Best T-Shirt Press Machines

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 28, 2023
Custom-made T-shirts are really popular now, they add to the individuality and catch everyone's eye. Which makes it a great way to earn money! We have compared 5 best T-shirt press machines to help you with this. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
Power
Heat platen size
Temperature range
Time range
Controls
Conveniences
Warranty
 
PROS

The model's adjustable pressure knob paired with its extra support structure will provide even spread of the vinyl or ink you are thinking of using. With the built-in alarm system, you'll have no issues keeping track of the work. The adjustable multi-spring balancer will let you work with/under different angles. 

CONS

The many accessories require more storage space than you'd expect.  

OUR VERDICT

The F2C Pro 5 in 1 Combo Heat Press Machine is a complete and total package. The model is packing everything required to start a small merch business. Surface scorching is pretty much non-existent. The multifunctional machine doesn't take too long to heat up. The accessories are high-quality too.

detailed parameters
Type

Swing-away

Power

1200 W

Heat platen size

12" x 15"

Temperature range

32 ºF - 430 ºF

Time range

0 - 999 s

Controls

Control panel with an LCD screen, Time and heat control, Pressure adjustable, Fahrenheit and Celsius scales are selectable

Conveniences

Comes with a hat press, mug press, plate press 5" max diameter, plate press 6" max diameter, silicone pad, cotton pad

Adjustable multi-spring balancer, built-in structural support, upgraded aluminum alloy cradle

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Using the full-range pressure adjustment knob, you'll have no issues adjusting the desired pressure according to the thickness of the material you are transferring to. The anti-slip pressure handle is grippy yet comfortable at the same time.

CONS

The instruction manual isn't really helpful. 

OUR VERDICT

The TUSY Digital Heat Heat Press, with its time and heat control, pressure adjustment knob, and a large plate, will let you print onto pretty much anything. You'll have full creative control and no issues producing as many fun, weird, intricate little/large items as you want.

detailed parameters
Type

Clamshell

Power

1400 W

Heat platen size

15" x 15"

Temperature range

0 ºF - 482 ºF

Time range

0 - 999 s

Controls

Control panel with an LCD screen, Time and heat control, Pressure adjustable

Conveniences

Ideal for T-shirts, garments, bags, mouse mats, banners, blankets, etc

Anti-overheating feature, anti-slip pressure handle

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The advanced design of the ceramic-coated heating plate allows it to heat evenly and print quality T-shirts in 60 seconds or less. You can transfer patterns of any complexity and not worry about rewashes.

CONS

There is no swivel feature for the power cord, so it always gets in the way.

OUR VERDICT

The Cricut 2005432 EasyPress is a compact, lightweight, and very handy heat press that gives you high quality prints, which will not fade even after many washes. This device is equipped with an insulated safety base and automatically turns off at the end of the work cycle.

detailed parameters
Type

Lifted lid

Power

1150 W

Heat platen size

9" x 9" (12" x 10" available)

Temperature range

0 ºF - 400 ºF

Time range

0 - 60 s

Controls

Control panel with LED screen, Time and heat control

Conveniences

Ergonomic handle, Safety base, Advanced heat plate design with ceramic-coated surface, Compatible with all Infusible Ink™ products, Auto-shutoff feature

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The machine is capable of delivering up to 1800 watts of raw power easily making it one of the more robust and powerful options on the market. On top of that, the device is capable of reaching the temperatures up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit meaning that it won't have any trouble with any kind of surface.

CONS

It takes some time to heat up and the press is a bit smaller than one might expect.

OUR VERDICT

We highly recommend the Fancierstudio BB1515 T-Shirt Heat Press to the kinds of people that aren't interested in a device that's lacking in performance and are looking for the most powerful model the market of heat press machines has to offer.

detailed parameters
Type

Clamshell

Power

1800 W

Heat platen size

15"x 15"

Temperature range

0 ºF - 699 ºF

Time range

0 - 999 s

Controls

Electronic time and heat control, Pressure adjustable

Conveniences

Ideal for applying transfers, letters, numbers, and images on t-shirts, garments, bags, mouse mats, jigsaw puzzles, ID badges, ceramic tiles, and other items

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

This machine comes fully assembled and ready to use right out of the box. The Teflon coated aluminum heating plate is durable, wear resistant, and high quality for a pro level printing experience.

