The PowerPress Heat Press: See What We’ve Made!
This PowerPress Heat Press review will help you to know if it’s the right machine for you!
It’s one of the best selling heat press machines, with thousands of units sold, and has a ton of ratings and reviews.
We own this machine and have used it a lot, and this review is based on our first hand experience!
Power Press Heat Press Review
The PowerPress Heat Press is a 15 x 15 inch manual clamshell heat press.
It’s very easy to use, and quick to set up. The Power Heat Press was our first heat press, and there really was no learning curve. You can even watch how simple it is in the video we made below.
The Power Press is an entry level machine. But that being said, it still does a good job and produces great results.
The PowerPress, and machines like it, can be a little clunky, and are not the smoothest units out there. This is standard for heat press machines under $200. We’ll have some alternatives listed at the end of this post!
PowerPress Projects
Use the PowerPress Heat Press on all the usual substrates:
T-Shirts
Cotton and polyester garments
Canvas bags
Kids clothing
Ceramic tiles
T-shirts/shirts/sweatpants
Canvas
Throw pillow covers
We use ours mostly for children’s clothing, baby onesies, and t shirts.
Here are some Heat Press projects we’ve completed with this machine – click the image to see the full post.
Tees for Dad
Easter Onesie
Throw Pillow Covers
PowerPress Features
The PowerPress is 15×15 inches – the best size for those just starting out.
However, if you know you’re going to be doing a lot of larger t-shirts, or are wanting to do edge-to-edge sublimation, you might be better off with a large heat press machine.
The PowerPress is suitable for all standard transfers.
✔Heat transfer vinyl (HTV)
✔Smoothed/flocked/glittered HTV
✔Rhinestone
✔Inkjet
✔Sublimation
✔Cricut Infusible Ink
Other PowerPress heat press features include:
- A digital timer and temperature display
- An adjustable pressure knob
- A silicon base plate
- A thickened aluminum heat platen
- heat platen is Teflon Coated
- It is made with a heavy duty steel frame
- Replaceable fuse and safe electrical system
- The ability to press flat items approx. 3/4 inch thick
PowerPress Specs
Here are some of the numbers you might need to know:
- Weight – 56 pounds
- Time range – 0 – 999 seconds
- Temperature range – 0 -500 degrees
- Voltage – standard US 110 volts
- Wattage: 1800 watts (some versions vary, so check if this is important to you)
- And all going well, it will take about 15 minutes to get to the set temperature
PowerPress Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It’s Cheap
Because it’s cheap, you can buy one for infrequent use and not worry about having this expensive item in your house that you only use on occasion.
- Good for beginners
It’s just so easy to use. Just set the time and temperature, check the pressure, and close the lid on your heat transfer and t-shirt!
- Better than an iron
A PowerPress machine is definitely better than an iron. You have much more control over the 3 factors that most influence a successful heat transfer: time, temperature, and pressure.
- An easy way to make gifts
Owning a heat press gives you an easy way to make gifts for friends and family.
Cons:
- May fault
The component quality of a cheap heat press machine isn’t top spec! Some machines will have faults or flaws. These will usually be immediately obvious and your machine can be exchanged.
- Fewer bells & whistles
A cheaper machine like the PowerPress does not have features like auto-open, pull out draw platens, or digital pressure readings. You need to pay more for these things.
Power Heat Press
What is the Power Heat Press good for?
- hobby or craft use
- suitable for beginners
- a limited budget
- small start-up t-shirt business
- making gifts for your friends and family
PowerPress Heat Press
The Power Press is one of the best cheap heat press machines that you can buy. It’s good value for money and will help you to create really fun t shirts and giftware.
Used well, a heat press can not only generate you an income through selling products, it can also save you money when you use it to make gifts you would have otherwise purchased!
Here are two Power heat press alternatives of higher quality:
Thanks for reading this power heat press review! Please leave us a comment if there is anything else you would like to know.
(Please note: This post contains affiliate links. Read our full disclosure policy here.)
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Can you attach a mug press?
