6 Best hat heat press machines in 2023
| Rank | Hat Press | Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cricut Smart Hat Press Machine | 4.9 |
| 2 | SHZOND Clamshell Hat Press Press Machine | 4.8 |
| 3 | VEVOR Clamshell Design Heat Press for Hats | 4.7 |
| 4 | PNKKODW Digital Baseball Cap Heat Press Machine | 4.6 |
| 5 | Smarketbuy Digital Baseball Hat Press Machine | 4.5 |
| 6 | DODODUM Mini Heat Press Machine | 4.4 |
No matter the material and shape, substrate, or design, a heat press machine is necessary if you plan for a heat transfer print. We need the best hat heat press machine for shifting the design from the transfer paper to the hats and caps over the selected spot.
Special heat presses for caps are designed with curved platens to ease the printing process. It helps press your favorite designs on your hets and caps easily.
The only thing that makes a hat heat press different from a regular one is that it is curved. This special design for hats and caps guarantees quality print and design transfer.
If you already own a heat press, you can buy a hat press attachment. However, a heat transfer machine specially made for hats will always offer the perfect results.
I bought 12 hat press machines from Amazon last December. After using each machine for 3 days. Here is my analysis.
6 Best Heat press machines for caps and hats
Here is a detailed review, pros, and cons of each hat heat press machine.
Cricut Smart Hat Press Machine
- A NO-STRESS HAT PRESS — Get pro-level heat-transfer results on hats with Cricut Hat Press. Features a curved, ceramic-coated heat plat for iron-on, Infusible Ink & sublimation projects.
Are you looking for a modern, smart, and portable heat press machine that has been specifically designed for hats?
The Cricut hat press is the answer.
Whether you are a beginner or professional in heat press printing, the Cricut smart hat press allows you to get pro-level heat transfer results.
The ceramic-coated heat curved heat plate offers edge-to-edge heat that is considered ideal for heat pressing the caps.
You can set the temperature up to 400 F. The best thing about this hat press is you can easily connect it to your phone via Bluetooth to change the temperature levels.
The safety features include auto-off, perfect grip, and a safety base.
This is the best hat press for sublimation, iron-on, and infusible ink projects.
SHZOND Clamshell Hat Press Press Machine
SHZOND cap press is the best machine that can help you print designs on caps by using its advanced technology. Undoubtedly, it is a highly affordable heat press.
Now, you can buy yourself a heat press machine of high quality and advanced technology without putting strain on your bank accounts.
It ensures a professional-quality result. And that is why they have 100% customer satisfaction ratings.
It comes loaded with manageable and likable digital controls that let you experience an easy operation. Besides, digital time & temperature readouts help you set them at a good reading.
Its layout is feasible, practical, and easy to use. The cast-in tubular heating element is its specialty. It provides even heat and pressure distribution. Moreover, the patented design features a 3/4′′ (2 cm) thick, non-stick upper plate and a 3/8′′ (1 cm) thick, silicone rubber-made bottom pad.
Over-the-center pressure adjustment is another highlight included in a list of its advantages. The company provides optional platens to make your journey more amazing.
This hat presser machine has a 65° wide opening that is almost 10% broader than other clam-style heat presses. It helps you set designs and substrates with ease and safety. It is lightweight, better than iron, and offers convenient portability.
VEVOR Clamshell Design Heat Press for Hats
- Platen size/ curved element: 5.5 x 3.5
- Temperature range: 0-399°C
- Time range: from 0-999 seconds (adjustable)
- Display: Temperature and Time display
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Vevor cap heat press is another hat heat press machine solely designed for effortless heat printing on hats and caps, bags and garments, etc. It is a good choice for quality heat printing. It is not only durable but is super stable & heavy-duty. It has a distinctive appearance that is equally appealing.
This efficient hat printing machine has premium quality die-casting aluminum plates representing fine artistry. With a working life span of 12,000 hours, it can be your long-term investment.
You can see precision in its automatic time controller and digital controller. Vevor comes equipped with an audible alarm that beeps when your task is completed automatically. Say goodbye to burning, scorching, and overheating issues! You can have a customized experience by presetting the time and temperature.
Its design has plenty of curved components, and every part is reasonably sized for printing hats and caps. Its ergonomic foam parallel arm handle increases the ease of use. What a grip it offers!
No more hindrances in carrying or using this press machine. Being a versatile machine, you can use this best cap heat press for multiple purposes. It can shift any colorful mark, character, letter, or pattern.
This cap press is a good option for professionals as well as beginners. Vevor also features in Top htv machines 2022.
