If you’re just starting out in the world of gummy manufacturing, there’s a lot to learn before you find your rhythm. From dialing in recipes and perfecting infusions to selecting the right equipment and processes, every decision you make will shape the efficiency and quality of your production.
Among those decisions is choosing between hand-pouring your gummy mixture or using a depositing machine. Much like determining if your gummy recipe will be based on gelatin or pectin, this choice comes down to your specific goals, budget, and production volume.
In this blog, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both methods to help you make a confident and informed decision.
Hand Pouring
Also known as the flood and scrape method, hand pouring involves spreading a hot candy mixture across the surface of a mold. A flat-edged tool—such as a pastry scraper or silicone squeegee—is then used to push the liquid into the mold cavities and remove any excess. It sounds straightforward, but the technique requires skill, precision, and practice.
Pros
Low startup costs: With minimal equipment required, this method offers a budget-friendly way to begin production. A basic kitchen setup and a few molds are enough to get started.
Fewer molds required: Hand-pour molds are typically designed with more cavities per sheet, reducing the overall number of molds needed per batch.
Cons
Skill- and labor-intensive: This process often requires a team to execute efficiently. Each batch demands hands-on attention, and mastering the method takes time.
High inconsistency: Without precise volumetric control, it’s difficult to ensure each cavity is filled evenly, which can lead to product inconsistency and in cases with an active ingredient, dosage variability.
Challenging removal: This method leaves a thin layer of candy material across the surface of the entire mold, making it difficult to remove each candy individually and increasing the chance of misshapen or damaged gummies.
Time consuming: The number of cavities per mold requires candies to be removed and separated by hand, which – even when proficient at this skill – is a time-consuming process.
Machine Depositing
Depositing machines automate the filling process, allowing the candy mixture to be pumped from a hopper and distributed into each mold cavity with consistent volume and accuracy. While the technology might seem complex at first, it’s often easier and more efficient than manual methods.
Pros
Precision and consistency: Machines deliver an exact amount of product into each cavity, producing uniform gummies every time — critical for accurate dosing and professional appearance.
Efficient demolding: With clean fills that don’t spill over the mold’s surface, gummies are easier to release, reducing handling time and improving product shape and finish.
Fast production: Depositors can fill thousands of cavities in just minutes, helping you scale quickly and meet increasing demand.
Versatile equipment: Many depositors are designed to handle multiple types of confections – such as caramels, taffy, hard candy, and chocolate – making it easier to expand your product line without investing in new equipment.
Cons
Higher initial investment: The startup cost associated with machinery is more expensive than using manual tools. However, the increase in speed and efficiency paired with lower labor needs often leads to significant long-term savings.
Ongoing maintenance: Like all machinery, depositors require regular cleaning, calibration, and servicing to keep operations running smoothly.
How Truffly Made Can Support Your Business
Whether you’re just getting started or scaling up, Truffly Made offers depositor solutions tailored to your business’s needs and budget.
Starting Small?
Our Compact Universal Depositor is the perfect entry-level machine. It can produce around 1,000 gummies per hour and fits easily into small commercial kitchens. Financing plans are available to help make your investment more manageable.
Ready to Scale?
The Automatic Universal Depositor is a game-changer. With a 20L hopper capacity, it can produce over 10,000 gummies per hour. When paired with our Tower Rack System, you can fill 28 molds in 20 minutes or less — completely hands-free.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between hand-pouring and machine depositing depends on your business goals, budget, and production capacity. Hand pouring is great for small batches and tight budgets, but it comes with labor and consistency challenges. Machine depositing requires an upfront investment, but pays off with speed, precision, and scalability.
No matter where you are in your candy-making journey, we are here to help streamline your process and support your growth. From entry-level equipment to industrial-scale production, Truffly Made offers the easiest way to make candies.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to explore your options or learn more about our line of Universal Depositors.