Hi Tanya – PowerPress does sell a multifunction heat press that includes a mug press (I linked to a comparable model from Vevor because the PowerPress multifunction is currently out of stock) but they also sell a simple 15 x 15 heat press that doesn’t do anything other than flat presses. Check out the links to find out more about each of the things they sell. Let us know if you have any other questions!
Hello,
I have had my heat press for a few years. My husband changed the pressure on the last big job I did and I went to change it back and now it won’t lock. What have we done?
Hi Shanee, sorry it’s really hard to say without having a look at it!
What would you suggest for the temp and time to heat press vinyl on cotton shirt? The times and the temps they gave varied.
Hey Taylor, if you go up to the section ‘PowerPress Projects’ you are able to click on any of those pictures to go to the post about those projects. Each post will have press time and temp details. It’s best to just follow the instructions given with your product as it’s always different for each brand and variety.
Hey I bought the power press from a somebody and when I got home it wouldn’t turn on or anything. I was wondering if there is anything that I’m doing wrong. I did notice from watching videos that by the power on switch it’s a little black knob piece missing. It’s only a whole by my power switch that look like something should go there
It’s hard to say without seeing it but sounds like the fuse and fuse cap has been removed. You can see more pictures of the fuse area here. Some versions of the PowerPress don’t come with easy access to the fuse, but those don’t have a hole like you describe either.
Ok where can I find replacement parts of them
The best plan would be to reach out to the sellers of the PowerPress through the Amazon listing. Some machines are returned faulty and so they may be able to provide parts – no promises though! Otherwise you may need to take it to a local electronics store and ask if they can help.
I’m
Wondering how do I change the temperature without having to take the fuse out.
I’m not totally sure what you’re asking, but you change the temperature on the display. You shouldn’t have to touch the fuse unless it has blown and needs replaced.
I’ve had this press since 2015 and used regularly with zero issues. Within the last six months there has been an increase in volume but it still performed well. This last week I’ve noticed some difficulty opening after pressing. Yesterday I could not open it at all after pressing and after about 10 panicked seconds I just turned it off to figure out the problem. I was able to finally able to open it after a few minutes but when I tried it again the same thing happened and it took my adult son using major muscle to get it open. Is it RIP time for the press or is this something that can be remedied?
Sounds like you’ve had a pretty good run, and I would get a new one. That heat press is a fire risk if it gets jammed shut! The PowerPress has actually disappeared from Amazon temporarily (I think it happens when they run out of stock), but you could check out a Fancierstudio Heat Press (which is basically identical to the PowerPress), or even better, take a look at the MPress from HPN or the other home use heat press machines from Heat Press Nation (the Black Series or Signature series).
I read through quickly, but I haven’t seen anyone mentioning that their heat press was off from what it should be. I opened a small home business and was getting busy. While the shirt looked nice when it left my hands, several customers contacted me because the vinyl was coming up from their shirts. At first, I had no clue it could be the heat press. I’ve had it a year at most. Just didn’t think it could be the heat press, but I bought a laser heat thermoments and it is off by about 25 degrees! Also when testing with the heat thermometer, I tested the corners as well as the all the tops and sides. They all had different readings. So I feel like I need to raise the temperature to allow for the lowest uneven setting, which makes me nervous because it ends up being more the what Siser vinyl reccommends. All I need is more people coming back because their vinyl is coming off due to too much heat! (They wouldn’t know the reason, but I would.) I’m not feeling very confident with what I’m putting out right now, it’s cost me several redo’s and I’m nervous about more. I thought I’d enjoy this kind of business, it really just has me tied in knots now. 🙁
Hi Connie, yes that’s definitely the downside to these machines. They can be wildly inaccurate. This is a really good video on the differences between imported machines (like the PowerPress) and US made heat press machines.
I’m sorry you’re having this trouble, I can understand the anxiety you might be feeling not knowing if the transfer is going to last or not! If you were able to upgrade then either the Black Series or Signature Series heat press from Heat Press Nation are probably the minimum quality press I would use if selling product.
I just got my press for Christmas and it lights up and turns on but heat does not go up. I tried holding the button and it seems to be at 82 degrees. ANy suggestions. I really wanted to play with it today!
