Chocolate molds let you pour tempered chocolate into plastic, metal or polycarbonate to create candies in a variety of distinct shapes. They're fun to make, as you can create solid and hollow chocolates in almost any shape.

Most chocolate molds for home use are made using thin plastic. Professional-grade molds are typically much thicker and made of polycarbonate. Common types of either are hollow molds, solid molds and 3D molds.

Let's start with flat-back solid molds, which show the design on one side but are flat on the other. First, fill the mold with tempered chocolate. Then, using the flat end of a scraper, scrape off the excess chocolate so the chocolate comes right up to the edge of the mold. Tap the molds to release any bubbles.

Place your filled chocolate molds in the refrigerator to set up for about 30 minutes and tap the molds to release the chocolate. If they resist, put them in the freezer for a couple of minutes, as the chocolate shrinks when cool and should release easily.

Hollow molds

To make a hollow 3D chocolate mold, fill your mold halfway with tempered chocolate. Clip both halves together tightly. (Bulldog clips work very well and you can purchase them at your local office supply store). Once clipped, turn your mold over to coat each side completely. Tap it to release any air bubbles. Let your mold set up in the refrigerator for about 10 to 15 minutes. Lay it on one side and turn it over halfway through the cooling process.

You'll know that it is set up when the chocolate appears cloudy in the mold. That means the chocolate has pulled away from the walls of the mold. Once it sets up take the clips off and gently pull the top of the mold away from the chocolate. Turn the mold over and it should fall into your hand. If it doesn't pull away cleanly, don't force it. Just place it back into the refrigerator for a few more minutes.

Solid molds

To make candies using a solid 3D chocolate mold, clip both sides very tightly. Your mold should have a hole in the bottom so that you are able to pour the chocolate into the mold. Fill the mold to the top with tempered chocolate. Tap the mold to get rid of any air bubbles. Remember, in order for the chocolate to set up the mold will need to stand upside down so that the chocolate doesn't leak out. The best way I know to get it to stand up is to place it in a deep bowl and fill it with rice or dried beans. It will take at least 30 minutes for your chocolate to set up. After 30 minutes, unclip your mold and gently take off one side. Again, if it doesn't pull away cleanly, don't force it. Place it back into the refrigerator for a few more minutes.

Sometimes when working with 3D chocolate molds, the seams are not always clean when you take out the chocolate. Use a sharp knife to shave off the seam.

Antique molds

Antique molds made of metal are still used by some candymakers but they've also become a valuable collectible. Some antique chocolate molds sell well into the hundreds of dollars on auction sites. What's great about metal antique molds is they last forever.

Custom chocolate molds

There are many companies than can make custom chocolate molds for any shape. Most companies that make custom chocolate molds will charge an up-front set-up charge to create the die cuts and then charge a per-piece cost for the candies.