The introduction of the Zoku Quick Pop Maker promised to ‘break the mould’ regarding homemade pops and ice lollies.
The possibility to enjoy custom made pops at a moment’s notice came backed with the bold marketing claim “to make ice pops in as little as seven minutes right on your countertop without electricity”.
Our Zoku Quick Pop Maker Review looks at whether the product is able deliver on its promises.
Ratings
Purchase Cost
Running Cost
Product Quality
Ease of Use
Speed
Pop Consistency/Quality
Key Features
What can it do:
The ability to create custom frozen pops (including yoghurt ones) in around 7-10 minutes. The units non-stick cast aluminium compartments are manufactured with a special coating that results in the pops being frozen rapidly and evenly.
Why buy it?
A standalone unit that does not require electricity (it only needs to be put in your freezer) that produces customizable pops (ice lollies) very quickly. Also, the main unit only needs cleaning infrequently and the reusable pop drip guards minimize the risk of sticky fingers and hands.
What are the dimensions:
You can create up to 9 pops of dimension 2.25″ x 3.5″ (5.7 cm x 8.9 cm). Alternatively, one can make 3 x 2oz (85g) pops each batch. The product weighs 6 lbs (2.7 kg) and is 4.5″ x 4.2″ x 8″ (11.4 cm x 10.7 cm x 20.3 cm).
What’s included:
The product comes with the quick pop freezing unit, quick release pop remover tool (‘Super Tool’), 6 x reusable pop sticks and 6 x reusable drip guards.
Advantages
- Customized pops are very easy to make and it becomes addictive watching them freeze.
For example, color variations can be made by pouring 1 color and leaving it for 30-60 seconds. Simply add the next color and just repeat the process. The possibilities are endless!
Examples of liquids that can be used include lemonade, milk or chocolate milk, coconut cream, yogurt, mocha pops as well as orange, lime, blackcurrant or mixed juice (many people prefer 50% dilution).
Adding puree or solids will take longer to freeze. Examples of solids that can be used include crushed or small pieces of bananas, cherry, strawberries, raspberries, mango, pineapple, peaches, blackberries, red or blackcurrants, oranges or mandarins. - The small and narrow unit does not take up much space in the average sized freezer.
- The unit does not have to be washed between each use – although it’s good hygiene to wash the reusable pop sticks.
- Extra storage cases and reusable sticks are available.
- Makes a great gift for Mother’s or Father’s day, hostess gift, wedding present, moving in present, birthdays or Christmas.
Possible Issues
- More expensive than many traditional alternatives. However, considering the cost of shop bought pops and frozen creamed (yoghurt) products, the Zoku Quick Pop Maker can pay for itself relatively quickly.
- Despite the unit being capable of producing up to 9 pops, it only comes supplied with 6 pop sticks and 6 drip guards. Additional items can be purchased separately.
- The pop size may be a little small for some people’s liking. However, this can be countered by considering them healthy treats.
- There is no cover or lid for the unit which can result in other items in the freezer falling inside it.
In Use
Tips and Advice
Pop removal is one of the biggest issues concerning all pop makers but this can be made much easier with the Zoku Quick Pop Maker by considering the following points:
- Do not overfill the unit (not even by a little!) and avoid non-calorie/sugar free/artificial sweetened ingredients otherwise removing the pops (ice lollies) can be very difficult. However, reduced sugar pops can be made through experimentation, for example by adding in some Atkins low carb protein drink or Splenda.
- Pushing pop sticks in too far will make them hard to remove.
- There is a knack to removing the pops successfully. Do not try to pull or yank the pop straight out – always twist it out using the removal tool.
- Easier pop removal can be achieved by making sure the drip guard is not initially attached and through screwing the removal tool (‘Super Tool’) in fully. Remember to twist and do not push down hard. Only attach the drip guard when you are sure the pop is free.
- Letting the pops freeze for an additional few minutes may make them easier to remove.
- Practice makes perfect regarding experimenting with the ingredients and pop consistency/ease of removal from the Zoku unit.
When using for the first time, make sure the unit is frozen for a full day beforehand. If you do not do this, you may end up frustrated with less than desirable results. After first time, the unit must be kept frozen at all times.
Using cold or chilled ingredients (rather than room temperature) makes the freezing process faster.
The Zoku Recipe Book is great for pop ideas.
Real World Usage Test
It is possible to get multiple batches from a fully frozen unit without the need to wash or refreeze the unit between each batch. The Zoku Quick Pop Maker unit we tested managed to produce up to 3 batches, although the last one took a comparatively long time and the pops were not frozen uniform.
- 1st batch of 6 pops: 7-10 minutes
- 2nd batch of 6 pops: 15-20 minutes
- 3rd batch of 6 pops: 20-25 minutes
Putting the unit back into the freezer for the second and third batch appeared to help the process a little.
Overall Verdict
A revelation when first used, then an addictive and useful addition to the home that is great for producing fun desserts anytime in under 10 minutes for the whole family.
Zoku Quick Pop Maker Price Guide
Internet Price Range: US $49.99 – $74.95
CURRENT CHEAPEST DEALS
If you want to buy the Zoku Quick Pop Maker safely and with peace of mind, you can get it cheapest currently on Amazon through the following links:
