Heat Press Machine Buying Guide

Choosing the right heat press for your projects, space, and budget is important but we know the choices can be overwhelming. Here, we’ll break down some of the biggest things to know and think about when shopping for a heat press, including the types and sizes, temperature and pressure, and critical features.

Types of Heat Presses

The first thing to consider is the type of heat press you need. There are four main form factors: clamshell, swing-away, handheld, and specialty presses.

1. Clamshell Heat Presses:
• Description: The most common type features a hinged top plate that presses down like a clamshell.
• Advantages: Even pressure and heat application, compact design.
• Disadvantages: Limited workspace under the top plate.
2. Swing-Away Heat Presses:
• Description: A movable top plate that swings to the side.
• Advantages: Easier access to the work area.
• Disadvantages: Requires more space for the top plate to swing away.
3. Handheld Heat Presses:
• Description: Portable and used when your item will not fit on a press or for touch-up
• Advantages: Convenient size and storage.
• Disadvantages: Not suitable for full graphic pressing. 
4. Mug Press::
• Description: Designed for specific drinkware or mugs
• Advantages: Tailored for Drinkware
• Disadvantages: Can only be used for drinkware
5. Cap Press:
• Description: Designed for headwear/caps and small press areas like sleeves or tags 
• Advantages: Tailored for Head Wear and Tags quick to heat up
• Disadvantages: Limited on the size you can press 

Heat Press Sizes

Consider the size of the designs you want to create and the available space.

1. Smaller Craft Heat Presses (9" x 12"):
• Advantages: Budget-friendly, compact, suitable for small projects.
• Disadvantages: Limited to smaller designs.
2. Mid-Large Sized Heat Presses (15" x 15" to 16" x 20"):
• Advantages: Versatile, larger pressing area, more features.
• Disadvantages: Larger footprint, more suited for small businesses or high-volume use.
3. Wide Format Heat Presses:
• Description: Large, commercial-grade presses.
• Advantages: Ideal for large projects like banners and flags and full all over sublimation
• Disadvantages: Higher priced and take a large footprint 

Temperature, Pressure & Auto-Open Timers

Ensuring the right temperature, pressure, and timing is crucial for high-quality transfers.

1. Pressure Application:
• Importance: Essential for proper adhesion of HTV and transfers.
• Features: Adjustable pressure knobs for consistent application.
2. Digital Temperature Controls:
• Importance: Ensures accurate and consistent temperature.
• Availability: Standard on most modern heat presses.
3. Auto-Open Timers:
• Description: Automatically releases the top plate after the set pressing time.
• Advantages: Convenient, allows multitasking, prevents over-pressing.

Other Features, Materials Quality & Durability

Consider the build quality and additional features when choosing a heat press.

1. Quality Heating Elements:
• Importance: Ensures consistent heating and prevents cool spots.
• Features: High-quality coiling for better heat distribution.
2. Build Material & Wear:
• Importance: Durability and longevity of the machine.
• Recommendations: Steel or aluminum bodies, hydraulic systems over springs.
3. Threadable Lower Platens:
• Description: Allows pressing on one side of a garment.
• Advantages: Useful for specific applications like sublimation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a heat press?

A heat press machine applies evenly distributed heat and pressure to blanks or garments to apply HTV, DTF, Sublimation Transfers 

How do you use a heat press?

1. Preheat the heat press to the specified temperature.
2. Press at least three times for at least 30 seconds without a garment before pressing a garment to warm the bottom platen. 
3. Arrange the garment on the heat press and pre-press for a few seconds. This removes any moisture that may have accumulated.
4. Apply and arrange the transfer, then press for the appropriate time.

What is a heat press machine used for?

Heat presses are used to apply HTV, Rhinestones, DTF, Sublimation Transfers to Garments

What sizes of heat press machines are there?

• Hand Press
• 9x12 Craft Press 
• 15”x15” Hobby Press/Side Hustle
• 16”x20” Auto Business full-time presser 
• 40”x44” for large format and all over press

What is the best heat press?

• The best press is based on your needs for the crafters. The 9”x12 is great start, and then move on to the 15x15 if you are looking a very affordable machine that allows you to expand the size of the press area. The 16x20 if great for full-time production.
• Choosing the right press is important to what kind of transfers you want to focus on. 

What Brands of Heat Presses: 

• WalaPress
• Stahls Hotronix
• GeoKnight 
• Hix 

What supplies do I need for my heat press machine?

• Kraft Paper/Release Sheets
• Platen covers
• Transfers or HTV