Some people are lucky enough to have every size of heat press! But what heat press should you buy if you are new to heat pressing? Well that would be dependent on what you needed it for. So depending on what reason you are wanting to buy a heat press for, will determine what press you need. Basically I think everyone should have an Auto Heat Press and a Mini Heat Press. For instance when making a T-shirt, you would need a large press to press the design. But you would also need a mini heat press for applying your label on the inside of the shirt or applying a pocket design.
But I will let you decide that for yourself.
It can be overwhelming when you first look into heat presses due to the amount that are on the market at the moment. Regardless we are going to dive into all the heat presses that Cricut have to offer currently. Straightaway we want to try and minimise the overwhelm and help you make a great decision for your next craft room addition! Crafting should be fun and relaxing not scary!
–Disclaimer: This blog post contains some affiliate links. If you purchase through them I do receive a small commission, but this is at no extra cost to you.–
Cricut Heat Presses
There are many different types and brands of heat presses, that all have their unique place in the crafting world. Without delay, starting from the smallest up I will show you what is around currently here with Cricut.
Cricut EasyPress Mini
Its a the cutest press I have ever seen, I mean look at it its so diddy! But it is mini, compact but its still mighty. The Cricut EasyPress Mini is great for those hard to reach spots, think Teddy bears and the inside of T-shirts.
Items that have many seems like a school bag, where it is hard for a large press to apply heat to an even surface. These types of crafts would be a perfect fit for the EasyPress Mini.
The heat plate is coated in ceramic which will give you a dry and even press. Meanwhile there are 3 heat settings for different materials. One side has a pointy precision tip to improve the accuracy and control of your press. And for the safety conscious it has an auto shut off feature.
Personally I think everyone needs a Cricut EasyPress Mini in their craft room! With this in mind it doesn’t take up any room, it looks cute and it is so easy to use.
It is available in Raspberry which is a stunning shade of red or in Zen Blue which is a soft pastel blue.
Features;
- Safety auto shut off
- Insulated safety base
- Precision tip
- 3 heat settings
- Ceramic coated plates
- Compact yet accurate
- Portable
- Temperature up to 400F
Buy the EasyPress Mini Raspberry HERE
But the EasyPress Mini Zen HERE
Cricut EasyPress 3
This pastel blue beauty comes in either a 9”x9” or 12”x10”. I think if you were making shirts for all sizes or blankets you would get the larger one. Generally if you are doing smaller projects like tote bags and pillows the smaller one maybe the one you opt for.
They both connect via Bluetooth. Despite both being portable, you do need an internet connection to be able to use them.
Their plates are ceramic coated and come with a insulated safety base and an auto shut off feature for peace of mind.
They both come in a pastel powder blue. They feature a light up control panel on the front where you can adjust the time and temperature that you need for each project. Generally making the use of these presses super easy.
Features;
- Safety auto shut off
- Insulated safety base
- Different sized plates
- Ceramic coated plates
- Portable
- Bluetooth Connection
- Cricut Heat App
- Temperature up to 400F
You can buy the Cricut EasyPress 3 HERE
Cricut Hat Press
Thirdly, oh my look at this curvaceous beauty! Curved for precise application and includes a rounded form that goes inside the hat. This makes for an easy wrinkle free application, how good is that! Whether you want to personalise a hat to match your outfit. Or you need to do your kids whole soccer team. This press will do it all!
Features;
- Safety auto shut off
- Insulated safety base
- Step by Step guide in App
- Bluetooth Connection
- 3 heat settings
- Handle
- Indicator lights
- Temperature button
- Form
- Cricut Heat App
- Portable
- Temperature up to 400F
You can buy the Cricut Hat Press HERE
Cricut Auto Press
The catchphrase for the auto press is less effort, more magic, this couldn’t be any more true! However this press not only looks effortless and sleek it literally requires no effort! Additionally off to the side you will find a Control pod featuring two dials. One to control the time of the press and one to control the output temperature.
It has a ceramic coated extra wide plate measuring 15” with technology that makes your press application even. Furthermore if you look at the exterior design of the Cricut Auto Press the plastic is certified temperature rated, so it can withhold the high temps. Evidently it is just a stunning press.
Features;
- Extra wide clearance
- Control Pod
- Automatic
- Only 2 fingers to close
- Time efficiant
- Auto adjusting pressure
- Auto open
- Temperature up to 400F
- Lockable
- Non slip heat mat
- Ceramic coated plates
- 15”x12” plate
- Dual Voltage
You can buy the Cricut Auto Press HERE
Automatic or Manual?
At last, the big debate.
Do I need a manual press or an auto press? Well this opinion is totally my own. I would always go for an Auto Press.
Yes they are more expensive.
Indeed, they are bulkier.
In conclusion, you have to use less effort, less time and all the pressure work is done for you! Making your pressing so quick and easy.
To conclude, if you are a seasonal crafter you wouldn’t really need to have an automatic heat press as it would be a waste of space and money. But if you regularly craft like us its definitely worth every dollar. So I would more recommend for your to get the 12”x10” EasyPress 3.
To explain, if you owned a T-shirt business you would for sure get the Auto Heat Press. As I said at the beginning you would also need an EasyPress Mini to apply your label to the inside of the shirt.
What Can I Make With A Heat Press;
- T-shirts
- Hats
- Shoes
- Towels
- Blankets
- Hoodies
- Crewnecks
- Pants
- Socks
- Makeup bags
- Ring boxes
- Sanitary Pad Pouches
- Pencil cases
- Tote Bags
- Onesies
- Golf Bags
- Velvet Jewellery Boxes
- Aprons
- Teddy Bears
- Cushions
- Pillows
- Gym Bags
- Icey Pole Holders
- School Bags
- Book Bags
Without a doubt the list is huge and this is just what I can think of off the top of my head, and after writing this article that is not much haha!
Undoubtedly you will have more ideas. So tell us in the comments and we will add them to the list!
Important tips for seamless heat pressing;
- Always press your blank first to get out the moisture, wrinkles and reduce your overal press time.
- Check the temperature and time you need to use before you press via Cricut Heat Guide this guide will soon become your best friend. We have only just discovered it and I am obsessed with it!
- Additionally check if the vinyl needs to be hot peel or cold peel – It will make all the difference with longevity of your finished product. And that peel will change from wincing too oh so satisfying!
- Always lint roll your garments to make sure they are hair and fluff free.
- Certainly be wary of your bottom plate getting to hot, after many presses as this can cause application problems.
- Another key point is to always give the glue time to set before washing a garment, the optimum time is 24 hours. This give the glue enough time to adhere to the fabric.
- Basically always read the manual 😉
–Disclaimer: This blog post contains some affiliate links. If you purchase through them I do receive a small commission, but this is at no extra cost to you.–
What should we heat press next?
Until the next craft,
The Craft Chaser.