CONS

An unpleasant odor may be present at first.

OUR VERDICT

Transfer Crafts TCHPP is a practical thermal transfer with simple controls and convenient pressure adjustment. Ideal for home and small scale commercial use. With it, you can easily decorate clothes, mouse pads, puzzles, ceramic tiles, and other objects with a flat surface.

detailed parameters
Type

Swing-away

Power

~ 1600 W

Heat platen size

9" x 12"

Temperature range

Room temp - 500 ºF

Time range

0 - 999 s

Controls

Control panel with LCD screen, Time and heat control, Pressure adjustable

Conveniences

Teflon coated aluminum heat plate, Instructions and one transfer sheet included

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

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F2C Pro 5 in 1

Modularity Factor

The F2C Pro 5 in 1 Combo Heat Press Machine pretty much does it all as the "5-in-1 combo" part would have you believe. It isn't necessarily the simplest product on this list but we've no issues with the model's somewhat convoluted build since all the details here are necessary to make the press as versatile as it is.

The machine is packing multiple neat and handy features. First and foremost, the model's industrial-grade design is an always welcome start for any heat press. Though tough and sturdy enough, the machine isn’t as hefty as it looks. As far as we're concerned, it is pretty easily transportable.

The model is pretty compact and weighs less than 55 pounds. It will prove especially suitable for small business owners. You'll be able to move the machine from your garage to your workplace with very little issues.

The modularity factor is always present with these presses. That's where the model's 360-degree swing-away design comes in. As per usual, swing-away frames add lots to the overall usability. The same sentiment can be extended towards the 12- x 15-inch heat platen with Teflon coating. It offers excellent flexibility while printing something on your t-shirt, mug, mouse pad, or any other accessory like that.

On the accessory subject, this product is a total package. It comes supplied with a hat press, mug press, plate press with a 5-inch max diameter, plate press with a 6-inch max diameter, silicone pad, and a cotton pad. As far as we're concerned, that's where the model's only downside comes in. As you would imagine, storing and transporting these many accessories might prove challenging at times.

Review of F2C Pro 5 in 1 Combo Heat Press Machine

Full Temperature Control

Returning to the machine's modularity, modularity, we couldn't gloss over the adjustable multi-spring balancer. With a system like that, you'll always be able to get more out of your press. The adjustable aluminum cradle is as practical as it is reliable, packing solid build quality.

The model's adjustable pressure knob paired with its extra support structure will provide even spread of the vinyl or ink you are thinking of using.

Other than that, the press offers full temperature control and a solid sounding alarm system. The temperature meter does not disappoint. With the aforementioned alarm system, you'll have no issues keeping track of the work.

In short, the F2C Pro 5 in 1 Combo Heat Press Machine is a complete and total package. The model is packing everything required to start a small merch business. Surface scorching is pretty much non-existent. The multifunctional machine doesn't take too long to heat up. The accessories/attachments are high-quality too.

F2C Pro 5 in 1 Combo Heat Press Machine in the use
Last updated price $233.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07L6CMXYK

 

TUSY Digital Heat

Work With Anything

The TUSY Digital Heat Heat Press Machine is probably the most practical model on this list. The model is powerful and versatile enough for commercial use. At the same time, this professional equipment piece is more suitable for home use. It is relatively compact and not too heavy, measuring 30 x 19 x 17 inches in overall dimensions and 50 pounds in the weight department. There's very little this press machine cannot do.

You'll be able to use the machine with/for T-shirts, bags, banners, garments, mouse mats, blankets, the list goes on. The model has no issues transferring colorful pics and characters onto textiles like cotton, flax, fiber, vinyl, nylon, fabric, etc.

The 15- x 15-inch heat platen will let you make shirts for all family members: from babies to adults. Again, the heat platen's size, among other specs/characteristics, really makes this product an equally suitable transfer sublimation machine for industrial use and home use.

