We Tested 20 Popsicle Molds to Find the Best for Making Homemade Frozen Treats (2024)

Our Top Picks

The Zoku Classic Pop Molds are meant to be used time and time again for mess-free desserts. The vibrant green plastic mold is sturdy enough to keep it from tipping or slipping in your freezer and pouring any popsicle-ready base couldn’t be easier. We loved the reusable sticks and the fact that it comes with a fitted cover. Even better, it’s made up of individual molds in a holder, so removing only a single popsicle is a breeze. The sticks are drip-catchers, too, so they catch stray drops of melted ice pop to help keep hands, clothes, or floors free of melted-sicle.During testing, we also appreciated the fill line that told us when to stop pouring so as to not over-fill.

Cleaning up was easy using the dishwasher or washing by hand. From start to finish, the popsicle-making process with the Zoku was so simple that it earned a perfect score on our kitchen tests.

Material and care: Plastic; hand-washing suggested | Number of pops:6

Forming smooth and ovular pops, this mold produces perfect popsicles with its fun and functional design. The WYOK Popsicle Mold is a silicone tool with shallow divots. The standard shape is rounded, but the fun part for us is included with the “Ice World” shape option, where each popsicle is formed into a different creature, complete with little ears and expressive faces.

Regardless of the shapes, getting the pops out of the mold is as simple as twisting and gently pulling. The silicone material is flexible for easy release. Attractively designed, it comes in several colors and shapes and is dishwasher-safe. The mold also fits into a freezer nicely without taking up too much room.

Material and care: Silicone and plastic, dishwasher-safe| Number of pops:4

Testing the icy waters of homemade popsicles with your kids for the first time? Does the idea of spending money on a seasonal frivolity give you pause? We got you. This highly recommended set of six produces a standard popsicle big enough to make a satisfying dessert for an adult while still being manageable for small hands. It’s exceptionally versatile, allows you to make several types of popsicles in a batch, and can be extracted without awkward manipulation of the whole tray.

When testing, the resulting popsicles were solid and had great shape. No wider than eight inches, the mold didn’t take up too much space in our freezers, and they were sturdy enough to be worry-free when it came to spilling. We also liked how this set comes with a funnel, which makes pouring quick and mess-free. It’s a high return on investment for popsicle lovers everywhere.

Material and care: Plastic and hand-wash only | Number of pops:6

A mini popsicle can be a fun treat, whether serving kids or crafting a boozy popsicle-shaped ice replacement for a chilled summer bottle. Ideally, a mini popsicle should be easy to unmold and comfortable for the hands of both kids and adults. The Chef’n Sweet Spot Mini Popsicle Maker Set of 6 met our criteria with its cute, rounded shape and silicone base.

Unfortunately, unmolding a single pop without unmolding the whole tray is impossible, so plan on serving these to a crowd when ready to enjoy. Despite the malleability of the silicone mold, the tray is small enough to be sturdy. Between that and how short the sticks are, this mold should have no problem squeezing in between that bottle of vodka and wintertime rations you’re storing in your freezer.

Material and care: Silicone and dishwasher-safe| Number of pops:6

Stainless steel mold sets tend to take up room in the freezer, but if you have the space, they can be a reliable investment for at-home popsicle makers. This set was built for stability and reliability — set into a metal rack, nothing is jostling these popsicles once they’re in the freezer. We found that juice- and cream-based recipes perform well in this mold, so the options for playing with flavors are endless.

It’s no surprise that this mold is an excellent example of the benefits of stainless steel kitchen tools. For instance, it won’t retain the flavor of the last popsicles you made. It’s easy to clean, and unmolding the popsicles doesn’t require much more than running the container under warm water. While the popsicle rack requires dedicated freezer space, this mold was one of the more compact models we tried. Investing in this mold is the perfect option if you live in a warm climate and are a year-round popsicle consumer or simply a popsicle fan.

Material and care: Stainless steel and dishwasher-safe| Number of pops:6

Don't forget about the dogs! We tested Cooper's Treats Pupsicle Starter Kit and recommend it to pet parents who want to make healthy, frozen treats for their pups. Included in the DIY kit are two 4.3-ounce jars of dry mix flavors, as well as a reusable, dishwasher-safe silicone ice mold with paw and dog bone shapes. The grain-free mixes are made from four simple ingredients, and each jar contains enough mix to make about 25 pupsicles. Just add equal parts of water to the mix, stir, and freeze for two hours.

Once you've decided on the best popsicle mold (for humans!) from our comprehensive list of tested favorites above, we suggest you add Cooper's Pupsicles to your cart to treat your furry friends, too.

Material and care: Silicone and dishwasher-safe| Number of pops:8

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I make sure my popsicles don't stick to the mold?

  Most popsicles require nothing more than a bit of patience. The simplest way to remove a popsicle from its mold is to leave it at room temperature for 1–2 minutes. For particularly stubborn pops, running the mold under lukewarm water does the trick. It’s also important to note that the unmolding process is usually easier when a mold is made of a more malleable material, like silicone.

• What is the best material for popsicle molds?

  The best material for popsicle molds depends on your preferences. For a flexible, dishwasher-safe, and reusable option, silicone is a popular pick. On the other hand, plastic is a lightweight alternative that is often less expensive and just as easy to use. Stainless steel, though more expensive, is durable, easy to clean, and won't impart any weird flavors or smells.

• Are silicone popsicle molds better than plastic?

  Silicone popsicle molds are not necessarily better than plastic. Both are typically affordable, easy to use, and widely available. However, silicone may prove to be more durable and long-lasting over multiple uses compared to plastic.

• What is the best way to clean a popsicle mold?

  Some popsicle molds are marketed as being dishwasher-safe. Putting them through the dish cycle can still break down the material more quickly than if you were to hand wash the parts. To keep your popsicle mold in better shape for longer, wash it gently in hot, soapy water. Note that this doesn’t apply to stainless steel molds, which are highly durable. Feel free to toss those in with your next load of dishes.