Top 10 Best Heat Press Machine Reviews and Buying Guide 2017

Heat Press Machines are super easy to maintenance, and there are no other ways to look at the statement, and today we are going to reveal the best heat press machine you can buy in 2017.

Which one should you choose? We’ll figure it out soon!

Choosing a single best product is really a tough job when you have a lot of options to choose from. You have PowerPress , Geo Knight and some other very trustworthy brands that have been making top of the line heat press machines as well as other great peripherals.

That's why we have compiled a list of Top 10 Heat Press Machines 2017. So you can have a look at the best and choose the one which suits your skin type and facial hairs.

What They Are

The heat press machine uses heat transfer under pressure to transfer the design from special release paper onto a surface or item. Reviews suggest the best printer for heat transfers is the Epson.

Heat pressing allows anyone to design or download a digital photo, letters, or image from graphic software, print it on transfer paper, and heat press it onto t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes and bags, mouse pads, and more.

Digital sublimation transfers, in particular, have expanded heat press applications for decorating caps and hats, mugs, ceramic and glass, wood, and metal objects.

What They Do

Heat pressing has become a popular, multi-million dollar small business industry. There are many types and sizes of presses on the market. They range from lightweight beginner and hobbyist models that transfer to flat surfaces only, to professional and semi-professional models that include attachments for non-flat surface items.

Continuous, high-volume (roll-to-roll) industrial operations are most efficiently performed by automatic shuttle and dual platen transfer presses that can continue loading materials to be imprinted onto the lower platen and shuttled under the heat platen that applies heat and pressure.

The standard heat press machine can reach temps up to 4500 F. Most heat presses’ upper heating elements are aluminium with either a heat rod (cast in call rod) cast into the element or a heating wire attached to the back side of the element.

The cast in call construction provides greater heat penetration with less heat loss. The most common heating element sizes are 15 in. x 15 in. and 16 in. x 20 in. Heat controls may be analogue (a knob set at a particular number/position) or digital (considered more accurate).

Types of Heat Press Machines

What is the best heat press machine? There are simple machines for beginners and hobbyists and hybrid machines for small businesses that combine press types (i.e.: clamshell/draw heat operations) that simplify the process and increase production. There are also larger, expensive; high-end heat presses for industrial use. Typically, they are one, or a combination, of three types of heat press machines.

THE CLAMSHELL PRESS is the most popular and easy to use the machine. It is probably without a doubt the best t-shirt heat press machine. Clamshell heat presses have an upper and lower platen that essentially form a wide mouth that opens up and closes down. Clamshells may be operated manually or automatically. For single designs, and those that do not require precision, manually-operated clamshells work well and are the least expensive type of press machine.

An automated model is the best choice for high-volume, direct-to-garment (DTG), or special events printing that require easy, fast and consistent production. The automatic feature allows the pressure release to disengage (open) when the timer goes off automatically. Some higher-priced models also feature auto-close.

Drawbacks of clamshell presses include their general inability to print on thicker garments (i.e.: sweatshirts, hoodies, etc.) and lack of precision compared to other types of presses. There is a need for caution during operation (when it is heated), and extra pressure may need to be applied to ensure uniform application.

THE SWING-AWAY MACHINE allows the upper platen to conveniently swing away, to one side or the other, from the lower platen. These presses are for more experienced users and best suited for layered designs or when ornaments (glitter, rhinestones, etc.) are added.

The upper platen moves parallel to the work as pressure is applied against the lower platen. This helps prevent the garment from sliding or embellishments from moving during application. These presses are ideal for jobs that require precision and a complete view of the layout area.

Drawbacks of swing-away presses include their size and number of steps required to complete the operation. It sacrifices efficiency for precision.

THE DRAW HEAT PRESS combines the portability of the clamshell with the unobstructed work area benefit of the swing-away press. The draw heat press has a pull-out lower platen that allows an unobstructed layout area. These are precision presses that are compact, portable, and easily transportable to trade and vendor fairs and shows. Draw heat presses are for sublimation printing and for projects requiring superior printing precision and accuracy.

