Are you a DIYer looking to improve your craft, or a professional looking to maintain your high standards? If yes, you need machines that can give your customers what they want. Buying the best heat press machine should be the utmost priority for a professional that is into designing.
If you are interested in getting the best heat press machines, you should read through this guide. As a professional, you might need to own tools like drywall stilts, and electric garden tillers.
What is a Heat Press Machine?
This device is intended for imprinting a design or graphic on a surface, mainly garments such as T-shirts. For this purpose, a combination of heat and pressure is used. Apart from fabrics, designs can be laid on caps, plated, mugs, all sorts of metal, glass, wooden, and ceramic materials. Like the heat press machines, torch lighter also emits heat.
With this device, you can also transfer photos on glass items, make stylish signs on wooden plates, or imprint the information on metal plates.
Heat presses can be either manual or automatic or even semi-automatic. Modern models include digital technologies allowing for better control of heat and pressure. Sure, there are other ways to transfer your artwork on these surfaces, such as screen printing, but this method is much easier and advanced.
The unit works at a high speed allowing for the production of a big quantity of finished products within a short period. While screen printing is likely to leave rough texture on the surface when the printing involves several colors, heat press machines produce smooth imprints.
The main component here is a flat plate that is intended for heating and pressure. However, there are different types of these elements. The first type has the element opening like a clamshell. The second option is designed in such a way that the top plate makes it swing away from the lower part.
Heat press machines are as portable as most mill machines.
Unlike heat press machines, tools like earth augers, and planers can be either manually operated or operated with a motor
How Does a Heat Press Machine Work?
This is a metal surface that is heated electronically. You have two plates and it is the top plate that heats up to the required temperature when you turn on the unit.
When applying pressure, you can manage both time and temperature to obtain the desired results. These parameters are generally set on digital displays while some models provide for using displays for setting pressure as well.
Generally, it will take for the machine at most 20 minutes to do the job, however, in some cases, the printing process may require up to 15 minutes
Temperature is another factor you need to consider when making an application. Most models can heat up to 500° F which is an upper limit since higher temperatures can damage the fabrics. In the majority of models, you need to turn a knob on the top of the back of the unit to set pressure.
However, there are also high-end options allowing us to do it digitally. The level of pressure can be light, medium, or hard.
HEAT PRESS MACHINE BUYER’S GUIDE
Size
This is what you should start with. If you are an entrepreneur, purchasing a model that is capable to print on oversized garments is a must. Let’s face it, a weight problem is typical for modern societies and its solution is not looming on the horizon.
So to build a successful business, you should take into account the needs of all categories of the population. And even though you are not going to run your own business, the size still can matter to you.
You may want to make gifts for your friends or University mates, and I guess you have lots of them with excess weight and it will be unfair to deprive them of the possibility to have garments with your creative design.
Useful features
The more of them you have, the more comfortable and effective the process is. So you should learn whether the model has a digital or manual timer, a digital or analog temperature gauge, adjustable pressure as well as the possibility to plug the device into a socket.
Timing is particularly important as it allows preventing applying heat for a longer period than it is needed. Digital timers alerting you with a sound is the best option, however, keep in mind that any feature-packed device will turn out to be more expensive.
Budget
Always important in any business equipment purchase decision, your budget will determine the quality and features you can afford in a heat press.
Lighter, lower-quality machines with basic features can be had for as little as $300, and if you’re just getting started in the printing and transfer industry these can be a great option to minimize your investment while you’re still testing and proving your business model.
If you’re already in the industry, higher quality, more robust machines that last longer under continuous use, and offer time-saving features are available for $1,000-2,000.
Physical parameters
Measure the space where you are going to place the unit. Be sure it will not be too close to other objects as the device will be heated during its operation.
For this reason, knowing the product dimensions you need is crucial. Weight is another important parameter, depending on what surface you are going to put the unit and whether you will move it from one place to another.
Energy efficiency.
The very idea of buying a heat press machine is to either let you save money on purchasing ready-made garments or to set up your business for earning money. High energy bills will certainly hit your pocket.
Temperature
When looking at the best heat presses available to keep in mind that you know all about the various temperature ranges too. Preferably you want a machine that can handle any type of materials thus should it offer a controllable temperature.
Time Range and Digital Timer
The time range needs to be controllable to choose which is better for your material type as well as having a digital timer. This is an important factor to consider, to avoid having burnt items due to overexposure to heat.
Warranty
No matter how well-known and trusted the brand is and great the item looks, there is always a risk that something may go wrong or break. Just because this is a device. Ask the manufacturer whether the warranty covers only parts and whether it includes services.
Also, a warranty in itself is a clear indicator of the product quality as it demonstrates that the manufacturer is confident in this model.
