Review: Zoku Quick Pop Maker

I've wanted to try a Zoku Quick Pop Maker ever since the first time I saw one. My kids and I love popsicles, especially in the summer, but I find it hard to find 100% juice versions at the local grocery store. There's often a sugar-free version that is sweetened with Splenda, but I'm not much more of a fan of artificial sweeteners than I am of high fructose corn syrup. So, the Zoku seemed like the perfect product. Delicious homemade popsicles that I can make in just a few short minutes. I've never been really good at planning ahead with popsicles that take the normal amount of time to freeze. After watching the Zoku video on the Williams-Sonoma website, I learned that not only could I make regular old popsicles, but that I could also make my favorite long-lost pudding pops, I had to take matters into my own hands. I splurged a little on this luxury item and am very much looking forward to a summer filled with ice cold popsicles that I can make in just 7 short minutes! Click on Read more... for my full review.

Review based on a 4-star scale:

Functionality *** - The Zoku was as easy to use as the video made it seem to be, even with first-time user error. I filled our milk and pudding pops a little too full the first time we made them, but a quick rinse under the water to melt the part that was over the line, and the rest of the pops came out just as they were supposed to. Each stick has it's own drip guard which is perfect for small kids. Not completely mess-proof, but it does cut back on melted juice running all the way down to your child's elbows! I was surprised at exactly how relatively little space the Zoku takes up in my freezer. It's about the size of a 1/2 gallon of Dreyer's or Breyer's (depending on where you live) ice cream. That's all! I don't miss the space at all, really. The maker comes with 6 sticks, and you can make up to 9 popsicles before you have to refreeze. Even if you only buy the individual Zoku, you can make enough for your kiddos plus a friend or two. Depending on the size of your own brood, of course. If you read the reviews on Williams-Sonoma, there's a big demand for the sale of additional sticks. Hopefully, we'll see those in the near future.

Waiting patiently.

Materials/Durability **** - The Zoku is very sturdy and seems to be well-made. I anticipate ours lasting for years. It is recommended that you wrap the Zoku in plastic wrap or put it in a Zip-Loc freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Enjoying a butterscotch pudding pop with a vanilla milk center. (It was the only pudding I had on hand.)

Price ** - Here is where things kind of fall apart. Anyone who shops at Williams-Sonoma knows that you are paying a premium for what they sell. They are the only retailers for the Zoku which means that yes, it's a little pricey. It's absolutely a convenience item, no doubt about it. I know you can buy much less expensive popsicle makers, although I don't know of one that can make a popsicle in just 7 MINUTES! It's clearly not the product for everyone, but will eventually pay for itself over the years in the savings I will get from not buying expensive and unhealthy popsicle treats for my kids.

Overall Rating *** - A fun idea for the summer, albeit a little pricey. I can vouch that it works as described. You definitely won't be disappointed. I only wish it would hurry-up and get warm. I want a reason to eat a pudding pop!