Drawbacks of draw heat presses include the need for extra space in front of the machine (to slide out the lower platen), their limited space between upper and lower platens (thick garments may not fit), and the chance of bumping delicate work/embellishments when pushing the drawer in.

The best heat press machine is the one that fits your needs and budget.

The budget may be the deciding factor when purchasing heat press equipment. For new users, start small. The manual clamshell is the least expensive and provides a good starter tool. As the operator’s experience and expertise grow, or the need for more production/volume increases, press with a larger work area and/or more options may be purchased.

Higher-quality, more durable, heat presses are more expensive. Test to ensure the heat plate distributes the heat equally across the plate. Most heat press machines offer a lifetime warranty for the heat platen. It is suggested NOT TO purchase a heat press that does not have a warranty. Parts can be expensive.

As a rule, higher quality, more durable presses weigh more due to their rigid structure. Lighter weight presses may not be able to withstand the constant clamping and opening/closing movements over as long a period of time. Handles/pressure knobs can loosen, and heat elements can take longer to achieve maximum temperatures.

Size does matter. The bigger the work area is the better. A 16 in. x 20 in. size is nice, but if budget is a factor, you might prefer a 15 in. x 15 in. press. Beginners might choose a 12 in. x 15 in. press, although the layout area may only accommodate up to a size large t-shirt, for example. The larger the press, the easier it will be to print larger and bulkier garments and items. If there is not much demand for larger sizes (i.e.: specializing in children’s garments) a smaller press is fine. It is better to purchase as large a press as you can afford, as it allows more variety in what you can print. It is easier to print a small garment on a larger press than attempt to print an XL shirt on a small one.

Consider portability. If the machine is stationary, a larger size may not matter, other than if it fits into your work space. If portability is desired or required, the 15 in. x 15 in. size may be preferable.

Having adequate heat and heat distribution is imperative to good press functioning and print results. Unless a press can be tested before purchase, there is little guarantee heat transfer will be uniform. If the heat platen can be checked before purchase, turn it on, pass your hand above the platen, and “feel” the intensity of the heat produced as well as how it is distributed.

Pressure knobs should be able to be easily and adequately adjusted regardless if the machine is new or “used.” The amount of pressure determines if the design effectively adheres to the garment. Too little pressure will not successfully transfer the design. Knobs should not be so stiff a smaller person cannot effectively operate them. On the other hand, having to increase the pressure continually can wear out the operator as well as the handles. This is especially important on clamshell presses.

Check the operating temperature before the purchase of a “used” machine or upon unpacking a new machine. Standard heat transfer temperature is approximately 3500 F. Ten seconds is typically long enough to transfer the design onto a t-shirt type garment (it may be longer for heavier garments).

A digital timer is imperative. It is as much a safety feature, to prevent burning the garment/item, as it is to ensure an attractive product.

Each of the following considers itself the best heat press

The following heat press reviews are based on type, product specifications, use/users, and customer reviews (No. 1 being “the Best”).

10. Promo Heat 15 in. x 15 in. Sublimation Heat Transfer Press Machine - Clamshell - Model PRO-3804X - Black - Good in Performance

The PRO-3804X sublimation heat transfer press has a large 15 in. x 15 in. A Teflon-coated heating element with a temperature range up to 7500 F. Unlike other machines with bare-metal heating elements, the non-stick surface prevents transfers from scorching without requiring a separate silicon/Teflon sheet.

The PRO-3804X model also has a digital LCD timer that allows the operator to preset the desired time to avoid over exposure. An alarm sounds when time is up.

The digital LCD temperature control allows the operator to preset the desired temperature. The heating element will stop heating when the preset temperature is reached.

The Promo Heat PRO-3804X requires 110v. It comes with a 5-1/2 ft. heavy-duty cord with a US-Standard grounded plug. It is true 1,400 watts rated equipment (not an inflated peak-power quote).

