[Best Value] 5 Multifunction Heat Press For Beginners

Like yourself, I was once a newcomer to the world of heat press printing. I remember struggling with the cost-to-value equation, asking myself if I should spring for a multifunction heat press versus a regular one, because there were so many things I’d like to try. (then torturing myself again with a question of whether I should get one used, or a brand new one off the shelf.)

Anyhow, after weeks of comparative research, I concluded that it would be beneficial for me to invest in a multipurpose press. This way, I could explore different materials and techniques, give more options to clients, and it would provide a broader range of experiences and opportunity to help me discover what I enjoyed doing most, especially since I didn’t have a clue back in the early days.

So if you have the intention of printing up a bunch of premiums like t-shirts, mugs, hats, plates, and bags, among others, then a combo heat press with interchangeable platens and attachments is what you’re looking for.

Below I’ve selected my top picks, each one has different pros and cons and I kept them to 15″ x 15″. I chose this size because it offered a good balance between functionality, footprint take up, and cost effectiveness; also, enough power to achieve commercial and professional results.

You can always upgrade or downgrade if you think 15×15 is too big or too small, just make sure you don’t just blow your cash on a heat press because materials like heat transfer paper, blanks, inks, etc will add up.

VEVOR 5-in-1 Swing Away Heat Press with Digital Control Review

Manufacturer highlights:

Digital Control & Display – The precise digital controller is embedded with dual-screen displays, easy to operate & control. The silicone button boasts a comfortable touch feeling. Switch between Celcius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F) at will.

Dual-Tube Heating – Unlike single tube heating, our heat press adopts the latest double-tube heating technology. That makes the temperature difference only about 41°F between the center and the edge. But the old-fashioned heating tube is more than 50°F.

360° Swing Away Design – The swing-away arm makes the pressure be applied directly and evenly on the sublimation machine, improving the transfer quality. Meanwhile, it allows the heating element to move to the side, reducing the chance of accidental contact.

High Security Performance – Thanks to the use of two layers of insulation technology, the surface temperature is only about 120-160°F, when the working temperature reaches 410°F. But the traditional shirt press machine’s temperature can reach 160-210°F.

5-In-1 Versatile Kit – With a 15″x 15″ (38 x 38 cm) large heat platen, the 5 in 1 heat press uses Teflon-coated platen, non-stick & stable. It is suitable for shirts, hoodies, banners, mugs, hats, plates, tiles, mouse pads and other flat items. It can be applied to ceramics, glass, cotton, linen, nylon, etc.

Press Includes – 6″x3″ Cap Press, 3.5″ Mug Press, 8″ Plate Press, and 10″ Plate Press

What I like:

First impression – I thought it was a fairly decent made heat press when I first unboxed it. The quality of the base frame is solid, and the swing arm is quite sturdy in motion. Upon turning it on, there was a chemical odor but it went away after 10 minutes or so. My guess is it has something to do with the reaction of metal platens heating up after some time.

It got to 410°F/210°C in under two minutes which is fairly quick I would say. This makes the machine quite versatile too if you’re planning to do things like vinyl or sublimation. I also like that it beeps repeatedly once it’s heated to the set temperature. This is a helpful reminder if you are multitasking, or in the midst of getting things in order.

As I previously explained, I’m already a fan of the swing-away because I appreciate not having sweat dripping down on my heat press while I work. And with Vevor’s dual insulation technology, working was a lot more comfortable as it kept the surface temperature down (< 190°F). This feature also reduces the risk of accidental burning and scorching which increases safety in use.

As for printing, I was able to press a couple of t-shirts for my nephew. The print quality was exceptional which proves that the heat distribution is consistent.

Changing platens was also relatively straightforward. Though I assembled both, I couldn’t try the plate or cap press as I was still waiting on some blanks. I will assume it will be great as well.

What could be better:

It would have been nice if there was some sort of manual or at least instructions on how to set it up. Luckily I’ve used multifunction presses in the past so I knew what I was doing. A newcomer would have had to struggle a bit since documentation is limited, even on the internet.

Though not a deal breaker, the press had some scratches and grease stains on the bottom of the crate. I wish the company would have inspected it before shipping it out.

Also, on the tenth or eleventh press, the top platen became uneven and wobbly while I was using a heat press pillow. Something had loosen internally after I reattached the platen again after the cap press. Turns out, it was one of the wingnuts on the bracket that came loose and tightening it rectified the issue.

Overall Bone Rating: 3.5/5

A great starting point for DIY enthusiasts to get a foot in the garment decoration door, be it for t-shirts, caps, mugs, or plates. Although a bit barebones, and requires a bit more space than a clamshell style, the press comes with enough features to achieve professional quality prints at a great price.

