11 Best Heat Press Machines

Searching For The Best Heat Press Machines

The term “walking advertisement” is considered an insult by some, but a better way to interpret is as a synonym for “proud supporter,” especially when you’re wearing a t-shirt with the logo of your favorite sports team, movie, or K-pop ground. There’s a reason merchandise is so popular; people love to support what they love. There’s no better mutual form of support than shirts, considering that over 60% of Americans own over 10 t-shirts. 

Companies recognize this, and as such, it’s not uncommon for them to bump up their prices by disgusting amounts. As Macklemore once said, “That’s $50 for a t-shirt.” But why pay $50 for a Mackelmore t-shirt when you can print a t-shirt like that for free? Not only is that possible, but more people and businesses are turning to heat press machines to accomplish that very goal.

For the uninitiated, a heat press machine is a cost-effective and easy tool that transfers designs onto more than just t-shirts. Depending on the machine, you can put designs onto hats, mugs, and bags. If you do it right, the designs should last for quite a while, certainly longer than simply ironing a design onto a shirt. 

So if you want to skip the middleman merchant at your next concert, read through my list of the best heat press machines. I’ve included items by some of the most renowned brands in the industry, like Cricut, Vevor, and PowerPress.

11 Best Heat Press Machines

1. VEVOR 5 in 1 Heat Press Machine

Although VEVOR has a ton of appliances to choose from, including some of the best heat press machines in the business, I selected this machine for its versatility. The VEVOR 5 in 1 Heat Press Machine Machine has a 900w power output, so it’s strong enough to handle most materials. It has multiple attachments that allow you to imprint on the following items:

1. T-shirts
2. Cell phone cases
3. Mugs
4. Hats
5. Pillowcases

This heat press’ board is coated with Teflon to protect it from high temperatures. As such, you can crank the heat as high as you need without worrying about damaging the materials or the machine itself. Speaking of heat, the VEVOR 5 in 1 Heat Press Machine Machine can oscillate between 200 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning it can imprint cotton, ceramics, linen, canvas, and more. 

If all of that sounds up your alley, then consider picking this machine up for $185 from Amazon. 

Customers say: “Very easy to set up and use. No more arm pain from applying so much pressure on my cricut easy press which is not as easy as this magic machine. The extra hat, plate and cup accessories are such a nice bonus! If you are thinking of buying this product, please do!! I wish I did sooner! “

Highlights

• Multiple attachments for t-shirts, hats, mugs, bags, and more
• Heat-proof Teflon surface
• 4.2/5 stars based on more than 2,300 pieces of customer feedback on Amazon

2. Cricut EasyPress 3 9×9 w/Mat Bundle

The Cricut EasyPress 3 is ideal for folks who like working remotely, as in, a few feet away from the heat. This heat press uses the Cricut Heat app for wireless control. Users can modify the temperature and time from the safety of their phone.

Additionally, the Cricut EasyPress 3 can transfer designs and prints at 400F, ensuring the designs transfer in full. With an automatic shut-off function, you should consider this heat press machine if you want to do as little of the work yourself. It can be yours for $225.

Customers say: “Love the convenience of it and doesnt take up that much space on my crafting tables! Helping to expand my creativity.”

Highlights

• BlueTooth connectivity to your phone
• Compatible with most big heat press brands and accessories
• TUV-listed

3. HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Machine for T Shirts

If you want to turn your brain off and make t-shirts, this HTVRONT device outclasses the other best heat press machines. It’s designed specifically for t-shirts, but that narrow focus means the HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Machine for T Shirts can excel at its job. 

First of all, you don’t need to apply any pressure during the process. Just press the start button and the machine will handle the work. Next, it can reach 320 degrees Fahrenheit in only four minutes, but rip as hot as 410 degrees Fahrenheit.

The HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Machine for T Shirts has many modes, each with different purposes. There are four different ‘fast” settings, two modes you can personalize to your preferred heat and times, and an automatic mode. 

All in all, this device is a solid choice for anyone who doesn’t want to think too hard about their heat presses. It’s available for $296.

Customers say: “This little heat press is great. Heats up quickly, heats up evenly and makes quick work out of pressing garments. It’s relatively light and the controls make it a breeze to use.”

Highlights

• Hands-free operation
• Heats up quickly
• Multiple modes with fast and slow imprinting speeds

4. Cricut EasyPress Mini Heat Press

There are many Cricut machines to choose from, but I wanted to highlight the Cricut EasyPress Mini Heat Press. Not only is it extremely wallet-friendly – it only costs $69 – but it’s ergonomic in a way most heat press machines aren’t. Since you can hold it like an iron, you can move your clothes around underneath the Cricut EasyPress Mini Heat Press. As such, you can ensure you’re pressing evenly. 

