Heat press machines are typically used to print designs onto baby onesie bodysuits, coffee mugs, t-shirts and all sorts of blank garments.
Heat press machines are available in four different models. At first glance, these machines look very similar but each heat press has been designed with special features to complete specific jobs.
Before you run out and purchase one of these machines, it is important to know the differences between each machine and the pros/cons. Kids Blanks by Zoe has created a simple buyers guild to help you find the best heat press model for your line of work.
What is a heat press machine?
As the name suggests, heat and pressure are used to transfer designs and graphics onto a substrate such as a kids’ t-shirt or baby bib.
In order to achieve a design transfer, the machine’s heat press platen must reach a recommended temperature then used to press your design/graphic onto the desired substrate.
The temperature, pressure and length of time the press is held down will depend on the material and type of transfer.
Clamshell Heat Press
This model opens and closes like a clam. The top of the machine opens to about a 45-degree angle. Closing the machine – When the top and bottom of the platens meet the press will snap close.
This model is the most common amongst beginners and professionals as it is easy to operate and takes up little floor space.
HeatPressNation.com and CoastalBusiness.com carry a large selection of clamshell heat press machines. Visit each of the sites mentioned for prices, machine specs. and features.
Here is our list of the advantages and disadvantages of the clamshell model.
Clamshell Pros
- Easy to use
- Requires little floor space
- Ideal for printing t-shirts, tote bags, sweatshirts
- Fewer steps to operate
Clamshell Cons
- Not suitable for thicker substrates like ceramic tiles
- Pressure is not distributed evenly since the rear of the platen closes first
- Less energy-efficient due to top platen being exposed to room temperature when opened
Swing Away Heat Press
Known as swingers in the industry, are designed to allow the top of the machine to swing away from the bottom platen.
You will notice that the naming convention for each of these machines is literally describing the function of how the machines open and close.
The swing-away feature allows for better positioning of the garment without the fear of burning yourself.
Unlike the clamshell press, the swing-away press allows thicker substrates such as ceramic tile, hats and even mugs.
Swing Away Pros
- Perfect for thick substrates such as ceramic tile
- Evenly distributes heat when pressing down
- Energy-efficient since the platens are not exposed to room temperature when opened
Swing Away Cons
- Requires more floor space
- Much heavier making them a bit difficult to transport
- Require a few more steps when compared to the clamshell press
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Pull-Out Drawer Heat Press
This heat press model is unique as the lower platen pull-out toward the operator is similar to a drawer – hence the name “drawer” heat press. This feature allows the user to easily layout their garment without the worry of burning themselves on the upper platen when fixing the garment position.
Another neat feature is the movable work surface, as this prevents the design from shifting out of place before the transfer starts.
Draw Pros
- Easily fix or reposition garment and graphic before the transfer take place
- Pull-out feature allows for more room to layout garment safely
Draw Cons
- Need more floor space due to its pull-out feature
- The cost of this model is a bit more expensive
Portable Heat Press
For the hobbyist looking to start experimenting and personalizing on-off garments, a portable heat press might be the best route.
The Cricut Easy Press and FeiLian Easy Heat Press are lightweight and affordable heat press options. These are perfect for simple heat transfer vinyl and dye-sublimation transfer onto t-shirts, tote bags and baby bodysuits.
Portable Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable
- Ideal for hobbyists and small business owners
Portable Cons
- No pressure
- No memory setting – must always enter the desired temperature