Is it allowing you to increase the set temperature? I haven’t used my Power Press for a while (been using other presses lately), but if I remember rightly you need to hold down the temp change button for it to work. It’s possible you have a faulty machine that will need to be returned unfortunately. I’m sorry if this is the case, it’s a bit of a let down when you’re hoping to get started!
I have a machine about 2 years old and the numbers are starting to not light completely. Any suggestions?
Hi Danne, sorry I don’t have any real advice, other than to state the obvious… sounds like you need a replacement display. You could probably email the seller and ask if they can send you one – there are a certain number of machines returned and so they must have a decent amount of spare parts!
My husband got me the power press as a wedding gift. Used it for the first time today. However it didn’t come with an instruction book. I know I need to adjust the pressure with the knob but what way do I turn it to increase the pressure ?
Great wedding present! Turning the knob to the right will increase the pressure. I will scan and upload my instruction manual in a couple of days and email you a copy!
Would you please email me a copy of the instructions as well? I got mine from my neighbor, and doesn’t have the manual. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!
PowerPress heat press manual here.
May you also send me a copy please I believe I have the same machine it’s model number is ax-a1.
Thank you for imput on the press!
Power Press Manual.
Would you be so kind to email me a copy of your instruction manual as well.
Will do next week!
I jus purchased mine from a friend and she said it didn’t come with a manual. I have searched for the last few hours to try and find one. Could you please share with me? Greatly appreciated.
Hi C King yes we scanned and uploaded the PowerPress Manual here.
What is the fuse amp rating.
The fuses for my Power Press are 15 Amp, but not all models are the same. You should be able to read on the side of the blown fuse what the Amps are, or take it to a local electronics store and they will be able to tell you.
I got my power press last week. Have made a couple shirts. Today after I heated it up, I pressed down to make a tank top and the screen with temp and time went out. The power button was still lit but machine shut off. I’ve moved it to different outlets and still can’t get it to turn back on. Any ideas? Blown fuse? Where do I get the replacement fuses?
Hi Tara, yes sounds like the fuse needs replaced. Here is the fuse for the Power Press.
Where are the fuses located? We have pretty much taken off every panel and can not find a fuse anywhere. Ours stopped heating in the middle of making shirts yesterday and we can’t find any information as to where they are located so that we are able to change them.
You must have one of the models without easy access to the replaceable fuse. Many Power Press machines (including mine) has a simple removable fuse located above the power switch. I would contact the seller for advice on how to change a fuse on your model.
So I tried adjusting the pressure with the knob but now it doesnt lock down anymore either way I turn it? Do you have any advise?
Hi Reign, I’m sorry, I can only really suggest contacting the seller. They are really quick to respond. It’s hard to say what’s going on without seeing it in action or having a video. I haven’t experienced anything like this with my machine, it just naturally clamps down when I close it.
My heat press is doing the same thing. No pressure whatsoever. I have adjusted the knob but nothing. My husband says it looks as if the handle is bent. Can the handle be replaced?
Hi Jean, I would send it back. The PowerPress sellers are very good with offering a replacement if there are any unforeseen issues.
Hi – I am having trouble getting the temperature to set. It will reset to the original temperature. How do I set the temperature?
With my Power Press, I’ve got to hold the temp button down for a couple of seconds before it will let me change up or down. Is this a new problem or are you just learning how to use a Power Press heat press?
Need help with adjusting the temperature. Having trouble getting the image to stick on shirt.
Hi Ruth, you need to hold down the temperature button to change the temperature. You might also need to increase the pressure with the knob on top of the press. I’m not sure if you’re using heat transfer vinyl or an ink transfer?
I am using print transfer. The pressure was increased…i actually had a hard time lifting the handle 🙂 trying no to burn myself. The tempt was up to 390. The instruction on the paper says 350 for 30 sec. and peel when cooled. When trying to peel the paper peels off with image. The image looks a little bubbly.
I wouldn’t put the temperature up beyond the recommended amount. That’s probablt why it’s bubbling. Are you using Avery Transfer Paper? Or another quality transfer paper? And are you using a Teflon sheet or something similar? Sorry, it’s hard to know what is going wrong with your transfer without seeing it and being there! ?
help dont know what im dong wrong cant get image to stick
Hi Leighann, I’ll email you and see if I can help you after I get some more details.
