Not all the best small heat press machines would best fit your needs. Assuming that machines with top rates are the best could be misleading. In most cases, assumptions hardly turn out to be as true as you expected. You might want to find out more about a specific heat press before you settle for it. It’s essential to have a list of elements to consider before making a purchase. Your needs should always lead when listing the elements.
We’ve considered seven features in our review that we think are crucial for any heat press. They include size, weight, voltage, power, temperature, time, and safety. These features are important because they all make a good heat press. For instance, while size and weight matter when it comes to storage and portability, temperature and time are critical for precision. Safety, on the other hand, ensures that you don’t get into dangerous problems such as burns with your machine. Based on these, the Cricut Easy Press 2 (Raspberry) became our favorite.
More features: advanced design; easy to use; even heat distributions; safety; compact
Easy press is the best small heat press for iron-on crafters. It’s easy to learn and use – making it ideal in this fast-paced world where most people are pressed for time. A lot can be said about Easypress. However, we’ll highlight the best features that make it a sought-after heat press. If you’re looking for a device that’s easy to store, then this is it. It’s perfect for smaller projects such as baby clothes, hats, accessories, among others. The size makes it portable and exciting for shows. What’s more, it heats up in just over a minute and produces high-quality iron-on results in at least sixty seconds. Besides, there’s no guesswork when it comes to temperature and timing.
The precise you are with setting the time and temperature, the best results you get with your designs. Thanks to its timer and the ability to set the exact temperatures. Unlike a household iron, Easypress features two heating elements – resulting in flat, dry, and even heat. Do you need to press hard? No. Its heavy, and applying gentle pressure is enough. While you could use a towel to protect your surfaces, using an Easypress mat will provide even better results. It comes with a safety base, a welcome booklet, a quick reference chart, and materials for your practice projects. What’s exciting is how the results of the designs last even after multiple washes. Three sizes are available – 6 x 7, 9 x 9, and 12 x 10. Be vigilant when making your purchase based on what you do. On the downside, the instructions are not the best.
More features: even heat distribution; Teflon sheet; silicone mat included; LED display controller; auto shutoff; portable
Bosstop comes with several benefits. It’s lightweight hence portable. Also, it’s compact and easy to store. Suitable for sublimation paper, heat transfer vinyl, and heat transfer paper, giving you a world of possibilities. The Bosstop heat press is easy for everyone hence the best place to start for new iron-on crafters. It’s ideal for household and portable heat press styles. If you’re looking for a heat press that works best for shirts and badges, then this is it! Also, you can use it for HTV. Several things make Bosstop exemplary and straightforward. A dry and evenly heated plate ensures flawless transfers. Auto shut off after ten minutes standby time guarantee your safety. Beeps to alert you when the iron-on transfer is complete.
With elements such as over-current and over-load protection, your circuit remains protected all the time. When it comes to pressure, 15-40 lbs. of bodyweight work best. Pre-heat time to 180-degree is about five minutes. Just like other small heat-press, the Bosstop machine has a timer and temperature controller. Although it does not cost much, it’s a great alternative to the Easypress. The device comes with a silicone mat, a Teflon sheet, and a stand. You can use it for both commercial and domestic activities. Apart from using it for shirts and budges, you could extend its function to bags, mouse mats, gifts, among others.
More features: compact; insulated safety base; auto shutoff; even heat distribution; ceramic coated plate
Are you looking for a compact size press heat? Cricut Easy Press Mini is excellent for small HTV vinyl and T-shirts projects. However, it’s also perfect for customizable uncommon projects like shoes or stuffed animals. It boasts several features, such as smooth heat transfer thanks to its ceramic coated heat plate. Three heat settings – low, medium, and high give you the best option for infusible ink and iron-on projects. Its design is seamless with an automatic shut off feature and an insulated safety base. This little buddy is straightforward to use and precise for unique projects – distributing power to all the right places. What’s more, is its robust base that withstands many hours of crafting. It’s a must-have device for HTV crafters – you don’t want to miss it if you spend most time along those lines.
Despite the size, it heats up pretty fast. Now, if you’re doing lots of small projects, including earrings and hats, do not buy a mini iron but a Cricut heat press. Also, it’s one of the best small heat press machines for quilting—several things to note, though. Be careful if you’re making your order while outside the United States. For instance, it wouldn’t work if you live in Australia due to the voltages difference. It has a maximum voltage between 115V and 120V. Australia’s voltage is 240V. The same differs from country to country. Be careful.
More features: dual function; safe; anti-overheating system; patented press technology
Have you been looking for a larger size digital press machine for your small business? Before you diverge your attention elsewhere, check out what FeiLian easy heat press machine has to offer. The first impressive feature of this device is its automation – no need to press manually. Also, its hand free feature allows you to set the appropriate time and temperature then leave it to do the rest. Its dual function comes in handy for those who would like to use it both as a heat press and an ironing machine. The best of it all is its safe anti-overheating system preventing the external casing from the heat. Further, there’s a shut off function to prevent your project from a possible fire.
The machine is suitable for transferring words and images on fiber, metal, cotton, producing gifts, among others. Apart from transferring for a thermal transfer sticker, it also prints sublimation paper. Use the LCD to control the heat press process of the machine. The machine comes with one user manual, an anti-skid cloth for putting up the silica gel pad, one silicone mat, and ten pieces of transfer paper. Consider going for the FeiLian heat press if you’re working on a budget. Also, it’s one of the best small heat press machines for beginners. Not only will you have an easy time working with it, but you also have beautiful projects. No more back and forth checks to overcome up spots. It’s worth every single coin.
More features: touchscreen control panel; pressure regulating system; safe anti-overheating system; dual-function base
PowerPress HMP-0000-PK is yet another large plate heat press machine. If you’ve been looking for a heat press machine with a variety of different features, then this is it! While many other heat press machines come with buttons for controlling the temperature and timing – power press packs a super sensitive touch screen control panel. It’s now easier and precise to run your operations. That’s not all a dedicated pressure regulating system is available to ease the transfer job. A safe anti-overheating system enhances our safety when working with your machine. Another safety function is the dual function base that prevents burn accidents when the machine is in safety mode.
There are three steps to achieving your masterpiece. First, set the appropriate temperature and time and wait for the machine to heat up. Second, place the cloth and transfer paper on the mat, then apply gentle pressure and press the timer. Lastly, wait for it to cool to room temperature and peel off. You can use a wide variety of materials such as vinyl, flock, HTV transfer, glitter, transfer paper, among others. You can use it for a small T-shirt press. It’s super easy to use once you read the instructions on how to set the right temperatures. Great customer care. You can always get in touch with their support team any time you run into a problem with your unit. One challenge from some users is that the machine could fail to heat up to the required temperatures. However, that sounds like a fault in a few of them and not a persisting problem.
More features: heavy pressure; ideal for light commercial use; fully assembled; LCD; time and heat control
The machine is ready to use out of the box. The transfer craft t-shirt heat press has a unique design from other machines we’ve reviewed. Unlike many typical heat press machines, transfer craft uses high heat and heavy pressure to transfer a design onto projects permanently. If all you need is the best heat press for small business, then you should try your hands on this one. However, it’s also ideal for home use. It’s excellent for bags, t-shirts, ceramic tiles, plates, mouse mats, garments, and flat surfaced items. When it comes to programming, the machine for consistency, heat, and electronic time control is at your disposal. A knob on top of the heat press allows precise adjustment of pressure. You can see the time and temperature on the LCD as you work.
It comes with a transfer sheet and instructions. The heat plate is aluminum coated with Teflon for evenly temperature distribution. Also, it’s non-stick, preventing scorching of transfers and doesn’t require a separate Teflon sheet. The machine has a mechanism of preventing your project from overheating. It’s easy to use and ideal for beginners. Instructions are precise, and anyone can get started in a couple of minutes. On the downside, alignment of the top could be problematic to some users. However, some practice and patience could help overcome the problem.
More features: lightweight; portable; has an insulated safety base; safety mode; suitable for vinyl material
Do you do large designs such as sweatshirts, banners, and T-shirts? If that’s you, then look no further. Besides, AONESY is ideal for unique and fun items, including producing gifts and advertisement designs. It’s straightforward to use and hands-free. Set your preferred time and temperature, then watch the magic happening in sixty seconds or less. Ceramic surface plate ensures you’re safe – you can work for two hours straight without the handle becoming hot. It’s suitable for Thermal transfer and sublimation paper. What’s best of all is that it’ll automatically shut down after thirty minutes of inactivity. The automatic turn off time is customizable. Note that the designs that come with this product are to help you get started.
When it comes to using it with vinyl, the results are amazing and professional. The device has rounded corners that make it big enough for handling various projects. The iron sits about an inch and a half from the surface hence taking quite a few more seconds to heat. However, that’s not a deal-breaker since when heated up, it does an exemplary job. The heat press comes with two heat resistant mats. You can decide to use a piece of wood instead. Also, it comes with a free T-shirt for a test run, so you can’t mess with your items. Note the following if you want to get the best with this heat press – use the right time and temperatures, and use a good quality HTV on the transfer sheet.
Our buying guide aims to help you make the right decision when shopping for a heat press. The market is full of small heat press machines, and finding the best for your needs could be a difficult task. We have your back by putting together what matters the most. Read them below.
A small heat press comes with many benefits. Let’s look at them:
Several factors are crucial when purchasing a small heat press. Unfortunately, you cannot buy any that you like its appearance. Also, your budget is not enough to win you the best heat press. We’ve put together a list of elements that we think are critical when buying a heat press machine. They include size, weight, voltage, power, temperature, time, and safety. Consider having them on your checklist before starting your hunt for a heat press.
It’s essential to know the exact size of a heat press that you’re looking to buy. How do you determine the appropriate size? The nature of your projects should lead when it comes to this aspect. While you can transfer your design on a small t-shirt using a large heat-press, results might not be the same as using a matching heat press. You’ll note that the accuracy might be off. The opposite holds. It’s quite impossible to print a large t-shirt on a mini heat press. Understanding what an inch is would be the first place to start. Next, you want to be sure about storage.
Although all these small heat presses are easy to store, being exact with your measurements is crucial.
Would you need a heavy or lightweight heat press? Weight can be a crucial factor when it comes to portability. While the machines are small, some of them are heavy. However, did you know a heavier machine provides more pressure and stability? Stability is critical to these machines. You do not want something that will keep shifting, forcing you to check your alignment. Also, you want a heat press that would not require you to use a lot of pressure when working on your projects.
Balancing between portability and stability is essential. While you want an easily movable machine, ensure it’s stable. Remember, the nature of your projects should also guide you when it comes to choosing the best weight.
Voltage might sound like an obvious factor. Unfortunately, many people fail to consider this feature and end up regretting it. We’ve seen quite a number complaining about it – getting into a back and forth emails trying to ask for a refund. Note that the machines have different voltages. Also, different countries have different voltage standards. A good example is the US and Australia. US standard voltage is 110V while that for Australia is 240V. If you live outside the United States, you must ensure the heat press you order has the right voltage. Otherwise, you’ll be forced to return it. Please understand that voltage and power are two different things. All the products on our review have a voltage of between 110V and 120V except the O BOSSTOP Heat Press Machine that supports up to 220V.
Why do you think it’s essential to consider power before purchasing a heat press? Let’s face it. A heat press with 1000W will probably be more efficient than one with fewer watts. Also, a high-power machine produces a lot of heat. A good example is the Transfer Crafts Heat Press with 1200W. Consider going for a heat press with a high power if you want to do a lot of projects within a short period. They’re also ideal for materials that need high heat. However, understand that high power heat press machines consume a lot of energy.
Temperature is critical. Knowing the standard temperature range for a heat press is paramount. You want a machine that is suitable for a variety of materials you intend to use. Also, having a heat press with a controllable temperature is crucial. Temperature controls help in setting the right temperature for your specific project. It prevents you from burning your project or that of your customer.
You must learn about the different temperature ranges to be able to make the right choice. Some materials require a higher temperature than others, and that’s where temperature knowledge comes in. Also, if you want a small heat press for light commercial use, then you might want one that can reach high temperatures.
The timer is also an essential feature to consider. Just like the temperature, time needs monitoring. You want to be precise when you start and stop. Also, time prevents overexposure of your items to heat. The next thing to consider under time is the range. Different heat press machines have different time range. Ensure you get one that aligns with your needs.
Do not forget to check the timing controller. You should be able to control the time of your heat press. It’s crucial because of the different projects that you might have.
Safety should come fast. You do not want to suffer burns, destroy your projects, or torch your entire working station. Also, the last thing you’d want is to put your family and kids in danger. Considering the safety of a machine prevents possible problems from occurring. How do you then ensure that a heat press is safe? Always look out for things like a safe anti-overheating system, safety base, and automatic shut off. Safe anti-overheating, as well as auto shut off, prevent possible fires. The safety base prevents burns and other dangers. Machines such as the BOSSTOP Heat Press Machine and Cricut Easy Press Mini have an auto shut off feature. Others like PowerPress HPM-0000-PK and FeiLian boast safe anti-overheating systems. Do not take matters of safety lightly – always consider safety features.
We’ve compiled seven of the best small heat presses available today. These machines have a great reputation and can help you transfer your designs to whatever materials in no time. Our buying guide should help you choose the most suitable machine. Do not forget to put your needs first. We believe the best machine is one that accomplishes your needs in the most convenient way. You can choose between our top selections if you’re in a hurry. The editor’s choice, Cricut Easy Press 2, tops our list. It’s compact, easy to use, has a modern design, and safe. Next, you’ll find the O Bosstop 9×9 Heat Press Machine that comes with a versatile silicone mat and a Teflon sheet. Lastly, the Cricut Easy Press Mini is our best value. Despite being little, it’s the best small heat press for customizable projects.
