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Whether you're diving into sublimation crafting for the first time or you're a seasoned pro ready for an upgrade, this article is for you! We know you're on the hunt for the best sublimation-friendly heat press to fuel your business or hobby.
You want a machine that's reliable, won't leave you hanging during a busy season, and can handle all those awesome projects you've got planned. That's why we've put together a list of the best heat presses we've seen in every category, so you can find one that covers ALL the bases.
So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let's find the perfect heat press to take your sublimation game to the next level!
But first… Do you mainly press hard items like tumblers, cups, or pens? Instead of a heat press, we recommend the MakerFlo Sublimation Oven, which can bake up to 12 tumblers at once! It's more affordable and faster than using a heat press.
[product=makerflo-sublimation-oven]Our best-selling sublimation oven can bake up to 12 skinny tumblers at once![/product]
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using third-party links.
What is the Best Sublimation Heat Press?
The Best Sublimation Heat Press Machines for Every Crafter
- For Professional-Grade Pressing: Geo Knight Swing-Away Heat Press
- Best for MakerFlo Tumblers: Geo Knight Double-Wide Mug Press
- Best On-the-Go Option: MakerFlo Portable Heat Press
- Larger Portable Heat Press: Cricut EasyPress 3
- Best Mini Press: Cricut EasyPress Mini Heat Press
- Great for Tapered Tumblers: HeatPressNation 8-in-1 Mug and Tumbler Press
- Crowd Favorite for Hats: VEVOR Hat Press
#1 - Geo Knight Swing-Away Heat Press (12" x 14")
For Professional-Grade Pressing
Let's talk heat press types for a second. Clamshell presses open up like flip phone, and while they're super easy to use, they can sometimes cause problems when pressing.
For one, they can sometimes shift your transfer paper or heat the surface unevenly. They don't play well with thicker materials. And they don't give you as much freedom to place a garment on the platen. So for a high-production business, they're not the best overall choice.
That's where swing-away presses come in. The top platen swings up and away, so you both press and lift with the same pressure and heat at all times. With even pressure and heat distribution, it's easier to get flawless prints.
See how the press works in this video by @makingmeadows_uk on Instagram (featuring the 16" x 20") 👇
The Geo Knight Swing-Away press is an absolute workhorse. This brand is known for its reliability, durability, and even heat. It's an investment, but it can save you money in the long run by preventing mistakes and lasting for years to come. Plus, it can heat up to a scorching 600°F, so it's ready for whatever projects you throw its way.
Just a heads up: swing-away presses need more space when open, so make sure to measure your workspace before buying one.
Specs
- Size: 21" x 14" counter footprint
- Weight: 76 pounds
- Platen Size: 12" x 14"
- Platen Coating: Teflon
- Heat Press Type: Swing-Away
- Temperature: 32 - 600°F
- Color: Black
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty on platen, 5 years on frame, 3 years on controller, 1 year on parts, plus free lifetime tech support
Pricing
[product=copy-of-dk20s-digital-swing-away-heat-transfer-press-16-x-20]Get this outstandingly well-made and durable 12" x 14" heat press from Geo Knight.[/product]
(If you want a bigger size, check out the 16" x 20" platen size also at MakerFlo.)
Final Verdict
If you're serious about growing your sublimation business and want a heat press you can rely on, the Geo Knight Swing-Away is the way to go.
#2 - Geo Knight Double-Wide Mug Press
Best for MakerFlo Tumblers
If you're a fan of MakerFlo tumblers and want a machine that can press them flawlessly, the Geo Knight Double-Wide Mug Press is your new best friend.
This mug press features a 10-inch-long round heater that can handle all our straight tumblers, even the big 30oz ones. That means you can press them in one go, with no rotating or flipping required. If you mostly work with smaller tumblers or mugs, check out the regular Mug Press—it's half the length but just as awesome.
Geo Knight is known for its top-notch quality and durability, so this press is built to last. This is an investment that will pay off as your tumbler business grows.
One thing to note: it's not designed for tapered tumblers like the 40oz or some latte tumblers. But hey, that's what sublimation ovens are for! They can bake up to 12 tumblers at once.
Specs
- Size: 13" x 16" counter footprint
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Platen Size: 10"-long heater for round mugs and tumblers, supports drinkware with a 2.7 to 3.4-inch diameter
- Platen Coating: Teflon
- Heat Press Type: Mug / Tumbler
- Temperature: 0 - 400°F
- Color: Black
- Warranty: 3 year or 3000-mug warranty on platen, 5 years on frame, 3 years on controller, 1 year on parts, plus free lifetime tech support
Pricing
[product=dk3d-digital-knight-double-wide-mug-press]Beautifully sublimate all your straight MakerFlo tumblers with this double-wide mug press.[/product]
Final Verdict
If you're passionate about straight tumblers and want a press that can keep up with your growing business, the Geo Knight Double-Wide Mug Press is a fantastic choice.
