Cricut heat presses are highly popular but there are some criticisms due to their high price tag and sometimes for the weight. If you’re not a big fan of Cricut and already short of budget you might be looking for the best Cricut heat press alternatives.
In this article, we’ve suggested 3 heat presses from different brands having almost the same features. So, keep on reading and explore the best Cricut heat press alternatives for beginners
3 Best Heat Press Brands Beyond Cricut
Before we start suggesting the products let’s learn about the 3 best heat press brands beyond Cricut.
HTVRONT
HTVRONT is a well-renowned brand established on 9th April 2018. The brand is inspired by innovative craft enthusiasts and produces advanced tools, materials, and machines in handicrafts. Their heat presses are also highly popular having a great customer review. Aside from heat presses, they produce sewing machines, cutting machines, and other HTV and sublimation materials.
OFFNOVA
OFFNOVA is a famous craft supplies brand founded in 2020. The brand is especially focusing on producing print supplies. OFFNOVA is proving very high-quality heat presses compared to a lower price. Their heat presses are also getting a huge market. Additionally, they are also producing Heat Transfer, vinyl, and direct-to-film supplies.
DODODUM
DODODUM isn’t a highly recognized brand but their mini heat press and scoring stylus became very popular. DDODUM is producing heat presses at a very affordable price and so far the user customer review is completely satisfying. Even though this is a small brand their products exceed US safe certifications.
3 Best Cricut Heat Press Alternatives – Product Suggestions
We’ve selected 3 best alternatives to Cricut and below you’ll get a detailed guide on each option. Before that, a quick graph view is here for your better understanding.
1. HTVRONT Heat Press Machine (10″X10″) – Best for the Higher Temperature
Our top pick is the HTVRONT Heat Press Machine and the reason it’s taking the throne is, its impressive maximum heating temperature and evenly heating capability.
Why It’s a Good Alternative for Cricut?
If you’re now thinking why you should bet on this product rather than Cricut heat presses then we would compare 2 points.
First of all, this heat press can work with a maximum heating limit of 410°F/210°C. If you pay attention to Cricut EasyPress 2 or Cricut EasyPress 3 (Smart), they can’t reach over 400 ºF/205 ºC. Compared to the other 2 products in today’s list this is the only one with such an extensive max temperature limit.
Now the second point is the budget. If you want one with almost capability as Cricut heat presses at a lower price then this one should be the perfect alternative. You can save $20-$80 or more by purchasing this one.
Aside from these, the heat press comes with some stunning features. The heat press has a digital pressure display. The display is completely beginner-friendly and provides precise readings.
The next thing HTVRONT took seriously is safety for kids and pets. The machine has a built-in 10”x10” heat plate. Here the heat plate is placed at a particular distance from the top and side handles. Also, the upper handle doesn’t heat up even after working for a long time. Another interesting thing is the automatic shut-off feature. If the machine doesn’t go under any usage for 10 minutes, it’ll automatically shut off.
Another reason we kept this product at the top is the multi-proposal usage. You can use the heat press both for ironing and sublimation as the machine heats up evenly on its surface. Additionally, you can use it to input photos or create custom designs on T-shirts, bags, pillows, and more.
Key Features and Specifications
- Made of iron, durable enough, and available in 6 different colors.
- Can be used for sublimation and ironing.
- Maximum temperature is 410°F/210°C.
- The automatic shut-off feature gets activated after 10 minutes.
- Digital display with accurate reading and good visibility.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ease of usage makes it perfect for beginners. | Doesn’t come with a heat pad. |
| Safe for working around kids and pets. | |
| Perfect for working with different types of projects. | |
| The automatic shut off feature saves energy |
NB: If you’ve set your mind to purchase this product, additionally, you’ll have to purchase Teflon sheets. However, if you’re not sure about which one is the best then we would recommend the PTFE Teflon Sheet. Remember it’s essential to pick the appropriate Teflon sheet to achieve the best result.
2. OFFNOVA Heat Press Machine (9″x9″) – Best for Even Heating
Here comes the runner-up, OFFNOVA Heat Press. We’ve mainly selected the product for the dual-tube heating feature that ensues evenly heating.
Why It’s a Good Alternative for Cricut?
Compared to regular Cricut brands like Cricut EasyPress Mini or Cricut EasyPress 2, this product works better in terms of heating. It uses the latest double-tube heating technology which creates a temp difference of only about 5℃ between the center and the edge. So, you’ll experience even more heating with this machine.
