Teach Soap

I just ordered a 2 lb wood soap mold (loaf) from Bramble Berry and it looks a lot smaller than I thought it would be. No fault of BB, just didn't think it would be that small. What size loaf mold do you all most commonly use? I can't decide whether to return it and get the 4 lb mold or keep it :/

Thanks!

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BrookeLynn

"Courage is being scared to death, and saddling up anyway."

I would keep it for fun to make or tester batches and get a bigger one.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Depends on how much soap you want to make.

I need to buy a bigger loaf mold too. Mine is about 2 lbs as well but I found a long lidded wooden box at Hobby Lobby for $6...plus it was 50% off. I ended up getting 2 for $6 total. Gotta love Hobby Lobby!

It's really nice to have a smaller size mold though so if it were me and I wanted a bigger one I'd probably return it, get the 4lb one, and then find a cheap mold to make smaller batches with.

I only make 2# or 3# batches right now, but I'm hoping to build a 5# mold in the near future.

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

2 lbs is perfect if you like to order 1 oz FO samples. I started with 3 lbs molds and ended up going down to 2 - I don't sell and can only give away so much.

Thank you all for your input. After reading your responses, I think I've decided to keep the 2 lb. mold and get a 3 lb or a 4 lb too. Gives me more flexibility.

Thanks again and Happy Easter!

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BrookeLynn

"Courage is being scared to death, and saddling up anyway."

Keeping the 2 lb mold will definitely help. As soapbuddy said, they are great for small batches/testing or trying out a new technique. I think of them as my "play" molds. If you find you want to make bigger batches, by all means go out and get/make a bigger one too. You'll still find yourself using the 2 lb mold. Happy soaping!

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Linda

I learn so much when I can't leave well enough alone!

See, I am just the opposite, I would prefer the larger mold. I have one that I built and when I want to make smaller, 1 pound batches, I have a piece of stiff cardboard that I slip into the mold at the appropriate spot to make it smaller. That way I can go as small as 1 pound, or as large as 2.5 pounds in the same mold.

I use a 10" x 13" x 3.25" plastic lidded storage box that holds 165 oz. fats/oils/lye water ... so I guess that's a 10.3 lb. batch of soap (I'm not really sure because I get 33 bars plus scraps and they are 4-5 oz.). Oh, and that mold cost me about $5.00 at Home Depot. For a smaller batch I use a 9"x 5" bread pan. I line either one with a plastic bag (Ruffies clear kitchen bags are awesome) before pouring in my soap. It works for me.

Jill