Top 10 Best Heat Press Machine Reviews

Heat Press Machines are super easy to maintain, and there are no other ways to look at the statement, and today we are going to reveal the best heat press machine that you can buy in 2019.

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

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

That’s why we have compiled a list of top quality heat press machines currently available on the market. So you can have a look at the best and choose the one which suits your budget, working capabilities and printing output that you would like to achieve.

Almost everyone is familiar with screen printing, although it is a more complex operation applicable for large orders, and requires training on equipment and process.

Heat pressing and heat transfer methods, on the other hand, are slower, but more applicable for small business and smaller quantity orders. Heat press equipment does not take up a lot of space, and the operation is very easy to learn.

What is a Heat Press Machine?

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 graphics 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.

Top 8 Best Heat Press Machines in 2019

Each of the following considers itself the best heat press and the reviews are based on type, product specifications and the users as well as customers satisfaction.

1. PowerPress Industrial-Quality Digital 15-by-15-Inch Sublimation T-Shirt Heat Press Review

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 clamp closing system is easy to use. It also has a glued down silicon rubber base, which is pressure adjustable.

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

2. F2C Pro 6 in 1 Combo Heat Press Machine Review

It can be a challenge when you’re trying to find the right heat press machine to do your T-shirts and caps. The next item is you are going through several different products to see what will work for you and is not too expensive.

By investing, you will have a quality heat press machine worth every penny. What’s more, you can go in business and make money, stress-free. Look at it this way! As you search thousands of products out there, this T-shirt printing machine contains most or all of their features. This means you eliminate your headache for searching any further, even if you are new at this. In the F2C Pro 6 in 1 combo heat press machine is quality and efficiency with a budget price.

Still, we recommend that you make a comparison between the different products we are reviewing in this article.

Our goal here is to save you time in showing you these popular heat press machines. So when it’s all said and done, you’ll buy the right one without regret. Again, our encouragement for you is to consider the F2C Pro 6 in 1 combo heat press machine. The machine’s provision of features makes it a user’s primary choice. For more say-so, we like how this combo heat press highlights the digital transfer sublimation machine. Watch how 6 in 1 multifunctional heat press machine use this process. Overall, its superior combination makes it a complete assembled unit such as: consisting of a cotton & silicon pad, plate press, mug press and platen press.

The F2C Pro 6 in 1 combo conveniently use to design on T-Shirts, Caps, Jackets, Mugs, Mousepads, Ceramic Tiles, Jigsaw Puzzles etc. It can be fully rotated 360° along with its swing away design. That alone makes operating the machine convenient with no help, as you use it.

The following features will make you equally attracted to this machine as well:

• Timer control of 0-999 secs.
• Part of an intelligent temperature control attribute for accurate completion of the heat machine cycle.
• This twelve by fifteen inches heat transfer comes with 4.5 inches cord length.
• It is lightweight with the exact sizes to give you a precise print every time.
• CE certification 6 in 1.
• This is another way of declaring the experts guarantee the product.
• Temperature range of 32 to 430°F.
• This role will keep you from wasting expensive blank shirts, plates and other items.

The makers of the F2C 6 in 1 combo heat press machine wanted their clientele to receive efficiency and convenience. There is no struggle in positioning the machine and every button is easily found. This machine gives you printing precision every single use. While controlling the temperature and timer to your wish, you will present your new customer with a clean job. There is no need for you to worry about any mistaken printing. We shared its light weightiness and size compared with other machines. But, we also found that it is easily transported more than other heat printing machines.

Therefore, you can save time and money while having many satisfied customers. It’s all about ensuring that you get the job done as fast as possible. With the use of the F2C 6 in 1 Combo Heat Press Machine, you’ll get the best for improving your T-shirt printing enterprise.

3. ZENY Heat Press Machine Digital Transfer Sublimation Machine Review

As you already know, it is expensive to buy personalized presents and gifts. It is not guaranteed that you will always find what you need. This is why many people create their own exhibits and special T-shirts to do fundraisers. With the benefit of the Zeny Heat Press Pro 6-in-1 combo machine, you have just what’s needed. It is unnecessary to visit the stores and pay out a lot of money on expensive items or separate spending. Added, you can start

Whether you safely use it at home or your business, you will get pleasure out of serving your customers. For starters, It is a primary choice that offers many features like:

• Built with a four-fifths inch heating board, the heat is equally spread across the complete platen.
• You can read the temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius degree.
• The machine will heat up fast.
• Its built-in structural support helps to keep balance.
• The raised alloy cradle ensure you have even heat.
• For your mug items, you can detach the cradle.
• Although the machine is compact in size and is lightweight for handling, the Zeny Heat Press is more compact than standard cradles.
• It has a timer control.
• The multi-spring balancer can be adjusted as needed.