The necessary safety features are there as well. The plate's circuitry and overall build work wonders dissipating heat. At the same time, the machine automatically shuts off before reaching critical temperature, making sure it doesn't overheat or burn your merch.

As far as practicality is concerned, there's also the convenient anti-slip pressure handle that is grippy but comfortable at the same time.

We generally don't care about these machines' appearance but the model's sleek black profile doesn't hurt too.

Review of TUSY Digital Heat Heat Press Machine for T Shirts

Full Creative Control

The control panel with an LCD screen is about as convenient and intuitive as these things come. It displays temperature (in Fahrenheit) and time. As per usual, you can set the precise time and temperature. The available temperature range is nothing we haven't seen before in professional T-shirt press machines (0ºF - 482ºF). The usual 0 - 999s time range is, again, nothing to complain about but nothing to p

raise too.

The biggest detail that lets you work with so many different items/materials is the full-range pressure adjustment knob. Using this knob, you'll have no issues adjusting the desired pressure according to the thickness of the material you are transferring to.

All things considered, the TUSY Digital Heat Heat Press, with its time and heat control, pressure adjustment knob, and a large plate, will let you print onto pretty much anything. You'll have full creative control and will have no issues producing as many fun, weird, intricate little/large items as you want.

TUSY Digital Heat Heat Press Machine for T Shirts in the use
Last updated price $181.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07KYMSQ2R

 

Cricut 2005432

Heat Printing at Its Top

Your favorite T-shirt will get a second life with the Cricut press machine. Apply amazing prints and always stay in trend with this high quality, adjustable device.

Yes, there were times when applying a cool sticker on your tee was a hit-or-miss endeavor. The good news is that those times are gone. Cricut levels up your printing experience, being a combination of a fast heat press and an iron. The results will impress you; even a complex design will stay on – and intact – after multiple washes.

Measuring 9 x 9", this heat press is best suited for middle-sized projects like T-shirts, shopping bags, or pillows. If you enjoy DIY or want to personalize your recent purchase, Cricut has got you covered. Surprise your kids with their favorite music band logo – or let them wear a celebrity portrait on the front. You can even print birthday wishes or company branding; it’s all up to you.

Cricut is lightweight and very portable. You can take it on vacation trips and not overburden yourself. It has a handy auto shutoff feature together with an insulated base for added safety. Also, if you leave it on for too long, it will notify you with a warning sound.

Review of Cricut 2005432 EasyPress 2 - Heat Press Machine

Unleash Your Creativity

Cricut lets you adjust the time and temperature for your specific project. The precise, up to 400 degree temp control and the timer can be set with a button push. After that, wait for the beep sound, and it’s done. Printing with this heat machine is a real no-brainer.

The heat plate of this press comes with an advanced design and a ceramic coated surface. It heats up in no time, which is under 2 minutes, and gets you a fresh print in around 60 seconds. Uneven heating is no more; Cricut emits dry and flat heat for impeccable results. There’s even a heat map you can check out as a proof. Unlike with an iron, there will be no concentrated hotspots to ruin your effort.

Does this device get noisy? Actually, no. It’s a lot quieter than common heat presses and a green light for late night printing. Bring your designs to life at any hour while staying on good terms with the neighbors.

Cricut goes along with most heat transfer vinyl brands – and all Infusible Ink products. Live out your dreams and stockpile every image you’ve wanted on your bags or tees.

All in all, this quality heat press is an amazing find for people that want to get creative with their clothes (and more).

Cricut 2005432 EasyPress 2 - Heat Press Machine in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07G4V5PGJ

 

Fancierstudio BB1515

A Great Source of Entertainment

There's a good chance that even after reading our short summary of what a T-shirt press machine is, what it is capable of, and what to look for in one of those, you may still not be entirely sold on the idea of getting one for yourself. And we can't necessarily blame you for that since this piece of equipment is definitely one of the more obscure products and claiming that it could literally change your entire life or turn you into a different person would probably be quite an exaggeration.

