Heat press machines are a great tool if you want to personalize your shirts, mugs, and caps or if you’re in the printing business. Buying a good and high-quality heat press machine is very difficult if you have a limited budget, but it is not impossible.
In this review, you will find the five best cheap heat presses. Read their descriptions and specifications and you will definitely find the best cheap heat press machine.
Tips For Buying A Cheap Heat Press
Look For Versatility
The most important thing you want to look for when trying to find a cheap heat press machine is versatility. This means that your heat press is able to print on t-shirts, mugs, caps and other items. Also, make sure your heat press can work on different materials, even more sensitive ones.
Size Of Heat Press
The size of your heat press matters if you have limited space. Moreover, the heat plate comes in four main sizes: 15×15, 16×20, 16×24 and 20×25. If you are using your heat press from home, then a smaller sized heat plate will be enough. If you need to print large amounts of different sized items, then you should choose a larger heat press.
Type Of Heat Press
There are two main designs of heat press machines: clamshell and swing away. Clamshell heat presses save a lot of space and operate on a simple up and down press principle. Swing away heat press machines are safer to use and a bit more productive.
Heat Plate
The heating element in a heat press is called a heat plate. There is a coil inside the machine itself is responsible for providing heat and it should do so evenly for the best transfer results. Some heat plates are coated with a layer of Teflon to prevent the materials from sticking.
Useful Features
There are certain features that optimize the performance of a heat press. One of them is a digital controller. LCD or LED controllers allow you to set a timer and regulate the temperature, making your machine user-friendly. A pressure adjustment knob is also desirable.
Top 5 Cheap Heat Press Machines
Best Cheap Hat Heat Press
Mophorn Hat Press Machine 3.5X5.9
Durable Heat Plate
The heat plate on this chap hat heat press is made of die-cast aluminum. This prolongs the life of your heat plate and gives it a 12000-hour capacity. The aluminum is heat resistant, making your heat press machine very durable and sturdy.
LCD Controls
This cheap heat press machine features digital LCD timer and temperature controls. The timer can be set up to 999 seconds and the temperature range is 0-300° Celsius (up to 572°F). There is an audible alarm that tells you when the timer is over.
Space-Saving Design
This heat press machine has a clamshell design. This type of design greatly saves space and allows the machine to fit in every room. It is also very safe because it makes sure you are at enough distance from the heating element.
Multiple Application
This hat heat press machine measures 3.5 by 5.9 inches. It is ideal for printing various designs onto caps and hats. You can transfer letters, numbers and different images onto hats and baseball caps.
Ergonomic Handle
This affordable hat heat press features a parallel arm ergonomic handle. The parallel arm handle makes the machine more user-friendly and easier to use, while the foam grip makes it more comfortable to handle.
Key Characteristics
LCD timer and temperature control
Parallel arm handle
Clamshell design
Aluminum temperature resistant heat plate
Best Cheap T-Shirt Heat Press Machine
HIX Hobby Lite Swing-Away Heat Press 9″ x 12″7
Swing Away Design
The Hix heat press machine features a swing-away design. This means the heat plate swing from side to side, making the operation much more efficient and, more importantly, safe. There is a stop that prevents the head from swinging too far when it moves to the left.
Temperature Control
This cheap t-shirt heat press machine has smart temperature control. The temperature can simply be dialed in before pressing begins and it can be set up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This amount of heat is pretty high for a heat press of this size, making it more efficient.
Pressure Adjustment
The amount of pressure is one of the most important components when using a heat press machine. It is important that the pressure matches the thickness of the material or item being used. This is why this heat press machine has a pressure adjustment lever.
Lightweight And Portable
This cheap t-shirt press is really lightweight – it weighs only 19 pounds. This makes it very easy to transport. The portability of this heat press machine makes it easy to carry to flea markets, fairs or wherever you need to use it.
Multiple Application
This t-shirt heat press machine can be used for printing on t-shirts and on many other items. Its 9×12 heat plate makes it great for ceramic tiles, mousepads, coasters, bags and anything else with a flat surface. It is ideal for residential use or small business.
Key Characteristics
Portable and easy to carry
Pressure and temperature control
Swing-away design
Best Cheap 15×15 Heat Press Machine
Fancierstudio Power Digital Heat Press 15 x 15
Adjustable Pressure
This 15×15 heat press machine features a pressure knob that is used to adjust the amount of pressure used in operation. This is an important feature because the pressure should be regulated according to the thickness of the materials.