BEST HEAT PRESS MACHINES
| NAMES | FEATURES | WHERE TO BUY |
| FancierStudio 15 x 15 Sublimation Heat Press Machine
|
Heats fast and evenly.
It distributes both pressure and heat well. Adjustable with most types of fabrics Spacious platform (15×15-inches) and heavy-duty steel frame (15×15-inches) Clamshell Heat Press, compact and space-saving |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Cricut EasyPress Heat press 2 Machine
|
12 inches x 10 inches size (30-centimeter x 25 centimeter) ideal for larger t-shirts, sweatshirts, banners, blankets, and more
Professional iron-on results in 60 seconds or less Advanced heat plate design with a ceramic coated surface Precise temperature control up to 400 degrees F (205 C). Just enter the recommended time and temperature settings for your HTV or Infusible Ink project |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| FancierStudio Heat Press Swing Away 9-by-12
|
Compact 9 inch by 12-inch pressing area
Digital time and temperature display Push-button controls for time and temperature adjustment Temperature range: 0 degrees to 500 degrees F Time range: 0 seconds to 999 seconds |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| VEVOR Digital Multifunctional Sublimation
|
15 x 15-inches heating board
Digital LED time and temperature controller Removable silicone pad and cotton pad Full-range pressure adjustment Swing-away design |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| ZENY Swing Away 10×12 Digital Heat Press Machine
|
Comprehensive user manual ready to use
Fully assembled heat press machine Digital LCD temperature and timer controller Swing-away design |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| F2C 5 in 1 Sublimation Heat Press
|
4/5-inch heating boards
Fully adjustable pressure knob Multi-spring balancer Removable silicon and cotton pad Teflon coated heat platen |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Super Deal Pro 6 in 1 Sublimation Heat Press
|
There is no limit to what can be heat pressed
Full 360-degree rotation and professional swing-away design. Removable silicone pad and cotton pad |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| ePhotoInc New 15″ x 15″ T-Shirt Heat Press Machine
|
Digital LCD temperature control
Digital LCD pressure control Pre-installed Teflon coated sheet Operating instructions included in the package |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| TUSY Heat Press Machine 15×15 inch
|
Durable metal frame construction
Top-grade, non-stick coated heat platen Full-range adjustable pressure knob |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| PowerPress Industrial-Quality Digital Sublimation Heat Press Machine
|
Swing-away design for easier and safer operation
Commercial-grade, heavy-duty design, built to last Temperature ranges up to 750F |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
FancierStudio 15 x 15 Sublimation Heat Press Machine
The Fancierstudio digital sublimation power press heat transfer machine is easy to use and cheap. It is best for home and craft use. The power press is suitable for making shirts for friends and family.
The press is one of the best selling, low priced best digital t-shirt printing machines in the present market. It is the top bestseller digital heat transfer printer machine in the present market and the best sublimation printer for t-shirts.
This Fancierstudio heat press is easy to assemble and easy-to-use. This heat transfer machine is a clamshell-type machine. It is suitable for t-shirts, garments, bags, mouse mats, transfers, letters, numbers, ID badges, ceramic tiles, jigsaw puzzles, and other items printing.
| PROS | CONS |
| Low Price | won’t last forever, can have faults or flaws |
| can press in many fabrics | |
| great easy to use and assemble | |
| set time and pressure | |
| Many transfers can be used |
Cricut EasyPress Heat press 2 Machine
The EasyPress 2 is extremely FAST to heat up. It is really impressive. The little one – 6 x 6 inches – can take about a minute. The Mid-size 9 x 9 inches will take around 2 minutes and the Jumbo Press – 12 x 10 inches – will take around 3 minutes.
| PROS | CONS |
| Auto Shutoff | Takes time to Print Thick Projects. |
| Easy to learn, | Inconsistent Heat. |
| simple to use | |
| Easy to Hold |
FancierStudio Heat Press Swing Away 9-by-12
This is a new lightweight and manageable machine. Its unique swing-away feature allows you to rotate the upper heat platen 360 degrees around. By moving the heating element aside and reducing the chance of accidentally contacting the area of heat distribution, you can work more freely with your garments and transfers on the base plate. Unlike the traditional clamshell heat press machines. Its industrial strength and durability allow for long-term use; making it a great investment with exceptional value amongst its competitors.
