If you’re looking to purchase a Cricut EasyPress but have no idea where to start, then stick around and take full advantage of our Cricut EasyPress all-in-one guide for beginners. Or, if you already have a Cricut Easypress and are looking for guidance on heat settings then feel free to jump straight to downloading our Free Cricut Temperature Guides now!
If you’re an avid crafter like me or even just a casual one, you know how much fun it is to make your own personalized and unique projects, especially when they’re going to be gifts for a friend or family member.
Once you start making your own custom Cricut projects, it’s only natural to want to take them up a notch and make them even more personalized, and what better way than by adding some fun HTV or iron-on vinyl? Especially when you can get fun patterned vinyl, glow-in-the-dark HTV, or my personal favorite: GLITTER VINYL!
This is where the Cricut EasyPress machine comes in — but what exactly is it? Is it worth buying? Which version is best for you?
Well, have no fear, for Crafting Spree is here to break down everything there is to know about all the different Cricut Heat Presses, what they do, and how they differ so that you can make the best decision in purchasing the Cricut EasyPress that is perfect for your Cricut crafting needs!
Table of Contents
The Cricut EasyPress machines and the Cricut Autopress are essentially optimally-sized smart irons created specifically for Cricut crafters that use heat and applied pressure to fuse materials like HTV, iron-on vinyl, sublimation transfers, and more to another surface.
They can be used on t-shirts, stuffed animal plushies, coasters, towels, makeup bags, and more!
When it comes to using a Cricut heat press, one of the most important things to consider is the temperature and time settings. Different projects, materials, and crafting blanks require different temperature and time settings, and these settings can vary depending on the heat press model you're using.
For example, t-shirts typically require a higher temperature and longer pressing time than hats or tote bags. Similarly, certain materials, such as cotton or polyester, may require different temperature and time settings compared to other materials like nylon or spandex.
It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific heat press model to ensure that you're using the correct temperature and time settings for your project. However, it can be helpful to have a cheat sheet on hand to reference while you're heat pressing. That's why we've created a
free Cricut Heat Press Temperature Guide that you can download and print out for easy reference.
This handy chart includes temperature and time recommendations for a wide range of materials and crafting blanks, making it easy to find the right settings for your project. Simply hang it on the wall in your craft room or keep it nearby while you're heat pressing for quick and easy reference.
Having a cheat sheet like this can be a convenient way to ensure that you're using the correct temperature and time settings for your heat press projects. So be sure to
download our free Cricut Heat Press Temperature Guide and keep it handy while you're crafting!
Cricut Design Space is a powerful software that allows you to create custom designs, text, and graphics using a wide range of tools and features. You can even upload your own images and graphics to use in your designs. Check out these SVG design bundles on Etsy that you can upload to Cricut Design Space to use on your next Heat Press project!
When designing your project, be sure to keep in mind the size and placement of your design on your crafting blank. You'll also want to consider the color of your design and the color of your crafting blank. Some materials, such as dark-colored fabrics, may not be suitable for certain types of projects, such as sublimation projects that require white or very light-colored sublimation blanks.
Once you've completed or chosen your design, you'll need to load your desired materials onto your Cricut grip mat and then into your machine. Cut out your design using the appropriate settings. Then, you can use your heat press to apply the necessary heat and pressure to transfer your design onto your crafting blank.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your heat press to ensure that you're using the correct temperature and time settings for your specific project. You can also download our free Cricut Heat Guide Cheat Sheet of temperature settings and pressing times for a wide array of different materials and crafting blanks.
With a little bit of practice and some careful planning, you can easily use Cricut Design Space in conjunction with your Cricut heat press to create all kinds of amazing projects. Check out some of these awesome
Cricut Design Space tutorials by my awesome crafting friend Shawn Mosche, owner and creator of the
popular Crafting Blog: Shawn Mosch. You can also learn
how to download free fonts to Cricut Design Space and discover our favorite
Cricut writing font hack by subscribing to
the Crafting Spree Youtube Channel!
The Cricut EasyPress mini is a great, affordable, and easily-stored heat press option for Cricut crafters looking to do smaller heat transfer projects.
The EasyPress mini is perfect for transferring iron-on designs that are 4 inches wide by 3.5 inches long or 1.7 inches wide by 5.25 inches long and for transferring Infusible Ink designs that are 2.75 inches wide by 2.75 inches long or 1.625 inches wide by 5 inches long.
