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Heat Presses

Check out our wide range of heat press machines that cater to your specific heat press needs. From t-shirt presses to hat presses and tumbler heat presses, we have everything you need to bring your project to life.

Wondering where to get started? Check out our Heat Press Buying Guide & Recommendations.

heat press machines

Types

Clamshell Swing-Away Auto Open Specialty Hat Presses Mug Presses
hat mug and tumbler heat presses

Specialty Heat Presses

Heat presses specially made to use with items including hats, mugs, tumblers and more

Sizes

Small Craft Presses 15x15" Presses 16x16" Presses 16x20" Presses Large Format
craft heat presses

Craft Heat Presses

Small-format heat presses perfect for starters and smaller spaces

Brands

WALA Presses Stahls Hotronix Geo Knight HIX ​
WALAPress 15x15 Clamshell Heat Presses

WALA Presses

Our signature, high-quality brand with a 1-year warranty

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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.

FAQ's

A heat press is a vital tool used in the garment decoration and customization industry. Its function involves applying both heat and pressure to imprint graphics and designs onto the substrate or material undergoing decoration.

The most common substrates to decorate with a heat press are textiles like t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, sweatpants, hats, bags, and other fabric-based items. However, you can also use your heat press to work with unique substrates like photo panels, bottle openers, coasters, magnets, and so much more! You can use a heat press machine to press various types of transfers like vinyl, sublimation, direct-to-vinyl, direct-to-film (DTF), rhinestones, screen-printed transfers, and many others!

First, preheat your heat press to the temperature specified for the vinyl or material you are using. This information can be found on the product pages of our website or on our HTV temp and time guide. Next, place your shirt or garment on the heat press and pre-press it for a few seconds to remove any moisture and wrinkles. Then, arrange the transfer on your garment. Press it for the recommended time for your material, as noted on the product pages and the time and temp guide

Heat presses can vary significantly in size. Heat Transfer Warehouse offers 9"x12" to a 44" x 64" Twin Heat press.

Maintaining your heat press ensures longevity and consistent performance. Regularly clean the platen with a non-abrasive cloth and mild cleaner, avoiding harsh chemicals. For stubborn residue, use a specific heat press cleaner. Wipe down the lower platen and base periodically with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Lubricate moving parts like hinges and pressure adjustments with light machine oil to keep operations smooth. Check electrical components for wear or damage to ensure safety. Regularly calibrate temperature and pressure settings for accuracy. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines and schedule professional servicing as recommended.

If you're a crafter or hobbyist, a basic heat press like our 9”x12” Craft Press may suffice for starting out. However, for small business owners or frequent users, we recommend beginning with an auto-open 16x20 heat press for optimal efficiency.

We offer an extensive selection of heat presses sourced from various manufacturers, including WALAPress, our proprietary brand, as well as renowned names like Stahl’s Hotronix, Geo Knight, and HIX.

 To maximize the efficiency and versatility of your heat press machine, you'll need a variety of supplies. Here are the key items to consider:

Teflon Sheets:

  • Protects your designs and heat press platens from direct contact, ensuring clean and consistent transfers.

Heat Resistant Tape:

  • Keeps designs in place during pressing to prevent shifting and ensure accurate placement..

Weeding Tools:

  • Essential for removing excess vinyl from intricate designs before application.

Heat Press Pillows:

  • Helps achieve even pressure on items with zippers, buttons, or seams.

Platen covers:

  • Fit over the upper and lower platens of a heat press to prevent wear and tear and stop residue buildup. They also reduce scorching and distribute heat evenly.