Hello I just bought a heat press from a yard sale page… big mistake. When I turn it on it just has this screeching sound…any ideas?
Haha, that can’t be nice. But I can’t really offer any informed opinions without seeing/hearing it for myself. Probably best to ask a friend who knows a bit about electrics etc. or take it to an electrician if you think it’s worth what that might cost.
I am having trouble with the timer on my machine. It doesn’t matter if the machine is open or closed when the timer starts as soon as I turn the machine on and then buzzes when the time expires. I cannot figure out how to turn the timer feature off or get it to only buzz after the press is closed and the timer runs out and then stop when I open the machine. What am I doing wrong?
What a pain! I can only suggest first getting in touch with the supplier – you don’t want to do anything that voids warranty. My power press only beeps once the time is up and then it stops once I open it up.
Hello, My heat press in roughly two years old. I absolutely love my machine. Unfortunately I went to use it 7ish months ago and while it was heating it kicked off. I have tried multiple outlets, my house fuses aren’t blowing, my machine is just kicking off. I am able to push the little red button back in and turn it back on after a few seconds. I am able after about an hour able to get it to heat up to my desired temp. Once it is on the desired temp it never kicks off.. ONLY while heating up.
To be honest, I’m not much of an electrician (I’m not even a little bit electrician), so I’m not sure what the cause of that would be.
I recommend messaging the seller through Amazon and they will (usually) get back to you within 24 hours.
They will probably request your order ID before helping you, which you should be able to find in the email confirming your purchase.
My power press gets to 350 degrees in less than 10 minutes – I can’t imagine waiting an hour!
Did you find out what was wrong with it? Mine does the exact same thing as well. I was also unaware that if the temperature goes down while clamped it faulty.
Mine has been doing the same thing! Has anyone found a solution?
Not that I’ve heard of! Someone needs to update us after getting in touch with the Seller 🙂
Hello! Thanks for the information! My fuse was blown, and I haven’t heard back from the owners. I tried purchasing other fuses but they didn’t fit. Do you have a link for replacement fuses?
For the 1800 watt power press heat press (which is what I have) you need these fuses. I just bought some for mine as my fuse had blown and it had worked perfectly. They are 110v slow blow 15 amp fuses. I’m not sure if it would be the same if your heat press was not 1800 watt – my guess is probably!
Thank you!!
You’re welcome – let us know if you have any more problems.
Ive had my heat press for about 2 months now and i use it everyday. Now this morning i go to turn it on and it won’t come on… all cords are in….. what could cause it to not come on??
Hi Lacy, it’s more than likely a blown fuse. This has happened with mine, and the great thing about the Power Press is that it is so easy to replace the fuse. You just unscrew the little fuse holder on the side, remove the fuse (and it’s usually obvious if it’s blown), and replace it with a new one. My 1800 watt Power Press heat press uses these 15 amp slow blow ceramic fuses.
I can’t get my temperature to set what am I doing wrong ?
Hi Erin, with my machine I have to hold the temperature button down for a few seconds before I can change it. Do you think that’s the problem?
I just received my machine and have the same problem. Did you figure out how to fix it or did you send it back?
I didn’t hear back from her, sorry. You’ll have to try the same thing! I remember being a little bit confused about how to set the temperature on the power press the first time I used mine as well.
My press will not work unless I put a lot of T-shirt’s on the plate … the pressure will not get strong enough … how far should the pressure button raise …mine will only go up about an inch … should it come up farther than that??
Sorry for my delay in answering your question. As you say, it sounds like there’s a problem with your pressure knob. It needs to be tightened in order for it to clamp down tighter. Have you tried turning it to see if you can increase the pressure? The downside to cheap heat press machines is that you can’t digitally set the pressure and so you never really know what it’s set to, you’ve just got to test it. Super expensive presses have digital pressure settings.