Buy from: $239 (Vevor.com) | $223 (Amazon)

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Vevor 6-in-1 Swing-away T-shirt Combo Heat Press Review

Manufacturer highlights:

Precise Digital Control – LCD screen display with easy-to-operate buttons makes it simple to set desired parameters as needed. Equipped with the audible alarm, which auto-stops when the set time and temperature are reached.

360°swing Away Feature – The swing arm is fully rotated 360 degrees, allowing the heating element to move to the side, reducing the chance of accidental contact. Making the pressure to be applied directly & evenly downwards enhances the quality of transfer further.

Adjustable Spring Plate – Adjustable spring plate can be replaced with different accessories, such as mug press, cap press, easy and simple to assemble. The round-shaped design is beneficial to distribute the pressure evenly.

User-Friendly Details -The upgraded handles require less force. Comes with 2 layers of thermal insulation cotton, a 4-mm aluminum silicate paper insulation, and a 10-mm thick thermostable sponge to improve the transfer effect.

Press Includes: Hat/Cap Press: 6″ x 3″ (15 x 7.6 cm) (Curved), Mug Press #1: 3″-3.5″ (7.6 x 8.9 cm) Diameter (11 OZ), Mug Press #2: 10 OZ latte mug (Cone), Plate Press #1: 5″ (12.7 cm) Max Diameter, Plate Press #2: 6″ (15.2 cm) Max Diameter

What I like:

Similar to the earlier Vevor press, construction feels well built. The platen, handles, levers, and adjustable springs look and feel a lot more refined than the previous model. I also liked that it came with a t-shirt and some sample transfers for immediate use.

This time the press came with an operating manual with English instructions so setting up the 6-in-1 was a breeze. The main cord is removable, and can be easily replaced if needed. Again, the 360 degree rotational swing-away arm is a great feature to have in terms of safety. Also I appreciate the fact that the outside does not get extremely hot, which protects against accidental burns. If you have curious young kids running around, this is a really good feature to have.

I did a few presses using the test shirt and transfers provided. First was a small vinyl sample, then a regular inkjet transfer and finally a foil transfer. I must say all three came out excellent! The vinyl piece was very smooth, while both the inkjet and foil prints had a pleasant soft hand feel.

I also tested the mug press with a 10oz coffee cup and sublimation – as expected the print came out vibrant! Heat consistency and pressure was spot on from the digital panel, until…

What could be better:

…the temperature panel started blinking.

At one point I had set it for 400°F and each time it would heat up to 390°F, then go back down and then back up again, but temps would never hit 400°F. I tried a few troubleshooting tips and eventually opened the back panel to find a loose connector.

I checked and tightened every wire I could find. A loose wire was a sure circuit break waiting to happen, and I really wasn’t prepared for that. This incident reminded me that a heat press should always be connected to its own dedicated outlet. In any case, the press returned to normal functionality.

Overall Bone Rating: 3/5

A perfect starter heat press for anyone wanting to print t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, and even get deeper into sublimating standard sized plates and mugs. Otherwise an exceptional press that’s great for your wallet, except I had to downgrade it due to the electrical hiccup I encountered.

Buy from: $249 (Vevor.com) | $238 (Amazon)

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HPN Black Series 8-in-1 Swing-away Heat Press

Manufacturer highlights:

Upgraded Time/Temperature Gauge – Setting the time, temperature and changing temperature scale from °C to °F is now easier with the HPN Black Series. The advanced digital gauge displays temperatures with a 4-degree accuracy range. The automatic timer alarm begins to sound 3 seconds before it reaches zero to prevent overheating of your material.

Improved Pressure Adjustment – The pressure adjustment knob on the HPN Black Series has been improved for smoother action. It is now easier than ever to adjust the upper heating platen to accommodate thick items.

Dual Fuse Design – The HPN Black Series heat press features a dual fuse design for added protection of your home electrical system. If one fuse goes out, the next one is ready to go in seconds. This is all part of the thought process we had when designing the HPN Black Series, to make a reliable machine without any downtime.

Includes – 1x Cap/Hat Heating Element, 5″ and 6″ Ceramic Plate Heating Element, Standard 11 oz. Mug/Cup Heating Element, Espresso Mug/Cup Heating Element, Medium (M) and Large (L) Tapered Mug/Cup Heating Element for Latte Mugs.

What I like:

Out of the box it was immediately obvious that this is a high quality piece of machine. The structure and finishing of the press and all the extra components that came with it feels very solid and well made.