This makes the machine great for tricky projects like shoes or dolls. The Mini Heat Press also has an automatic off-switch and insulated base for safety purposes. It’s a great machine to teach your kids how to use a heat press and customize their toys. 

Customers say: “I love this small, but perfect easy press! It is absolutely perfect for my small craft/ ironing needs! It heats up rapidly. It is comfortable to hold & handle…and at about the size of my hand, it has never yet gotten too heavy to work with. This can do the job that my regular iron or large easy press can not. I didnt expect to like it this much, but I really do! “

Highlights

• Simple to use
• Lightweight
• One of the most affordable heat press machines

5. Siser Craft Heat Press

The Siser Craft Heat Press was designed to platform small businesses looking to create their own merch. The 9” by 12” heat press machine has digital controls, gets as hot as 430 degrees Fahrenheit, and has a non-stick upper platform. It also has foam grips so that you can easily hold down the lid to apply proper pressure. 

Due to its size, the Siser Craft Heat Press can handle multiple jobs. It can imprint t-shirts, children’s clothes, tote bags, mouse pads, and more. It’s pricier than the other best heat press machines, coming in at CAD $450 from Michaels, but that’s because it’s built for sustainability. 

Customers say: “This Siser 9 x 12 Heat Press is the perfect tool for large and small projects. From sublimating t-shirts to coasters to slates, this small footprint press can handle all of these with ease. Because of space limits I needed a clamshell press instead of a swing away. Initially, I purchased this based on the reliability of the Siser brand and the price was decent as well. I’m looking forward to many more projects.

Highlights

• Outfitted with beginner-friendly features
• Foam grips make for easy pressure control
• Large digital controls

6. PowerPress HPM-0000-PK Heat Press Machine Portable-Pink

The PowerPress HPM-0000-PK Heat Press Machine Portable-Pink strikes a balance between maneuverability and power. It’s a handheld press, meaning you have as much freedom as your limbs will allow, in addition to being large and powerful enough for bigger jobs. It has a 10” by 12” heating surface and a 1000w power output, plus a pressure regulation system to ensure even and consistent image transfer. 

It’s also simple to use thanks to its touch screen timer. All you need to do is turn it on, place it onto the shirt, blanket, or pillowcase, and wait for the timer to sound off. It has safety measures in place so you don’t burn yourself while moving between jobs. 

You can pick up the PowerPress HPM-0000-PK Heat Press Machine Portable-Pink for $105. 

Customers say: “I used this press to make 180+ shirts vinyl and sublimation. I’ve had no problem with it at all. It heats evenly and I’m assuming pretty close to accurately cause I haven’t had any problem burning anything on getting anything to stick.”

Highlights

• Handheld heat press machine
• 1000W power
• Anti-overheating system prevents heat from spreading into the handle

7. Creworks 8 In 1 Heat Press Machine

This is the most powerful entry in my list of the best heat press machines as it can heat up to 570 degrees Fahrenheit. The Creworks 8 In 1 Heat Press Machine can maintain that heat for nearly 17 minutes, which is more than enough time to get through your tasks. It also comes with safety features like a temperature-resistant nylon fiberglass composite coating and automatic shut-off.

This is also a larger machine as it weighs nearly 50 pounds and stands at 19.5” by 15” by 15”. As such, it’s best for shoppers who want to conquer bigger jobs. You can pick it up for $260.

Customers say: “I run a side business & for the money this is worth it. The press is easy to use & functions well every time.”

Highlights

• Huge work area
• Reaches higher temperatures than other heat press machines
• Includes attachments for different materials
• 4.1/5 stars based on more than 1,600 pieces of customer feedback on Amazon

8. SUPER DEAL PRO 15″ X 15″ Digital Heat Press Machine

The SUPER DEAL PRO 15″ X 15″ Digital Heat Press Machine can imprint art onto a multitude of mediums like cotton, glass, metal, and wood. Its clamshell design allows it to get a firm bite on the material. 

To adjust the pressure, you simply twist the nob, so adjustments should be intuitive. Speaking of intuitive, the SUPER DEAL PRO 15″ X 15″ Digital Heat Press Machine sounds an alarm when your piece is done, so you don’t have to keep checking on it. 

Currently, this device is out-of-stock on Amazon, but it should return soon. 