9. ShareProfit Heat Presses Digital Swing Away Heat Press 5 in 1 Multifunction Sublimation - Top Heat Press Machine for T Shirts, Mug, Cap (5 IN 1)

ShareProfit Heat Presses’ Digital Swing Away Heat Press 5 in 1 Multifunction Sublimation Heat Press Machine is an easy-to-operate, 5 in 1 swing-away heat press. This 5 in 1 sublimation heat transfer press, transfers designs and characters of sublimating and dissolved printing ink onto a variety of surfaces, from textiles (caps, t-shirts, totes, mouse pads, etc.) to glass and ceramic.

The 5 in 1 swing-away press includes all of the “must-have attachments,” such as a flat platen, and hat, mug, and (2) plate presses. The hat/cap press is a curved 6 in. x 3 in. press. The 11 oz. mug press is 3 in. – 3.5 in. There is one 5 in. (max.) diameter plate press and one 6 in. (max.) diameter plate press. A removable silicon pad and cotton pad are also included.

This 5 in 1 swing-away sublimation heat transfer press comes fully assembled and ready to use. The press has an adjustable height from 13-1/2 in. up to 17 in. It has a large 12 in. x 15 in. (38 cm x 30 cm) 360-degree swing-away platen. The elevated aluminum lower platen allows easy layout and removal of shirts from the machine. The cap press is also made of high-grade aluminium.

The 5 in 1 swing-away press has a 4/5 in. thick heating board and five Teflon-coated heating elements of varying sizes. No particular silicon/Teflon sheet is required. The machine’s temperature range is from 320 F. to 4500 F. (00 C. to 2500 C.). Unlike bare-metal heating elements, the non-stick surfaces prevent transfers from scorching.

The ShareProfit Heat Presses’ Digital Swing-Away 5 in 1 Multifunction press requires 110v. It comes with a 4-1/2 ft. heavy-duty cord and is 1,400 watts rated.

8. 15"x15" Digital Heat Press Machine, T-Shirts, Vinyl, Non-Stick Sheet (STARTER BUNDLE)

The 15 in. x 15 in. Digital Heat Press Machine Starter Bundle is designed for those new to heat pressing. The Bundle includes a compact, easy-to-operate digital clamshell heat press. The 15 in. x 15 in. layout area provides adequate space for t-shirt and textile heat design transferring.

The clamshell press has a large digital LCD display that shows preset desired time and temperature control for more precise operation. It is a heavy duty, stable machine supported by a rigid steel frame.

The 15 in. x 15 in. digital heat press machine requires 110 v. and is 1,400 watts rated equipment.

7. DG Digital Heat Press Digital Sublimation T-Shirt Press Sublimation Heat Press 15-by-15-Inch New Model DG15-BLK , Yet Awesome!

The DG Digital Heat Press Digital Sublimation T-Shirt Press Sublimation Heat Press 15 in. x 15 in. (Model DG15-BLK) is a compact, industrial quality digital heat press. The DG15-BLK model improves on and replaces, the previous model. This sublimation heat transfer press transfers images, letters, and numbers onto garments, totes, mouse pads, jigsaw puzzles, ceramic tiles, ID badges, and other items and a variety of surfaces.

New DG 15-BLK model improvements include heat platen coating, and a silicon/Teflon coated sheet. The silicon rubber-gel base is only slightly glued down (or not at all) which allows it to be adjusted.

The DG15-BLK sublimation heat transfer press has a large 15 in. x 15 in. A Teflon-coated heating element with precise electronic time and temperature controls. It is an upward-opening model, which saves space. Its overall dimensions are 15 in. wide x 22 in. long. It stands approximately 18 in. to the top of the handle (when the press is open).

This transfer press also has a digital LCD timer that allows the operator to preset the desired time to avoid overexposure. An alarm sounds when time is up.

The pressure knob effectively adjusts the pressure for items of different thickness.

