There’s nothing quite like a cold, refreshing popsicle on a warm day—or any day, for that matter. Whether you’re looking to cool off in the summer sun, whip up a healthy snack for the kids, or experiment with boozy treats for an adults-only gathering, homemade popsicles are a versatile and delightful option. The key to crafting the perfect popsicle lies not just in the recipe, but in the mold you use. A good popsicle mold should be easy to fill, freeze, and unmold, while also being durable and practical for your kitchen. With so many options on the market—ranging from silicone to stainless steel, classic shapes to whimsical designs—choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
That’s where we come in. We’ve tested and reviewed a variety of popsicle molds to bring you the 10 best options for creating homemade treats. From compact designs for small freezers to larger sets for feeding a crowd, these molds have been put through their paces to ensure they deliver on ease of use, quality of results, and overall enjoyment.
Whether you’re a popsicle novice or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you find the perfect mold for your next frozen adventure. Let’s dive in!
Why Make Your Own Popsicles?
Before we get to the molds, let’s talk about why homemade popsicles are worth the effort. Store-bought popsicles are convenient, but they often come loaded with artificial flavors, dyes, and excess sugar. When you make your own, you control the ingredients—think fresh fruit, yogurt, herbs, or even a splash of your favorite spirit. Plus, it’s a fun, budget-friendly activity that kids and adults alike can enjoy. All you need is a good mold, a freezer, and a little creativity. A quality mold ensures your popsicles come out intact, with minimal mess and maximum flavor. With that in mind, here are our top 10 picks, tested and reviewed for your homemade treat-making pleasure.
1. Zoku Classic Pop Molds
- Price: $20
- Material: Plastic
- Capacity: 6 pops, 3.1 ounces each
- Pros: Easy to use, reusable sticks with drip guards, compact design
- Cons: Not dishwasher-safe, requires warm water to unmold
The Zoku Classic Pop Molds top our list for their balance of practicality and performance. These molds produce six classically shaped popsicles, each with a generous 3.1-ounce capacity—perfect for kids and adults alike. The sturdy plastic construction is BPA-free and phthalate-free, and the reusable sticks come with built-in drip guards to catch melting juice, making them a hit with parents. During testing, we found them easy to fill, thanks to the wide openings, and the individual sleeves allowed us to remove one pop at a time without disturbing the rest. They fit neatly into a crowded freezer, too.
The only downside? You’ll need to run them under warm water for 10-15 seconds to release the popsicles, and they’re hand-wash only. Still, the mess-free eating experience and reliable results make these a standout choice for everyday use.
2. Tovolo Classic Pop Molds
- Price: $12
- Material: Plastic
- Capacity: 5 pops, 3 ounces each
- Pros: Dishwasher-safe, affordable, compact tray
- Cons: Slightly tricky to unmold, thinner plastic
For those who prioritize ease of cleanup, the Tovolo Classic Pop Molds are a fantastic option. This set makes five traditionally shaped popsicles, each holding about 3 ounces. The molds sit in a slim, space-saving tray that’s easy to slide into a packed freezer. We loved that both the molds and tray are dishwasher-safe, making post-popsicle cleanup a breeze. The popsicles themselves came out smooth and consistent in our tests, with sticks that stayed firmly in place.
Unmolding can be a bit finicky—warm water or a gentle twist is often required—but at just $12, this set offers great value for a reliable, no-fuss mold. It’s an excellent choice for beginners or anyone looking to keep things simple.
3. Onyx Stainless Steel Popsicle Mold
- Price: $42
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 6 pops, 3 ounces each
- Pros: Durable, plastic-free, freezes quickly
- Cons: Expensive, sticks can separate from pops
If you’re avoiding plastic or want a mold that’ll last a lifetime, the Onyx Stainless Steel Popsicle Mold is a premium pick. This set makes six popsicles, each with a sleek, classic shape and a 3-ounce capacity. The stainless steel construction not only looks elegant but also speeds up freezing time—a bonus for impatient treat-lovers. In testing, we found the popsicles released cleanly after a quick dip in warm water, and the material didn’t retain any flavors or odors.