#3 - MakerFlo Portable Heat Press
Best On-the-Go Option
We're super proud of this one! The MakerFlo Portable Heat Press is designed to go with you wherever you go, whether you're sublimating on the road or doing live demos at craft fairs. It even comes with a handy drawstring bag to keep everything together.
We went with a 7" x 5" size because it's perfect for smaller blanks like keychains, but it can also handle smaller designs on shirts, hats, and bags. Imagine creating personalized trinkets for customers right at your craft fair booth—this press makes it happen!
It heats up quickly and evenly, which makes for better prints. And the built- in digital timer and temperature control settings mean you can dial in the exact settings and get the same results every time without needing Bluetooth or a separate device.
While it's not ideal for larger designs, the MakerFlo Portable Heat Press is the perfect companion for crafters on the move.
Specs
- Size: 8.5" L x 6.25" W x 4.4" H
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
- Platen Size: 7" x 5"
- Platen Coating: Ceramic
- Heat Press Type: Handheld
- Temperature: 0 - 400°F
- Color: White
- Warranty: None
Pricing
[product=portable-heat-press-7-x-5-heating-plate]Grab this portable heat press to take your sublimation show on the road![/product]
Final Verdict
This portable press is MakerFlo-approved for on-the-go creators and business owners who want to wow their customers with live crafting.
🎥🌈✨ Watch our team use the MakerFlo portable heat press to sublimate coasters and keychains LIVE on Instagram here!
#4 - Cricut EasyPress 3 (9" x 9")
Larger Portable Heat Press
If you're looking for a slightly bigger size than the MakerFlo Portable press, the Cricut EasyPress 3 is another fantastic option for on-the-go pressing. It comes in two sizes—9" x 9" and 12" by 10"—but we're focusing on the more portable 9" x 9" size here.
Just like everything Cricut makes, you can count on this heat press to be high-quality and durable. It'll tag with you wherever you go on your crafting adventures, whether you're working at home or pressing at a pop-up, fair, or other event. Plus, you can choose from two different colors—Zen Blue and Raspberry—to match your style.
The Cricut Heat app is a handy bonus. You can control the temperature from your phone and get helpful pressing instructions for different projects.
While it's great for beginners, it might be a bit bulky for pressing smaller items and a tad too small for larger designs like full-sized t-shirts.
Specs
- Size: Not mentioned, but slightly bigger than the 9" x 9" plate
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Platen Size: 9" x 9"
- Platen Coating: Ceramic
- Heat Press Type: Handheld
- Temperature: 0 - 400°F
- Color: Zen Blue or Raspberry
- Warranty: Comes with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty
Pricing
$99.99 at Cricut
(Or check out the 12" x 10" size also at Cricut.)
Final Verdict
If you're new to sublimation and want a medium-sized press that's easy to use and portable, the Cricut EasyPress 3 is an excellent choice.
#5 - Cricut EasyPress Mini Heat Press
Best Mini Press
Want a tiny but mighty press for adding small embellishments or tackling curved surfaces? Look no further than the Cricut EasyPress Mini.
This little guy is shaped like a traditional iron (with a tiny 2" x 3" platen) but heats up quickly and sustains temperatures high enough for sublimation. It's perfect for little projects like keychains or adding details to hats.
Just like its bigger siblings, the EasyPress Mini comes in two colors: Zen Blue and Raspberry.
While it's super handy for small jobs and demos, it's not really designed to handle larger projects. Plus, it only supports three heat settings instead of giving you full control over the temperature.
Specs
- Size: 4" H x 3.4" W x 2.1" D
- Weight: 0.8 lbs
- Platen Size: 1.9" x 3.25"
- Platen Coating: Ceramic
- Heat Press Type: Handheld
- Temperature: 3 settings: Low (255 - 295°F), Medium (300 - 355°F), and High (360 - 400°F)
- Color: Zen Blue or Raspberry
- Warranty: Comes with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty
Pricing
$49.99 at Cricut
Final Verdict
This mini press is cute, colorful, and perfect for those little details or on- the-go projects. It's a fun addition to any sublimation enthusiast's toolkit.
#6 - HeatPressNation 8-in-1 Mug and Tumbler Press
Great for Tapered Tumblers
If you're all about tumblers and want a press that can handle every shape and size under the sun, you need a multi-attachment machine. And the HeatPressNation 8-in-1 Mug and Tumbler Press is definitely one to consider.
HeatPressNation is a trusted brand with tons of happy customers, so you know you're getting a quality product. This press comes with attachments for 8 different tumbler and cup shapes and sizes, including both straight and tapered tumblers. It can even handle a 57oz skinny tumbler, plus shot glasses, latte mugs, water bottles, and more!
Of course, we'll always recommend a sublimation oven for pressing tumblers of any shape and size, but if you're set on buying a press that can do it all, this one is worth checking out.
