Silicone Mold Comparison

[lilyandlove]

Now that I have one batch under my belt...
... I would like to purchase a silicone loaf mold.
Does anyone have a comparison of loaves already cut showing the difference between the Crafters Choice 1501 and the BB 10" loaf mold? Or even one of those vs. a tall and skinny mold?
Thank you in advance!

 

[navigator9]

I think the big difference is between the kind of silicone used in the stand alone molds, like the Crafter's Choice and the one from BB, and the kind that use a wooden box to support them. The stand alone molds have to be stiffer, because they're not supported by a wooden box. I have the one from CC, and I rarely use it, because for me, I find it very difficult to get the soap out. I'm used to the other type of silicone, where you can pull the sides away from the soap, turn it upside down, and it just falls out. With the stand alone, it's so stiff that I can barely pull it away from the soap to loosen it at all, and to get the loaf out, I have to push so hard with my thumbs that I always dent the soap. Just my two cents, but if it were me, I'd buy something like this from Nurture, and make my own wooden box, or if you can afford it, buy it with the box. With this type of silicone, it's sooooo easy to get the soap out. https://nurturesoap.com/collections...pound-loaf-silicone-liner?variant=20033048070

 

[Dahila]

same here I have 2 stiffed silicone molds fro CC, and not using it anymore, I prefer my wooden molds and lining them with freezer paper . Even the stiff one tends to bow a little ,

 

[dibbles]

I agree too. I used the CC mold for the first few months, and then treated myself to the Nurture mold. Then I bought a second liner for it. Then I got a tall and skinny. They are so much easier to use, and hold up well.

 

[Soapprentice]

AliExpress has some great moulds and they are dirt cheap.. with the wooden box. It will take a while to reach u though but they have good quality stuff..

 

[ibct1969]

I have both the BB 10 inch and 4 inch. I love them both. It's very easy to get the soap out and they are tough too (they don't bow and haven't lost their shape). I also have the BB 9 bar unfinished wood mold w the dividers and I like that too.

 

[Susie]

I have the CC and the BB, both bow after repeated use. Not horribly, mind you, but it makes it difficult to cut straight when using a miter box. My sweet hubby made me a wooden mold that I line with freezer paper. I LOVE it! Perfectly straight bars every time with no need for an expensive cutter. So, you need to figure out if straight bars are important to you or not.

 

[toxikon]

I have the T&S from BB and I really like it. It's exactly 12" long so I can make 12 1" bars. I had my friend make a wooden support for it so it doesn't bow out. That's a risk with most silicone molds especially the T&S.

 

[The Efficacious Gentleman]

As for the style (normal or tall&skinny) it will depend on what you want to do - certain swirling techniques require a certain type of mould and so it is worth considering when choosing a mould.

Or get more moulds! The you can pick and choose depending on what you are doing (enabler alert!)

 

[wearytraveler]

I used the CC 1501 mold for a while but got tired of the bowing and went with Essential Depot's mold and basket (http://www.essentialdepot.com/product/SS-MOLD-NATURAL-PLUS-BASKET.html) and have been very happy with the results.

 

[lilyandlove]

Thank you all for your thoughts. I'm glad I asked! Looks like I will have to think about this a bit more. I definitely don't want any bowing. I experienced it with the milk carton mold I just used (reinforced with duct tape and then had to get creative with zip ties to stop the bowing...). Or maybe I will just have to get them all!

 

[BrewerGeorge]

How long did it take for the CC to start bowing? I've used mine about a dozen times with no bowing yet.

 

[SheLion]

If you are handy with tools, or have an SO or good friend that is, it is quite easy to build your own wooden mold. I just made 3 of my own - 2 loaf molds and 1 slab mold. The loaf molds I made convertible so I can make a standard wide loaf or I can make a tall and skinny loaf.

I used these instructions (http://www.modernsoapmaking.com/build-adjustable-width-wooden-soap-molds/) and just tweaked the dimensions to suit me. (An important note: she lists using 5/8" bolts but I believe she meant 5/16". 5/8" bolts are massive.)

 

[Susie]

How long did it take for the CC to start bowing? I've used mine about a dozen times with no bowing yet.

About a year of hobby level soapmaking for the BB mold, almost immediately for the CC.

 

[lilyandlove]

So, I guess I don't have to worry about this for now. My husband made me a mold for Mothers Day! Here are some pictures. Thanks again for all your input about silicone loaf molds!
Edit-to-add: He's outside right now and I heard sawing... I asked him what he's doing, and he's making me a smaller one, too!

 

[kchaystack]

I love that design. I have seen the YouTube video for them and might try making one soon

 

[WeaversPort]

That's a gorgeous mold! Tell your husband he's a champion!

 

[SunRiseArts]

Those are awesome!

 

[Zany_in_CO]

So, I guess I don't have to worry about this for now. My husband made me a mold for Mothers Day! Here are some pictures. Thanks again for all your input about silicone loaf molds! Edit-to-add: He's outside right now and I heard sawing... I asked him what he's doing, and he's making me a smaller one, too!

What a terrific hubby! Lucky you!

 

[dibbles]

That looks awesome! Happy soaping!