PNKKODW Digital Baseball Cap Heat Press Machine
One thing this heat press ensures is a safe operation. Designed in a unique swing-away design, the PNKKODW Baseball Cap Machine can be rotated 360°, giving a straightforward approach to setting a design and substrate. Besides, it never hinders your practicality. In fact, it increases functionality.
It lets the heating element move aside without worrying about accidental burns.
This 5 in 1 machine is multi-functional for transferring colorful images and characters on multiple types of materials and fabrics.
Absolutely a sturdy, durable, and impressive layout to support easy heat transfers in your daily routine!
You can adjust pressure as per the materials’ thickness. A 2 3/4″ long arm handle supports this humanized design.
The handle offers a firm grip and stability. Moreover, the comfortable rubber grip facilitates long-time use. There are detachable heat press silicone and cotton pads. Once tried, you will admire its ability to evenly distribute heat and pressure, leading to high-quality and most satisfactory printing results.
The design has adjustable feet, too. It has a top finessed flat, mug, and plate press. For safety, this hat heat press features a built-in fuse. The heating plate has a classic non-stick surface, preventing the chances of scorching.
Smarketbuy Digital Baseball Hat Press Machine
Smarketbuy is a durable machine for any hat crafter. It ensures brilliant transfer of the design onto the hat or cup by using a curved heating element of appropriate size. It has a power draw of about 150 watts, which seems like a pretty affordable option.
The time range seems satisfactory, as does the temperature range as well. It can go as high as 570 degrees F. With a broad temperature range and an impressive pressure range; it offers a better quality outcome. You can set it at any time with a full-range pressure adjustment knob.
Made in a handy clamshell design, it lets you do plenty of printing chores. No more burns while working due to accidental touch with a heated element! Hi-tech is infused, such as a digital LCD timer and precise temperature control.
Once you have preset the desired time, all you need is to wait for an audible alarm to beep. It is a compact machine that is worth your money, for sure.
DODODUM Mini Heat Press Machine
- Voltage: under 110-120V
- Temperature: 284℉ to 374℉
- Dimensions: 8.79 x 5.48 x 3.15 inches
- 6.23 feet power cord
- Suitable for craft enthusiasts, students and housewives.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you are short on space but crave to perform heat transfers, you can have this fantastic and technologically impressive DODODUM Mini Heat Press. It is small in size but BIG in terms of functions. It offers ease of use for small-scale and unique heat transfer projects. It gives a sustainable printing quality that seems striking and clear.
It has an auto-shutoff feature for maximum safety. The machine is turned off automatically after 10 minutes of inactivity. That is not all! It comes with FCC certification—a significant achievement.
This efficient machine has an insulated safety base to keep accidents at bay. Its 6.23 feet power cord seems satisfactory. With three adjustable heat settings, you can fulfill your craft requirements. The dry ceramic soleplate is sturdy and lets the heat distribute evenly, leaving no cold spots.
Being small, this best mini heat press for hats can be carried easily. The kit has a water spray bottle and a small canvas bag inside. A suitable machine for craft enthusiasts as it is small and very compatible. Finally, it is the cheapest heat press for hats.
What to look for in a hat/cap heat press?
Curved Design
A curved design heat press allows you to transfer your designs to hats perfectly. It is safer and provides even heat from one edge to another.
Quality
Heat press machines are expensive, and if bought right, they can be a long-term investment. Always look for quality, so you know if it is worth the money and will give you a satisfactory service life or not. You can check the quality by weight, features, and ceramic material.
A sturdy and durable machine will be slightly heavier due to the use of durable materials.
Size & Portability
Size is one vital factor to be noticed. It must not only be compatible with your physical space, but it must also be capable of printing designs on hats all at once. Because hats are versatile, hat presses are also versatile in size.
Choose one that should be able to fit your workspace. The choice of size is also affected by the projects you are planning to do.
It is best to buy a hat heat press with interchangeable platens of diverse sizes. Size is directly related to portability. Smaller machines are more portable.
- For bigger projects: 16 x 20 inch
- For smaller projects: 9 x 12
Time, Temperature, and Pressure
Even distribution of temperature and pressure is a big plus. The machine should have good platens that make sure heat and pressure are spread evenly and quickly.
Nowadays, every modern heat press machine has integrated digital time and temperature controls. It ensures precision. Look for the digital LCD for better management.
Choose a machine with a broad temp range. A built-in timer with an audible alarm should be the preference. Besides, the pressure knob should be easily adjustable.
Better quality, correct time, and temperature values will help you get the best transfers.
Safety features
Safety is essential, and why not invest in a machine that will also take care of you? Look for certain safety features whenever you buy a device, as it will significantly reduce the risks of overheating and burning, marks, scorching, power upsurging, etc.
