The Best Heat Press Machines

Buying Guide

Whether you’re starting your own small business or just enjoy printing designs for fun, you can customize T-shirts, hats, bags and more with the right heat press machines. With so many different types of machines with a variety of features, how do you know which one is right for you?

There are three main styles of heat presses, all of which have their own benefits and drawbacks. A popular type of heat press machine is the clam shell style. Like the name suggests, this type of machine has a top and bottom section that are hinged together on one side like a clam shell. These machines are on the affordable end of the spectrum, don’t require a lot of space and can be sturdy, depending on the quality you choose.

Another variety is the swing away heat press machine, which has a similar design to the clam shell variety. The main difference is that the top plate is able to rotate in a full circle and can even be moved away. It’s not fully attached to the bottom plate as in the clam shell design. These machines require more space and clearance than the clam shell variety. They are also safer. However, they may not be as sturdy as the clam shell heat press machines.

The last type of heat press is called the draw type. While the clam shell and the swing away have a moveable top plate, the draw style has a movable bottom plate. The bottom plate can be pulled in or out, much like a drawer in a cabinet. This type of machine requires a lot of care and expertise to use.

• When it comes to the size and shape of the heat press machine, you’ll want to consider what you will be printing on and how much space you have to set up your machine. If you have a small space without much clearance, then a clam shell heat press is likely the best choice. If you have more room, then you may be able to do a swing away or a draw heat press.
• If you’re mostly going to be pressing flat objects, such as T-shirts, then you’ll want to get a heat press with a large flat surface. However, if you also want to different objects, such as mugs or hats, to fit, then you may want to go with a heat press machine that has a 5-in-1 or 8-in-1 design.
• When you’re working with heat, safety is a major concern. If your hands need to be anywhere near the plates, such as with a clam shell design, it’s best to go with a large model. This will increase the spacing between the top and bottom plates when open so your hands have more clearance.
• Be sure to think about volume as well when you’re choosing a heat press machine. For example, are you looking for one for personal use, which may be used a couple of times per month at most? Or are looking for something that is industrial-strength, which you will be using daily for long periods of time? Your usage will affect what quality of machine you get as well as your budget.