When it comes to price, you can’t beat the Cricut EasyPress Mini. In general, it tends to be around half the price of the Cricut EasyPress 2. You can often find it on Amazon for around $50; however, prices can vary. Check out the
Cricut EasyPress Mini on Amazon.
The Cricut EasyPress is Cricut’s first-ever heat press released. Each heat press iteration comes with its own set of pros and cons, however, in general, you can assume that the older versions will be less expensive than newer versions (that’s a pro for penny-pinchers like me), but it will consequently come with fewer features, have potentially limited accessories, and in the case of all three versions of the Cricut EasyPress- they all come in smaller sizes compared to the Cricut Autopress.
However, in the case of the Cricut EasyPress, it has actually been discontinued and is no longer available for purchase on Amazon or through Cricut’s official online store. If you’re looking for the next oldest and least expensive option, then the Cricut EasyPress 2 is the best fit for you.
Here’s what
the original Cricut EasyPress looked like for reference.
The Cricut EasyPress 2 is the second generation of Cricut's heat-transfer machine and is available in three different sizes: 6x7, 9x9, and 12x10. Compared to the original Cricut EasyPress, the EasyPress 2 heats up, up to 25% faster, keeps your work surface cooler by up to 60°F which reduces your risk of burns, remembers your previous time and temperature settings from your last use, has edge-to-edge heating, and has precise temperature control. Download our Free Cricut Heat Press Temperature Guide to take out the guesswork and ensure professional results!
Following the release of the Cricut Autopress and in light of holiday sales, you can typically buy a new Cricut EasyPress 2 for around $100, which clocks in at around half the price of a Cricut EasyPress 3 and around an eighth the cost of the Cricut Autopress. Keep in mind that these are ballpark price ranges that will likely change over time, are subject to availability, and vary across different online selling platforms.
From what I’ve found, Amazon tends to have the best prices and often has sales as well as free shipping. Check out the
Cricut EasyPress 2 on Amazon.
The Cricut EasyPress 3 is newer than its predecessor. The Cricut EasyPress 3 features Bluetooth to Cricut Heat app connectivity, a ceramic-coated heat plate, super-fast heat-up, and comes with a safety base to protect your work surface in between use while the heat press is still hot.
If you're looking for something more advanced than the Cricut EasyPress 2 with a lower price tag than the Autopres, then the Cricut EasyPress 3 is for you. It still gets hot enough for heat transfer projects, but like the EasyPress 2, its size is limited to 9x9, and 12x10. Check out the
Cricut EasyPress 3 on Amazon.
If you’re looking for the biggest and best when it comes to Cricut heat presses, then hold on to your hat because the Cricut Autopress is coming in first by a landslide! While the Cricut Autopress is only available in one size, it just so happens to be the LARGEST size, coming in at a whopping 15x12 inches!
Unlike all the older Cricut EasyPress models, the Cricut Autopress is a clamshell-style heat press, meaning it’s all one piece, and the protective heat pad is attached to the heat press. Say so long to burn risks to you and your work surface, and hello to streamlined simplicity with this bad boy.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Cricut Autopress closes easily and automatically releases when the heat-pressing cycle is complete. It doesn’t get any easier than that! It also has more advanced safety features, including auto shutoff after 13 minutes of inactivity. It’s comprised of sturdy steel, has extra-wide clearance when in the open position, and even comes with a one-year warranty upon purchase.
Immediately following its release, it sold out VERY fast and at the moment, is available on Amazon in a
Cricut Autopress Bundle, but is in stock for machine-only purchase on
Cricut’s official online store and sometimes they have great deals and discounts on their
Cricut Sales page.
Setting up a Cricut heat press for the first time can seem intimidating, but it's actually a fairly simple process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Below are just some of the many materials you can use in combination with a Cricut Heat Press but note that material compatibility varies based on the kind of HTV, iron-on vinyl, or sublimation transfer you are using.
Be sure to reference your machine and material instructions for exact guidelines on using your transfer material in combination with your crafting blank with a Cricut heat press. You can even print, frame, and hang our Free Cricut Temperature Guide for easier reference in your craft space!
View deals on heat transfer Vinyl and shop our top crafting blanks.
The Cricut EasyPress Mat is a must-have for all crafters and DIYers. Iron-on projects without using a Cricut Heat Mat are notoriously difficult to accomplish perfectly, but the EasyPress Mat eliminates these issues. It protects your work surface from the heat as well as your project fabric from hot ceramic plates.
