A paleta is a Mexican ice pop, made with fruit or cream, and sold from carts and paleterías. What sets a good one apart from a supermarket freezer pop is the filling: real fruit, a milk or coconut base, and often chunks you can see and bite. At home that means the mold has to take thick mixtures and chopped fruit, and it has to let go of the finished pop without snapping the stick.
Nearly all of them are sold as popsicle molds, and a narrow one that works for juice can struggle with a thick base. This guide covers seven worth buying, in plastic, silicone and stainless steel, and explains what each maker actually says about its materials. Paletas are not on the menu at Julia’s Mexican Restaurant, so this is a home kitchen project.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a Mexican kitchen looks for in a paleta mold, the makers’ own specifications and published equipment reviews, which we name.
Quick verdict: which paleta mold to buy
For most kitchens, the best paleta mold is the Zoku Classic Pop Molds set: America’s Test Kitchen named it the winner of its review, and each mold lifts out on its own so you can release one pop at a time. For a large batch on wooden sticks, choose the Norpro Frozen Ice Pop Maker. For a steel mold in place of plastic or silicone, choose the Onyx Stainless Steel Popsicle Mold.
The rest of this page explains who each one suits and where each falls short.
Five paleta molds side by side
Five standouts, one for each kind of home cook, with specifications from each maker’s listing. All seven molds are reviewed in full below.
| Mold | Best for | Material & size | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
Zoku Classic Pop Molds, Set of 6Best overall
|
Most home kitchens | 6 removable plastic molds, about 3.1 oz each | View on Amazon |
Onyx Stainless Steel Popsicle Mold, 6 PopsBest stainless steel
|
Steel in place of plastic or silicone | 18/8 stainless steel, 6 paddle-style pops | View on Amazon |
Norpro Frozen Ice Pop Maker, 10 PopsBest for big batches
|
Parties, wooden sticks, layered pops | Aluminum frame, plastic molds, 10 at 3 oz | View on Amazon |
Lékué Large Stackable Popsicle Molds, Set of 4Best silicone
|
Larger paletas, tight freezers | Platinum silicone, 4 large molds | View on Amazon |
Tovolo Groovy Ice Pop Molds, Set of 6Best for kids
|
Kids, easy cleanup | BPA-free plastic, 6 at 4 oz | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Materials and capacities are as stated by each maker; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best paleta molds
These seven cover the main choices: rigid plastic for easy pouring, a fixed frame for big batches, stainless steel for those who want to avoid plastic molds, and silicone for peel-away release. Four have been through America’s Test Kitchen’s review. Where a pick rests only on the listing and maker details, we say so.
1. Zoku Classic Pop Molds, Set of 6 – Easy to Fill and Release
This is the set to buy if you want paletas on a regular basis without any fuss. Six separate plastic molds sit in one base, and each holds about 3.1 ounces, which is a fair size for an adult or a child.
The removable molds are the reason it comes first. When the pops are frozen, you lift out one mold, hold it under hot water for 30 to 60 seconds, as Zoku’s listing says, and pull the stick. The rest of the batch stays in the freezer. On a fixed frame you would have to warm every pop to get one out.
America’s Test Kitchen named this set its winner and called it the easiest to use in its ice pop mold review, praising the clear fill lines, the wide openings and the slim drip guards on long-handled sticks. Wide openings matter for paletas because chopped mango or strawberry goes in more easily and the mold is simpler to scrub afterward.
There is one trade-off. The fixed drip guards mean you cannot pour one layer, freeze it and add another, so a striped mango and chamoy pop is harder here. Zoku says to wash by hand with mild soap and water, not in the dishwasher.
Why we like it
- Named the winner in America’s Test Kitchen’s ice pop mold review
- Each mold lifts out on its own, so you can release one pop at a time
- Clear fill lines and wide openings, per America’s Test Kitchen
- Reusable sticks with drip guards are included
- Zoku’s listing states BPA-free and phthalate-free
Key specifications
| Model | ZK114 |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic molds and base; BPA-free and phthalate-free (Zoku) |
| Pops per set | 6 |
| Capacity per pop | About 3.1 oz |
| Release | Lift out one mold, hot water 30 to 60 seconds |
| Sticks | 6 reusable, with drip guards |
| Made in | Not stated; designed in the USA |
| Care | Hand wash, mild soap; not dishwasher safe |
Why we recommend it
For most people the deciding factor is how easily a pop comes out, and this is the set the most rigorous review we read liked best on that score. It suits a family that wants a batch in the freezer through summer.
