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Mold-A-Rama is a souvenir vending machine that makes a small plastic figure on the spot. Though production of the machines ended in the mid-1960s, the company that operates them still places working machines at museums and zoos. That split—obsolete manufacturing hardware kept alive as an attraction—is the heart of Mold-A-Rama’s appeal.
What is a Mold-A-Rama?
It is a vending machine that produces a souvenir figure at the venue rather than dispensing a pre-made item from a shelf. The operator describes the original concept as making a wax souvenir; that historical description is not a precise specification for the material used in every figure produced today. The operator says production of the machines themselves ended in the mid-1960s, making the surviving machines a continuing experience built around older equipment. Mold-A-Rama Inc.’s About page gives its account of production and current operations.
How did Mold-A-Rama begin?
The idea and early development
Mold-A-Rama Inc. credits J.H. “Tike” Miller with the idea for a machine that could make a souvenir. According to the operator’s historical account, Miller sold the rights to Automatic Retailers of America (ARA) in the late 1950s, then worked with ARA to develop a vending machine intended to produce a wax souvenir for twenty-five cents. The company’s inventor history is the source for this account.
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- Pill Mold for Making Pills: Silicone Pill Mold (1 Blue + 1 Pink), each tray features 28 capsule-shaped cavities in 5 different sizes, with a capacity of 4 ml (0.13 oz) per cavity for precise portioning—ideal for making individual portions of chocolate, gummy candies, and frozen treats.
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- Wide Temperature Range: Withstands temperatures from -40°F to 464°F (-40°C to 240°C). Safe for use in ovens, microwaves, freezer compartments, and dishwashers, easily accommodating all baking and freezing needs.
- Leak-Proof and Space-Saving Design: The raised, thickened edges prevent liquid chocolate, candy ingredients, and melted foods from dripping onto the countertop, significantly reducing cleanup. The built-in hanging holes allow you to hang them on wall hooks or cabinet doors; the stackable design ensures they fit neatly in drawers, eliminating the problem of bulky molds taking up cabinet space.
- Versatile for Multiple Scenarios: Pill Molds can be used to make standard-sized pills for daily use, mini chocolate treats for parties, chewable candies for children, and cocktail ice cubes. They are also suitable for non-edible DIY projects such as handmade soap, scented wax blocks, and clay crafts.
A new operator after ARA
After ARA dissolved its Mold-A-Rama division, William A. Jones bought his first machines from Roy Ward on April 22, 1971. The company history describes Jones acquiring additional Chicago-area machines and locations, then expanding the operation across several states. In 2011, the business adopted the Mold-A-Rama name and incorporated as Mold-A-Rama Inc. The operator’s company history traces that succession.
Where are Mold-A-Rama machines located?
The operator says its machines are at museums and zoos in five states. Its About page, updated February 27, 2026, lists seven locations, more than 60 operating machines, and more than 100 unique molds. These are figures from the company’s published overview, not a permanent inventory. Check its About page and location and machine listings for current venue details and molds.
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- 1-Piece 28-Cavity Pink Silicone Pill Mold: Use this molde para pastillas to create 28 realistic capsule-shaped treats in five styles. This capsule filling tray allows you to organize different flavors in one pour, streamlining your DIY candy production.
- Effortless Release without Tearing: These flexible moldes para pastillas allow you to pop out finished pieces by simply pressing the base. This pill maker ensures every intricate detail remains intact and professional-looking for your cake toppers.
- Uniform 1-Inch Portions for Consistency: Each cavity of the pill molds for making pills is precisely sized to 1 inch. This molde para pastillas consistency helps manage portions accurately for themed party favors or decorative accents.
- Integrated Stability and Spill Prevention: Designed with reinforced edges, the capsule filling tray maintains its structure when carried. This pill maker prevents messy spills and uneven setting, keeping your molded items perfectly level.
- High-Heat Resistance for Versatile Use: These moldes para pastillas withstand both freezing and oven temperatures. The pill molds for making pills feature a smooth interior that prevents sticking, making cleanup a matter of a quick rinse.
