10 Best Heat Press Machines Review 2020 (Recommended!)
Last updated on July 3rd, 2020
What is the best heat press machine?
We own four different heat transfer machines, and have been working with them for many years now. We want to share what we’ve learned as you look for your new machine.
There is no single ‘best t shirt press’ for everybody. It’s going to depend on your budget, the features you need, and what you’re using it for. However, we think we’ve got something for everybody here!
Best Heat Transfer Machine
For those in a rush, here are our top five picks (more options below)!
 | Cricut EasyPress |
| View On CricutView On Michaels |
 | PowerPress Heat Press |
| View Latest Price |
 | FancierStudio Heat Press |
| View Latest Price |
 | TUSY Heat Press |
| View Latest Price |
| HPN Black Series Press |
| View Latest Price |
| ProWorld TransPro |
| View Latest Price |
1. Power Press Heat Press
The Power Press heat press has been an Amazon best seller for many years now, and for good reason!
We personally own the PowerPress press, and it has served us well for all sorts of projects. We make gifts for friends and family, and use it for small t shirt orders.
The PowerPress is a good heat press machine for beginners. It’s affordable, it has all of the basic features and functions that you need, and it gets the job done!
The Power Press is good for home craft use, and for getting started in t shirt business. It is not ideal for a busy business operation where it would be in use all day, every day.
Features:
- Digital time and temperature screen
- Temperature range of 0 – 500 degrees F
- Adjustable pressure knob
- Silicon base plate
- A thickened aluminum and coated heat platen
- A heavy duty steel frame
- replaceable fuse
Pros
- Clamshell heat press
- Easy to use
- Solid machines
- Achieve more pressure than EasyPress
- Free shipping for Prime Members
- Good warranty
Cons
- Not very smooth to use
- Can have faults (like all cheap machines)
2. FancierStudio T Shirt Press
The Fancier Studio tee shirt press is also a best seller on Amazon. The two brands have always been neck and neck!
When it comes to the PowerPress Vs FancierStudio, the two are extremely similar. Both machines have essentially the same features and functions. The good thing about the PowerPress over this machine is the easy to replace fuse feature.
The Fancier Studio Press is perfect for sublimation transfers, HTV, Rhinestones, transfer paper, and any other heat applied shirt decoration.
Pros
- Affordable entry level machine
- Do all types of transfers
- 15 x 15 inch machine
- Easily set time, temperature, pressure
Cons
- Not made to last forever
3. Cricut Heat Press
The Cricut Easy Press is next – this is by far the most popular machine for home use (we have 3 of them)!
This machine is more like a cross between a heat press and an iron. It is a great way to start applying more complicated heat transfers once you have outgrown your home iron.
This machine is best for crafters, making t shirts at home, beginners, and teen crafts. It’s not so good for making items to sell, or for pressing a lot of shirts at once. It does reach 400°F, so is suitable as a sublimation heat press.
Cricut is a highly respected brand, known for creating high-quality products that function well and last. They have good customer support, and a lot of online resources. EasyPress Vs Heat Press here.
Features:
- Easy to learn how to use
- Safe support tray & auto-off feature
- 4 different sizes (mini, 6×7, 9×9, & 12×10)
- Range of colors
- Digital time & temperature display
- Quick set up and heat up time
Pros
- It’s a cheap heat press
- Very easy to use
- So easy to hide away
- Firmware updates through USB
- Fine for sublimation or Infusible Ink transfers
- Great online support, resources, & community
Cons
- You must manually apply pressure
- Largest size is 12 x 10 inches
4. The MPress T Shirt Heat Press
The MPress Range is an affordable alternative to the Amazon machines. It’s similar to the PowerPress or Fancierstudio models, but it has some distinct advantages.
The MPress comes in 5 different styles and sizes:
- the 9 x 12 inch swing away heat press
- a 15 x 15, 16 x 20, or 16 x 24 inch clamshell heat press
- the MPress sublimation mug press
The main benefits of buying the MPress from Heat Press Nation is trust. Each machine goes through a quality control process before shipping, and each purchase includes tech support.
This machine is a slightly better t shirt heat press for beginners, and for those needing the extra support of HPN.
MPress Features:
- Strong heavy duty machine
- Non stick platen with cast in heating element
- Digital time & temperature settings
- 1 year parts & service warranty
- Good for all the usual heat transfer applications
Pros:
- Higher quality machines
- Range of sizes to choose from
- Quality control procedures
- Access to heat press support
Cons:
- Not the smoothest action
5. F2C Multifunction Heat Press
F2C 5 in 1 machines are an easier and cheaper way to do different types of heat press projects.
These units are also available with more attachments, usually including:
- a t shirt press
- hat/cap attachment press
- mug/cup heat press
- attachments for pressing plates
There are a ton of multifunction presses for sale on Amazon, which are good for home and small business use. The higher quality machines from Heat Press Nation are suitable for medium to large business.
Keep in mind that you can only have one press going at a time, and the attachments on cheaper machines can be tricky & fiddly to change.