The trade-offs? It’s pricier than most molds, and the wooden sticks occasionally detached from the popsicles during unmolding. Still, for eco-conscious cooks or those who value durability, this mold is worth the investment.
4. Lékué Stackable Popsicle Molds
- Price: $23
- Material: Silicone
- Capacity: 4 pops, 2.5 ounces each
- Pros: Stackable design, easy to unmold, dishwasher-safe
- Cons: Smaller capacity, slightly pricey
The Lékué Stackable Popsicle Molds are a game-changer for small kitchens. Made of flexible, food-grade silicone, this set makes four popsicles, each holding 2.5 ounces. The horizontal-fill design allows for easy layering (think fudge and vanilla swirls), and the stackable trays save precious freezer space. During testing, the pops slid out effortlessly—no warm water needed—and the reusable sticks stayed secure.
While the smaller size and four-pop capacity might not suit large families, the ease of use and space-saving design make this a favorite for solo snackers or those with limited storage. It’s a bit of a splurge, but the quality justifies the cost.
5. Ozera Reusable Ice Pop Molds
- Price: $10
- Material: Plastic
- Capacity: 6 pops, 3 ounces each
- Pros: Budget-friendly, includes funnel and brush, vibrant colors
- Cons: Narrow openings, requires warm water to unmold
At just $10, the Ozera Reusable Ice Pop Molds are a steal. This set makes six 3-ounce popsicles and comes with a collapsible silicone funnel and a cleaning brush—extras that add real value. The BPA-free plastic molds are sturdy and available in fun, assorted colors, making them a hit with kids. In our tests, the popsicles froze evenly, and the sticks held up well during eating.
Filling can be tricky due to the slim openings (the funnel helps), and unmolding requires a quick pass under hot water. For the price, though, it’s hard to beat this set’s combination of affordability and functionality.
6. Tovolo Groovy Pop Molds
- Price: $25
- Material: Plastic
- Capacity: 4 pops, 4 ounces each
- Pros: Large capacity, retro design, easy to hold
- Cons: Takes up more freezer space, plastic feels thin
For bigger appetites, the Tovolo Groovy Pop Molds deliver. Each of the four molds holds a hefty 4 ounces, and the retro, ridged design adds a nostalgic touch. The wide sticks are comfortable to grip, and the popsicles popped out smoothly after a brief warm-water rinse in our tests. The base is stable, preventing spills during freezing.
These molds do take up more room in the freezer, and the plastic feels less durable than some competitors. But if you love a substantial popsicle with a fun vibe, this set is a winner.
7. Zoku Space Pop Molds
- Price: $19
- Material: Silicone
- Capacity: 6 pops, 2 ounces each
- Pros: Fun shapes, easy to unmold, kid-friendly
- Cons: Smaller size, delicate details can break
The Zoku Space Pop Molds bring whimsy to the table with six unique shapes—five spaceships and one astronaut—each holding about 2 ounces. The silicone construction makes unmolding a breeze, and the reusable sticks add an eco-friendly touch. Kids loved the playful designs in our tests, and adults appreciated the easy cleanup (they’re dishwasher-safe).
The smaller size and occasional breakage of fine details (like the astronaut’s legs) are minor drawbacks. For a creative, family-friendly option, these molds are out of this world.
8. Nuby Garden Fresh Fruitsicle Tray
- Price: $10
- Material: Plastic
- Capacity: 4 pops, 1 ounce each
- Pros: Perfect for babies, easy-grip handles, affordable
- Cons: Very small capacity, limited to young kids
Designed with little ones in mind, the Nuby Garden Fresh Fruitsicle Tray makes four 1-ounce popsicles—ideal for teething babies or toddlers. The easy-grip handles are a thoughtful touch, and the compact size fits anywhere in the freezer. We tested these with pureed fruit and yogurt, and they released cleanly with minimal effort.