Skip it if you want layered pops or the look of a wooden stick: the reusable sticks with fixed guards rule out both.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Release one pop at a time
- Wide openings fill and clean easily
- Sticks stay straight
- Reviewed well by America’s Test Kitchen
Cons
- No layered pops
- Hand wash only
- Plastic sticks, not wood
2. Norpro Frozen Ice Pop Maker, 10 Pops – Big Batches on Wooden Sticks
If the picture in your head is a cart of paletas on wooden sticks, this is the closest of the seven. It freezes ten 3-ounce pops at once, each about 3.5 by 2 by 1 inches according to Norpro, in an aluminum frame with plastic molds.
A lid with grommets holds the sticks upright, and 24 disposable wooden sticks come in the box. Because those sticks go in through the lid, you can freeze a layer, add the next one and carry on, which America’s Test Kitchen pointed out when it called this a good low-cost option for layered pops.
That review also listed the drawbacks. It recommended this mold with reservations, and although it was the best of the fixed-frame models, thin liquids often left the sticks crooked, and the narrow molds were hard to fill and clean. Thicker paleta bases hold a stick better than a thin juice, so the problem is smaller with a fruit puree or a crema base, though that is our kitchen reasoning and not a finding from the review.
Since the molds are fixed, the whole frame goes under warm water to release the pops, so plan on serving the batch together. Norpro says to wash it by hand.
Why we like it
- Makes ten 3-ounce pops at a time
- Includes 24 wooden sticks
- Lid grommets hold sticks in place
- America’s Test Kitchen rated it the best of the fixed-frame molds
- Layered pops are possible with disposable sticks
Key specifications
| Model | 423 |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum frame, BPA-free plastic molds (Norpro) |
| Pops per set | 10 |
| Capacity per pop | 3 oz (about 3.5 x 2 x 1 in) |
| Release | Fixed frame; warm the whole frame |
| Sticks | 24 disposable wooden sticks included |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Hand wash |
Why we recommend it
This is a fit for birthday parties and for anyone who wants a real wooden-stick paleta. It has the largest count here, and the classic shape and stick are the ones most people picture.
Skip it if you want one pop at a time: America’s Test Kitchen preferred detachable molds for that reason, and the narrow openings make chunky fruit fiddly.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Ten pops per batch
- Traditional wooden sticks
- Allows layered pops
Cons
- Whole frame must be warmed to release
- Narrow molds are harder to fill and clean
- Sticks can set crooked with thin liquids
3. Onyx Stainless Steel Popsicle Mold, 6 Pops – Steel Mold, Paddle Shape
This is the pick if you would rather freeze your paletas in steel than in plastic or silicone. Onyx makes the mold from 18/8 stainless steel and it forms six paddle-style pops, a flat shape that looks much like a paleta from a shop.
America’s Test Kitchen placed it in its recommended group, the only steel mold in that review. Its removable lids make layered pops fairly easy, a real advantage for a two-color fruit paleta. The same review found the lids sometimes shift, so sticks can set at an angle, and that the frame feels delicate on a wire freezer shelf, so a flat spot in the freezer helps.
Consumer Reports also looked at this mold. Only part of that article is open to non-members, and its visible caption says the Onyx was one of three molds that produced tasty treats within five hours. Saveur, in an older note, reported that steel molds get very cold quickly, which fits what you would expect from metal.
Onyx says the mold releases after holding it in your hand for a moment or running it briefly under warm water, and that one pop can come out or be refilled at a time. The listing does not state a capacity per pop, so go by a test fill with water if you are scaling a recipe.
Why we like it
- 18/8 stainless steel mold, BPA-free per Onyx
- Recommended by America’s Test Kitchen
- Removable lids make layered pops fairly easy
- One pop can come out or be refilled at a time
- Paddle shape close to a shop paleta
Key specifications
| Model | POP004 |
|---|---|
| Material | 18/8 stainless steel; BPA-free (Onyx) |
| Pops per set | 6 |
| Capacity per pop | Not stated |
| Release | Hand warmth or brief warm water; one at a time |
| Sticks | Not stated on the listing |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
If you make paletas often and want one mold that should keep going for years, steel is a sensible choice. Onyx’s claim is that it will last a lifetime; we cannot confirm that, but stainless steel has no coating or soft surface to wear away.
