When I was trying to decide what I wanted to tackle with my crafting business, I knew I’d need a heat press, but I needed to know which was the best heat press for beginners- the Cricut EasyPress vs. Heat Press. So I made a comparison, in case anyone else is debating the idea.
I can’t tell you how helpful I found it to be years ago when I was first starting out to have these more in-depth comparisons from crafters that were more experienced than me. So, knowing what I know now, I figure, I might as well put this out here, help someone out and get you the machine you really need.
So, read through all this good info and hopefully, you’ll be armed with enough information to decide which of these magic heat machines will be best for you.
If your thought process is like mine, you’ll be googling “which heat press is the best” and “what should I buy: Cricut Easy Press or a heat press” like 100 times before you make a decision. I swear my search bar is insanely packed with questions like that when I’m trying to make a decision.
Because, at the end of the day, I need more than what I can find on the store shelf. I have to KNOW about what I’m buying – particularly if it’s a high-dollar item. It’s just my way. To fill my brain with as much information as I can find before actually breaking out my wallet.
So, if you’re anything like me, keep reading, and let’s get you on information overload!
EasyPress vs. Heat Press
There’s nothing I like better than diving into a comparison analysis by using a table. To clarify, they’re a great way to display those chunky bits of information that can be boiled down into just a single word or note. It’s literally the best part of comparing crafting tools, so you know what you’re getting into.
So, obviously, I put together this quick and fun table gathering all the chunky bits of information in one place. But, there was a bit of information that just wouldn’t fit in the table nicely, so keep reading. To explain, below I’ll dive deeper into each of the “other” things you can’t smash into a simple table.
| EasyPress vs. Heat Press Comparison | Cricut EasyPress* | Standard Heat Press** |
|---|---|---|
| Pressing Area | 12″x10″ | 15″x15″ |
| Machine Dimensions | 16.93″x15.16″x7.63″ | 19″x16″x 17.5″ |
| Machine Weight | 14 pounds | 43 pounds |
| Temperature Range | 230-400 degrees F | 0-699 degrees F |
| Auto Shut-Off | Yes | No |
| Heat Plate Material | Ceramic | Teflon |
| Digital Display (Time & Temp) | Yes | Yes |
| Closure Type | Manual | Clam-Shell |
| Pressure Setting | All Manual | Dial Set |
| Prices | Check Price | Check Price |
**The CraftPro is a popular heat press for users, so I used that for this comparison, but there is a myriad of other options for a standard heat press available.
With all that information laid out let’s, secondly, get all the tea spilled on the comparisons that just don’t fit into a nice, neat table.
What Kinds of Materials Can You Use on the Cricut EasyPress vs. a Heat Press?
When the object of the application of heat is to make the material stick to a shirt or some other base material (yard flag, cutting board, or whatever), you just need a consistent sheet of hot hot hot to make the material’s adhesive or ink activate. To clarify, this is typically done between the temperature of 230 degrees F and 400 degrees F.
For my purposes, I have never had to heat press anything at a temperature lower than 230 degrees F and I can’t think of a time I needed anything more than 400 degrees F.
What Kind of Things Can You Make on the Cricut EasyPress vs. a Heat Press?
There’s a super wide variety of materials that can be used on either the Cricut Easy Press or a standard heat press. Because you’re just looking to apply heat, there are a ton of materials you can use a heat press on to make it all come together. Some of my favorites are:
- Shirts
- Koozies
- Lanyards
- Cutting Boards
- Wood Planks
- Fabric
- Banners
- Blankets
What are the Materials That the Cricut EasyPress vs. Heat Press Can Apply?
No different from the items you can put the designs on, the materials you can apply your design with are pretty wide-open. On the other hand, there’s no difference between what you can apply with the Cricut Easy Press vs. a standard heat press. Some of my favorite materials to apply using heat are:
- Heat Transfer Vinyl (Iron-On Vinyl)
- Cricut Infusible Ink
- Sublimation Ink
Where Do You Get the Designs to Press?
It’s important to realize this is a whole can of worms that deserves a whole new discussion. You can make your own, but I have to emphasize that you can also buy them or download them from places like Cricut Design Space. By all means, if you are looking for some ideas or maybe a free SVG to show you exactly what you can do with the design types, you can check out my library here.
Other Items in the Box with Your Cricut EasyPress 2
- Cricut EasyPress 2
- Safety Base
- Welcome Book
- Materials for a practice project
Other Items in the Box with Your Heat Press
- Teflon Sheet
- User Manual
Of course, some presses also come with a heated platen and silicone pad on your heat transfer machine. Another great sublimation heat press is the fancier studio power heat press.
Which is Best: Cricut EasyPress 2 vs. a Heat Press?
To explain further, there’s really no “right” or “wrong” answer here. In fact, there’s a lot to be said about using the Cricut EasyPress 2 and having a product available to you in the local craft store. But then, having the swing-away design or clamshell design closure might be one of the most useful tools for you. Obviously, it is a personal choice and it’s yours.
I do think it’s useful to have the flexibility to choose, though. All in all, just think about the projects you plan to do and determine which method will be best for you and your crafting needs.
Lastly, if you feel that this post was in any way helpful, and you’d like to check it out again, or someone you know might find this information helpful, please pin it to your favorite crafting board on Pinterest. That is to say, I appreciate the shares and that’s how my site grows!
When I came to make my final decision for my shirt press I looked at a lot of things. Finally, here are some of the things I looked into:
- timing and temperatures
- temperature controls
- is it a swing-away heat press
- what kind of heating element
- does it have a Teflon coating
When it comes to choosing a heat press to complement your t-shirt printing machine, the final decision will be up to you. In any event, there will be many things that come into play that will matter to you that maybe don’t matter to me.
In summary, no matter which heat press machine you choose to add to your craft room, they’re a great addition to making so many fun creations. So, grab your favorite supplies, and let’s get crafting!
A Few Other Things To Consider When You Are Choosing The Best Heat Press Machine For Your Small Business.
The key is to figure out what is going to give you the best results for what you want to do. I love my EasyPress 2 because of its ease of use. It doesn’t take up much space and it is perfect for taking to craft shows for on-the-spot pressing. The compact size of the Cricut EasyPress, the different sizes, smaller machines, and the unique designs of this press make it a very popular product for beginners.
If you are looking for something that will be for more than personal use, that will also press larger size materials a traditional digital heat press machine is the perfect macing for a small t-shirt printing business. My preferred press is the clamshell heat press machine. These are great for high-quality graphic design transfers.
There are also presses where the lower platen pulls out, I love these because I am less prone to burning myself on the heating plate while trying to get my t-shirts situated on it.
Both styles have a high-temperature range, and time controls and can be used for different materials. Either can be the best option for small businesses. The EasyPress 2 is great for small projects such as mouse pads and tote bags, but want to do larger orders and bigger-sized materials a traditional press is a good idea.
The important thing to remember is whether you will be doing custom t-shirts or different styles of holiday shirts for the family, you should do your research and choose the best heat press machine for your needs.
In the end, you will have to weigh out if it is an affordable price for you, if it is good for small business owners and if the press will last a long time. The best choice for you may differ from the best choice for someone else.
Also, see HTVRont Auto Heat Press | How Does It Measure Up To Cricut Brand for another heat press comparison.