6. Mophorn Heat Press 6 in 1 Multifunction Sublimation Heat Press Machine Desktop Iron Baseball Hat Press 1400W Digital Swing Away Transfer - Another best one for T-Shirt, Hat, Mug (6IN1)

The Mophorn Heat Press 6 in 1 Multifunction Sublimation Heat Press Machine Desktop Iron Press 1400W Digital Swing Away Transfer is a heavy-duty, commercial-grade, durable, all-in-one, swing-away heat press. It includes attachments that may be used for t-shirts, caps, ceramic plates and tiles, mugs, coasters, mouse pads, jigsaw puzzles, lettering, and more.

The 6 in 1 sublimation swing-away press “must-have attachments” include a 12 in. x 15 in. (30 cm x 38cm) flat platen, and hat/cap, (2) mug and (2) plate presses. The hat/cap press is a curved 6 in. x 3 in. press. The 11 oz. mug presses are a 3 in. – 3.5 in. and 12 oz. latte mug cone. One 5 in. (max.) diameter plate press and one 6 in. (max.) diameter plate press is included, as are a removable silicon pad and cotton pad.

This 6 in 1 swing-away sublimation press comes fully assembled and ready to use. The press has an adjustable height from 13-1/2 in. up to 17 in. It has a large 12 in. x 15 in. (38 cm x 30 cm) 360-degree swing-away platen. It also has a detachable lower platen.

The press has a 4/5 in. thick heating board and five 12 in. x 15 in. Teflon-coated heating elements. The machine’s temperature range is 00 F. to 4000 F. (00 C. to 2200 C.), which may be adjusted using the digital LED temperature controller. The non-stick surfaces prevent transfers from scorching.

There is also has a digital LCD timer that allows the operator to preset the desired time, from 0 to 999 seconds, to avoid overexposure. An alarm sounds when time is up.

This press has a 2-4/5 in. ergonomic arm handle and swing-away design that directs pressure straight down for an even application. The adjustable multi-spring balancer allows pressure to be more evenly distributed across the entire platen when it is closed.

5. Shareprofit Heat Presses Swing Away Heat Press Machines 12x10 Inch - Professional Digital Heat Press Machine for T-Shirts LCD Timer Rigid Steel Frame

The Shareprofit Swing Away Digital Heat Press Machine is a heavy-duty, commercial-grade, durable, all-in-one, swing-away heat press, with attachments that may be used to transfer photos, letters, and numbers, and other images onto wood, metal, ceramic, glass, and fabric items.

The Shareprofit swing-away press has a 12 in. x 10 in. (30 cm x 24 cm) 360-degree swing-away, Teflon-coated upper aluminum heat platen with coils that provide heat consistency throughout the surface. Temperatures range from 00 F. to 4800 F. (00 C. to 2500 C.). The non-stick surfaces prevent transfers from scorching. Rotating the heating element to the side after pressing reduces accidental contact with the heat distribution area. The Elevated lower platen also allows room for t-shirts to be easily placed into and removed from the machine.

The swing-away heat press also has a digital LCD timer that allows the operator to preset the desired time, from 0 to 999 seconds, to avoid overexposure. An alarm sounds when time is up.

There is a full range pressure adjustment knob that allows the pressure to be adjusted to the thickness of the material. Directing heat transfer pressure top-to-bottom provides a more even application.

The Shareprofit Swing Away Digital Heat Press Machine requires 110v. power. It is 550 watts rated equipment.

4. Gecko T-Shirt Sublimation GK100 Heat Transfer Press Machine, 15 x 15-Inch, Black

The Gecko Sublimation GK100 Heat Transfer Press Machine, 15 x 15-Inch is a compact, portable, easy-to-use clamshell press capable of applying all types of heat transfers onto garments up to 5/8 inches (This press comes in 15 x 15-Inch and 16 x 24-Inch sizes). The GK100 clamshell press has a durable metal frame construction. It is built for high performance and long-term industrial use. The GK100 comes with a non-stick silicon/Teflon coated sheet and is considered ideal for t-shirt businesses.