Pros:
- Opportunity to press on a variety of substrates
- Transfer onto mugs, caps, tees, plates, & more
- Many affordable options
Cons:
- Cheap versions are error prone
- Not as good results as with dedicated machines
- Can be fiddly to use
6. TUSY T Shirt Press
The TUSY machine is another top press for shirts.
This unit has a different look from the PowerPress and Fancierstudio press, and also has some improved features.
The pressure is adjusted over the heat platen, rather than at the back of the press. This makes it easier to change and set correctly. It also has a handle on the lower platen which is great for preventing the machine from jumping when you open it!
There is an instruction manual, and some online videos to help you get started, and a ton of good reviews.
Pros:
- Lower handle
- Easy to set pressure knob
- 15 x 15 press
- Complete all transfers
- Different look
Cons:
- Cheap machine for beginners
7. Transfer Crafts T-Shirt Heat Press
Small heat press machines like the 9 x 12 inch Transfer Crafts press are excellent for home craft and small business. There are many occasions where it’s better to have a small machine handy, rather than having to get a big machine up to heat.
As with any category of heat press, there are the lower quality imports, the mid priced range imports, and the high priced US made machines. The best press for you will depend on your budget!
The Pink Craft Press is another popular small craft press that is solid and of sound quality. It weighs only 35 pounds, has a 9 x 12 inch heat platen, and over the plate pressure adjustment.
Pros:
- Good for small transfers
- Easy to store
- Press labels & tags
- Light weight
Cons:
- Can’t do larger transfers
8. Black Series Heat Press Machine
The Black Series Heat Press range has better quality components and smoother ease of use than the cheap presses.
There are 14 different heat press machines in this series with different sizes, styles, and functions.
There are, for example:
- clamshell heat press machines (9×12 – 16×24 inches)
- swing away heat press machines (9×12 – 16×20 inches)
- 8 in 1 multifunction heat press machines
- cap, mug, & label press machines
And, as with the MPress, you know you are getting a machine that has been tested, gone through a quality control process, and comes with access to support.
One of the great things about some Black Series machines is the extra lever on the top of the platen. You are able to hold this down while opening the machine, which supports the press and stops it from jolting upwards!
Features:
- Clamshell press can take substrates 1/2 inch thick
- Machines come with a 1 year warranty
- In depth user manuals & online resources
- Often used on HPN YouTube Channel
- Large range of Black Series buying options
Pros:
- Higher quality machines
- Range of sizes to choose from
- Quality control procedures
- Access to heat press support
Cons:
- Lacks some top quality features
9. Signature Series Heat Press
HPN Signature Series Heat Press Machines are the best heat press machines in their price range. They are more than suitable for advanced small business.
The Signature Series Press is best for the serious t shirt business with regular and consistent customers. It’s for those who need the press to do the work for them.
Signature Series Features:
- A range of auto open options (magnetic release)
- Some with draw style opening
- Upgraded time & temperature gauges
- Gas shock opening for smooth action
Pros:
- High quality components
- Durable long lasting heat press
- Stylish look & feel
- Upgraded & with special features
Cons:
- Much more costly
- Not as good as US made
10. Heat Press Bundle
For many who are going into t shirt business, a heat press bundle or business package may be the best option. You can pick up a printer, cutting machine, heat press accessories, and heat press, and pay less than if you’d bought them separately.
Consider a heat press bundle if:
- you require a full business set up
- it looks like it will work out cheaper
- you really require the bundle items
- it’s in your business plan & budget
The press bundles from HPN are very attractive for small to medium sized business start-ups.
Heat Press Buyers Guide
Here are 5 things to keep in mind when buying a t shirt press machine:
- Do they have a website?
- What are their buyer reviews like?
- How long is the warranty?
- Does it come with bonuses?
- Is it worth the price?
1. Do They Have A Website?
Buying from a seller that has a website can make it easier to make contact if anything goes wrong. If buying from Amazon, Google the name of your seller to see what comes up.
For example, Heat Press Nation has a very good website. They are very easy to contact and offer buying and ongoing technical support.
2. What Are The Reviews Like?
This is pretty straightforward – of course you’re not going to buy from a seller with a ton of negative reviews. But it becomes difficult because most sellers have some good and some bad reviews.
A couple of my favorite negative heat press reviews include: “I’m being generous giving this press one star…”. Or, “They should have called this a de-press-ed heat machine because that’s how I feel after buying it…”.
Hilarious. But I think it’s important to keep in mind that there are always going to be faults and flaws which occur in products – and perhaps even more so in industrial electrical equipment like heat press machines.
Overall, if a heat press has a 4+ star rating, you’re onto a winner.
3. Warranty
Compare warranty lengths between the heat presses before making your purchase.
Some are 6 months, some are 1 year, and some of the more quality machines are even longer!
4. Bonuses
Does the heat press come with any bonus products?
These might include:
- Teflon sheets
- Sheets of vinyl
- Blank t-shirts
- Free shipping
It can be tempting to choose a machine simply because it comes with freebies, but use the other guidelines before letting this one determine your choice.
5. Price
This is often the only consideration people have in mind when it comes to purchasing a transfer press.