Skip it if sticks must be perfectly straight, because the lids can shift, or if you need a listing that spells out capacity and care.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Steel mold
- Paddle-style shape
- Layered pops are fairly easy
- Single-pop release
Cons
- Lids can shift and tilt sticks
- Frame is delicate on wire shelves
- Listing leaves out capacity and care
4. Lékué Large Stackable Popsicle Molds, Set of 4 – Larger Pops in Platinum Silicone
This set makes a large pop in a soft mold. Each flat mold measures about 5 by 3 by 1 inches on Lékué’s listing, with a stick about 5 inches long, so the finished pop has the broad, flat proportions of a paleta rather than a thin rocket.
Lékué describes this set as flexible platinum silicone that is BPA-free. The molds lie flat and stack, and each has a lid to keep freezer smells out of a delicate milk or coconut base.
The release is different from a rigid mold. Lékué’s listing promises easy unmolding from the flexible silicone but does not spell out a method, so expect to flex the mold and ease the pop out. The set is listed as dishwasher safe, which helps with sticky fruit residue.
This pick rests on the listing and maker details. Lékué does not state a capacity, so measure it with water the first time. Four molds is also a small batch, so a party needs two sets or a second round in the freezer.
Why we like it
- Flexible platinum silicone, BPA-free per Lékué
- Mold measures about 5 x 3 x 1 inches
- Molds stack to save freezer space
- Lids keep freezer odors out
- Dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | 882180 |
|---|---|
| Material | Platinum silicone; BPA-free (Lékué) |
| Pops per set | 4 |
| Capacity per pop | Not stated (mold about 5 x 3 x 1 in) |
| Release | Flexible unmolding, per Lékué |
| Sticks | 4 included, about 5 in long |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
Why we recommend it
Pick this if you want a larger, flatter pop and a soft mold, or if your freezer has shelf space but no room for a tall stand. Lékué describes the design as easy to fill.
Skip it if you need a big batch: four pops is the smallest count on this page, tied with the Tovolo stackable set.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Generous, flat paleta shape
- Easy to fill, per Lékué
- Stacks in the freezer
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Only four pops per set
- Capacity not stated
- Rests on the listing and maker details
5. Tovolo Groovy Ice Pop Molds, Set of 6 – Larger Pours, Wide Mouths, Dishwasher Safe
These hold 4 ounces each on Tovolo’s listing, the largest stated capacity here, and Tovolo pitches the set at kids. Six molds sit in a base that keeps them upright, and Tovolo lists the set as dishwasher safe, which is a good reason to choose it over the Zoku if washing by hand is a chore.
America’s Test Kitchen recommended the Groovy molds with reservations. It liked the wide mouths, which are easy to fill and clean, and the way each mold stands on the counter. It also found the handle too smooth to grip easily, and the reusable sticks rule out layered pops.
Tovolo’s listing describes the molds as BPA-free plastic made from food-safe materials. To release a pop, you run warm water over the outside of the mold, one at a time. The handle has a drip guard that catches melting juice, which matters when the person eating is six years old and standing on your rug.
The groovy outline is playful and not traditional, so choose this for practical reasons. A wide mouth also makes it easy to pour in a leftover agua fresca.
Why we like it
- 4-ounce capacity, per Tovolo
- Wide mouths are easy to fill and clean, per America’s Test Kitchen
- Dishwasher safe on the listing
- Base keeps the molds upright
- Built-in drip guard
Key specifications
| Model | 22024-402 |
|---|---|
| Material | BPA-free plastic; food-safe per Tovolo |
| Pops per set | 6 |
| Capacity per pop | 4 oz |
| Release | Warm water, one at a time |
| Sticks | Reusable, with drip guards |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
Why we recommend it
This suits a household with kids, where easy filling and a dishwasher count for more than a classic look. It also makes the largest stated pop on this page.
Skip it if grip matters to you, since America’s Test Kitchen found the smooth handles awkward, or if you want a paleta shape.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest stated capacity here
- Dishwasher safe
- Wide openings
- Stands on the counter
Cons
- Handles are smooth
- No layered pops
- Novelty shape
6. Tovolo Classic Stackable Popsicle Molds, Set of 4 – Soft Silicone That Stacks
This is Tovolo’s silicone answer to its plastic sets, and it solves a different problem. The four molds nest together and each has a sealed lid, so they lie in a stack on top of a bag of frozen corn instead of needing their own patch of shelf.