The GK100 model has a large 15 in. x 15 in. Teflon-coated heat platen with a temperature range up to 4350 F. It has a full range of heating coils that allows consistency throughout the surface. The non-stick surface prevents transfers from scorching. It may be used with the traditional transfer materials (standard, plastisol, sublimation, inkjet, laser/color copier).

The GK100 model also has a digital LCD timer that allows the operator to preset the desired time from 0 to 999 seconds to avoid overexposure. It also has an adjustable temperature and pressure gauge. The combined digital temperature and timer control gauge are designed for simplicity and accuracy.

The manual lift pressure control handle has a full-range spring assist and adjustable pressure knob. The closing mechanism has an ergonomic grip that makes it easier to open and close, which allows for smooth transitioning and better pressure alignment.

3. BestEquip Heat Press Machines Swing Away Heat Press 12x10 Inch - Another Best Heat Press Machine for T-Shirts with Digital LCD Timer and Temperature Control

The BestEquip Heat Press Machine is an overall smaller (11.5 in. x 9 in.), more compact, beginner and hobbyist type, swing-away heat press. It offers a versatile operation of applying for transfers onto flat surfaced items (fabric, metal, wood, glass), creating custom t-shirts, mouse pads, totes, license plates, jigsaw puzzles, etc. It also transfers photos, images, and letters and numbers.

The BestEquip swing-away sublimation heat press comes fully assembled and ready to use. It expertly prints on a wide variety of materials from cotton to polyester and nylon; from wood and metal to ceramic and tile.

This press is small enough to fit in limited space areas. The swing-away design allows rotation of the upper large 11.5 in. X 9 in. heat platen 360 degrees. The heating element may be easily and safely moved aside for unobstructed view and access to the work area without getting close to the heat.

The BestEquip swing-away press has an 11-1/2 in. x 9 in. Teflon-coated heat platen. The machine’s temperature range is 00 F. to 4800 F. (00 C. to 2500 C.), which may be adjusted using the digital LED temperature controller. The non-stick surface prevents transfers from scorching.

This heat press machine is also equipped with a digital LCD timer control that allows the operator to preset the desired time to avoid overexposure. The digital timer control is adjustable from 0 to 999 seconds.

The BestEquip swing-away heat press also features a digital temperature gauge that ranges from 00 C. to 399º C. or approximately 00 F. to 750º F. An alarm sounds when the preset temperature is reached. The element will automatically stop heating.

The BestEquip Heat Press Machines’ Swing Away Heat Press requires 110v. power. A US-standard power cord is included.

2. Mophorn Digital Swing Away Rigid Steel Heat Press Machine - Best Professional for T-Shirts, 12x10 Inch

The Mophorn Digital Swing Away Rigid Steel Heat Press Machine for T-Shirts is a smaller 12 in. x 10 in., home and semi-professional swing-away press machine. It is suitable for the beginners as well as the experts. It is suitable for projects in a wide variety of materials. This heat press machine transfers onto many flat surfaced items, such as fabric, metal, wood, ceramic & glass. Custom t-shirts, mouse pads, totes, license plates, and other unique items can be created or personalized.

The Mophorn Digital swing-away press has a 12 in. x 10 in. (30 cm x 24 cm) 360-degree swing-away, flat aluminum Teflon-coated upper heat platen with coils that provide heat consistency throughout the surface. Temperatures range from 00 F. to 4460 F. (00 C. to 2300 C.). The non-stick surface prevents transfers from scorching. No additional silicon/Teflon coated sheet is needed. The bottom plate has a 3/8" (10mm) thick silicone foam cushion pad.

The swing-away heat press also has a digital LCD timer that allows the operator to preset the desired time, from 0 to 999 seconds, to avoid overexposure. An alarm sounds when time is up.

There is a full range pressure adjustment knob that allows the pressure to be adjusted to the thickness of whatever material the design is being transferred to. Directing heat transfer pressure top-to-bottom provides a more even application. This improves the quality of the finished transfer and overall product.