| PROS | CONS |
| Can be used to heat press images into a variety of items, including shirts, tote bags, sweatshirts, ID badges, pillowcases, jigsaw puzzles and so much more. | Compact size |
| Easy to operate swing arm and handle, which further assures high-quality results. | |
| Affordably priced | |
| Small footprint, so it doesn’t require a tremendous amount of space to store. | |
| Produces high-quality, professional-grade heat transfer results. |
VEVOR Digital Multifunctional Sublimation
The Vevor is another one of the best heat press machines that features a 15 x 15-inch surface and 8-in-1 design. It is a Digital Multifunctional Sublimation Heat Press Machine specially designed for T-Shirts.it is an excellent model that would be a tremendous benefit to your small business or home-based industry. As an 8-in-1 model, the lower platform is detachable making it simple and easy to attach different attachments depending on the items you want to print.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1050 watts power | none |
| 8-in-1 heat pressing | |
| 360-degree rotation swing arm | |
| Costlier than most heat press machines | |
| Temperatures between 32 and 480-degrees Fahrenheit |
ZENY Swing Away 10×12 Digital Heat Press Machine
When you operate on a tight budget this is an excellent choice with top safety capabilities even though it is budget-friendly. A big improvement on clamp-shell designs is the swing-away design of the ZENY.
You get even heat distribution while it swings away from you in case you touch it by accident while in operation. The down-pressure improves with the swing-away models too, delivering professional and uniform looking results.
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy to utilize | none |
| Removable cradle | |
| Lightweight | |
| Provides even heating |
F2C 5 in 1 Sublimation Heat Press
The F2C Pro 5-in-1 Swing-heat press comes with a lot of neat and handy features. Although some features may feel the same to you, the overall experience is far more premium than having something which has mediocre quality despite having the same features.
First of all, the industrial-grade design is a welcome start for any heat press. For all the cash you are spending to get your brand at the top of the mountain, you are getting what you asked for.
Apart from having a sturdy design, the press isn’t as hefty as you may imagine. It’s easily transportable. For this reason, small business owners will find it to be pretty helpful!
| PROS | CONS |
| The modularity offers good functionality. | The attachment accessories need some attention. |
| A well-rounded option for the money. | |
| Features a solid aluminum build. | |
| The press is super easy to get used to. |
Super Deal Pro 6 in 1 Sublimation Heat Press
It is a pretty much standard pack so you get cup cradle with which you can imprint a design on cups, mugs, and glasses, etc. then there are two units to heat press designs on objects like coasters and saucers, etc, and a curvy head plate for products like cats and caps, etc. Apart from all these, you get the machine on which you can work out tees and other flat objects.
| PROS | CONS |
| Medium Size Enough for Biggest Designs | No Teflon Coating – Sheets are Needed |
| Comes with all required Accessories. | Poor Quality Construction. |
| Swing-Away Machine | |
| Digital Meter |
ePhotoInc New 15″ x 15″ T Shirt Heat Press Machine
The BestEquip Heat Press Machines Swing Away Heat Press Machine is arguably the best value for your cash machine on our list of the best t-shirt printing machines for small businesses. The model has received great reviews from users across the globe since its release.
Now, this machine is a little bit compact compared to the other models out there. Its exact dimensions are 12 inches x 9 inches. However, this does not stop the machine from effectively printing onto a wide range of flat surfaces- like garments ceramic tiles, mouse mats, bags, T-shirts, and so much more.
| PROS | CONS |
| Ability to imprint on a broad range of items | none |
| Swing-away design for increased precision | |
| Comes fully assembled and ready for use |
TUSY Heat Press Machine 15×15 inch
The straightforward design makes this machine incredibly easy to use- like REAL easy to use- making it the perfect machine for starters or young kids.
The machine comes with a working platform that measures 15” x 15”- capable of transferring onto garments measuring up to 5/8.” The fact that this is a NON-stick means it does not damage your transfers.
And with the heating element featuring a full range of highly efficient heating coils, it’s capable of evenly distributing heat on the garments you’re working on.
| PROS | CONS |
| Built for high performance | none |
| Digital temperature and time control | |
| Compatible with all standard transfer equipment |
PowerPress Industrial-Quality Digital Sublimation Heat Press Machine
The Powerpress Heat Press Swing Away Heat Press is a compact and quite affordable heat press machine that offers you the features associated with the top-dollar machines on the market today.
And similar to the other top-rated machines, this particular model also allows you to transfer your designs nicely on t-shirts, license plates, mousepads, wood, glass, ceramic, metal- almost everything!
First things first: the machine presents you with a unique swing-away feature that lets you rotate the upper platen through 360 degrees. This is crucial in that it enables you to move the heating element (the upper platen) aside.
| PROS | CONS |
| Digital temperature and time settings for precise, quality transfers | none |
| Transfers to almost any item | |
| Adjustable pressure setting |
CONCLUSION
If you invest in the best heat press machines for home use today, you’ll never have to take your ideas to the professional printers. You can easily print your unique artworks onto your clothes, cheaply, and more efficiently.
These machines have also created profitable small and large printing business for many individuals across the world. Do make sure to acquire one of the machines above, you will be pleased you did.