Choosing a quality heat press doesn’t need to be difficult.
Navigating the world of the Heat Press can be a tricky thing to do. And, not because they’re necessarily complex equipment to operate, but more because there’s simply so much choice when it comes to finding the right one for you.
For example you could be trying to find a press that is just for pressing a certain material, a press that is compact for travel (meaning that your choices are reduced as many presses can be quite bulky), or even for something specialised such as a rosin press machine.
Whatever it is, I’m hoping this ‘best of’ guide gives you a step in the right direction in terms of finding the right kind of press for you. I’ve defined the ‘best’ presses by everything from their price and weight, to their diversified uses and portability. You can also find a handy user guide at the bottom of this post.
All prices and information were correct at the time of writing (March 2020)
1. Transfer Crafts Heat Press
Designed to be used for both personal and light commercial use, the Transfer Crafts Heat Press is ideal for smaller printing businesses and DIY projects. Offering a 9” x 12” printing surface that can be used to safely and effectively transfer designs to a number of items, including clothing such as t-shirts, bags, jigsaw puzzles, ceramic tiles, plates, mouse pads, and any other flat surfaced items.
Created to be easy and straightforward to use, the Transfer Crafts Heat Press arrives fully assembled and ready to use straight from the box. It is equipped with a specialist digital LED temperature gauge and time display and controller screen.
The machine heats up to a temperature of 500F – when the timer reaches the required temperature a loud alarm will sound to ensure that the project being worked on doesn’t end up overheating.
There is a top-mounted pressure switch which has been added to allow easy access adjustment of pressure from the application, which can be altered depending of the thickness of the material being worked with.
The heating element used has been coated in Teflon providing a non-stick surface which should help to prevent scorching from occurring and means that a silicone or Teflon protective sheet is not required when in use.
Pros:
- Great for beginners and experienced users
- Digital gauge makes usability and safety extremely easy
Cons:
- Too bulky for regular travel e.g. if you’re opting for a press to use for business that involves being on the move
- Not as many features as some of the more expensive presses in the guide
2. PlanetFlame Factory CE
With a voltage of 110V and a power amount of 1000W, the PlanetFlame Factory CE heat press is designed to pack a powerful punch. Suitable for using for a combination of different projects, including DIY domestic projects as well as simple commercial projects, this heat press machine features a two-plated press system which is 5” x 6” in width.
This heat press machine can be used to safely and effectively print onto a variety of materials, from clothing and ceramics to accessories and other kinds of fabric.
With a built-in fuse designed for safety and a Teflon coated heating plate, this heat press has been designed to be simple and easy to use, as it does not require a protective heat sheet to be used. This means that it will not burn material, is convenient and easy to clean, and is simple and straightforward to use.
For ease of use, this heat press arrives ready to use and is already assembled within the box. With an individual safety control chip in place, users are able to easily controller the heat plate setting, making the heat press simpler and easier to use.
Pros:
- Multi-plate system makes the press ideal for usage across multiple materials
- Features of the press put it into the industrial pressing category, perfect for regular use
Cons:
- Despite the pressing power this still may be too small for those looking for a larger type of multi-use press
3. TUSY Digital Heat Press
This heat press has been designed to offer ease of use to the user and is able to be used for working on a number of projects that require the use of a heat press system. Whether you want to use the heat press for t-shirts, garments, bags, accessories like mouse mats, or for banners or blankets, it is highly versatile and can be used for a wide variety of tasks. It can be used to easily and effectively transfer colourful pictures and designs onto textiles, such as material for banners and soft furnishings.
With an LCD control board, users are able to more easily see the temperatures of the heat press, with more precise temperature reports, as well as being able to see the time and use the time controller more easily.
With a larger sized heat plate measuring 15” x 15”, this heat press is far simpler and easier to use. Complete with adjustable pressure, this heat press offers a full-range pressure adjustment knob, which means you can easily adjust the machine to the desired amount of pressure, according to the requirements of the material being used.
With a safety anti-overheating feature, this heat press will automatically shut down when the temperature is noted as being too hot. This reduces the risk of the material being burnt or a fire or other accident from occurring.
Pros:
- Absolutely perfect for beginners
- Safe due to the compact sizing and digital display
Cons:
- Far too small for use on an industrial scale
- Not something beginners who want a multi-use press should opt for
4. VEVOR Heat Press 12×15
The Vevor heat press is a 12” x 15” heat press machine that offers a 5 in 1 multifunctional digital heat press machine that is suitable for using for a number of different projects. T
his includes use on a wide number of different materials, from t-shirts and banners to ceramics. Designed to offer a refined appearance and powerful performance, this upgraded heat press machine adopts the most up to date double-tube heating technology, and incorporates four-layer insulation technology helping to improve the transfer performance of the heat press.
With strong dual motherboards in place, alongside specialist temperature control settings, the stability of this heat press has also been improved.