While you don’t need to use a Cricut-brand EasyPress Mat with your EasyPress, it was designed for it, and it makes things seamless and easy while also protecting your surfaces from melting or burning.
Finally, avoid using ironing boards, corrugated cardboard, and silicone baking mats/aluminum foil instead of a Cricut Easypress heat mat because these can get very hot and lead to severe burns. No crafting war-wounds allowed! Check out
Cricut EasyPress Heat Mats on Amazon.
If you’re thinking about getting a Cricut EasyPress or Autopress machine, you might be wondering if it’s worth it. We’re here to help!
Why buy a Cricut heat press instead of using an iron or an off-brand heat press? The answer is simple: because it’s the best user-friendly option out there. Aside from the fact that you can make all kinds of fun projects, like shirts and bags, jewelry, mugs, pillowcases, apparel, and SO much more..
If there’s one reason people go with Cricut machines above cheaper options, it’s because they have made them the most user-friendly, which also translates to being beginner-friendly. Cricut has tasked their many researchers and developers with creating heat presses and other machines to best suit the needs of crafters and to produce the best, most high-quality products.
One minor example of how they have done that with their heat presses is, contrary to a household iron, their heat presses evenly distribute heat, AND they guide you on what specific heat temperature setting to use, what kind of pressure to apply, and how long to apply heat for ALL the different types of transfer material and project surface material you can use.
This means you reduce all risk of burning your project, work surface or project blank, as well as putting your vinyl at risk of heating up too much and melting or not heating up enough, leading to cracks, peeling, and ruined projects and wasted supplies, time, and money.
In the end, with a Cricut heat press, you can heat transfer vinyl onto fabric or paper with the machine to create some truly unique gifts for friends and family (or even yourself!). There are so many possibilities! And you can rest assured knowing that your projects will turn out high-quality and be long-lasting. Don't forget to download our free Cricut Heat Press Temperature Guide Cheat Sheet too for easier setting reference while you're mid Cricut-crafting!
So, is a Cricut EasyPress worth it? If you have a passion for DIY projects, want to expand your creative horizons, produce high-quality projects, and have a very beginner-friendly and user-friendly machine, then absolutely!
The Cricut Autopress is the largest Cricut heat press machine and it measures 15 inches wide by 12 inches long.
In total there are 5 different Cricut heat press sizes:
Ultimately, if you’re looking for the most beginner-friendly heat press to produce high-quality products, then a Cricut EasyPress or Autopress is absolutely worth it.
With a Cricut EasyPress, you will be able to make everything a professional heat press can make! This includes customized t-shirts, ceramic coasters, burlap wine bags, apparel, and so much more. Not only can you create an endless number of personalized products, projects, and gifts, but you can also use a number of transfer materials, from sublimation transfer sheets and infusible ink to iron-on vinyl and HTV.
Check out these awesome Cricut EasyPress project ideas.
The Cricut EasyPress 1 was the first ever heat press machine created by Cricut. It has been discontinued for some time and is no longer sold by Cricut, Amazon, or other major retailers. They soon released the new and improved Cricut EasyPress 2, which is not only still available for purchase but is also the most affordable, lowest price option of Cricut heat press aside from the Mini. The Cricut EasyPress 2 is also available in a variety of sizes and colors
The Cricut Mini, EasyPress 2 & 3, and Autopress each vary vastly in price, but in order from lowest to highest price, here are the Cricut heat press models with general price ranges (note that price and availability are subject to change):
The Cricut EasyPress Mini: $39.99 - $69.99
EasyPress 2 (6”x7”): this size is no longer sold by Cricut
EasyPress 2 (9”x9”): $99.00 - $189.00
EasyPress 2 (12”x10”): $149.00 - $239.00
EasyPress 3 (9”x9”):$192.00 - $199.99
EasyPress 3 (12”x10”): $199.00 - $249.99
Autopress: $799 - $999.99
You can save money on a Cricut heat press by browsing deals on Amazon as well as holiday sales on Cricut’s official sale page on their online store if you’re looking to buy new. A machine is the most expensive when it is first released, so if you’re not in a rush or not in need of their most recent model, then you can save big by electing to buy an older model of heat press like the EasyPress 2 which you can usually find on Amazon for around $100. Lastly, keep your eyes open for coupons for your local craft stores to see if you can save big by purchasing it in-store with a coupon but be sure to read the fine print- sometimes craft stores are sneaky and note in the fine print that the offer is not valid on Cricut machines. Happy deal hunting!
