The purpose of a quality heat press machine is to transfer the required design to the substrate. It could be anything made of any material, including glass, wood, ceramic, or fabric. The printing can be vinyl, heat, screen printed, rhinestones, or more items depending upon your business.
We need adequate heat, pressure, and time for professional-quality printing. You can read this Heat Press guide for more details about time and temperature.
Typically, the design and substrate are sandwiched between heat platens (usually Teflon-coated) and pressed under specified temperature and pressure for a designated time. You must always follow the manual guidelines for a successful design transfer.
Small businesses usually have less budget and workforce. However, you don’t need to worry as heat press machines are available from $100-$3000. These machines are automatic and will require less maintenance.
Picking one heat press machine is a hell of a challenging task as you have to consider multiple things. Apart from typical specs, you must see if the press features customized plates to let you complete specialized tasks. It would help if you gave attention to its automatic air or auto-open options.
I bought 11 heat presses to find the suitable one for my small business. I tested portability, ease of use, and multifunctionalitiy. For your ease, I have enlisted the five best heat press machines for a small business.
5 Best Heat Press Machines For a Small Business
| Small Business Heat Press Machine | Image | Ratings | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| TopFancierstudio Power Heat press Digital Heat Press |  
| 5/5 | View Details on Amazon |
| PowerPress Industrial-Quality Heat Press Machine |  
| 4.9/5 | View Details on Amazon |
| TUSY Digital Sublimation Heat Press |  
| 4.7/5 | View Details on Amazon |
| VEVOR Heat Press 12 X 15 Inch Heat Press Machine |  
| 4.6/5 | View Details on Amazon |
| F2C Pro 6 in 1 Combo Heat Press Machine |  
| 4.5/5 | View Details on Amazon |
Here is a detailed review of each small business heat press machine, its pros and cons.
Fancierstudio Power Heat press Digital Heat Press
- 15 inch by 15 inch heat press
- Power: 1400 watts
- Heat Press Style: Clamp shell
- Electronic time and heat control
- Time Range:0 to 999 seconds
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.
Fancierstudio heat transfer machine is a great heat press machine for a small business. It is cheap, made with high-quality material, and provides professional results.
This heat press machine is easy to use and maintain. On a small budget, it can provide you with incredible features. It is made to resist even higher temperatures. Fancierstudio never compromises on performance and practicality.
It can be installed in the corner of your home for routine use. Within 16minutes, the plates can get heated to a maximum of 699 degrees F. It has adjustable pressure, which eases the process. Moreover, it offers uniform pressure distribution, as well.
Fancierstudio is also our top pick in heat press machines for vinyl.
PowerPress Industrial-Quality Heat Press Machine
- Heat Press 15x15 inch
- LCD Control Board:
- Time Range: 0-999 s
- Temperature Range: 0-750 F
- Power: 1400 W
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.
PowerPress is another 15 x 15 inches heat press machine for fantastic printing results. It runs on 1400 Watts and costs very little. Pressure is distributed evenly. Its timer control is precise. PowerPress is capable of warming most t-shirts without drying them out.
You won’t need extra Teflon. It is already coated with long-lasting Teflon sheets.
Ideal for completing home tasks, it is easy to use. Its advanced LCD panel shows accurate time and temperature. Its alternating fuse keeps you safe from fire hazards. You can heat it in 999 seconds/16 minutes letting it reach its highest temperature.
PowerPress Also features in the list of top heat press machines 2021.
TUSY Digital Sublimation Heat Press
- 15x15 Heat Press
- Power: 1400W
- Pressure Adjustable
- Time Control: 0 - 999 second
- Temperature Range: 0 - 482 F
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.
Tusy Digital heat press ranks 3rd in our list of top heat press machines for a startup. It will give you a broad surface for adjusting more oversized items. Its excessive space ensures ease of work. It is easy to use and convenient to install as well as carry. You can understand its functions from the provided manual instructions.
The most considerable quality is the rubber rings that you can find at the bottom of the beams. TUSY Heat Press Machine stabilizes the position and lets the machine stand firm and upright.
Moreover, it has an adjustable press panel that is compatible with turning the knob to either increase or decrease the pressure. It runs on 1400 watts and 110 volts. They are made suitable with all power inlets. Within 999 seconds, you can reach 48-degree F. The anti-heating characteristics are precise and ensure safety.