The design of this heat press is more lightweight and easier to carry, making it more convenient for users needing to move the heat press around. Complete with an aluminum alloy plate, silicone buttons, and smooth suction support, this heat press is designed to provide the very best user experience.
Pros:
- Incredibly durable
- Built for sustained and long-term use
Cons:
- Not practical in terms of size, therefore if you move home or business premises regularly this might not be the best choice for you
5. RoyalPress 12×15
The RoyalPress is a 12” x 15” multifunctional heat press that comes complete with all of the must-have, essential attachments. It is designed to be able to transfer colourful images onto material, such as t-shirts, banners, as well as other materials such as coasters, mouse mat pads, ceramic plates and mugs, jigsaw puzzles, and a number of other materials.
Complete with a brand new press-casting aluminium plate complete with a Teflon coating, which helps to ensure that the materials being used don’t end up being burned or damaged by the heat being used. The large size of the heat press provides a large surface area which makes the process of designing custom items, including on thicker materials, easier and more effective.
The specialist colour LED screen and intelligent memory digital temperature and time controller makes calculating heating times and temperatures easier to achieve effectively.
Pros:
- One of the best all-rounder presses on the market today due to its even sizing and interchangeable attachments
- Priced fairly considering the vast amount of features on the 12×15 version
Cons:
- May be too excessive for people just looking to get to grips with a smaller or simpler press
6. ePhoto New Digital 15×15
The ePhoto new digital heat press is 15” x 15” and is designed to make the process of transferring graphics to t-shirts and other garments, as well as bags, jigsaw puzzles, tiles – and other ceramics such as plates and mugs, for instance. This heat press is designed to offer an easy-to-use approach to heat press printing.
For ease of us, this heat press arrives fully assembled and and ready to use straight from the box, and is equipped with all of the latest LED technology for temperature and time display control. When the timer reachers the correct limit, a buzzer will sound alerting the user to the fact that the timer has been reached; this helps to prevent overheating being caused. There’s also a top mounted pressure knob which has been designed to offer adjustable pressure which can be changed to meet the requirements of the thickness of the material being used.
The heating element of the heat press has been coated in Teflon – a non-stick coating – to help prevent the scorching or sticking of transfers. This means that when being used, this heat press does not require the use of silicone or Teflon sheet.
Pros:
- Primarily a t-shirt press, and easily one of the best t-shirt presses on the market
- Very safe to use due to its teflon construct and pressing arm (ensures the user isn’t too close for comfort to the heat of the press)
Cons:
- As is common with the larger presses, the ePhoto 15×15 might be a little too bulky for some
7. FancierStudio 15×15
The FancierStudio heat press is 15” x 15” in size and has a voltage of 110V, with a power of 1400 watts. This is a clamshell style heat press which has a temperature range of 0-500 degrees and a time range of 0 – 999 seconds. With electronic time and heat control systems, and a precise time set-up, complete with a silicon, gel base board. Pressure is adjustable on this heat press, making it easier and more effective to use.
Complete with an included Teflon sheet and a silicon pad that has been lightly glued down but not fully, so that when it comes to replacing the sheet, it’s easier to remove it. This heat press has been designed to be easy to use and operate, while offering high-quality, professional results. Whether you’re designing products for your home or as part of your business, this heat press is sure to make a lasting impression.
Pros:
- Both powerful and durable due to its construct
- Heats incredibly quickly (due to the modernity of the press)
Cons:
- Despite adjustable pressure, you may be stuck to just standard materials for pressing with the FancierStudio press. Therefore if you’re looking for a multi-press, this might not be your best option (something like the RoyalPress would be more realistic)
8. Bosstop 15×15
The Bosstop heat press machine is 15” x 15” and has been equipped with all of the very latest digital LED temperature and time display control. When the timer reaches 0 an alarm will sound, this alarm has been put in place to ensure that no overheating occurs which could then cause a project to be ruined.
This heat press will arrive already assembled and ready to use – all you need to do is take it out of the box. This device is designed to be straightforward and simple to use, hence why it arrives fully built and ready to use.
The pressure regulating piece of the machine along with the fixing device on the bottom plate make the process of adjusting the pressure of the piece simpler and easier. This heat press has been designed to offer ease of use to the user and is able to be used for working on a number of projects that require the use of a heat press system.
Pros:
- Just look at it… it’s a behemoth of a heat press that is built for regular use!
- Arrives ready to use (ideal if you’re not a fan of reading instructions)
Cons:
- Far from compact, and not recommended for beginners just looking to use every now and again
9. PNR High Pressure 15×15
The PNR High Pressure heating press is 15” x 15” in size, and comes with a specially designed heating plate, which ensures the design and transfer of the pattern is as effective as possible. Designed to offer a refined appearance and powerful performance, this heat press machine adopts the most up to date heating technology, and incorporates a Teflon coated and non-stick plate, helping to improve the transfer performance of the heat press.