Tovolo describes the molds as premium BPA-free silicone that is food-safe. The listing says a pop comes out by flexing the mold, without running it under water. Each mold has a fill line and an enclosed lid, and the handle has a drip guard.
Skipping the warm water has one practical advantage for paletas, since the outside of the pop does not melt on the way out of the mold.
This pick rests on the listing and maker details. The Tovolo mold America’s Test Kitchen reviewed is a different one, the Groovy above. The listing does not state a capacity, so check with water before you scale a recipe.
Why we like it
- BPA-free silicone that Tovolo calls food-safe
- Stacks to save freezer space
- Sealed lids and fill lines
- Releases by flexing, per Tovolo
- Dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | 22082-999 |
|---|---|
| Material | BPA-free silicone; food-safe per Tovolo |
| Pops per set | 4 |
| Capacity per pop | Not stated |
| Release | Flex the silicone |
| Sticks | 4 included, with drip guards |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
Why we recommend it
Choose this if your freezer is the limit, as it often is in an apartment. Four sealed molds fit where a rigid stand will not.
Skip it if you want a batch for guests, because four pops go quickly, and the Lékué set makes a broader pop.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stacks in a tight freezer
- Sealed lids prevent leaks, per Tovolo
- No hot water needed
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Only four pops
- Capacity not stated
- Rests on the listing and maker details
7. Zoku Mod Pops, Set of 6 – One Slim Tray for the Freezer Door
This is the set to look at if your freezer shelves are full. Six classic-shaped molds sit in one slim tray, and Zoku says the tray fits easily into a freezer door, a spot none of the other sets here claims.
Each pop holds about 3.25 ounces on Zoku’s listing, slightly more than the Zoku Classic and in line with the 3-ounce pops from the Norpro. That is a proper snack size, not a miniature.
The routine is much like the Classic set. You lift a single mold out of the tray by pulling its stick, then hold it under warm water to release the pop, so the rest of the batch stays frozen. The reusable sticks have drip guards, and Zoku says to clean the set with warm water and mild soap, not in the dishwasher.
This pick rests on the listing and maker details. The Zoku mold America’s Test Kitchen reviewed is the Classic, pick number one, so its praise does not carry over automatically to this tray. The listing states BPA-free and phthalate-free but does not name the mold material, and it does not give the size of the tray, so measure your freezer door against the set once it arrives. As with the Classic, sticks with fixed drip guards are likely to make layered pops difficult.
Why we like it
- Slim tray that Zoku says fits a freezer door
- About 3.25 ounces per pop, per Zoku
- Single molds lift out of the tray one at a time
- Reusable sticks with drip guards are included
- Zoku’s listing states BPA-free and phthalate-free
Key specifications
| Model | ZK132 |
|---|---|
| Material | Not stated; BPA-free and phthalate-free (Zoku) |
| Pops per set | 6 |
| Capacity per pop | About 3.25 oz |
| Release | Lift out one mold, warm water |
| Sticks | 6 reusable, with drip guards |
| Made in | Not stated; designed in the USA |
| Care | Warm water and mild soap; not dishwasher safe |
Why we recommend it
Choose this if a full-size stand will not fit and you still want six pops at a time. It keeps the one-at-a-time release that makes the Zoku Classic easy to live with, in a slimmer footprint.
Skip it if you have the shelf space, because the Zoku Classic has the review behind it, or if you want a dishwasher-safe set.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Slim tray for tight freezers
- Release one pop at a time
- Six pops of about 3.25 ounces each
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Listing does not name the mold material
- Rests on the listing and maker details
How to choose a paleta mold
Six things matter, and they are mostly about what happens when a thick, fruity mixture meets a cold mold.
Width of the opening
This is the first thing to check. A paleta base with chopped fruit will not go down a narrow tube, and a narrow tube is hard to scrub. America’s Test Kitchen found that detachable molds tended to have wider openings and were easier to fill and clean.
Single release or whole batch
With detachable molds you warm one pop and leave the rest frozen. With a fixed frame, the whole unit goes under the water. If your family eats one or two paletas at a time, this matters more than any other feature.