Our reviewers have shared their personal opinions about the pros and cons. These consumers gave their views for the benefit of those making an informed choice before making a buy. Therefore, below are a few pros and cons about the Zeny Heat

If you are skilled or you have the mindset to do something exciting, give the Zeny Heat Press Pro a tryout. You will amaze yourself by how easy it is to use this machine. Your imagination will take you to higher heights in easily creating personalized gifts and items for the business.

4. Promo Heat 15×15 Sublimation Heat Transfer Press Machine Review

The Promo Heat 15 in. x 15 in. Sublimation Heat Transfer Press Machine (Model PRO-3804X) is an easy-to-operate, space-saving, clamshell type machine. The PRO-3804X model replaces older 3801, 3802, 3803, and 3804 series models.

This sublimation heat transfer press, transfers designs onto a variety of surfaces and items, from fabric (t-shirts, totes, mouse pads, etc.) to wood (signs), metal (license plates), glass, and ceramic.

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 silicone/teflon sheet.

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

This press machine also has a full range pressure adjustment knob. The top-mounted control allows the pressure to be adjusted according to the thickness of the material the design will be transferred onto.

The parallel, ergonomic, arm handle has a foam grip and adjustable multi-spring balance that reduces handle twist and torque when opening and closing the machine.

The handle applies closing pressure through the spring and pressure-plate system ensuring pressure is more evenly distributed across the entire platen.

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).

5. Mophorn Heat 6 in 1 Multifunction Sublimation Heat Press Machine Review

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.

The Mophorn Heat Press 6 in 1 Multifunction Sublimation Swing-Away transfer press requires 110v. It comes with a 4-1/2 ft. heavy-duty cord and is 1,400 watts rated.

6. Fancierstudio DG Digital Sublimation T-Shirt Heat Press Review

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.

The DG Digital Heat Press Digital Sublimation Model DG15-BLK requires 110v. It is 1,800 watts rated equipment.

7. USCutter 15×15 Digital Heat Press Machine Review (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 x 15 inch 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 Starter Bundle also includes a collection of print materials and press items:

Two 100% cotton t-shirts (1-black, 1-white), five sheets of 15” x 12” Siser EasyWeed Heat Transfer Vinyl in popular colors (black, white, red, blue and silver) and one 15 in. x 15 in. non-stick silicon/Teflon replacement sheet.

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

8. Hotronix Fusion 16×20 Heat Press Swing-Away Machine Review

Stahls’ International heat printing products have been delivered in over a hundred countries. The Hotronix Fusion heat press machine is another one of their performed heat printing technologies.

This swing-around press has an upper platen that suitably swings fully out of your way. Here are other features it comes with:

• Touch screen technology
• EZ-On platen design eliminates
• Aluminum frame
• Records number of pressing cycles
• Accepts items up to 5/8 thick
• 120 volts, 1750 watts, 14.5 amps

You can save the settings you use the most often. With 10 preset programs, you will also save time during many uses. If you prefer to already have it on and preheated before arriving at work, simply program it. Or, you may also schedule it to shut off automatically after finishing the day. However, the program will only work if you set it up to run this sequence for 7 days. This might become difficult as it may include your off days.

We recommend you use a dedicated outlet for your press machine. You will need to rate the circuit breakers to either 20 amps for 220-volts or 10 amps for 120-volts.For this make, safety was an important condition. So, when you close the press, bear down on the buttons simultaneously on each side of the machine. Your fingers will be safe while you secure the closed position. You may notice the lit up emergency release button alongside the keypad, too. When pressed, the heat platen’s quick release is activated and it goes to the up position automatically. Or, reactivate it and the previous work position resumes.

It has an exchangeable lower platen selection. If your project includes many shirtsleeves and handbags, you will find this convenient. Since the press is air regulated, be sure you use an air compressor properly rated for uninterrupted action.

How Does Heat Press Machine Work?

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).

The best heat press machine must also have an easy adjustment mechanism to increase or decrease downward clamping pressure. A manual heat transfer machine requires additional physical pressure.

The air machine uses its own “muscle” instead of the operator’s arm strength to lock down the heat platen. In these ways a heat press machine works.

Types of Heat Press Machines

What is the best type 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

This 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.

Benefits of clamshell presses include their ease of use. They are easy to learn because they have few operation steps required to complete a transfer.

They are efficient and ideal for volume printing. The vertical-tilt-up upper plate allows easy garment positioning. Most clamshell presses are sized for portability.

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 Press

This 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.

Benefits of swing-away presses include their greater accuracy, more even pressure, ease of garment layout for printing, unobstructed view of the layout area, and safer operation since the operator is not directly working under the heat.

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

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.

Benefits of draw heat presses include their visible workspace and safer operation since the lower platen is a heat-free surface, high-volume printing capabilities, and their compact design.

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.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Heat Press Machine

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 with 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 because 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.

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.

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

Having adequate 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.

Finally, reliable customer support/service is important, especially for those new to heat press operation. It is necessary to ensure equipment and operation questions are addressed as well as assembly, maintenance, returns, and parts and service issues are satisfactorily addressed.

Conclusion

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.