I really like that the swing-arm moves all the way over, so that the upper platen does not hover over any part of the lower platen. While this may require more space (and might be a negative to some people), I feel it improves my workflow overall.

One thing that stood out to me is the dual fuse system – an added safety mechanism in case a fuse blows out from an electrical mishap. With this in place, the secondary fuse prevents any internal damage and kicks in immediately to allow the press to continue working. I really think HPN put some thought into this one since it’s a common, yet unaddressed occurrence.

On top of being able to press flat substrates including t-shirts, caps, plates and even phone covers, what got me really excited was its ability to press different types of drinkware – the standard 11oz mug press can also accommodate pressing water bottles.

Each mug/cup heating element was very easy to set up, and the print I got for the mason jar is exceptional. As an entry level multifunction heat press, this definitely surpassed my expectations!

What could be better:

Sadly the operating manual I received with this press was for a different model. After contacting the customer service rep (who was really helpful) I found out that HPN has a directory of manuals you can access via the web. This includes step-by-step instructions and videos on how to operate and install each component.

However, sifting through all that information was a struggle. Plus, even after downloading the manual I still had answers on the starting/stopping timer, pressure settings, and alarm.

Although not a big deal, I wish the cap press attachment was also able to accommodate pressing youth hats. It’s perfect for the majority of adult caps like baseball caps and standard trucker hats so those of you wanting to offer more on this front will need to consider this.

Overall Bone Rating: 4/5

For sub-$1000, this commercial grade heat press checks all the boxes. It’s perfect for solo startups and small businesses trying to expand their product line especially with drinkware. Additionally, HPN’s customer service makes this a great investment to take your business to the next level.

Buy from: $949.95 or $86/month from Heat Press Nation

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HPN Signature PRO 8-in-1 Swing-away Multifunction Heat Press with SurePressure

Manufacturer highlights:

SurePressure: A feature exclusive to our HPN Signature Pro line of heat presses. SurePressure (patent pending) gives you the ability to have reference points for all of your transfers’ pressure settings. Get consistent pressure every time you press!

Upgraded Time/Temp Gauge: Setting the time, temperature and changing temperature scale from ºC to ºF is now easier with the HPN Signature Series. The advanced digital gauge displays temperatures with a 4-degree accuracy range. The automatic timer alarm begins to sound 3 seconds before it reaches zero to prevent overheating of your material.

Secondary Swing Away Handle: The HPN Signature Series is the only heat press on the market to feature an optional secondary handle for additional leverage when high pressure is being applied. Placing your hand directly on top of the heat platen to apply leverage is no longer necessary. your garments.

Swing Away Pressure Adjustment Knob: The pressure adjustment knob on the HPN Signature Series has been improved for smoother action. It is now easier than ever to adjust the upper heating platen to accommodate thick items.

Includes: Cap/Hat Heating Element, 5″ and 6″ Ceramic Plate Heating Element, Water Bottle Heating Element, Standard 11 – 15oz. Mug/Cup Heating Element, Medium and Large Tapered Mug/Cup Heating Element for Latte Mugs

What I like:

Once again this heat press’ built quality is solid, sturdy and is almost identical to the previous one with a few exceptions. Instead of a fixed lower platen, the HPN Signature Series model has the ability to switch out the lower platform for different sized platens – this is particularly helpful for pressing smaller sized items from sleeves to coasters to collars.

Also to note, this swing away has a 90° degree swivel restriction. This is to balance out the press and prevent the machine from toppling over.

One difference which I really like is HPN’s patent pending SurePressure system, which completely eliminates the need to ‘feel’ the pressure. Now I get a precise and consistent readout every time no matter the thickness of what I’m printing. The pressure knob is smoother in action (and easier to operate) and I like that I can write down each individual setting for different substrates on the provided Surepressure settings card.

For this press, I sublimated a tumbler using the additional water bottle component which was super easy! Having this heating element really expands the product line in addition to the other mug presses.

What could be better:

Sadly no styrofoam was used at the bottom of the box and the back was smashed in a little. There were a few pieces that broke and came off most likely during shipping including a small bracket and two twist knobs. This didn’t have any impact on the functionality of the press (and probably shows how well made it is).

Apart from that and a slight odor when I powered it on, the press works great.

Overall Bone Rating: 4.5/5

For a couple of hundred more, this heat press is perfect for a small business looking to add more drinkware items to their line up, specifically with the water bottle heating element.