Material
Plastic is light and low in cost. Silicone is soft, so it needs a flat spot or a tray in the freezer, and Tovolo says its molds release without water. Stainless steel chills quickly and has no soft surface to wear, but it costs more and you cannot see the pop inside it.
Stick type
Wooden sticks look traditional and let you make layers, but they can tilt. Reusable plastic sticks stay straight, as America’s Test Kitchen noted, but they usually rule out layers. Decide which of those you care about before you choose a set.
Pop size
Most molds here hold about 3 to 4 ounces. Fruit-heavy paletas are filling at that size. If a listing does not state a capacity, fill a mold with water and pour it into a measuring cup, then scale your recipe to the count.
Freezer space
Measure the height of the shelf you plan to use. Upright stands need clearance, while stackable silicone molds lie flat and steel frames need a level surface.
Silicone, plastic or steel: what the makers state
Words like food-grade and non-toxic get used loosely, so we only repeat what each maker’s own listing says. None of the phrases below is an independent certification we have checked.
| Maker and mold | Material as listed | Food-contact wording on the listing |
|---|---|---|
| Zoku Classic | Plastic | BPA-free and phthalate-free |
| Norpro 423 | Aluminum frame, plastic molds | Mold is BPA-free |
| Onyx POP004 | 18/8 stainless steel | BPA-free |
| Lékué Large | Platinum silicone | BPA-free |
| Tovolo Groovy | Plastic | BPA-free, food-safe materials |
| Tovolo Stackable | Silicone | BPA-free, food-safe |
| Zoku Mod Pops | Not stated | BPA-free and phthalate-free |
Whatever you buy, wash a new mold before its first use, and follow the maker’s care instructions. Zoku’s plastic molds, for example, are not dishwasher safe, while Tovolo’s are.
How we picked these seven paleta molds
We did not freeze pops in these molds. We started with the molds reviewed by America’s Test Kitchen, then looked at the part of Consumer Reports’ article that is open to non-members, and read each maker’s Amazon listing for materials, capacity and care. We left out sets from sellers with no track record and no independent review, because a mold touches food, and we did not want to fill out the list with them.
We kept only molds that were in stock when we checked. The Cuisipro Snap-Fit set from the America’s Test Kitchen review was low in stock, so it is not here. We also skipped pop makers that freeze on a chilled base, since they are a different tool. Three of the seven, the Lékué, the Tovolo stackable set and the Zoku Mod Pops, rest on the listing and maker details, and we flag that in each section.
Paleta mold questions, answered
Are paleta molds different from popsicle molds?
Not really. They are the same product, and almost all are sold as popsicle or ice pop molds. For paletas, look for wider openings and a flatter shape, since fruit and cream bases are thicker than juice.
How do I get a pop out of the mold?
For plastic and steel, run warm water over the outside for a short time and pull the stick gently. Zoku suggests 30 to 60 seconds of hot water for its Classic molds. Tovolo says its silicone molds release without running them under water.
How long do paletas take to freeze?
Plan on several hours. Tovolo suggests four to six hours for its classic molds, and Consumer Reports’ caption mentions results within five hours. Overnight is the simple choice for a thick or creamy base.
How full should I fill each mold?
Stop at the fill line if there is one. Liquids expand as they freeze, so leave a little room at the top even on molds with no line.
Can I put fruit chunks in any mold?
Small pieces work in most molds, but narrow ones are hard to fill. Keep pieces small, and drop them in with the liquid so they spread through the pop.
Are stainless steel popsicle molds better than plastic?
They are different, not better in every way. Steel chills fast and replaces a plastic mold, but you cannot see inside and it costs more. Plastic is lighter, and the Zoku set was the America’s Test Kitchen winner.
Our pick for homemade paletas
Related guide: Ice pop maker vs popsicle molds.
The Zoku Classic set is the mold we would point most home cooks to, because it makes the hardest step, getting one pop out cleanly, the easiest. Add the Norpro for parties if you want wooden sticks. For a base to pour in, our guide to aguas frescas is a good source of fruit flavors, and Mexican desserts explained covers where paletas fit among the sweets. If you want to take frozen treats further, see our guide to the best ice cream maker for helado at home, and the best chamoy sauce for a fruit paleta with a chile-lime kick. For the rest of the kit, start with Mexican cooking tools. If you would rather leave the cooking to someone else tonight, see the Julia’s menu and call to order.