The tiny capacity won’t satisfy older kids or adults, but for parents looking to soothe sore gums or introduce healthy snacks, this mold is a budget-friendly gem.
9. Silicone Popsicle Molds (10-Cavity)
- Price: $15
- Material: Silicone
- Capacity: 10 pops, 2.5 ounces each
- Pros: High capacity, flexible material, includes extras
- Cons: Wooden sticks can be messy, flimsy base
For feeding a crowd, this 10-cavity Silicone Popsicle Mold is a powerhouse. Each mold holds 2.5 ounces, and the set comes with 50 wooden sticks, 50 bags, 10 reusable sticks, a funnel, and a brush—all for just $15. The silicone is BPA-free and pops out treats effortlessly, as confirmed in our tests with smoothie-based popsicles.
The wooden sticks sometimes left splinters, and the base felt a bit unstable. Still, the sheer volume and included accessories make this a fantastic choice for parties or big families.
10. Chef’n Sweet Spot Mini Popsicle Maker
- Price: $12
- Material: Silicone
- Capacity: 6 pops, 1.5 ounces each
- Pros: Cute shape, easy to unmold, great for small servings
- Cons: Limited capacity, not ideal for adults
Rounding out our list is the Chef’n Sweet Spot Mini Popsicle Maker, a silicone mold that churns out six adorable, rounded 1.5-ounce pops. The flexible material makes unmolding a snap, and the petite size is perfect for kids or light snacks. We tested these with boozy recipes, and they held up beautifully.
The small capacity isn’t suited for hearty appetites, but for quick, charming treats, this mold delivers. It’s a sweet addition to any kitchen.
How We Tested
To find the best popsicle molds, we evaluated each set on several key criteria:
- Ease of Filling: Were the molds messy or straightforward to pour into? Did they come with helpful tools like funnels?
- Freezing and Fit: Did they sit stably in the freezer and take up reasonable space?
- Unmolding: How easily did the popsicles release, and did they stay intact?
- Eating Experience: Were the sticks comfortable to hold? Did the design minimize drips?
- Cleanup: Were they easy to wash, whether by hand or dishwasher?
We filled each mold with a variety of recipes—mango yogurt, watermelon juice, and even a boozy piña colada mix—then froze them for at least six hours. After unmolding, we ate the popsicles (a tough job, but someone had to do it!) and cleaned the molds per the manufacturer’s instructions. Feedback from a mix of testers—lickers and biters alike—helped us assess overall usability.
What to Look for in a Popsicle Mold
When shopping for a mold, consider:
- Material: Plastic is affordable and sturdy; silicone is flexible and easy to unmold; stainless steel is durable and eco-friendly.
- Capacity: Smaller molds (1-2 ounces) suit kids or light snacks; larger ones (3-4 ounces) are better for adults or hearty treats.
- Shape: Classic paddle or tube shapes are timeless; novelty designs add fun.
- Extras: Reusable sticks, drip guards, and funnels enhance convenience.
- Freezer Space: Ensure the mold fits your setup—stackable or slim designs are great for tight spaces.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re after a budget-friendly set like the Ozera Reusable Ice Pop Molds or a premium option like the Onyx Stainless Steel Popsicle Mold, there’s a perfect mold for every popsicle enthusiast. Our top pick, the Zoku Classic Pop Molds, strikes the ideal balance of usability, size, and drip-free enjoyment. For kids, the Zoku Space Pop Molds or Nuby Fruitsicle Tray bring fun and practicality to the table. And if you’re hosting a crowd, the 10-cavity Silicone Popsicle Molds can’t be beat.
Homemade popsicles are a simple way to enjoy a treat tailored to your tastes—healthy, indulgent, or somewhere in between. With one of these top-tested molds, you’ll be ready to freeze up some fun all year round. Which one will you try first?
