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As a crafter, your tools can make or break your business. Heat press machines, for example, enable you to transfer images to mugs, badges, hats, t-shirts and more. The best heat press will deliver quality, long-lasting images in good time, while inadequate ones will have poor transfers or cause delays when broken down.
Which is the best heat press for you? In this article, we discuss the:
- Different types of heat press machines
- Factors to consider when choosing one
- Best heat press machines for different situations
- Right way to maintain your heat press machine
In a nutshell, here are the best heat press machines.
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Best for Heavy-Duty Applications |
Most Portable |
Best for Dual-Mug Printing |
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Digital Swing-Away Heat Transfer Press 
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Types of Heat Press Machines
There are four common types: clamshell, swing-away, draw, and multifunction presses.
Clamshell Heat Press
A clamshell heat press is one of the most popular heat press machines on the market. It has two plates (platens) hinged together and opens up the same way as an actual clamshell.
The bottom plate usually remains in place, while the top plate opens up to provide room for placing the crafting item on the bottom plate. Once the plates are pressed together, heat and pressure are applied to the item, and the design is transferred to it.
The best thing about a clamshell heat press is that it’s compact and doesn’t take up too much space—such a win if you only have a little room to play with! However, there’s a higher risk of fingers getting burned as this press has little room between the top and bottom plate once you begin pressing heat transfer projects.
Crafters must be present and careful when using this machine. If you’re pressing a lot of items and fatigue sets in, take a break to avoid accidents.
Additionally, sometimes, it’s difficult to see the positioning of the garment or other material on the bottom plate. This is because the top (movable) plate can block your line of sight. A slight error such as this can cause you to print slanted, unappealing images or print on areas you didn’t intend to.
Swing-Away Heat Press
This heat press also includes a top and bottom plate. However, the top plate can be raised so it’s directly overhead the bottom one, and it can move (swing) away from the pressing area.
What this means to you, our dear crafter, is that you’ll have more space to place your items and a clear line of sight so you can position them exactly where you want them. Plus, there’s no risk of getting burned when the top, hot, plate is away from your work area.
Swing-away heat presses require a larger working area to accommodate the movements of the top plate. Crafters may need to place their heat press in the middle of a room, especially if they have a big machine. It also means it’s not easy to carry around compared to a clamshell heat press.
Draw Heat Press
A draw or pull-out heat press combines the best parts of a clamshell and swing-away heat transfer presses. Like the clamshell, it’s compact, and like the swing-away heat press, it provides plenty of room to work with.
This particular heat press includes a top plate and a bottom one that crafters can pull out (similar to how you’d pull out a drawer). Crafters can have a full view of the item they are working on and position it juuuust right.
Multifunction Heat Press
A multifunction heat press is a jack of all trades. It allows quick plate changes for different types of heat transfers, making it perfect for a crafting business that prints on mugs, shirts, caps, plates and other accessories.
Purchasing this machine is way cheaper than buying many stand-alone machines for the various items that need printing. Plus, it saves you a whole lot of space.
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Tip: Using heat press sheets can extend the lifespan of your platens. They fit over the lower platen like a mattress cover and can also be placed on top of your transfers to prevent them from sticking to the upper platen. |
Factors to Consider When Buying a Heat Press
Size and Portability
The size of a heat press directly affects the sorts of projects that you can work on, so you must pay good mind to it. It determines the maximum dimensions of materials you can work with.
For example, if you’re primarily crafting on small items—keychains, hats, or baby clothes—a heat press machine measuring 9x12 inches is sufficient. However, this small heat press provides significant challenges when working with large items such as adult t-shirts or banners.
A larger heat press machine measuring 16x20 inches can easily print image transfers on these large items.
In addition, smaller heat presses can easily be transported between workspaces, while larger machines aren’t portable. Here are common heat press sizes and what projects you may use them for:
- 9x12 inches: Printing on keychains, hats, mouse pads, and coasters
- 12x15 inches: Small-medium-sized t-shirts and hoodies
- 15x15 inches: Large-sized t-shirts, a popular choice for crafters
- 16x20 inches: Large and oversized t-shirts and banners. Needs more storage and working space
Ease of Use
Beginners may want heat press machines that have clear digital controls and are easy to set up, and operate. They may prefer machines that have automatic shut off timers and lesser presets to work with.
Clamshell machines require less time to set up before beginning printing and are therefore suitable for beginners, while swing-away machines are better suited for experienced crafters.