The PNR High Pressure heat press is designed to make the process of transferring graphics to t-shirts and other garments, as well as bags, jigsaw puzzles, tiles – and other ceramics such as plates and mugs, for instance. This heat press is designed to offer an easy-to-use approach to heat press printing. Complete with an LCD display, making it easier for the user to control the machinery and ensure that the right time and temperature is being met when being used.
This heat press will arrive already assembled and ready to use – all you need to do is take it out of the box. This device is designed to be straightforward and simple to use.
Pros:
- Another type of press that is perfect for sustained usage
- Can be used across a multitude of different surfaces, materials and products
Cons:
- If you’re just wanting to press on one type of material such as on a t-shirt, then you would be better off getting a smaller, more compact press than the PNR
10. Cricut Easy Press Mini
The Circuit Easy Press mini heat press boasts a compact size ideal for unusually small or unique heat transfer projects. It’s ideal for projects such as hats, shoes, or stuffed animals, for instance. It has a ceramic coated heat plate that ensures a dry, even, edge to edge heat, complete with three heat settings, and an insulated safety base and shut off feature.
For ease of us, this heat press arrives fully assembled and and ready to use straight from the box, and is equipped with all of the latest LED technology for temperature and time display control. When the timer reachers the correct limit, a buzzer will sound alerting the user to the fact that the timer has been reached; this helps to prevent overheating being caused.
The heating element of the heat press has been coated in Teflon – a non-stick coating – to help prevent the scorching or sticking of transfers. This means that when being used, this heat press does not require the use of silicone or Teflon sheet.
This mini heating press have been designed to be easy to move from place to make, making it a portable and accessible option. It has also been designed to be able to offer an approach to heat pressing that fits even the smallest and most unusual custom items. It’s small size and lightweight frame makes it ideal for users who want a portable approach to heat press printing that still offers a high-quality and professional looking finish.
This heat press will arrive already assembled and ready to use – all you need to do is take it out of the box. This device is designed to be straightforward and simple to use, hence why it arrives fully built and ready to use. This heat press has been designed to offer ease of use to the user and is able to be used for working on a number of projects that require the use of a heat press system.
Pros:
- Very compact and easy to travel with
- Ideal for users who won’t be pressing on a regular basis
Cons:
- Not great for the users wanting a larger press, or a press to use multiple times in a day
Beginners Guide to Heat Pressing
If you’re reading this post then you’re either looking for a new press (that is naturally highly rated), or you’re completely new to the world of pressing. Whether you’re looking to a start a t-shirt company at home or manually print some materials that are custom-branded for your business, having your own heat press can be a cost-effective solution to paying above the odds for printing firms to do the job for you!
So, let’s take a look at some of the more common questions and must-haves when it comes to pressing, so that you can learn more about what you’re getting into.
Are all heat presses the same?
Simply put, no. Whilst there are multiple types of presses, they’re commonly broken down into the more common, top-level types of pressing machines; swing & sublimation. There are other common types which refer just to the mechanics of the press e.g. the drawer press, however these can still be filed under the wider categories.
What is a sublimation heat press?
The name ‘sublimation’ itself refers to the type of paper used in the pressing process, which is the actual sublimation paper vs standard printing paper. The ink is much more diverse than that used on standard pressing machines, meaning that a sublimation heat press is likely to be a multi-use press that can be used on more than one type of fabric.
This is the reason why you see so many heat presses jumping on the sublimation ‘hype’. It simply makes sense to offer the same press that can print on many more fabrics and types of materials, simply by altering the ink and processes within (rather than having to make multiple presses, all for use on separate types of materials).
What is a swing heat press?
The swing press refers to the presses that have a large ‘arm’, and are categorised as the more popular types of presses due to the fact they are safe and very easy for beginners to use.
Throughout this guide you’ll have seen the above main types of presses, and those presses with both kinds combined. As the industry continues to see innovate brands emerge into the market, I predict we’ll continue to see the three types of sought-after features/qualities in pressing machines be combined: sublimation ink, a swing arm, and a digital display. This means that for the user they’ll be able to use the same press to print on a wide range of materials, keep track of heat and pressure on a clear display, and then use the swing arm to safely reach for their finished print.
Do the small presses work as well as large ones?
It’s a common question from beginners, but it completely depends on how you define ‘well’. If you mean do small presses have the same pressing power and temperature capacity as large industrial presses? No. But can you achieve a high print quality from a smaller press if you’re just looking for a cheaper alternative to press t-shirts? Absolutely.
In fact, I usually would only recommend the larger presses for people who are going to be using them regularly. For those using their presses for occasional printing, a smaller press will be absolutely fine.
Conclusion
Hopefully this guide has been of some use to you. It’s a roundup of my ten favourite heat presses of all time, therefore I’d encourage you to check out the presses in this guide then continue to use the information provided, and find the right machine for you.
If you liked this guide, then be sure to check out the similarly in-depth (and witty…) guide to heat presses for beginners.