Specs
- Size: 18" x 21" x 16" in open position
- Weight: 37 pounds
- Platen Size: Has 8 attachments in different sizes (see product page for details)
- Platen Coating: Not mentioned
- Heat Press Type: Multi-Attachment, Mug / Tumbler
- Temperature: 0 - 415°F
- Color: Black/Silver
- Warranty: Comes with a 1-year parts and service warranty, plus free lifetime tech support (or you can pay to extend the warranty)
Pricing
$629.95 at Heat Press Nation
Final Verdict
This versatile 8-in-1 heat press has rave reviews from hundreds of customers. If you're looking for a tumbler press that can do it all, this one is definitely worth considering!
#7 - VEVOR Hat Press
Crowd Favorite for Hats
We can't talk about heat presses without mentioning a hat press! While some crafters love a multi-purpose machine that can handle hats, tumblers, and flat items, those attachment-based presses often don't perform as well as machines designed for one specific job.
That's why we're spotlighting the VEVOR Hat Press. It's made specifically for hats, which means it heats more evenly and gives you a tighter grip while pressing. The Teflon-coated plate is built to last, and the digital display makes it super easy to set the temperature and time right there on the device.
If you're making hats all year round, this is a great choice. With over 1,500 ratings on Amazon and an average of 4 stars, it's a crowd-pleaser for a reason.
Specs
- Size: 17.1" L x 9" W x 12.2" H
- Weight: 24 pounds
- Platen Size: 6" x 3.75" curved hat platen
- Platen Coating: Teflon
- Heat Press Type: Hat Press
- Temperature: 0 - 750°F
- Color: Black
- Warranty: Not mentioned
Pricing
$119.98 on Amazon
Final Verdict
If you're in the market for a hat press, the VEVOR is a solid option to consider. It's affordable, easy to use, and gets the job done right.
Comparing Our Top 5 Picks for Best Sublimation Heat Press
|
Geo Knight Swing-Away |
Geo Knight Double-Wide Mug Press |
MakerFlo Portable |
HeatPressNation 8-in-1 |
VEVOR Hat Press |
|
|
Best For... |
Professional-grade pressing |
MakerFlo tumblers |
On-the-go crafting |
Various tumbler shapes and sizes |
Hats |
|
Size |
21" L x 14" W |
13" L x 16" W |
8.5" L x 6.25" W x 4.4" H |
18" L x 21" W x 16" H (open) |
17.1" L x 9" W x 12.2" H |
|
Weight |
76 lbs |
40 lbs |
3.3 lbs |
37 lbs |
24 lbs |
|
Platen Size |
12" x 14" |
10"-long heater |
7" x 5" |
8 attachments in different sizes |
6" x 3.75" curved platen |
|
Platen Coating |
Teflon |
Teflon |
Ceramic |
Not mentioned |
Teflon |
|
Heat Press Type |
Swing-Away |
Mug / Tumbler |
Handheld |
Mug / Tumbler |
Hat |
|
Temperature Range |
32 - 600°F |
Not specified |
0 - 400°F |
0 - 415°F |
0 - 750°F |
|
Color |
Black |
Black |
White |
Black/Silver |
Black |
|
Price |
$695 |
$1,350 |
$65 |
$629.95 |
$119.98 |
Prices are accurate as of November 2024 and may have changed since the time of writing.
How to Choose the Best Heat Press for Your Sublimation Business or Hobby
Finding the perfect heat press for your sublimation business or hobby is all about knowing what you need. First things first, make sure any press you buy heats up to at least 400°F—that's the magic number for sublimation. (Sorry, your household iron won't cut it!)
Next, let's break down the different types of heat presses so you can figure out which one you'd like to use:
- Clamshell Heat Press: This one opens like a flip phone with hinges at the base. It's reliable and affordable and great for beginners.
- Swing-Away Heat Press: This one has a flat plate that swings up and away. It's easier to place items and make sure heat and pressure is always even.
- Drawer-Style Heat Press: These heat presses have a handy drawer to bring the bottom plate closer to you for easy placement.
- Mug or Tumbler Press: These have a rounded platen designed for mugs, cups, and tumblers.
- Hat Press: These have a specific platen shape for rounded hats like baseball caps.
- Multi-Function Heat Press: These have several heat press attachments in different shapes, so you can use the same machine for many different items.
- Automatic Heat Press: Some heat presses automatically open and close for you, which can increase your productivity. These are better for high-volume production.
Now, here are some key questions to ask when choosing the right heat press for you:
- What size items will you be making in the next few years? Choose a press that can grow with your business.
- How much space do you have? Swing-away presses need more room when open, so keep that in mind.
- Will you be taking your press on the go? If so, portability is key.
- What kind of workflow do you prefer? Some presses are easier to use than others.
- What's your budget? Keep in mind that a higher-quality machine might be a better investment in the long run.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Seven of the best sublimation heat presses on the market, each with its own unique strengths. Which one will you choose?
We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Or better yet, hop on over to our Official MakerFlo Facebook Community and chat with thousands of other crafters and our team. We can't wait to see what you create!
