LMost people think that the reason we should use candy gloves is only for safety against the high temperature with which we work with isomalt sugar or caramel.
Although that reason is fundamental and very important, it should be said that it is not the only one.
Reasons why you should use candy gloves
For safety
Working safely with isomalt sugar and caramel is paramount. Given how hot the materials are, it’s crucial to avoid burns and blisters. Working safely will allow you to work more comfortably and confidently, focusing on technique and decoration. If you’re not comfortable and safe, you won’t enjoy the technique, and if you don’t enjoy it, you won’t progress and might even give up.
For aesthetic reasons
Our hands constantly release moisture, and even if you can withstand the heat, touching the decorative piece you’re working on without gloves will leave fingerprints on it. The final finish will be worse and won’t look as bright; your own fingerprints will dull the piece.
Which candy gloves are the most recommended?
Nitrile, vinyl, and latex gloves are available on the market, but latex gloves are recommended for working with caramel and isomalt.
Both vinyl and nitrile gloves can be used in an emergency, but this material causes isomalt to eventually adhere to them, damaging and tearing them quickly.
The most recommended gloves, and those that will withstand the temperature of isomalt sugar without any problem, are latex gloves. When we talk about latex gloves, we can mention several types.
Surgical latex gloves
These types of gloves can work perfectly well, although they are quite thin. Their durability is lower because, being so thin, they will tear with use and we will have to replace them very frequently. One advantage is that they are available in different sizes and can be fitted snugly to the hands, making work more comfortable.
One disadvantage is that, being so thin, they insulate us less from the heat of the caramel.
We have the option of wearing several pairs for extra insulation from the heat. Some colleagues bandage their fingertips before putting on their gloves, and some even bandage their palms. There are several options.
Supermarket latex gloves
These types of gloves can be a lifesaver if you don’t have specific gloves for working with isomalt sugar. If you intend to use them for cooking isomalt, making lollipops, or any decoration that you shouldn’t touch with your bare hands, these gloves could work. If you look closely, they always have a textured area with small dots on the palm, which is the non-slip surface. One drawback is that, although they come in different sizes, they don’t usually fit well, making the work more uncomfortable.
If we use the stretching or blowing technique, which involves touching the piece with our hands, such as when making lollipops, flowers, or artistic sculptures, these gloves would not be suitable because the non-slip part would leave marks on our pieces.
The perfect candy gloves
Finally, we have the option of the candy gloves that I use and that are available in our online store. These candy gloves are perfect for several reasons.
- The first and most important reason is because they are made of latex.
- The second reason is that they are thick, which makes them super resistant and their durability is very long.
- Thirdly, because being thick they insulate you much more from the heat of the caramel, making you work very safely.
- Fourth, because having different sizes means you can find one that fits your hand perfectly, making your work much more comfortable.
And I could add a fifth point: their price. They’re very affordable for what they do. I know it takes some getting used to working with gloves, but I assure you that once you do, you and your work will thank you.
IMPORTANT
You should always wear cotton gloves under your latex gloves. First, put on the cotton gloves, then the latex gloves. You might think it would be even more uncomfortable to wear cotton gloves underneath, but it’s not; it actually makes things much more comfortable. The cotton gloves provide better insulation and absorb the moisture from your hands.
In this video I explain everything
I hope this article has helped you learn a little more about the equipment you need to work with isomalt. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments; I’ll read them.
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