Temperature and Pressure Adjustability
The best heat press machines offer a wide range of temperature and pressure control for versatile applications. For instance, sublimation printing requires higher heat settings for effective image transfers. On the other hand, heat-transfer vinyl needs moderate heat and a specific pressure to be applied.
Heat press machines that have digital controls allow you to set the temperature and pressure accurately. Some even have pre-set settings for specific materials that make it really easy for beginners to start their crafting journey.
Durability
The durability of a heat press machine is very important, especially if it’s for commercial use. Heat press machines made of steel are durable, stable, and suitablefor heavy-duty use, while aluminum ones are lighter.
When considering durability, examine the warranty offered by the manufacturer as well. A longer warranty can indicate the product is long-lasting.
Consider the quality of the plates on the machine. A good quality heat press has well-constructed plates that support even heat distribution during heat transfers. An uneven plate can create hot spots or cause incomplete transfers.
Price and Value of Money
Weigh your budget against the features required to complete your printing projects. If your goal is to print on various items such as mugs, hats, and t-shirts, buying a multifunctional printer (though expensive) makes more sense.
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Note: Since money is an important consideration, aim to purchase the best heat press within your budget from a reliable manufacturer. |
Top Heat Press Machines in 2024: In-Depth Reviews
Digital Swing-Away Heat Transfer Press - 16" x 20"
Best for Heavy-Duty Applications
This 16" x 20" digital swing-away heat transfer press has a heavy-duty solid steel industrial-grade press framework that supports frequent, intensive use while producing consistently good results.
Additionally, this machine includes instantly interchangeable and rotatable tables, allowing crafters to complete different projects without long downtime.
It also has a digital timer, which supports an efficient printing process whether you’re working on clothing items, coasters, or banners.
Once you buy this heat press machine, you’ll enjoy FREE LIFETIME tech support, lifetime warranty on heat platen, and a 5-year warranty on frame.
Portable Heat Press - 7" x 5" Heating Plate
Most Portable
This heat press machine measures 8.5" L x 6.25" W x 4.4" H with a footprint of about 53 square inches, about the size of a medium lunch box. It’s really easy to carry between two or more workspaces.
It also weighs 3.3 lbs, which is just as much as a standard laptop weighs.
DK3D - Digital Double Wide Mug Press
Best for Dual-Mug Printing
The digital double-wide mug press shoots up your productivity because it can print on two mugs of a similar size at once. So cool!
It’s perfect for any crafter who’s looking to scale their business and allow fast turn-around times.
Maintaining Heat Presses for Longevity
We want you to continue using your heat press machine for a long, long time. To achieve this, use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down your machine after pressing on a material, when it’s still warm. Doing this removes residue before it hardens.
If used frequently, do a deep clean at least twice a month using a non-abrasive cleaner designed for heat press machines. Avoid using tools that may leave scratches on the machine’s plates.
In addition, check the wiring on the machine from time to time. Ensure there are no loose wires or anything else that can be a hazard. And finally, oil the hinges to ensure they can function smoothly.
Buy the Best Heat Press Machine For Your Needs
Depending on the scale of your business and the items you work on, you can choose between a large industrial-grade heat press, a double mug press, a portable press or a multifunctional press machine.
Clamshell heat press machines are perfect for beginners because they are easier to set up than swing-away press machines. Clamshell heat press appliances also take up little room, making them perfect for small business owners. However, swing-away press machines offer more space for you to see where to position the item.
If you print varied items, the best heat press machine for you is a multifunctional one.
Before buying a heat press machine, consider its size, portability, ease of use, durability, and price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials can I work on using heat presses?
You can use vinyl, sublimation paper, heat transfer paper, and rhinestones with heat press gadgets. The only thing you have to be careful about is changing the heat and pressure settings when working with different materials.
Vinyl can be used to transfer images to t-shirts, tote bags, and other fabric items. Sublimation paper can transfer full-color images to light-colored polyester clothes, polymer-coated cups and tumblers. The good thing about heat transfer paper is that it can transfer images on light and dark fabrics.
How do I figure out the right temperature and pressure settings for my machine?
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the right temperature and pressure settings for your machine. The settings typically depend on the type of material you’re working with.
Another way is to test on scrap material and fine-tune the settings before pressing the final product.
Is it possible to use heat presses for sublimation?
Yes, absolutely. Set temperatures between 360°F to 365°F when using heat presses for sublimation, as this process requires high temperatures.