15×15 Heat Plate
The heat plate measures 15 by 15 inches. This is sufficiently large for printing on different shirts, bags and other items of a variety of sizes. The size of this heat plate is enough to print on large and extra-large shirts and hoodies.
Electronic Controls
This sublimation heat press machine features electronic time and temperature controls. The time and temperature values can easily be set before the operation. The time range is 0-999 seconds, while the temperature range is 0-699°F.
Silicone Base
The Fancierstudio digital heat press machine has a silicone-gel rubber board that is now glued down, unlike previous models. The heat press is a clamshell-type with the regular upward-opening principle which saves a lot of space.
Application
This cheap 15×15 heat press machine serves a variety of purposes. It can be applied for printing letters, images and designs onto t-shirts, bags, mousepads, jigsaw puzzles and much more.
Key Characteristics
Silicone rubber board
Electronic time and temperature control
15×15 heat plate
Pressure adjustment knob
Best Cheap 16×20 Heat Press
Rincons 16″x20″ Digital Heat Press Machine
16×20 Heat Plate
The Rincons heat press machine has a large heat plate, measuring at 16 by 20 inches. This is sufficiently large to print on a number of items such as t-shirts, bags, license plates and more. Use it if you have a small business or want to surprise your loved ones with fun personalized gifts.
Adjustable Pressure Knob
This heat press machine features a full range pressure knob which you can use to adjust the amount of pressure used in each transfer. This is a crucial component if you want good transfer results because too much or too little pressure can change the transfer or damage the material.
Silicone Pad
The 16×20’’ heat plate has a protective layer of Teflon to prevent scorching in transfers. It also has a removable silicone pad that is resistant to high temperatures.
Digital Display
The Rincons heat press machine features a digital display of time and temperature. With it, you can gauge and set the time and temperature of operation. This feature makes the machine easy to use and user-friendly. The timer can be set up to 999 seconds, and the maximum temperature is 450°F.
Steel Frame Construction
This heat press machine features a full steel frame construction which greatly prolongs the life of this heat press and makes it durable and sturdy. The clamshell design saves quite a lot of space and easily opens and closes.
Key Characteristics
Large heat plate
Silicone rubber pad
Digital time and temperature display
Quality steel construction
Best Cheap Multifunction Heat Press
VIVOHOME Swing-away Printing Heat Press
Swing Away
The Vivohome heat press machine features a swing-away design with full 360° rotation. This type of design ensures the best transfers on t-shirts, bags, coasters, puzzles, etc. At the same time, the rotation keeps you at a distance from the heat, making operation safe and user-friendly.
LED Display
This heat press machine features a dual integrated LED display with the controller. You can use this controller to set a timer (0-999 seconds) and manually regulate the temperature of the heat press. There is an audible alarm that will go off after the timer is done. The temperature range is 32-499°F.
Aluminum Heat Plate
The heat plate on this inexpensive heat press is made of die-cast aluminum. Its dimensions are 12 by 10 inches, enough to have more options when it comes to the size of the materials used. The heat plate is Teflon coated to prevent scorching. There is a heat-resistant foaming silicone pad that can easily be removed.
Multiple Use
This heat press machine is excellent for printing on a variety of items – perfect for unique presents, for small businesses and advertisers. It can be used to print on shirts, bags, coasters, mousepads, hats, ceramic tiles, plates, etc.
Specifications
This heat press machine comes completely assembled in the package and ready to use. It also comes with a 4.9-foot power cord and an instructions manual. This is a 110v heat press and it is powered by 900 watts.
Key Characteristics
Aluminum heat plate
360° rotation
LED display of time and temperature
Powered by 900W
Conclusion: The Best Cheap Heat Press Machine
Finding a good cheap heat press machine can be very challenging. All the heat presses mentioned in this review are of high quality while being affordable. It is difficult to choose the best one, but the two best overall are the VIVOHOME Swing Away Printing Heat Press and the Fancierstudio Power Digital Heat Press 15 x 15. The Vivohome has an efficient swing-away design with 360° rotation and LED display, while the Fancierstudio heat press has a large 15×15 heat plate with adjustable pressure.
