The Best Large Heat Press Machines (& Large Format Machines)
Do you need a large heat press to complete your over sized jobs?
The definition of a large format press varies from person to person, but is generally considered to be anything over 20″ x 32″. This includes
- 20 x 32 inches
- 32 x 40 inches
- 40 x 48 inches
- and many other size variants
We’ll be focusing on both types in this post: large heat press machines AND large format heat press machine – in that order.
The Best Large Heat Press
Most people looking for a large heat press are doing so because:
- they are doing over sized transfers
- they are doing large garments
- they are doing full garment sublimation
- they want to be ready for any jobs that might come through the door
Check out this list of the best large heat press machines, then read on for more information.
Keep in mind that a good large heat press is going to be expensive. It will cost more than the popular machines on Amazon, the majority of which are 15″ x 15″ heat presses.
 | ePhoto Heat Press |
| View on Amazon |
 | MPress Heat Press |
| View on Heat Press Nation |
 | HPN Black Series |
| View on Heat Press Nation |
 | HPN Signature Series |
| View on Heat Press Nation |
 | Hix Heat Press Machines |
| View on Heat Press Nation |
 | Hotronix Heat Presses |
| View on Heat Press Nation |
 | Insta Large Heat Press |
| View on Heat Press Nation |
 | Insta Large Format Press |
| View on Heat Press Nation |
 | Geo Knight Maxipress |
| View on Heat Press Nation |
 | Geo Knight Triton |
| View on Heat Press Nation |
Large Heat Press Machines
While 15 x 15 inch presses are suitable for most jobs, a large heat press is great to have for the odd oversize transfer or garment that you need to press.
The following gives further information on the large t-shirt presses listed in the table above (same order).
Large ePhoto Power Heat Press
This 16 x 24″ machine is for the lowest budget requirements. It is suitable for home and craft use. Limited business use may be possible.
These machines are great for the right people at the right time (I own the very similar Power Press heat press). However, they are more prone to faults, and may not be as durable as higher quality machines.
Specifications & Features:
- Style: clamshell
- Temp Range: 0 – 500°F
- Time: 0 – 999 seconds
- Power: 1800 watts; 110 volts
- Digital time & temp settings
- Manually set pressure (no digital readout)
- Lower silicon pad
- Free Teflon sheet
The Mpress Heat Press
The MPress heat press is Heat Press Nation’s cheapest large heat press.
The quality of components and ease of use is not as good as the following machines, but it is an excellent entry level choice.
The big benefit of buying this 16 x 24″ machine over the previous machine is the support and service you receive from Heat Press Nation. If your machine starts playing up it can be much easier dealing with a good company directly than trying to work something out with sellers through Amazon.
Specifications & Features:
- Style: clamshell
- Temp Range: 0 – 400 °F
- Time: 0 – 999 seconds
- Power: 1400 watts; 110 volts
- Non-stick coated heat platen
- Durable heat platen
- Full range of heat coils (guarantees consistent temperature)
- Spring assist strong handle
- Full range adjustable pressure knob
- Digital temperature & time control
- Lower silicon (endures high temperatures)
Large HPN Black Series Press
The large HPN Black Series heat press is the next step up in quality.
This machine is available in 16 x 20″ (clamshell or auto-open clam), or as a 16 x 24″ clamshell.
One benefit of the Black Series machines is the secondary handle which allows you to safely open the machine. You hold down the lower handle while lifting open the regular one, keeping the machine from jumping or lifting.
This machine is perfect for small commercial business purposes.
Specifications & Features:
- Style: landscape clamshell
- Temp Range: 0 – 400°F
- Time: 0 – 255 seconds
- Power: 110-120 volts
- Secondary handle
- Capacitive touch screen
- Double fuse protection
- Improved heat platen
Large Signature Series Heat Press
The large Signature Series Press from HPN is the top of the cheaper range of heat press machines.
The 16 x 20″ model is available in 3 styles: swing-away, draw, & auto-open; while the 16 x 24″ model is available in clam & auto-open.
Features differ slightly between the 5 large signature series machines, but the quality is equal. All machines (- swing) come with gas shock opening, making them easy and comfortable to work with.
Specifications & Features:
- Style: clamshell, swing, draw
- Temp Range: 0 – 400°F
- Time: 0 – 255 seconds
- Power: 110 volts
- Baked on non-stick coated platens
- Gas shock opening
- Advanced digital time & temperature display
- Magnetic auto-open release (on auto-open models)
- Wide 50 degree opening
*Please check each model separately for exact specifications & features
Large Hix Heat Press
Hix Heat Press Machines are the first US made heat press machine on the list.
The price jumps up for American made machines, but the quality is unrivaled. You can be confident in the quality of components & construction. The ease of use is very smooth and enjoyable.