But just because the item can't be sincerely described as an absolute necessity doesn't mean that the product in question is something that isn't worthy of your money or attention. First of all, a T-shirt press machine can serve as a great source of entertainment providing you with an opportunity to brighten your day and possibly improve the mood of everyone around you by paying tribute to one of your beloved characters or a favorite quote from a respected author.

Second, T-shirt heat press machines are a lot less messy than a screen printing machine since those employ the use of solvents and dyes and they print T-shirts quickly and economically without sacrificing the quality of the picture.

Last but not least, these types of devices are incredibly easy to operate and even some of the most inexperienced users will quickly learn their way around it. So instead of hesitating or wasting your money on a subpar product, acquire the Fancierstudio BB1515 T-Shirt Heat Press and have some fun with one of these entertaining devices.

Review of Fancierstudio BB1515 T-Shirt Heat Press

Industrial-Quality Sublimation

One of the first things that people tend to notice when it comes to any kind of product but especially to the types that include devices like heat press machines would certainly have to be the size and the overall exterior of the model. And this particular heat press machine from Fancierstudio certainly delivers in this aspect, featuring a pretty massive piece of technology that will take up to 30 x 19 x 17 inches of your space. 

Although that may seem like an inconvenience to some people given that with these kinds of overall dimensions placing this machine somewhere in your home can certainly present somewhat of a challenge, there's no need to get discouraged just yet. 

First of all, despite the relatively considerable size of this device, it features the weight of only 51 pounds, so transferring it from one place to the other will be no more than a walk in the park. 

On top of that, all of these dimensions aren't there just to take some of that precious space of yours away but are an actual necessity given that Fancierstudio market this machine as an industrial-quality sublimation model and after taking a closer look, we couldn't disagree with them even if we wanted to.

Fancierstudio BB1515 T-Shirt Heat Press in the use

A Powerful Machine

The Fancierstudio BB1515 T-Shirt Heat Press requires a voltage of 110 volts but that comes as no surprise after you find out that the machine is capable of delivering up to 1800 watts of raw power easily making it one of the more robust and powerful options on the market. 

On top of that, the device is capable of reaching the temperatures up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit meaning that it won't have any trouble applying letters, numbers, and images not just on regular T-shirts but also garments, bags, mouse mats, jigsaw puzzles, ID badges, ceramic tiles, and a variety of different items regardless of the structure of their surface. 

Controlling it won't present any issues either thanks to the digital timer and the digital control that will allow you to monitor and regulate the aforementioned temperature. The model also comes with a magnetic draw for automatic opening and easy pressure adjustments. 

That and the fact that you can fully assemble it upon arrival make this model a great choice for beginners as nearly everything is digital or adjustable and the pullout drawer keeps your hands away from the plate. 

The fact that the platen is made of aluminum may disappoint some of the potential customers, but the quality of the aforementioned material doesn't leave a lot to be desired. 

All in all, we can wholeheartedly recommend the Fancierstudio BB1515 T-Shirt Heat Press to the kinds of people that aren't interested in a device that is lacking in terms of performance and are looking for the most powerful model the market of heat press machines has to offer.

Detailed review of Fancierstudio BB1515 T-Shirt Heat Press
Last updated price $209.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0043H9FMU

 

Transfer Crafts TCHPP

Pro Image Transfer

Want to make T-shirt prints on a pro level? Enter the Transfer Crafts heat press. It’s a comprehensive printing device that can be used domestically as well as commercially.

Unlike cheaper models, this device applies heavy pressure and high heat for the best possible results. You won’t be getting this pressure level from a lighter press or household iron. At the same time, this machine is not large or bulky like the real professional heat presses. It’s just right for home use and won’t occupy too much of your precious space.

You’re free to use this high quality press for a wide variety of items. Don’t stop at tees and try it on bags, jigsaw puzzles, ceramic tiles, and other flat surfaces. Your kids will be in awe about personalized birthday T-shirts, and relatives will be sure to appreciate a unique print on a shopping handbag. In case you need to print out logos for your small business, this device will come in very handy.

