Creating art is always a cathartic experience. But being able to create art that you can wear or hold?
That’s an interestingly different experience altogether. If this is something that you would want to pursue and someday make a business out of, you’ll need the right tools to be successful.
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One of the tools you’ll be needing is a heat press machine. This will allow you to transfer your art to mugs, t-shirts, hats, and other things. It’s especially important if you want to create merchandise that has a professional finish.
So how do you find the best heat press machine for your needs? What do you need to consider? Where can you get them?
We’ll be answering all of these questions in this article. Aside from that, we will also be providing a list of the best heat press machines on the market today.
Let’s get started!
7 Best Heat Press Machines in 2022
- PowerPress Industrial-Quality Heat Press Machine — Best overall heat press
- Circuit Easy Press 2- medium — Best for heat pressing clothes
- PowerPress Home Press Portable Heat Machine — Best portable heat press
- Circuit Mug Press — Best heat press for mugs
- F2C Pro Heat Press — Best multifunction heat press
- BetterSub Heat Press 12×15 — Best value heat press
- Cricut EasyPress 2 (Large) — Best heat press for blankets and banners
What is the Best Heat Press Machine?
PowerPress Industrial-Quality Heat Press Machine is the best heat press machine overall. Check out our comparison table to know the best heat press machines from the list.
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How Do I Choose a Heat Press Machine?
Let’s start the article with a short discussion on what are the things that we need to consider when choosing a heat press machine.
Time
TimeTime is an important factor when working with a heat press. Some materials need more time to be pressed for the design to transfer properly and others need less. Getting a heat press that comes with its own timer helps you work with better accuracy and consistency.
Temperature and Pressure
Temperature and pressure also vary depending on the material that you’re transferring your designs to. If you’re working with ceramics like mugs, you’ll apply only light temperature and pressure to transfer your design. But if you’re working with t-shirts, you’ll need more pressure and heat to make sure the design doesn’t peel off of the fabric.
The heat press that you’ll get should be able to precisely work with these specifications. You should be able to customize the temperature of your heat press and how much pressure it applies to your medium.
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Top 7 Heat Press Machines in 2022
1. PowerPress Industrial-Quality Heat Press Machine
The best heat press machine overall
If you’re looking for a heat press that allows you to work easily, then the PowerPress heat press is a great choice. It’s going to be a great fit for designers who are looking to do printing professionally. This is because the press size of this device is 38.1 x 38.1 cm.
You have full digital control over temperature and time range. For temperature, it ranges from 32 to 455 degrees. As for the time range, it ranges from 0 to 999 seconds. Since they’re both digitally controlled, you can be assured of accuracy and consistency.
The press is coated with non-stick Teflon so heat and pressure are distributed evenly. It also prevents any scorching or burns marks on your projects.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Easy to clean due to silicone mat on the board | ➖ Heavy |
| ➕ Temperature up to 235°C |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Teflon coated Heating Plate: 15x15 inch. Voltage: 110V. Power: 1400 W. Digital Control Board (Temperature Range: 32-455 F & Time Range: 0-999 s)
- Removable Silicon Mat: The silicon mat is not glued on the bottom board. Advantages: Washable (Easy to clean after work) & Replaceable (Easy to replace with new mat). Please feel free to move or...
- Bottom handle: When the heating plate is closed with high temperature, the shape of the machine might change slightly. A bottom handle can then help you open the plate easily and safely.
- Patented Design Control Chip: Makes the machine more powerful, more accurate and safer to control the temperature.
- Replaceable Fuse: Protect machine from overheating and electric short.
2. Cricut Easy Press 2 (medium)
The best for heat pressing clothes
If you’re looking for a heat press that would be perfect for transferring designs to t-shirts, the Cricut Easy Press 2 is the one for you. This heat press can take care of projects that are up to 9 x 9 cm. This makes it a perfect tool for when you’re going to print on t-shirts, throw pillows, or tote bags.
You can adjust the temperature of this heat press to up to 400 degrees. This makes it easier to work with different kinds of materials since some need more heat than others. The heat press has an advanced heat plate design with a ceramic-coated surface. This allows the heat press to heat up in only under 2 minutes.
As for portability, this heat press is lightweight so it’s easy to bring with you when you’re out traveling. For safety, it comes equipped with an insulated safety base and auto-shutoff feature. These are extra features that reduce accidents for users.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Available in different colors | ➖ Limited pressing size |
| ➕ Temperature up to 180°C |
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Latest Price on Amazon:
- A NO-STRESS HEAT PRESS - Get professional heat-transfer results without the guesswork and repeated testing with Cricut's EasyPress 2. Combining the speed of a heat press and the convenience of an...
- PERFECT FOR GENERIC-SIZED PROJECTS - At 9" x 9", the pressing machine is ideal for transferring photos or text on T shirts, tote bags, pillows, aprons, and even for sublimation printing. Unleash your...
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE FOR DIFFERENT PROJECTS - With precise temperature control up to 400 degrees, you can adjust the heat as per your requirement. Just set the temperature and timer and apply gentle...