If you’re new to Cricut heat press crafting and don’t have any vinyl, infusible ink, accessories, etc. Then you will likely benefit from purchasing your heat press in a bundle as it is typically less expensive than buying everything separately, and you’re guaranteed to have all the Cricut brand materials work well with your machine and be compatible with your heat press as well as whichever Cricut-brand blanks you decide to use. There is always some amount of risk with using a Cricut brand machine and off-brand products; however, the risk is usually quite low as long as you follow the machine and material directions. If you are open to testing out new products, then buying off-brand materials and accessories can, in fact, save you a lot of money in the long run, and Amazon nearly always has sales on Cricut-compatible items and machines.
The Cricut Autopress is approximately 53.2 lbs in weight.
Turn off the Cricut Autopress by simply pressing the power button; there is no need to lower the temperature before powering off.
The Cricut Autopress was released in May of 2022.
If the Cricut brand heat presses are out of your budget for the size you’re looking for, or you’re looking for a more versatile all-in-one heat press, have no fear, for there are MANY high-quality off-brand heat press machines out there, you can choose from. Amazon has a number of highly rated, positively reviewed 15x15 heat presses that are not only larger than the Cricut Autopress but are significantly less expensive as well! They also offer a number of all-in-one heat press bundles that come with both a mug press and hat press attachment, meaning they’re like getting the Cricut EasyPress, Hat press, and mug press all in one for a MUCH lower price tag. Check out more affordable heat presses on Amazon and see what’s out there that best suits both you and your wallet!
With a Cricut EasyPress, you will be able to make everything a professional heat press can make! This includes customized t-shirts, ceramic coasters, burlap wine bags, apparel, and so much more. Not only can you create an endless number of personalized products, projects, and gifts, but you can also use a number of transfer materials, from sublimation transfer sheets and infusible ink to iron-on vinyl and HTV.
The Cricut EasyPress 1 was the first ever heat press machine created by Cricut. It has been discontinued for some time and is no longer sold by Cricut, Amazon, or other major retailers. They soon released the new and improved Cricut EasyPress 2, which is not only still available for purchase but is also the most affordable, lowest-price option of the Cricut heat press aside from the Mini. The Cricut EasyPress 2 is also available in a variety of sizes and colors
Proper maintenance and care can help extend the life of your Cricut heat press and ensure that it continues to perform at its best. Here are a few tips for maintaining and caring for your Cricut heat press:
One key difference between a Cricut heat press and a household iron is the even heat distribution that a heat press provides. A Cricut heat press is designed to evenly apply heat and pressure across the entire surface of the material, ensuring that the design or pattern is transferred evenly and consistently. In contrast, a household iron may not provide the same level of even heat distribution, which can result in bubbles or patchy transfers.
In addition to its even heat distribution capabilities, a Cricut heat press also has advanced safety features that a household iron does not. These can include auto shut-off, a safety base to prevent the machine from tipping over, a pressure adjustment knob to ensure the appropriate amount of pressure is applied, and more. Safety features vary based on the model of your Cricut heat press. For guidance on what temperature you should be using for different kinds of projects and heat presses, download our free Cricut Heat Press Temperature Guide.
Yes, you can use a Cricut heat press to make items for your business or to sell. A Cricut heat press is an impressive tool that allows you to create professional-quality projects. With the ability to apply heat and pressure to transfer designs and patterns onto your materials, a Cricut heat press can help you create high-quality products for your business or for sale. However, it's important to note that you may need to follow certain guidelines or regulations when it comes to conducting business activities, such as obtaining the proper licenses or permits, obtaining a business license, getting insurance, learning what taxes you are responsible for paying, and more. It's always a good idea to research the requirements for commercially selling heat-press-made products before starting your project.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for the most beginner-friendly heat press, and the best of the best to produce high-quality products, then a Cricut Autopress is absolutely worth it so long as it fits your budget and best suits your needs. It’s important to do your own research and evaluation of all your options and pick the best one for you.
Join our Cricut community on Facebook by joining our Cricut group: Any and All Things Cricut!
Here, you’re more than welcome to post photos of your latest projects, connect with other crafters, share your new Etsy shop, products, other social media accounts and more.
It’s also a wonderful place to share tips and tricks that you’ve learned along the way in your Cricutting adventures, as well as an excellent resource for troubleshooting any Cricut issues and getting answers to any questions you may have. What better place to get information and connect, than where all the Cricut crafters are!?
Join the crafting group today!
Check out the Crafting Spree blog for more DIY, Crafting & Cricut Resources: