Looking to start your own t-shirt business? The first instrument you need is a heat press. It operates on electricity and generates high temperatures and pressure to embed the design on your t-shirt. Not only for commercial use, but you can buy one for your individual use as well. It does not require any kind of training to operate, and this makes it easy to access. If you are considering buying one, take a look at the following list of the best heat press machines in the market.
Contents
List of the 10 Best Heat Press Machines in 2024
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1- Best Overall: Fancierstudio Power Heat Press Machine
- Brand: Francierstudio.
- Size: 15x15inch.
- Color: Blue-Black.
This heat press is a Francierstudio offering, which operates at 110V. Its power rating is 1400 Watt, the temperature range is 0-500 degrees, and the time range is 0-999 seconds. The silicon pads are glued to the base, to facilitate easy replacement. It is 15 by 15inch square, which is enough to work on most t-shirts. There are features like precise time set-up, electric heat and temperature control, and adjustable pressure to improve the efficiency of the machine.
The build quality is also pretty good; after all, it is required for commercial purposes. The material used for manufacturing is very premium and doesn’t cause any issues like overheating or short-circuit. For residential use, this is much more powerful than your iron.
Key Features
- Operates at 110V.
- High power output.
- High-temperature range.
- Supreme build-quality.
- Easy to use.
2- Best Runner-Up: Super Deal PRO Digital Heat Press Machine
- Brand: Super Deal.
- Size: 12 by 10 inches.
- Color: Black.
It is 12 by 10 inches in area, much larger than the other heat transfer machines in the market. Not only can you use it for your clothes, but also other items like Jigsaw puzzles, bags, ceramic tiles, and other flat surfaces. The pressure is also adjustable and can be done based on the material you are using. There is a digital timer, and an audio alarm, to avoid any over-exposure of the material.
You can also set the desired temperature, and as soon as the press reaches that temperature, it automatically stops. Additionally, the surface is Teflon coated and avoids any damage to the material when removing it.
Key Features
- 12 by 10inch area.
- It can be used on a large number of materials.
- Even distribution of pressure.
- Teflon coated.
- Digital LCD timer and an audio alarm.
3- Best Under 150 USD: Transfer Crafts T-Shirt Heat Press Machine
- Brand: Transfer Crafts.
- Size: 9 by 12 inches.
- Color: Black.
This is one of the best machines for regular residential and light, commercial usage. It can reach temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use flat surfaces to print your design permanently. Materials like cotton, tiles, ceramic, can all be embedded using this machine. You simply need to change the temperature according to the material. The massive press area ensures that you can print your designs easily.
There is a pressure handle that distributes the pressure equally on the press, leading to a more even print. The LCD screen displays the time and temperature set for the process, while the pressure plates are made of Aluminum, and coated with Teflon.
Key Features
- Reaches temperatures up to 500degree F.
- Aluminum pressure plate.
- The large press area of 9 by 12 inches.
- LCD display for temperature and time.
- Even pressure distribution.
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4- Cheapest Of All: Cricut Easy Press Mini – Heat Press Machine
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- Brand: Cricut.
- Size: Not Mentioned.
- Color: White.
This is a mini-press machine suitable for printing on irregular shapes. It is lightweight and can easily be lifted. You can use it to print your t-shirt, hats, and even shoes. The pressure plate is ceramic coated to provide an even distribution of heat across the surface. There are three heat settings, which can be used depending on the material to be printed. It also features an auto shut-off feature to avoid any mishap.
You can use this press for infusible heat transfers, which are permanent as they target the base material. Its compact size allows it to function on surfaces which are impossible to be printed using the larger press machines.
Key Features
- Compact.
- Suitable for irregular shapes.
- Infusible ink transfers.
- Three heat settings.
- Auto shut-off.
5- Best Value For Money: Cricut Easy Heat Press
- Brand: Cricut.
- Size: 9 x 9inch, 6 x 7 inch, & 12 x 10inch.
- Color: Mint, Raspberry, Blue, Lilac, & Rose.
This is one of the best products for domestic usage, as it is versatile enough to be used for most household materials. There are three sizes available, and you can choose the one depending on your requirement. It features an efficient heat-plate design, which is coated by ceramic, to provide even heating. It reaches temperatures up to 400degrees F. All you need to do is set the recommended temperature and time for the particular material.
Its usage is also very simple and can be operated with most heat transfer vinyl. The maximum power for its operation is 120V. Since Cricut manufactures it, rest assured of the build quality, as Cricut is one of the best companies when it comes to making heat presses.
Key Features
- Different colors & sizes are available.
- Efficient heat-plate.
- It can be used for most HTVs.
- Easily portable heat press machine
- Consumes less power.
6- Most Versatile: BetterSub Heat Press
- Brand: Better Sub.
- Size: 12 x 15 inches.
- Color: Black.
BetterSub heat press machine is a 5 in 1 appliance. It offers a combination of Shirt, Cap, cone, mug, and plate press machines. You can control the temperature and time, using the digital console available. Its temperature capacity is 480degress F, and the press surface is Teflon coated.
