What Is Your Favorite Extruder?

Decorating By ShandraB Updated 30 Nov 2011 , 2:15am by FlourPots

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ShandraB Posted 25 Nov 2011 , 1:09am
post #1 of 18

I'm in the market for an extruder and I would really appreciate your imput!

17 replies
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Price Posted 25 Nov 2011 , 1:53am
post #2 of 18

I have the red and black sugar-craft gun and also the Walnut Hollow extruder. I like them both alot. The project I'm working on determines which one I use. The Walnut Hollow extruder has a longer barrel which holds more fondant and allows me to make longer ropes. Many people use the green one which I think is made by merkins. That one also has a long barrel.

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icer101 Posted 25 Nov 2011 , 2:19am
post #3 of 18

I agree with Price, the 2 she likes.

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sweetcakes Posted 25 Nov 2011 , 2:56am
post #4 of 18

as far as im aware there are 3, the black and red one where you squeeze the handle, the green one where you turn the t bar at the top and then the syringe type, this is the hardest one to use and i wouldn;t recommend it. the other 2, like the other 2 posters said have their uses, i use both these a fair bit. it was cheaper to order the black and red one from an english company and have it sent over then to order from a US company.

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FlourPots Posted 25 Nov 2011 , 3:15am
post #5 of 18

Here's the one that seems to be the most popular among CC members (I have 2):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018BOXWQ/?tag=cakecentral-20


Here's some great pics of it posted by a crafter on Flickr (click to see them enlarged): http://www.flickr.com/photos/craftygoat/sets/72157605291284689/

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CarolinaGirlAsh Posted 25 Nov 2011 , 3:38am
post #6 of 18

Going qlong with this theme, I have a questn about using an extruder. Is there some trick to using one? I have the walnut (screw/crank atyle handle) and every time I have tried to use it, I havent been strong enough to make it work when I have fondant in it. I developed bruises on my hand last time. I have got to be doing something wrong!

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Price Posted 25 Nov 2011 , 4:02am
post #7 of 18

You need to soften your fondant. It should come out of the Walnut Hollow extruder without much effort at all. Knead some Crisco into you fondant.

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artmojo1975 Posted 25 Nov 2011 , 4:17am
post #8 of 18

I have the green Makins one and have no problems with it. Definatley make sure your fondant is really soft, warmed by your hands and lots of Crisco when kneading. I love mine and use it for so many things. One of my favorites in the tool kit!

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FlourPots Posted 25 Nov 2011 , 4:21am
post #9 of 18

Before I extrude, I microwave the piece that's going in for about 8 - 10 seconds, then I roll it into a ball, then a thick snake, then I coat only the outside of the snake with a small amount of Wilton glycerin (I put my finger on top of the opened bottle, turn it over, and use what's on my finger to smear on the exterior of the snake).
Everything after the microwaving is done very quickly so my fondant doesn't cool too much.

Those steps allow me to extrude so easily, that I normally use one finger to turn the top bar...
If you look at this pic: http://www.flickr.com/photos/craftygoat/2528909136/in/set-72157605291284689

you see the skinny bar across the top...well that bar slides all the way over to one side or the other...
you can literally spin it around with one finger!

...and the warming and glycerin help the fondant come through the disks completely smooth...no cracks or marks of any kind.

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artmojo1975 Posted 25 Nov 2011 , 5:13am
post #10 of 18

Great tip! I'll have to try that. Thanks FlourPots.

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FlourPots Posted 25 Nov 2011 , 5:24am
post #11 of 18

You're welcome icon_smile.gif

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srkmilklady Posted 25 Nov 2011 , 5:27am
post #12 of 18

I love the Walnut Hollow extruder. It comes in a carry case with 20 different discs. The best of all was that I purchased it at Michael's with a 50% off coupon. icon_biggrin.gif

http://tinyurl.com/7egwufe

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CarolinaGirlAsh Posted 25 Nov 2011 , 2:07pm
post #13 of 18

Thanks everyone! I will definitely try all of that. After the last time, I had given up!

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Bonnell Posted 25 Nov 2011 , 2:24pm
post #14 of 18

I saw the most amazing extruder recently. Almost effortless to use and large barrel. They even have a battery operated model! It's from Artway Tools (www.artwaytools.com). It's an investment but I think it's worth it especially if you do a lot of cakes. It's on my wish list.

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Eva2 Posted 25 Nov 2011 , 3:53pm
post #15 of 18

I have 3, the red and black one, I think that it's very hard to use and I really don't like it, if I am doing alot of work with it my hand hurts and it takes a long time.
I have the Wilton one, this one is easier to use, but it does not hold much fondant and it does not come with many shapes, it is very limited.
I also have the Willow Creek, I really don't think that it is food SAFE. I have had black stuff coming out mixed into my fondant from the seal around the bottom. But it is very easy to use. I think I might have thrown that one out.
I just purchased my 4th one LOL. It is the one from Artway tools. I think it is called the ACE. I had tried it in a store and it was great, But they wanted something like $300. for it. So I went on line to Artway and purchased it, with many tips for the bottom for something like $160. I have not received it yet, I'm hopeing that it will come in the mail today.

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Elcee Posted 25 Nov 2011 , 8:55pm
post #16 of 18
Quote:
Originally Posted by FlourPots

Before I extrude, I microwave the piece that's going in for about 8 - 10 seconds, then I roll it into a ball, then a thick snake, then I coat only the outside of the snake with a small amount of Wilton glycerin (I put my finger on top of the opened bottle, turn it over, and use what's on my finger to smear on the exterior of the snake).
Everything after the microwaving is done very quickly so my fondant doesn't cool too much.
...and the warming and glycerin help the fondant come through the disks completely smooth...no cracks or marks of any kind.




FlourPots, I have the Walnut Hollow extruder and have all but given up on it. Even though I don't have the same one you have I am definitely going to try your tips! Thanks!

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ShandraB Posted 26 Nov 2011 , 3:52am
post #17 of 18

Thank you all so much for your replies! I get so frustrated buying tools and not really knowing how they will work out. I will definitely be putting a couple of these on my Christmas list!

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FlourPots Posted 30 Nov 2011 , 2:15am
post #18 of 18

Elcee...hope they work for you!

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