- QUICK, FOOLPROOF OUTCOMES - Featuring an advanced heat plate design with ceramic-coated surface, the iron-on press heats up in under 2 minutes and can execute even the most intricate prints in about...
- PORTABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT and EASY TO STORE - The press is equipped with an insulated safety base and auto-shutoff feature, and is compatible with major brands of heat-transfer vinyl and all Infusible Ink...
3. PowerPress Home Press Portable Heat Machine
The best portable heat press
This device can be considered as one of the best heat presses that have a touch screen control panel. The panel helps you determine the temperature of the heat press and the duration of the process. The machine has a heat press size of 10″×12″. This is a good size if you’re working with t-shirts and other larger materials.
This heat press has an anti-overheating system. Because it is constructed with three layers of heat-resistant materials, the external casing doesn’t get hot. This reduces the chances of getting burned while using the device.
If, for example, you forget to turn off the device, it has a shutoff function that prevents overheating. Once the system of the device detects overheating, it activates the shutoff function.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Allows pressure regulation | ➖ The handle tends to get warm |
| ➕ Gets shutoff for overheating |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Heating plate size: 10×12. Larger size enables you to make shirts for all your family members: from your babies to spouse, perfect for a variety of transfer work and yet lightweight of only 8 lbs.
- Touch screen control panel: Super sensitive touch screen ensures an easier and smoother operation while maintaining a fashionable and modern appearance
- Pressure Regulating System: Four patentable pressure regulating springs, co-used with specially-designed heat resistant mat uniform and necessary pressure. A grown-up is able to easily finish the...
- Safe anti-overheating system: Three layers of heat-resistant construction insulates the external casing from the heat. Only a bit of warmth can be felt on the handle, even after working 2 hours...
- Dual-function base: In safety mode, you and your family couldn't get burned by accident. In working mode, the heating plate could greatly dissipate heat
4. Cricut Mug Press
The best heat press for mugs
Cricut Mug Press is an interesting heat press because it was specifically designed to transfer art to mugs. Since it serves such a specific use, it is equipped with a single-touch option to make things simple and easy.
This heat press can work with mug sizes between 350 to 470 ml. It has a pro-heating feature that helps with the transfer process so designing those mugs is easier than ever.
The device has a dimension of 33.29 x 23.5 x 21.2cm. This makes it a very light and portable heat press that you can bring with you when you’re out traveling. You can use a USB cord for activation and then monitor the progress of your project with the Cricut software.
Once you’re done, the mugs come out as dishwasher and microwave safe. It’s definitely a feature worth noting since you would want the users of your mug to be safe while they’re using your creations.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Compatible with other Cricut machines | ➖ Only works with Infusible ink |
| ➕ Single-touch settings |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- ATTAIN DECOR EXPERTISE WITH ONE-TOUCH - Get ahold of beautifully designed mugs with Cricut Mug Press that comes with a pro heating feature that helps enhance simple mugs (of size 11 - 16 oz) into an...
- MAKE PROLIFIC MUGS WITHOUT ANY COMPLICATIONS - Create artistic designs with any Cricut cutting machine and wrap the cut design around your mug to induce transfer by placing the mug into the press....
- VIBRANT GIFTING FOR YOUR LOVED ONES - A thoughtful gifting idea presenting professional-quality, personalized mugs to friends or family created with the help of mug blanks (sold separately) with no...
- ONE-OF-A-KIND CUSTOMIZATION - The patent-pending heat plate with zone heating creates wonders with consistent results delivering peel-proof, dishwasher-safe designs in no time using Infusible Ink...
- PERFECT COMPANION IN THE CRICUT FAMILY - The unique heat press for coffee mugs that has been specially optimized for Infusible Ink products, with auto shut-off safety feature, proves to be a precise...
5. F2C Pro Heat Press
The best multifunction heat press
The F2C Pro is a great option if you’re really looking into investing in a quality heat press machine for your business. It dimension is 30.48 x 25.4 x 34.30 cm.
The temperature and time are both digitally controlled. This helps in making sure that your printing process is accurate and consistent throughout all of your projects. It can go from a temperature of 0 to 200 C and can time the projects from 0 to 9999 seconds.
This heat press has a printing area of 23 x 30 cm. This working area is perfect for individuals who like having the option to print large designs on t-shirts.
It also has an aluminum heat plate so the heat evenly spreads on your design. The Teflon cover is heat resistant and makes sure that the surface isn’t sticky. This makes it easier for users to prevent burning and sticking while printing.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Aluminum heat plate with Teflon cover | ➖ Limited power capacity of 800 watts |
| ➕ Affordable |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- New Professional Clamshell Heat Press Machine-Voltage:110V Power:800W; Temperature Range:0-200C(0-400F);Time Range:0~ 9999 second, US-standard grounded plug
- Printing area:10"x12" (23* 30cm); The silicon pad can endure maximum 280 degrees Celsius without any distortion while extremely safe when working
- Aluminum heat plate, heating uniformity on the surface. The teflon cover is heat resistance, surface is not sticky, can make printing more steady and prevent burning. Non-slip rubber handle - you may...