If after comparing sellers you see they are all selling the same (or very similar) press, and there is little else differentiating them from one another but the name, just go with the cheapest.
Best T Shirt Press
We hope this has helped you to settle on the right t shirt press for your needs.
We’d love to hear from you – what are your thoughts and questions? Leave comments below and we’ll get back to you asap.
Thanks for reading! Please pin for later 🙂
(Please note: This post contains affiliate links. Read our full disclosure policy here.)
Comments 26
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Hi Dear, Thank you for sharing such an informative review with us. It will definitely help us in choosing appropriate machines for our business goals.
It always makes me happy when I hear our content and research are helpful! Best of luck with your business!
Thank you for an amazing guide and information for Hot Presses! I find the challenge is purchasing now during the pandemic. Many of Heat Press Nation models are sold out. What do you think of their Craft Pro 12×15 model? I’m just getting started with vinyl cutting and in the market for a hot press, but I don’t want to limit myself if I begin to sell t-shirts later.
You are welcome Mimi! We just called Heat Press Nation today to ask – they are getting a bunch in at the end of July, so I would recommend waiting and getting the 12×15 then!
Thanks, I actually got the HPN 15 x 15 slide out. While the press is great, the slide out drawer is amazing. However, I’m regretting not getting a 16 x 20 for larger prints, i.e. all-over items, door mats, etc. As a 1st-time heat press purchaser, often the mindset is… anything is better than a house iron, but you have to think of future growth. 😊
Glad you’re liking it and I completely understand wishing it was larger! At the time you think “oh I won’t need a bigger one…”. There’s always Craigslist or Ebay to sell this one if you want to upgrade! Happy crafting, Mimi!
What press would you use for a mult task (Tshirts, baseball caps, glass jars for candles, plastic water bottles, tumblers)
Hi Suelana, check out these multifunction heat press machines. It really depends on your budget. However, we would just use adhesive vinyl for glass and bottles!
Great job on explaining everything! I’m in the market and been looking around a bit and see lots and a lot of the 128.00-158.00 all seem to do the same stuff but has lots of features . Then you go up to the 165.00-239.00 and all you get is the press! You did cover that area but I’m still unsure what I want ! It’s being used for family stuff and maybe a few friends but maybe later on if it works out go onto bigger stuff ! This will be my very first heat press so I’m a newbie! My price range is under 200.00 for now! I’d like to go under 170.00 if possible so I can use the rest to get a few things to work with ! I have a cricut maker so I’m doing stickers tshirts decals ! So with your expertise, what would you recommend?
Hi Shelly, the PowerPress is a good choice for a 15 x 15 shirt press in your price range. The multifunction machines give you the option of doing other types of products, but generally have a smaller shirt pressing area.
thanks i think ive settled on the hpn mpress and hoping that it is significantly better than the amazon heat press because its an extra $100 . do you think its worth the extra money?
Hi Rach, yes I think the MPress is worth the extra cost, as it is a better machine and comes with HPN tech support. If you can afford it over the cheaper Amazon machines, I would go for it. BUT you might want to wait for the HPN Black Friday Sale because no doubt it will be reduced even further!
What do you think of the Vevor heat press machine?
Hi Jennifer, I assume you’re talking about the Vevor Multifunction heat press (maybe this one)? It has been reviewed and rated really well, and I think it’s a fine option if it’s the type you want and in your price range.
Hey thanks for the post. I read a few others first but enjoyed how this one covered a bit more ground rather than just listing Amazon heat press machines. Still haven’t made up my mind on what to get but learned a bit more about the options.
Good, thanks Jeff. Yes, if you just need the cheapest heat press, go with the first on the bestsellers list; if you want quality, go with Heat Press Nation (although Amazon does have some good US made machines for sale as well, they just mostly have the cheaper Chinese machines, as I’m sure you’ve seen).
Looking for the best machine that does all different things like the caps and other things. Is the one you posted the best of the best and would you recommend the one that comes with a vinyl cutter?
Check out this post for more multifunction heat press options. If you can afford a multifunction from Heat Press Nation, they are certainly better than the Amazon machines. If not, I would just go with the current top rated Amazon option.
I like the look of the black series and signature series heat press. What heat press would you get?
Ps some of the pictures weren’t showing up
If you are using an add blocker, this will prevent some of the images from showing up.
Hey Andy, it all depends on your budget really. Of course the Signature Series is the better press, but it’s going to cost you more. Personally, if I could afford both, that’s the one I would go for. But also have a think about what you’re going to be using it for. If it’s for business, best to get the better heat press. If it’s just for home use, the Black series press is more than sufficient, and has some great features.
What heat press would you buy if you had a $500 budget?
Either of these 2 from Heat Press Nation: the HPN Signature Series 15×15 Auto-Open Slide-Out Drawer or the HPN Black Series 15×15 Auto-Open Heat Press Machine. Both of them are amazing machines for the price.
Hey thanks for your help in choosing a heat press. I’m going to go with a Power Press at the moment cause I’m just starting but will upgrade later if I can get the hang of it and can make money selling t shirts.
Sounds like a good idea Jacob. Thanks for the comment.