Buy from: $1,199.95 or $109/month from Heat Press Nation

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HPN Signature PRO 12-in-1 Heat Press with SurePressure

Manufacturer highlights:

SurePressure: A feature exclusive to our HPN Signature Pro line of heat presses. SurePressure (patent pending) gives you the ability to have reference points for all of your transfers’ pressure settings. Get consistent pressure every time you press!

Upgraded Time/Temp Gauge: Setting the time, temperature and changing temperature scale from ºC to ºF is now easier with the HPN Signature Series. The advanced digital gauge displays temperatures with a 4-degree accuracy range. The automatic timer alarm begins to sound 3 seconds for it reaches zero to prevent overheating of your material.

Secondary Swing Away Handle: The HPN Signature Series is the only heat press on the market to feature an optional secondary handle for additional leverage when high pressure is being applied. Placing your hand directly on top of the heat platen to apply leverage is no longer necessary. your garments.

Swing Away Pressure Adjustment Knob: The pressure adjustment knob on the HPN Signature Series has been improved for smoother action. It is now easier than ever to adjust the upper heating platen to accommodate thick items.

Includes: Cap/Hat Heating Element, 5″ and 6” Ceramic Plate Heating Element, 6 oz. Mugs or 20 oz. Stainless Steel Water Bottles, Standard 11-15 oz. Mug/Cup Heating Element, Medium and Large Tapered Mug/Cup Heating Element for Latte Mugs, Latte Mugs, and Pint Glasses, Flask Attachment, Shoe Attachment, 10″ x 6″ Drop-On Table, 15″ x 5.5″ Drop-On Table

What I like:

No matter what you’re getting into, this is possibly the only multifunction heat press you’ll ever need for a long time. Built quality, as expected, is top notch from HPN. This also comes equipped with the Surepressure technology, so quickly pressing different items with multiple thickness levels is a simple twist of the knob. The secondary swing away handle, like in the previous model, is also a nice thing to have.

One of the main features of this press is the added shoe attachment. While I’ve never gotten into heat pressing shoes, I do know some printers who have had success customizing them for non-profit organizations for their events. To me, shoes represent an entirely different category yet to be explored.

For someone who has an interest in them, know that you have a world of possibilities and in general, have an extra edge over the competition.

The things that got me really excited are the flask attachment and assorted drop on tables. For a top-up of $400 from the previous press, I believe these components can definitely help boost your product lineup. The flask attachment can handle stainless steel, which means you’ll be able to provide high quality printing on a high quality product – the demand for thermos and flasks is huge!

Also, the drop on tables can be used for smaller items like sleeves, coasters, belts, and face masks. You will also have more control while printing (since you won’t have to deal with oversized heat transfer paper for small items) and waste less material in the process.

What could be better:

This time the press arrived intact with all components safely packed. Once again the press released a metallic odor but dissipated after 6-7 minutes once it was turned on. Apart from that and some dust on the top platen, everything worked as it should.

Overall Bone Rating: 5/5

This is definitely the best bet if you already have a steady list of clients you provide drinkware to. Offering flasks is a great add-on and I won’t be surprised if it turns out to be a goldmine. This press is also great if you have the intention of exploring the market with shoes. At this price point, it’s the best valued package with comparable print quality and efficiency to other brand names like HIX, Stahls or Geo Knight.

Buy from: $1,599.95 or $145/month from Heat Press Nation

Wrap up

Whether you’re a business owner looking to expand your offerings or a hobbyist starting to create custom premiums, a multifunction heat press will help you earn your up front investment back quicker.

From the heat press choices above, I can say that either the 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 Vevor heat press will be a great starting point for true beginners looking for their first few clients.

Sure, they may have some kinks that need to be addressed, but if you can survive beyond that, both have enough power and flexibility to push you forward. Plus, you won’t break the bank!

The HPN heat presses are 3-4x times more, but I would say it’s well worth the investment just because they are built far better. Also, the company is based locally in the US even though their heat presses are manufactured overseas. Ultimately what it comes down to is the level of support you’ll be receiving. If you have big plans for your future, you’d want to have a reliable partner by your side at all times. From my interactions, I believe HPN is a bit more responsive compared to Vevor. Having said that, Vevor works directly with Amazon, so if you purchased the press from Amazon you’ll be speaking with Amazon agents.

While you plan out your heat press budget, don’t forget that you’ll also need to account for buying blanks, heat transfer paper and other supplies like cleaning and maintenance products to care for your heat press.

5 Important Things To Know Before Contacting Wholesale Blank Suppliers

6 Heat Transfer Paper Types & How To Find The Best One

3 Easy Steps to Clean Your Heat Press At Home