- It has temperature and time preset, you will hear a sound once it reaches the designated number, end up without any damaged design
- Good in heat transfer printing on t-shirt, bags, puzzles, mouse pads etc. This is a great starter press or for those needing something transportable for quick logo presses, will definitely take your...
6. BetterSub Heat Press 12×15
The best value heat press
The heating plate is made of aluminum so the heat spreads evenly. It can also swing 360 degrees so it’s easier to move out of the way once you’re done pressing your design. The base has a heat-resistant silicone pad and pressure sponge. This makes it safer for you to work with the machine and helps prevent burning on your designs.
The temperature and time are both digitally controlled. This makes the device more accurate and consistent. The temperature can range from 0 to 226 celsius and the time duration can range from 0 to 999 seconds.
This is a 5 in 1 heating press because it comes with 4 more extensions. These include a mug heater for 11 0z, a 15 diameter plate heater, a 12.5 diameter plate heater, and an 8 x 15 cm cap heater. This makes it a highly versatile device that is capable of working on different mediums.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Versatile | ➖ Lacks better temperature range |
| ➕ Provides a great work area |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- ✔New 5 in 1 Industrial-Quality 12” X 15” heat press machine,full 360-degree rotation and professional swing-away design. Note: Machine Printing Size: 11.5inch*15inch (29*38CM)
- ✔Safe Using: Solid-State Relays are more capable of protecting circuits and avoid fire in over voltage than Electronic Relay
- ✔Combo Heat Press Machine = 29cmx38cm Shirt Press + 8cmx15cm Cap Press + cylinder-shaped Mug Press(11oz) + 12.5cm Plate Press machine + 15cm Plate Press machine
- ✔LCD Control Board✔Teflon Surface: Full digital control over those two parameters. Temperature range: 0-440℉; Time range: 0-999 s; Power: 1000W Max
- ✔Manual and Video for you. So you can read the product instruction anytime.
7. Cricut EasyPress 2 (Large)
The best heat press for blankets and banners
This model of Cricut EasyPerss 2 is similar to the first heat press that we discussed in this list. The main difference is that it has a larger press size. Since this is a larger version, the press size is 30.48 x 25.4 cm. This makes it perfect for when you’re working on larger designs on larger mediums like blankets, banners, or bags.
Just like the other models, it has an advanced heating plate design with a ceramic coating. This design distributes the heat evenly. The temperature can be adjusted to a maximum of 400 degrees.
It also has an insulated safety base for when you’re not using the device. It’s a safe place to put your device while you’re working.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕A great option for larger projects | ➖ Costly |
| ➕ Temperature can be controlled up to 205°C | |
| ➕ Safe shutoff feature |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- A NO-STRESS HEAT PRESS - Get professional heat-transfer results without the guesswork and repeated testing with Cricut's EasyPress 2. Combining the speed of a heat press and the convenience of an...
- PERFECT FOR JUMBO-SIZED PROJECTS - At 12" x 10", the pressing machine is ideal for transferring photos or text on T shirts, sweatshirts, banners, blankets, and even for sublimation printing. Unleash...
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE FOR DIFFERENT PROJECTS - With precise temperature control up to 400 degrees, you can adjust the heat as per your requirement. Just set the temperature and timer and apply gentle...
- QUICK, FOOLPROOF OUTCOMES - Featuring an advanced heat plate design with ceramic-coated surface, the iron-on press heats up in under 3 minutes and can execute even the most intricate prints in about...
- PORTABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT & EASY TO STORE - The press is equipped with an insulated safety base & auto-shutoff feature, & is compatible with major brands of heat-transfer vinyl & all Infusible Ink...
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors should I consider while buying a heat press machine?
You have to consider the time, temperature, and pressure in a heat press. The accuracy of the machine depends on these factors. So, you have to buy a heat press machine in which you can set the time, temperature, and pressure as per your needs.
Why should I buy PowerPress Industrial-Quality Heat Press Machine?
As the name suggests, PowerPress is a heat press that provides an industry quality. It has a press size of 38.1 x 38.1 cm. In this machine, you can control the temperature from 32 to 455 degrees. The non-stick Teflon coating of the press helps in maintaining the heat in the process. Due to these reasons, PowerPress is one of the great choices.
Best Heat Press Machine Final Takeaway
Art can be extra special if you can wear it or put it on mugs or caps. It can also be a great customized gift for your family, friends, and loved ones. It can also become a very good business idea. A lot of people like personalizing their things.
Whether you’re going to use it for personal or commercial purposes, transferring your art to objects will require a heat press. In this article, we’ve discussed the things you need to look out for when buying a good heat press. We have also given you lots of product recommendations for the best heat press machines on the market.
All of these products are good at what they do. At the end of the day, the best heat press will be the one that fits your needs.
Do you have other product recommendations for heat presses that we weren’t able to discuss? Tell us more in the comments below so we can add and review them!