The device having a timer with an alarm and built-in fuse is recommended. Besides, the insulated base has its perks.
Display
It’s time to stop wasting money on manual or bell timers and switch to machines with easy-to-read digital screens. A digital time and temperature control panel looks best and is well-suited for professional artwork. It will handle even heavier workloads efficiently.
Digital settings are fabulous because they offer you complete control to keep the settings on desired levels.
Warranty
Don’t forget to check the length of the warranty. We advise you to buy a machine with a lifetime warranty, at least on the heat platen.
Coating
If you want your machine to work smoothly and well, it needs to be coated with Teflon. A good coating also allows for easy cleaning operations. Heat plates need to be Teflon coated for seamless transfer of prints to hats and cups or mugs. If the machine has Teflon sheets on the plates, that is best. And if not, then you must buy Teflon sheets separately.
Did you know that you can heat press the hats with and without attachments?
FAQs
Can you make hats with a heat press?
YES, you can print hats with a heat press machine. Adding HTV to a hat is achievable. There are only two factors to consider: the construction quality should be satisfactory, and the layout should be curved instead of linear or straight.
What temperature do you set the heat press for hats?
The temperature is entirely dependent on the machine. But in general, if you are dealing with glitter HTV, you must set the device at 300-320 degrees for 15-20 seconds as a standard temperature and time. It is advised to keep on checking the timer to avoid any inconvenience.
In the case of using a hat heat press for sublimation, your temperature setting can go as high as 400 degrees but for a limited time of 1 minute for polyester hats.
How much does a cap press cost?
The typical price range for a best cap heat press machine is $150 to $500. If you are a starter, you can get one within the range of$100 to $200. The cost is affected by multiple factors such as multitasking, versatility, accessories, digital controls, technology, and style.
What vinyl is best for hats?
Flocked HTV and Glitter HTV are the best options because they are comparatively thicker and incredibly cover the design in layers.
What’s the difference between a heat press for hats and a normal press?
There is only one distinction, and that is in the design of the heating elements. There could be straight or linear platen in a normal heat-press, but in the heat press machine, the heating element will be in the curved presentation, so it sticks the design better to all the sides of the mug.
Can I use a T-Shirt press for printing on hats?
No, you cannot. If it is specially made for the shirt, it must have a linear platen that will not work on the curved angles of a mug and hat. If it is multi-functional and has a curved element for heating, you can have it!
Additional Questions
What is the best all in one heat press machine?
The ‘best’ all-in-one heat press machine is, of course, subjective and depends on your specific needs and applications. However, many experts and users often express satisfaction with the “Fancierstudio Power Heat Press” or the “Cricut Easy Press”, given their price range, functionality, and versatility. They are incredibly user-friendly, which makes them perfect for both beginners and experts. Built with an impressive temp range, these models can effectively handle a variety of heat transfer tasks. Their excellent durability ensures they can withstand heavy-duty use. But remember, the ‘best’ for one might not be the ‘best’ for all. Assess your needs thoroughly before making a decision.
What heat presses are made in the USA?
The Hotronix® brand is a recognized producer of heat presses in the USA. Hotronix® is praised for its commitment to innovation and efficiency, producing cutting-edge heat presses and accessories to aid businesses in being productive and profitable. The ever-evolving nature of the industry propels Hotronix® to continuously engineer and manufacture the most popular heat presses in the global market. Being Made in the USA is a badge of honor for Hotronix® and a guarantee of quality for its users.
What heat press is best for T shirts?
Choosing a heat press for T-shirts largely depends on the volume of your production, your budget, and your workspace. The “PowerPress Industrial-Quality Digital Sublimation Heat Press Machine” is a popular choice, as it’s designed specifically for T-shirt printing with an impressive temperature range and even heat distribution. It offers excellent value for money and is suitable for businesses of all sizes. The “F2C Pro 5 in 1 Swing-away Digital Transfer Sublimation Heat Press Machine” is also an excellent option given its versatility and ability to print on various surfaces. But ultimately, you should compare the specifications, reviews, and prices of various models to determine which one best suits your needs.
What to look for when buying a heat press?
Purchasing a heat press is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Factors to look at include the type of heat press (clamshell, swing-away, draw), size, temperature range, and pressure adjustment. The heat press should also be durable and user-friendly. Consider the nature of your business: the volume and variety of products you’re planning to produce and the space you have available for a heat press machine. Studying customer reviews and consulting with industry experts can provide valuable insights. And lastly, consider the price. An expensive machine may offer more features, but a lower-priced one may be just as effective for your needs.
I’ve been in the printing business for 25 years. I love to share my experiences and knowledge.