Which Cricut heat press is right for you?

7 March 2022

If you’re wondering which Cricut heat press is best for your making needs, you’ve come to the right place.

When choosing the right heat press there are a few things to consider, but it all starts with one question — what do you want to make? We created a decision tree based on the common questions people ask when considering which heat press (or presses) fit their making needs.

Let’s break down this chart a bit, and go deeper into the options.

Specialty projects with Cricut Mug Press and Cricut Hat Press

Start making pro-looking mugs and hats in minutes with the Cricut Mug Press and Cricut Hat Press. If you don’t know already how amazing it is to make pro mugs and hats, do yourself a favor and run, do not walk, to check these presses out.

It’s easy to make your own designs and custom looks with Design Space, but if you need some inspiration, check out a cup of customization with 5 DIY mug design ideas or search Design Space for more ready-to-make projects.

The Cricut EasyPress family

In 2017, Cricut created a whole category of handheld heat transfer products with Cricut EasyPress. We knew traditional irons were unreliable with inconsistent and uneven heating. Instead, we wanted to make a product that delivered the speed and quality of a professional heat press with the convenience of a home iron. With precise time and temperature control up to 205°C, Cricut EasyPress makes it easy to take on any heat-transfer project. We also included the added safety benefits, of an auto shut-off feature for peace of mind and an insulated safety base to protect work surfaces. Cricut EasyPress comes in two sizes (9” x 9”, 12” x 10”).

Cricut EasyPress 2 vs Cricut EasyPress 3

The Cricut EasyPress family got a major upgrade with Cricut EasyPress 3. Making heat transfer projects are simpler, with even less guesswork than before. Now equipped with Bluetooth™ connectivity, Cricut EasyPress 3 pairs with the Cricut Heat app for guided making, including one-tap precision temperature and time settings.

The smart nature of Cricut EasyPress 3 may be especially helpful to makers new to heat transfer projects or to creators who find step-by-step instructions and guides helpful in the making process.

Cricut EasyPress 2 is still a great option, it just lacks Bluetooth compatibility and does not work with Cricut Heat. Users will need to reference our online Heat Guide and manually input time and temperature into Cricut EasyPress 2.

The app works for both iOS and Android mobile devices.

We’ve also added new a color option with Cricut EasyPress 3. Available in a cool Zen Blue, makers who like coordinating product colors may find this a satisfying option. Cricut EasyPress 2 comes in our existing colors of Raspberry and Mint.

Cricut EasyPress Mini

The small but mighty Cricut EasyPress Mini gets things done in tight spaces. Unusual objects and improbable projects are not a challenge with this powerful tool. With three easy heat settings, Cricut EasyPress Mini makes professional heat-transfer results possible for small and irregular objects and projects, like baby shoes, stuffed animals, pockets, clothing labels, tags, and more.

Cricut EasyPress Mini works for more challenging surfaces, designed with tip and edge control in mind. Its pointed tip and curves allow you to move with contours of the surface, get between the buttons, and squeeze into seams.

It’s also our secret weapon for sewing and quilting projects. A mainstay in the workspace, we often use it for a quick press of the seams!

Cricut EasyPress Mini is recommended for projects up to double the size of its heat plate (no more than 4” x 6”). Cricut EasyPress Mini is available in Raspberry and Zen Blue colors.

Cricut EasyPress Mini vs Cricut EasyPress 2 and Cricut EasyPress 3?

Size. It is really that simple.

Any product in the EasyPress family works for customising anything from apparel to paper crafts to home décor. It all comes down to what size projects you’re likely to make to determine whether a full-size EasyPress is right for you, or if you just need the EasyPress Mini. However, we’ve heard many convincing arguments that having both is a great option if possible.

Cricut Autopress

Cricut Autopress is a revolutionary heat press that has been years in the making! Merging commercial power with a sleek, home-friendly design. Cricut Autopress is perfect for those who make customised apparel and other heat transfer projects in bulk. So, whether you’re creating fifty volunteer sweatshirts for your community or fulfilling a t-shirt order for your side hustle, Cricut Autopress offers breakthrough auto-assistance resulting in fast, perfect transfers. Less effort. More magic.

Automated features take care of the heavy lifting, saving you time and guesswork while you create projects and fulfill customer orders with confidence. Cricut Autopress takes Zero Effort operation, using as few as two fingers to close the top and start making. When the top is pushed down, a motor automatically engages to measure the thickness of the material for the perfect pressure. Using your time and temperature settings, the motor releases when your transfer is done so you can feel confident that it is pressing precisely how you want it while you prep another project.

Built with sturdy steel construction and high-quality components, Cricut Autopress delivers professional-level production. But unlike other solutions, this elegant design is something you’ll want to show off in your home, business, or craft room instead of hiding it in the back.

Purchase Cricut Autopress starting in early May on HSN. Until then, read more about Cricut Autopress.

Cricut EasyPress vs. Cricut Autopress

Both Cricut EasyPress and Cricut Autopress work on similar types of projects, but if you’re finding yourself making a lot of heat projects, you may want something a little more automated. That’s where Cricut Autopress comes in.

Cricut Autopress takes as few as two fingers two press down when you’re ready to start your project. It uses your time and temperature settings, and automatically adjusts the pressure based on whatever material you’re pressing — there’s no need to manually hold Cricut Autopress down while it’s heating your transfer. When the timer is up, the lid lifts automatically, allowing you to work on something else without worrying about the project in the press.

This works great for small business owners, making for volunteer groups or the community, or even multiple batches of items for friends and family.

Cricut Autopress takes up more space than Cricut EasyPress. With overall dimensions of 42 cm (w) x 16.8 cm (h) x 66.2 cm (d) and weighing in at just under 24 kg, Cricut Autopress is not meant for small space. Cricut Autopress also allows for larger project making with a 38.1 cm x 30.5 cm heat plate.

Cricut EasyPress machines, with the largest size at 30.5 cm x 25.4 cm, take up much less space than Cricut Autopress, making them easier to store and more portable.

What materials work with Cricut heat presses?

Cricut materials are designed to work perfectly with Cricut machines. The innovative Infusible Ink system delivers seamless, permanent ink transfers set in with heat. Cricut Iron-On (HTV) is available in a multitude of styles, designs, and textures. Both materials solutions have the best-in-class quality and durability that Cricut products are known for.

Cricut heat presses do also work with other brands of HTV and sublimation products. Be sure to check the other manufacturer’s material settings for best results.

Looking for even more Cricut heat press information?

We hope this helps answer any questions you may have. Looking for more? Check out Cricut.com for even more detail about our heat press solutions, and visit our Help center for FAQs you can reference.