Hi, I got the power press today. I did all the initial things like burn off. I setup the temperature to 375 F and time to 25 seconds to press a 95% cotton and 5% spandex blend t-shirt. Once the targeted temperature was reached, I pressed ithw clam down for the targeted time. After opening the clam I noticed the temperature was going down . As per my understanding the temperature should still stay at 375 F. The time was still 26 seconds. Can anyone help me why my temperature went down? TIA.
Hi Sara, it’s normal for the temperature to fluctuate a little bit when you’re opening and closing it. Mine usually jumps around 10 degrees hotter or cooler from what I’ve set it to while I’m pressing. It will always quickly settle back to what I have it set at though.
I just bought the powerpress and received it today. I took it out the box and I can’t seem to get the lever up. I am trying to get a look at the platform as I want to start pressing things today but I am trying my hardest to get this to open and it doesn’t. Might you have some tips for me?
Hi Maria, the pressure is set very tight to keep it from moving about during shipping. I think you just need to apply a lot of strength to get it open this first time, and then you can decrease the pressure with the knob on top after that. Over time things should loosen up and become smoother and easier. Let me know how you get on – Dan.
Okay so at first I didn’t want to pull very hard because I thought maybe I’ll mess it up. I’m o my 110 lbs so I don’t have much strength lol but I pulled my butt off and I got it open. Thank you!
haha good to hear, I hope it’s easier once you’ve adjusted the pressure!
And also it says it already comes with Teflon on the heat platen, do I still need a Teflon sheet?
Yes I would still use a Teflon sheet or parchment paper. In case of an accident, it’s much easier to throw these sheets away than it is to clean the heat platen. It also prevents a build-up of starches etc. on the platen.
What is the exact foot print measurement it takes up on a table?
Hey Marti, the PowerPress footprint or base size is approx. 28 x 17.5 inches. You will also need to allow an extra 5-10 inches (at least) all around to keep everything else away from the warmth of the press.
I just bought a power press, off of Amazon for Christmas. I don’t have any company information, just in case I need to contact company in regards to the warrenty.
I would love to get some kind of company telephone numbers, web addresses.
Anything really. I love my heat press. Just Leary of lack of company information.
Please send me something.
Thank you.
Leslie
Hi Leslie
I understand why you would want more info. I like to know who I’m buying from as well!
Just to be clear, we are not the sellers of the Power Press heat press. The sellers cannot be contacted directly, you must go through Amazon. To contact them go to the Power Press listing (here it is) and click on the name beside ‘ships and sold by’.
On this page you are able to contact the seller, you can initiate returns or refunds, you can read feedback from their customers, and much more. The seller of the Power Press does have very good feedback, so it’s no wonder they have the best selling heat press!
I’ve never had any trouble contacting them and they’ve always replied within 24 hours.
Thank you i will try to contact them after the new year.
When my heat press came, it came with 2 pads. One different colored one, and a orange one. Some say only the orange one, and some say the different colored one down first, then the orange one. Which is the right way for the 15×12 swing away power press?
Place the speckled pad down first with the orange on top. Most machines come with the pads already glued down, and you can do this yourself if yours are not.
This is very helpful. I’ve just purchased this heat press and have used it a couple of times. Very pleased so far! I don’t have a good space and would like to have it mobile. I’ve seen rolling stands for some heat presses. Do you know if there is a stand for this one, or are they universal?
Hi Lori, the sellers of the Power Press do not sell a stand for use with their machine. Many people use rolling stands like this one on Amazon. For more examples and information, check out our article on heat press tables.
Why do you think this machine is so popular? Why has it out sold every other heat press (judging by reviews) on Amazon?
Hi Mike, I think it has a lot to do with momentum.
The Power Press sells so many in the present because it has sold so many in the past. Having well over 1000 reviews gives it a huge amount of authority.
I think it also gets a lot of word of mouth recommendations among friends and in various Facebook groups. So many people have this machine that when someone new asks for recommendations, the Power Press is always mentioned.
It is also a great machine that does the job for a good price – it doesn’t just have a ton of reviews, it has a ton of the very best reviews!
Thank you for this thorough review. I’ve been on the fence about buying it and now I’m convinced. Thanks again!
Hi Ariana, thanks for the comment. I’m glad the article helped you to make up your mind. Once it arrives, we’d love to know how you get on. All the best ?