Hix clamshell machines open very wide (usually 70 degrees) for easy access to the pressing area. They are strong durable machines with touch screen controllers and some even have tilting (or floating) lower platens.
Specifications & Features:
- Style: clamshell, swing-away, air
- Temp Range: 0 – 450°F
- Power: 120 volts
- Touch screen controller
- Lower adjustable floatational platen
- Lifetime warranty on heat element
*Please check each model separately for exact specifications & features
Geo Knight Heat Press Machines
Geo Knight heat press machines are another American made heat press.
Their large heat press machines come in 16 x 20″ or 20 x 25″ (large format machines further down the list).
Some machines come with stands, and others are sold without. They have manual heat press machines, as well as air operated and auto-open.
Geo Knight create top-of-the-line heat press machines that are more than suitable for large print runs and heavy manufacturing. These are advanced business heat press machines.
Specifications & Features:
- Style: clamshell, swing-away, air
- Temp Range: 0 – 650°F
- Power: 4500W / 30A / 220V 1-Phase (only)
- Auto timers and pre-press timer
- 70 programmable presets
- SuperCoil-Microwinding heater technology
*Please check each model separately for exact specifications & features
Stahls’ Heat Press Machines
Stahls Heat Press Machines are leaders in the heat press market.
Focusing on innovation, their signature-look machines are extremely high quality. They have a 16 x 16″ Clam and a 16 x 20″ press in at least 6 different styles or packages.
Stahls’ machines are easy to use with all the latest heat press conveniences: presets, touchscreens, self-diagnostic abilities, internet connected cloud-based time and temperature settings, 8 different languages, etc.
Specifications & Features:
- Style: clamshell, swing, draw, air
- Temp Range: 0 – 430°F
- Power: 1750 watts
- Live digital time, temperature & pressure readout
- Production cycle counter
- Multi-level password settings
- Cast aluminum frame
- Excellent warranty
- Lifetime tech support
*Please check each model separately for exact specifications & features
Insta Large Heat Press
Insta heat press machines are another top brand of big heat press.
These machines, like the US made presses, are best for commercial business use. They are workhorses that can go all day, and are especially good for sublimation.
The Insta 16 x 20″ swing-away machine is the cheaper option, with the 15 x 20″ & 20 x 25″ models being the next level up in quality, features, and price.
Specifications & Features:
- Style: swing-away, pneumatic
- Temp Range: 0 – 500°F
- Power: 2200 watts
- Swing away upper platen
- Made of durable cast aluminium
- Integrated digital control (with cycle counter)
- Quick heat recovery
- Accurate temperatures
*Please check each model separately for exact specifications & features
Insta Large Format Heat Press
The Insta 1020 Large Format Heat Press is for those on the next level.
This wide format heat press machines has a huge 40 x 48″ heat platen, suitable for even the largest all over sublimation jobs.
This machine has dual lower platens to speed up production, powerful heating coils, and two air cylinders for perfect pressure. The features on this machine are phenomenal!
It really is best to talk to the folk over at Heat Press Nation to get your head around the full capabilities of a machine like this.
Maxipress Heat Press
The Geo Knight Maxipress is another top large format press.
There are 2 variations available: the manual press (in 32 x 42″ or 44 x 64″); or the auto (air) press (also in 32 x 42″ or 44 x 64″).
These machines speed up production and allow for an ease of use un-paralleled in small format heat press machines. Again, they are especially great for all over sublimation jobs.
Triton Large Format Press
The Geo Knight Triton is the Rolls Royce of large format heat press machines.
This machine is for the person with a budget north of $30,000! That seems like a lot if you’re not at that level yet, but for those who are, the investment makes sense.
The Triton is available as a manual loading press (in 54 x 60″ or 54 x 72″); or as an auto shuttle press (in a variety of sizes up to 54 x 103″).
Best Large Press
There is no ‘best large heat press’ for everyone. It’s all going to depend on:
- your budget
- your production numbers
- the space in your workshop
- your transfer size requirements
And everything else you’ve got going on!
Thank you for reading, and we hope this has brought some of the best machines out there to your attention. Please leave any questions or comments down below or be sure to talk to the awesome lot over at Heat Press Nation.
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Do you think a large heat press is best for sublimation?
Yes, you would want at least a 15 x 15 inch heat press for sublimation, but a 16 x 20 inch, or a 16 x 24 inch heat press is even better. This is especially so if you are doing all over sublimation. The printed designs need some bleed room, so they can end up being quite large (especially if you are doing bigger t-shirts, etc). Also, other common items for sublimation like sublimation socks need pletny of space. If you were doing long tube socks or something, you will want a large heat press!