Special attention has been paid towards making it secure for usage. Unlike most other heat presses, this one uses a solid-state relay, which prevents any fire that might break out due to short circuits. Overall, this is a great product. It is functional, has excellent build quality, and above all, it has very high safety standards.
Key Features
- 5 in 1 appliance.
- High temperature.
- Teflon Coated.
- Large press area.
- Solid-state relay.
7- Best For Commercial Use: Bettersub Print T-Shirt Machine
- Brand: Bettersub.
- Size: 15 x 15 inch.
- Color: Black.
Best suited for commercial purposes where mass printing is done, this heat press machine features one of the largest press areas. It has a 15 by 15-inch press square, which is Teflon coated. The Teflon coating makes it easy to clean and does not let the cloth stick to the surface. Apart from T-shirts, you can also use this press for printing ceramic, tiles, mugs, jigsaw puzzles, bags, and other such covers.
It is capable of reaching temperatures of 480-degree Fahrenheit, which can be controlled by the digital console available. You can also control the time for the sublimation by this console. Also, this press uses a solid-state relay, which is useful in avoiding short circuits in case of excessive voltage.
Key Features
- 15 by 15-inch area.
- Teflon coated surface.
- It can be used on a wide range of materials.
- Suitable for heavy commercial usage.
- Digital controls.
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8- Safest Of All: PowerPress Digital Sublimation Heat Press Machine
- Brand: PowerPress.
- Size: 15 x 15 inch.
- Color: Black.
Featuring a massive 15 x 15inch press plate, this heat press is best suited for daily residential and light commercial usage. The large plate allows you to print on large areas, while the pressure handle lets you vary the pressure. The pressure applied is evenly distributed and shall be changed depending on the material being used.
It operates at 110V, which is the USA’s standard, while its power rating is at 1400W. The Teflon coating allows for smooth operation, while the replaceable fuse facilitates a safe usage.
Key Features
- Large press plate.
- Suitable for both residential and commercial usage.
- Even pressure distribution.
- Replaceable fuse.
9- Best For Multi-purpose usage: RoyalPress Heat Press Tool
- Brand: Royal Press.
- Size: 12 x 15 inch.
- Color: Black.
This multifunction heat press machine allows a complete360 degree rotation, while its heat plate is Teflon coated Aluminum. The heating plate is thick enough to provide for a more even print. There is a digital console that can be used to control the temperature, time, and also measure the production of the machine. It operates at 110V, and 1000W, which are the standard values in the USA.
You can use this machine for printing your T-shirts, mugs, ceramic tiles, and other smooth surfaces. The package does not include the mug press. However, an external mug press can be attached to this press. The 360degree rotation makes it very ergonomic and comfortable to display the t-shirt on the press.
Key Features
- 5 in 1 function.
- Thick Aluminum plate.
- Operates at Standard ratings.
- Ergonomic design.
- 360degree rotation.
10- Best For Light Usage: F2C Pro 5 in 1 Combo Heat Press Machine
- Brand: F2C
- Size: 12 x 15 inch.
- Color: Black.
Featuring a full 360degree swing-away design, this is one of the few 5 in 1 machine. The heating of the machine can be controlled by using the digital console. Depending on the material being used, the pressure also needs to be changed. This can be done using the pressure knob on top of the pressure plate.
Along with this press, the package also contains a few other attachments for mugs, caps, and plates. These attachments can be easily attached to the press to print whatever you need. The large area of the heat plate allows for smooth operation, and since it is coated with Teflon, the cloth does not stick to it.
Key Features
- 360degree swing.
- It can be used for mugs, cups, and plates.
- Easy to use.
- Teflon Coated.
Heat Press is one of the first pieces of equipment required for a T-Shirt business. There are tons of Heat Presses available in the market, but the most important thing is to understand their operation range. Some machines are better suited for residential purposes, while others for commercial. You need to determine the usage of the machine before you purchase one. The machines mentioned above are all from trusted manufacturers and are built to be used in the US. They are safe to be used and offer easy accessibility. 1) What Size Machine Should I Buy For Residential Purposes? 2) Is It Easy To Use One Of These Heat Presses? 3) What Else Can I Use These Machines For? Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising APIVerdict
Frequently Asked Questions
If you need it for printing small designs, then the mini heat press machine is better, while if you are looking for printing large vinyl, you need to get a slightly bigger one. The better option would be to get a press of around 9 x 9inch, which is not too big to be considered an industrial press, and not too small to limit your usage.
It is pretty easy to use one of these. When you buy one, there is an instruction manual available along with the packaging. Read this manual to get an idea of its usage.
Apart from the t-shirts, you can use these machines for printing tiles, jigsaw puzzles, and even your bags. Any flat item can be printed using these machines. Some of the press, as mentioned above, offer additional attachments to facilitate printing on other objects like mugs and hats.