VEVOR Heat Press 12 X 15 Inch Heat Press Machine
- 12 x 15 inches Heat Press
- Excellent digital control box
- 360 degrees rotation
- Audible alarm
- ETL quality and safety certification
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.
Loaded with a variety of features, Vevor Heat Press will impress you with its performance. Utmost practicality coupled with functionality explains its use. And, yes, it has an appealing layout for beginners, too.
You can expect a high-performance quality. Basically, it is more suitable for vertical use. The design has its heating coils installed on the bottom to ensure the equal delivery of pressure. The 360 degrees rotatable design aids to its sensibleness.
Vevor heat transfer machine is an economical and practical machine with satisfactory safety features minimizing the risks of any hazard. Its wide range of temperatures lets you have a customized experience. It features a sturdy heat transfer pad.
Vevor also features in top t-shirt heat press machines.
F2C Pro 6 in 1 Combo Heat Press Machine
- 12 x 15 Heat Press Machine
- 360-degree rotation
- Wattage :1000W
- Temperature range 32 - 430
- Non-stick surface
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.
The last candidate in our list of heat presses for small businesses is F2C Pro.
F2C Pro is a classic machine. It is made in a unique and practical spinning, professional swing-away layout. It can be rotated 360 degrees providing maximum flexibility in performance. The best quality is its smooth operation supported with plenty of accessories.
If you are into business, you will find this machine suitable for professional tasks. It comes with a wide temperature range starting from 32 °F and ending at 430 °F.
The platens are Teflon coated. The 13.5- and 17-inches dimensions make it compact. It dissolves and transfers the print attractively, making vibrantly colored images with the help of the sublimation process. It is better than a screen-printer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best heat press machine for small business?
- Fancierstudio Heat Press – Best 15×15 Heat Press
- PowerPress HPM Heat Press
- Tusy Heat Press Machine
- Vevor Heat Press Machine
- F2C Pro 6 in 1 Combo Heat Press Machine
- Cricut EasyPress 2
How do I start a small heat press business?
Step 1: Choose the method of T-shirt Printing. You Should Invest In after understanding the concept of multiple heat transfer t-shirt printing picks you to have to choose from (Traditional heat transfer method, Vinyl transfer, and Sublimation method).
Step 2: Buy The most suitable Heat Transfer Equipment that must be compatible with your task. Look into heat and pressure aspects while considering space and budget.
Step 3: Search for A trustworthy T-shirt Supplier as dealing with trusted manufacturers is less risky.
Step 4: Plan out the Pricing Strategy
Step 5: Create awareness about your business by implementing a proven marketing strategy. You can read more about the t-shirt business here.
Should I start my clothing business with a heat press machine?
Yes, why not, if you have passion because it is one gainful business to start. People are getting used to the advantages of heat press technology. For a small business startup, the use of a heat press seems an affordable and profitable opportunity. You can find less expensive heat presses along with super-durability. It ensures you more bang for the minimum business buck. You will be able to get a fair profit margin even on small batches.
What size heat press is needed for t-shirts?
There are multiple factors to decide which size is best for your heat press machine. Creating personalized cups, shirts, and other garments requires a smaller heat press measuring 9x 12 inches. This size comes in handy due to its compactness and is less expensive. If you have an expanded workspace width, you can purchase a more extensive model measuring 16×20-inch.
Small heat presses will not go well with big projects such as printing hoodies or XL shirts. The most brilliant move will be investing in a portable heat press machine that will fit home and office efficiently. Moreover, it would be best if you bought a good computer for printing and designing, too.
Conclusion
If you think that the heavier the heat press is, the longer the life span is – you are mistaken! Using hard plates leads to hefty wear and tear. In comparison to weight, the value is vital in buying a press. Buying a lighter heating press will fit your budget and offer easy transportation. Despite being cheaper and lightweight, you can find one made with a durable steel frame.
If you are a beginner, you can go for Beginner heat press machines.
Try investing in a U.S. manufactured machine. If you choose one with a cast aluminum alloy frame, you need extra strength to carry it because of its weight. While buying, always read the customer’s reviews.
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