SATIN ICE
This is probably the most commonly used brand of fondant on the market in the United States. Endorsed by celebrity bakers and readily available, Satin Ice has earned its place in the cupboards of most cake decorators.
Pros:
- Wide range of colour available.
- Available from Spotlight and some independent cake decorating stores.
- Competitive price point, depending on where you buy. A 1lb pail is $19.95 from Spotlight, $17.99 from independent cake supplies but can be as expensive as $25 if purchased locally.
- Available in small and large quantities (2lb to 20lb pails).
- Dries to a crisp, smooth shell on the outside of a cake.
Cons:
- The novice decorator is more likely to experience tearing at the edges of a cake, especially if ganache is used. Very quick kneading, rolling and smoothing can lessen this likelihood.
- "Elephant skin" (wrinkled surface) may be experienced if you do not work quickly.
- Artificial chemical taste and smell.
- Tears more easily once kneaded with lots of food colouring
WILTON FONDANT
Wilton fondant generally gets a bad rap, but I believe it's misunderstood. Wilton is seen as the "cheap and cheerful" cake decorating brand, and so the efficacy of its fondant is overlooked. I would never cover a cake in Wilton fondant, but I would not be without a box of every colour in my pantry.
Pros:
- Inexpensive. A 5 lb box of white fondant can cost as little as $14 with a hobby store coupon.
- Wide range of colour available including smaller multi-packs, perfect for the hobby decorator.
- Perfect for figure modelling with no need to add stiffening products like Tylose powder.
- Rolls smoothly with few air bubbles, cuts without dragging and dries quickly making it the best choice for accents like bows, stripes, polka dots and lettering, and for use in moulds.
- Readily available in all large hobby stores, at Ebay with free Prime shipping, and even in some local cake supplies.
Cons:
- Not really effective for covering cakes. Disintegrating and cracking can occur as the fondant dries so quickly.
- Artificial chemical taste.
FONDARIFIC
Fondarific is a great choice for the novice baker. Its elasticity and softness makes it very forgiving for those still perfecting their cake-covering skills. Fondarific comes in many flavors and is definitely one of the tastiest fondants out there. Duff's fondant is actually Fondarific rebranded.
Pros:
- Extremely soft and stretchy making it one of the easiest fondants to use to cover a cake for the novice.
- Very wide range of colors.
- Delicious fruit flavors, plus vanilla, chocolate and even cinnamon bun!
- Available in any local independent outlets or Fondarific Australia online.
- Price point comparable with Satin Ice depending on retailer. A 1kg is $14.50.
- 8oz pails available in limited colour range if larger quantities are not needed.
Cons:
- The soft fondant makes the finished cake very easy to damage.
- Fondarific can turn oily if is exposed to the sun when on the cake.
- Not really suitable for creating accents like bows, stripes, lettering etc, due to its softness.
- Develops an unpleasant taste if kept for too long.
FONDX
For me, FondX is a step up from Fondarific in that it is quite easy to use but gives a more reliable, crisper finish. It is my colored fondant of choice. The difference between the standard FondX, the Elite and Elite Plus are ease of use, taste and, of course, price!
Pros:
- Rolls thinly and rarely tears, even when used to cover a sharp-edged ganached cake.
- Widest color range of all fondant brands.
- Elite has delicious white chocolate flavor with hint of raspberry.
- Dries to a perfect crisp shell.
Cons:
- Not available in nationwide hobby stores or from Amazon. Not readily available in local, independent cake decorating stores.
- More expensive than Satin Ice and Fondarific at $35 per 2Kg pail and $18 for Elite. Shipping charges must be added. Some 'elephant skin' wrinkling may occur.