No complex setup with Transfer Crafts. The press can be used right outside the box. Perfect for customers that aren’t tech savvy – or don’t want to waste their time on assembling it.

Review of Transfer Crafts TCHPP T-Shirt Heat Press & Digital Sublimation Machine

Highly Adjustable Heat Press

Controlling this device is as easy as it gets. There’s a handy screen with electronic time/heat controls for you to get everything right from the start. Follow the instructions that come with your prints, and you’ll be good. This press heats up quickly, saving up your time and patience. The timer can be set from 0 to 999 seconds for your convenience. When the session is over, the machine gives a continuous beep to let you know.

Adjusting pressure with this heat press is done by simply turning the knob. Keep in mind that you’ll need to use some force to close or open the clamp, though.

In case you’ve used an iron to apply prints on T-shirts, you should know that it’s pretty bad at spreading the heat evenly. No such problem for this press. It comes with a Teflon coated aluminum heat plate, which spreads an even amount of heat in every direction. This makes for quality fabric prints that look as if they were made with professional equipment.

Will using this machine be too hard for the beginners? Not at all. The user manual is very easy to follow, and if you do, there should be no issues.

Summing up, this T-shirt press is exactly what you need for pro quality prints, personal or light commercial use.

Transfer Crafts TCHPP T-Shirt Heat Press & Digital Sublimation Machine in the use
Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07DNKBLKW

 

Infographics

Comparison of  T-Shirt Press Machines

What Is a T-Shirt Press Machine?

If you want to create a unique and inimitable image or wish to imprint the logo of your favorite music band, team, or photo of your beloved one, you will need a printer and a T-shirt press machine. A press machine is a versatile device designed for printing photos, images, and logos on T-shirts. A press machine will decorate jerseys or shirts of any kind with an image or tracery to your liking. The operating principle of a press machine is based on sublimation technology. In other words, the image is printed on a conventional inkjet printer with sublimation inks. Then, a press machine transfers the image on the desired material under high temperature. The inks penetrate deep into the superficial layer of the material. As a result, you get a stable image that has no cracks or scratches and does not peel or get dim.

If you are a handmade enthusiast, you may take interest in our review of scrapbooking cutting machines to create decorative elements and adornments.

What Features to Compare

Capabilities

When you choose a T-shirt press machine, check its capabilities for a start. First of all, they depend on the heat platen size. If a T-shirt press machine is designed for А4 printing, its heat platen can be small (11”х15”). If you consider А3 T-shirt press machine, its heat platen should be at least 15”x15”.

However, if you pick a 16”х24” heat platen, mind that it needs a considerable power supply. So, consider the capacity of wiring in your premises, too. The size of the heat platen determines the size of printed images. A temperature is very important as each material requires a specific one for successful ink transfer and persistent image. Underheating is as bad as overheating. When a press machine underheats the surface, you get a gappy, dim, and unstable image. Overheating leads to the sharpness loss, color distortion, or melting of working surface. So, the temperature range also determines materials that can be handled.

Controls

Controls are the next criteria to be considered when you look for a T-shirt press machine. A precise temperature control allows choosing the right temperature mode for printing on various surfaces. A timer is essential for adjustment of the printing duration. The pressure adjustment is required to set the desired value for a specific surface. The temperature and time of T-shirt press machines operation are adjusted thanks to the appropriate control units equipped with digital displays that show the set values.

Usability

Lastly, look at the usability of T-shirt press machines. The usability largely depends on the T-shirt press machine type; swing-away or clamshell. The swing-away machines need some space on the sides and behind, while the clamshell models are more space-saving. It should be noted that swing-away models provide better pressure distribution than clamshell models, and they are easier to handle, as their heat platens move aside, providing some free working surface (base). The accessories offered by the manufacturer may also affect the usability of a T-shirt press machine.

Compatible Items

Though advertised as T-shirt press machines first and foremost, these units are usually able to do more than that. Generally speaking, your mid-range press machine will have no issues applying transfers, letters, numbers, and images onto different garments, bags, mouse mats, jigsaw puzzles, ID badges, ceramic tiles, mugs, the list doesn't end here.

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