Customers say: “I bought this so I could do bigger things in one press. It heats up very fast and so far has done everything it claims to do. You’re able to adjust the temperature, time and pressure so you can press multiple things.”

Highlights

• Can print onto ceramics, cotton, linens, and more
• Digital timer and temperature control
• Pressure is controlled by a twisting nob

9. O BOSSTOP Heat Press Machine Portable 

Let’s return to portable heat press machines and see what O Bossstop have to offer. This lightweight device uses a double tube heating system to distribute heat through its surface evenly. That means that everything underneath its 9” by 9” frame should receive the same care and attention. The O BOSSTOP Heat Press Machine Portable has an intuitive LCD screen so you can control the time, temperature, and more. 

You can pick it up from Amazon for $96.

Customers say: “Great item! Looks sturdy. Warmed up right away.”

Highlights

• Only takes five minutes to heat up
• Weighs less than nine pounds
• Does not need a mount to work on hats or bags

10. VEVOR Heat Press 6×3.75Inch Curved Element Hat Press

VEVOR also has one of the best heat press machines specifically for hats. It uses a curved clamshell design and a mount for hats to imprint art at the front of baseball caps. You shouldn’t have to worry about placement like you would if you were to use a flat clamshell heat press machine. 

The temperature range is quite generous and made even more user-friendly by the bright control interface. If all that sounds up your alley, consider picking up the VEVOR Heat Press 6×3.75Inch Curved Element Hat Press for $125.

Customers say: “This hat press is good quality and easy to use. I could use some of the different pad options for different hats, but I made hundreds of hats over the holiday and it works great!”

Highlights

• 0 – 750 °F temperature range
• Designed just for hats
• Provides consistent logo placement on hats

11. ANSKIY 15×15 Heat Press Machine Bundle

The final item in my list of the best heat press machines comes from ANSKIY. It’s a heavy-duty machine that weighs 57 pounds, stands 19” by 15.3” by 14.5”, and can work between 200 to 430 degrees Fahrenheit. It also features a 360-degree rotating arm so that you can safely swap between projects. Included in every purchase are a set of accessories that diversifies the materials it can print on. 

Normally, the ANSKIY 15×15 Heat Press Machine Bundle costs $566, but you can pick it up on sale for $498.

Customers say: “This is an excellent and durable product, woks as it’s supposed to be, if I had to look for one in the future, I would buy it again.”

Highlights

• Comes with attachments to print on different materials
• Large temperature range
• 360-degree arm swings for safety and easy reloading

How To Shop For the Best Heat Press Machines

Now that you’ve learned my picks for the best heat press machines on the market, let’s talk about how you should go about choosing one. Here are the factors that will play into your decision.

Temperature Range

The device with the largest temperature range isn’t always one of the best heat press machines, especially if you want to use the device with your kids. Each temperature is better or worse for certain materials, so pick one that best works for the material you want to use. 

Stability

This is more of a safety issue. You want a heat press that can maintain a certain temperature over a period of time. You don’t want one that will heat up and scorch your clothes. 

Size

Handheld heat press machines may seem great initially, but they can’t apply the same pressure as larger, heavier machines. As such, you’ll want to buy a bigger device if you intend to use it frequently. 

Ease of Use

The more you know about heat press machines, the less this matters, but beginners should definitely look into machines with simple operations. 

Price

A heat press machine’s price represents the quality of the craftsmanship behind it as well as summarizing its usability. If a device is so cheap that it seems too good to be true, it likely is. 

FAQ

What is the best heat press for vinyl or sublimation?

Of the brands I included here, most critics tend to choose devices from HTVRONT, like the HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Machine for T Shirts.

Which is better, a Cricut heat press or heat press machine?

Cricut heat presses are smaller and easier to use, but they lack the versatility and raw power of traditional heat presses. If you’re more than a hobbyist, you’ll want to pick up a heat press machine. 

What is a cheaper alternative to a Cricut heat press?

Sadly, the Cricut product I included is the cheapest out of the bunch. You should look for other portable heat press machines if you want to find cheaper devices as traditional heat press machines will be more expensive. 

What is the downside of heat press?

Some of the downsides of a heat press include:

• Cost: Heat press machines aren’t cheap.
• Space: You need enough space in your office to use a heat press machine safely. 
• Maintenance: You have to clean and monitor your heat press regularly to ensure it functions correctly. 

Final Thoughts

There’s a surprising amount of diversity in the heat press machine field, so I can understand the confusion some people face when choosing an item.

However, knowing what you want to do with the machine will help you pick the best device for yourself. Low-scale operations demand low-scale machines, whereas larger plans need bigger ones. 

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