'm going to try individuals too.

Can anyone suggest 4-5 oz square or rectangle bars that you think highly of or if you haven't tried them, at least think they'd work for gell and not-gell both? I'd like to make 2 lbs of soap at a time, I guess.

Thanks!

 

[ToniD]

I have the crafters choice oval molds from wsp, that I like a lot. They have rectangle ones too. I don't know if they are cheaper somewhere else now, since they are pretty expensive now at wsp.

Brambleberry has a square individual cavity silicone mold. I don't own it, but I borrowed it from a friend a time or two and like it.

 

[AlchemyandAshes]

These are my favorite individual molds:
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.co...e™+Square+-+Basic+-+GLOSSY+Silicone+Mold+1605

 

[paillo]

Brambleberry has some very reasonably priced and fabulous silicone molds. I use these two all the time and love, love, love them.
Ovals http://www.brambleberry.com/12-Bar-Oval-Silicone-Mold-P5215.aspx,
Squares http://www.brambleberry.com/12-Bar-Square-Silicone-Mold-P4908.aspx
and i gotta order this one for rounds http://www.brambleberry.com/12-Bar-Round-Silicone-Mold-P5214.aspx

and nobody asked, but this is my new favorite mold of all time, with the silicone insert. never will i line molds again!
http://www.brambleberry.com/5-Lb-Wood-Log-Mold-with-velcro-straps-P3612.aspx

 

[Maythorn]

Thank you! They are all just gorgeous. I've never made a bar over about 5 oz but I like that mold that would make big, chunky bars. I know with individual molds you have to do the freezer to get them out smoothly. I never tried it with a log mold to see if the paper would pull away more nicely but I suppose you could.

With round bars you wrap with a round piece of paper and then top it off with a round label I guess. Oval seems like it would be best in boxes.

The good thing about exploring and not getting committed into anything because you're not selling yet, is you get to see what works for you. I like Milky Way molds and some of the molds are so pretty and dear but I'm sure the oven would damage them. At Peaks I saw some curled up kitty ones MW's and in the past I'd seen just cat faces. Again, they seem like a challenge to pkg but maybe you don't need to worry about that if you just make for yourself or as gifts.

 

[paillo]

with the silicone molds you don't have to oil the molds like you do with milky way, and you don't have to freeze them to get them out.

i like to gel, and my soaps don't tend to gel in silicone molds. so i wrap them in towels to gel and they're nice and hard the next day.

 

[Steve Ballmer]

with the silicone molds you don't have to oil the molds like you do with milky way, and you don't have to freeze them to get them out.

i like to gel, and my soaps don't tend to gel in silicone molds. so i wrap them in towels to gel and they're nice and hard the next day.

Exactly. Small masses of soap cool too fast to gel properly, and thus must be thermally isolated. My preferred method is to wrap them (top, bottom and sides) in a towel AND stick them in a small cupboard or drawer.

I'd also recommend using a water discount when using small moulds, which will help prevent sticking.