1. PowerPress Industrial-Quality Digital 15-by-15-Inch Sublimation T-Shirt Heat Press, Black - The Best Heat Press Machine (#1 Best Seller)

FEATURED PRODUCT

The PowerPress Industrial-Quality Digital 15 by 15-Inch Sublimation Heat Press is a new, compact, space-saving, 15 in. x 15 in. industrial quality, digital clamshell heat press model (by Fancier). It is improved over the previous model with improvements that include a Teflon coated sheet as well as Teflon coating on the heat platen. It offers more than adequate functionality for most professional and semi-professional operators. It is the best t-shirt printing machine, and ideal for applying all types of transfers, letters, numbers, and images onto t-shirts, fabrics, and garments (cotton, polyester, nylon, vinyl), bags, mouse pads, jigsaw puzzles, badges, ceramics and glass, and other items. The Power Press industrial quality digital sublimation heat press comes with has a non-stick silicon/Teflon sheet, which is ideal for t-shirt businesses.

The PowerPress industrial quality digital sublimation heat press has a larger 15 in. x 15 in. Aluminium Teflon-coated heat platen with a temperature range of up to 5000 F. It has a full range of heating coils that allows consistency throughout the surface. The non-stick surface prevents transfers from scorching. It may be used with traditional transfer materials (standard, plastisol, sublimation, inkjet, laser/color copier).

The new PowerPress industrial quality digital sublimation heat press model also has a heating temperature response time of 0 to 999 seconds. An electric time and temperature control allow the operator to precisely control the time and heat automatically. It has a preset stopwatch, which, when set, announces the desired temperature has been reached by a series of annoying beeps. The press features an adjustable pressure gauge that may be set for various materials to ensure an item does not scorch or burn or the desired results are not achieved due to overexposure.

The PowerPress Industrial-Quality Digital Sublimation Heat Press requires 110v. power. It is 1,800 watt rated equipment.

Occasionally something happens that slows down production. The following are troubleshooting tips from seasoned operators and others experienced in the heat press process.

Problem: Why do I get a double image? (Ghosting)

Solution:

Problem: Why is the color printing differently from my design?

Solution:

Typically all transfers may be applied to t-shirts, sweatshirts, leggings, bags, and similar garments and items. However, transfers specially made for printing on polyester caps or mugs are sublimation transfers.

Before beginning, check the color/type of product code that indicates which surface the transfer can be applied to.

To avoid problems using stock transfers, pre-press fabrics a min. of 5 - 7 seconds before printing.

Problem: Why is the transfer wrinkling during the heat transfer process?

Solution:

Problem: Why isn’t the transfer adhering to the fabric?

Solution:

Problem: Why isn’t my opaque transfer coming out opaque?

Solution:

Many sublimation heat press models do not provide enough pressure for the application of the screen printed plastisol transfers that we offer.

Problem: Why is my ink/bubble jet transfer’s ink bleeding after printing it?

Solution:

Mug Transfer Problems

Problem: Why is the ink coming off the mug?

Solution:

Problem: How do I get the wrinkles and bubbles out?

Solution:

Fading, cracking, or peeling transfer designs over time is a common problem. Correct laundering helps retain the design longer, if not indefinitely. The simplest solution is to wash items inside-out, in cold water.

Problem: How do I keep the stock transfer on my shirt looking like new?

Solution:

Problem: How do I keep the 3DT stock transfer on my shirt looking like new?

Solution:

Problem: How do I keep the specialty ink/bubble jet transfer on my shirt looking like new?

Solution:

Problem: How do I keep the thermal printer and color laser transfer on my shirt looking like new?

Solution:

Heat pressing mainly involves temperature (heat), pressure, and pressing. New technology, including sophisticated printers, and transfer graphics are increasingly making professional-looking heat pressing more accessible to anyone, hobbyist and small business persons alike. Its popularity is rivaling ages-old screen printing. Heat pressing is fast becoming the most productive method for volume production jobs.