A separate snapshot illustrates why counts should be tied to their publication date: The Henry Ford’s article of June 12, 2025 described seven locations across four states and nearly 60 machines. The Henry Ford’s account provides that dated institutional overview.
Machine placement, availability, and the figures offered can change. Check the operator’s current listings and the venue’s information before making a special trip; a location listing does not by itself establish that a particular machine or mold will be available on your visit.
Rank #3
- 2PCS Silicone Pill Molds (1 Blue + 1 Pink) - 28 capsule-shaped cavities per tray with 5 sizes, designed for homemade pills, candies, chocolates & gummies—consistent shapes every time, perfect for DIY treats or portion control
- Easy Release, No More Sticky Messes - Ultra-flexible silicone bends and twists easily, so molded items pop out cleanly without sticking or breaking—no need to struggle with stiff molds or waste ingredients stuck to the tray
- Mess-Free Baking for Home Cooks & Parents - Raised thickened rims prevent liquid chocolate, candy mix or melted ingredients from dripping onto countertops—spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your DIY creations
- Space-Saving Storage for Small Kitchens - Built-in hanging holes let you hang the molds on wall hooks or cabinet doors; stackable design fits neatly in drawers—no more bulky molds taking up valuable cabinet space
- Versatile for All Occasions - Make uniform pills for daily use, bite-sized chocolate snacks for parties, chewy gummies for kids or mini ice cubes for cocktails—ideal for home baking, holiday treats, birthday parties and more
What does a Mold-A-Rama figure cost?
The operator’s contact FAQ, updated in 2026, describes a $5.50 card transaction as a pre-authorization and says the figurine purchase itself is $5.00. It says the temporary hold should clear after a couple of business days. These are operator-reported amounts and payment details, not a guarantee of the price or card-processing practice at every machine; check the current contact FAQ before relying on them.
Can you buy a Mold-A-Rama figure online?
Yes. The operator says a selection of souvenir figures is available through its online store, though that does not mean every mold or venue figure is in stock. Browse the Mold-A-Rama store for its current selection.
Rank #4
- VERSATILE DESIGN: Set of 2 pink pill molds for making pills with 28 capsule-shaped cavities each, perfect for making candies, chocolates, gummies, or ice cubes
- PREMIUM MATERIAL: Made from high-quality food-grade silicone that offers excellent flexibility and easy release of molded items
- CONVENIENT SIZE: Each cavity measures approximately 1 inch in length, ideal for creating uniformly-sized treats
- EASY TO USE: Flexible silicone construction allows for simple removal of finished pieces, while the non-stick surface ensures clean release
- PRACTICAL FEATURES: Includes raised edges for spill prevention and hanging holes for convenient storage, dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
Can you buy or rent a Mold-A-Rama machine?
The operator says it is not in the business of selling its machines and does not currently rent them for specific events. A figure from the company’s store is the available direct purchase option documented by the operator; its machine policy is on the contact FAQ.
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Why does the experience feel different from buying an ordinary souvenir?
The souvenir is made in the machine at a museum or zoo, so the vending process is part of the keepsake rather than just the way to pay for one. The experience also depends on being at a participating venue and on which machines and molds are operating there. That combination of a working vintage machine, a location-specific outing, and a figure produced at purchase helps explain how a technology whose production ended decades ago remains a live attraction.
Quick Recap
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- 【What You Will Receive】Suppository molds Set includes 2 pink silicone molds, each with 28 capsule-shaped cavities, ideal for creating candies, chocolates, and gummies.
- 【Premium Material】Crafted from food-grade silicone, these molds are safe, durable, and provide excellent flexibility for easy release.
- 【Perfect Size】Each mold measures 18x12.5cm, with cavities designed for uniform and consistent results.
- 【Versatile Use】Suitable for making a variety of treats, including chocolates, gummies, and even ice cubes, for any occasion.
- 【Easy to Use】Non-stick surface ensures effortless removal of creations, and the molds are dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleaning.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