Now, let’s discuss some other excellent features of this heat press. First, we would love to mention the digital display. On the right side of the display, you’ll find 6 buttons. It’s very easy to set time and temperature and the display always shows accurate and precise reading.
If you’re thinking about what types of projects you can do with this product then good news for you. Having a 9“x9” heat plate, this product is versatile enough to meet various printing needs on different projects such as T-shirts, pillows, bags, mouse pads, and others.
Plus, this machine is highly compatible with sublimation transfers and all types of HTC such as foil, glitter, mosaic, Infusible Ink Paper, etc.
Compared to our top pick this product is clearly ahead in the safety feature. This one is also compatible with the automatic shot odd feature and here the inactivity time is 8 minutes (2 minutes less than the previous product).
It is also built with retardant ABS/PA materials and there is a built-in heat shield. These features ensure optimum safety and protection from unexpected burning. In addition to this, the heat press is equipped with a solid insulation base with standoff pads that are heat resistant. It’ll provide both good grip and keep your hand safe from heating.
At last, we’ll mention the maximum heating limit. You can reach up to up to 400℉/210°C in 5 minutes which is also quite impressive.
Key Features and Specifications
- Made of ABS/PA materials, ceramic coated heat plate, and comes in 2 different colors.
- The maximum temperature limit is 400℉/210°C.
- Auto shut-down feature activated in 8 minutes.
- Can reach the maximum temperature in 5 minutes.
- Integrated with a dual-tube heating feature more even heating
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You won’t experience vibration even after working for a long time. | The heat press isn’t capable of working with serigraph images |
| Built-in heat-resistant standoff pads provide better grip. | Doesn’t exceed any certification like FCC/UL |
| Great compatibility (With types of HTV and sublimation transfers) | |
| Great compatibility (With types of HTV and sublimation transfers) |
3. DODODUM Mini Heat Press Machine – Best for Students and Housewives
If you’re a craft enthusiast and don’t have a lot to invest then this is the ideal product for you. We picked this product because within $30 no brandy product is providing such premium features.
Why It’s a Good Alternative for Cricut?
DODODUM Mini Heat Press is comparable with the Cricut EasyPress Mini Heat Press. Both of the heat presses come with the same size but DODODUM is quite cheaper even having better features. For example, our chosen product is compatible with 4 different heat settings while the Cricut is compatible with 3 settings.
Now let’s discuss a bit more about its features. The mini heat press is made of vinyl and there is a built-in ceramic-coated dry heat plate. It helps to transfer heat more evenly.
We’ve already mentioned there are 4 different heat settings; Top temperature (400℉/205℃), High temperature (385℉/195℃), Medium temperature: 330℉/165℃), and Low temperature (285℉/140℃). So, the mini heat press will be ideal for versatile use.
Just because you get it at an affordable price doesn’t mean it lacks any safety features. Like the previous products, this one also comes with an automatic shut-off feature (10 mins inactivity). Aside from that, there is an insulated safety base that provides protection from burn. A 6.23 feet power cord is also integrated with the heater which is also UL certified.
Now, we’ll talk about its portability. The mini heat press is lightweight and easily portable. You’ll also get a canvas bag for carrying it. Storing the heat press is also no big hassle.
Finally, we would recommend that if you’re a student or housewife looking for an affordable heat press for small projects then this product is undoubtedly the best pick for you. The mini heat press is appropriate for transferring text and photos on clothing, mouse mats, t-shirts, bags, and some unusual projects like shoes, hats, stuffed animals, etc.
Key Features and Specifications
- Vinyl body, ceramic-coated heat plate, and comes in 3 color options.
- Insulated base for optimum protection from heat.
- Automatic shut-off features get activated after 10 mins of inactivity.
- 4 different temperature settings with 400℉ max temperature.
- Exceeds FCC certification and comes with a UL-certified 6.23-foot power cord.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Being lightweight the heat press is easy to carry and store. | Not suitable for professional usage |
| Comes with gifts like a spray bottle and a canvas bag. | Only works under 110-120V |
| Highly affordable and user-friendly. | |
| Perfect for heat transfer and small sublimation projects. |
2. Best Cricut Heat Press Alternatives – DIY Suggestions
If you’re not willing to purchase any heat press but want to get the job done, there are options for you. Read on this segment and figure it out.
1. Iron Machine
The most common alternative to the Cricut heat press is household iron. More or less almost everyone has an iron in the house. By using an iron instead of a heat press you can apply heat and pressure to transfer designs onto various fabrics at home. Iron is compatible with materials like polyester, cotton, nylon, denim, and other fabrics that are compatible with heat transfer logos.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to using iron instead of a heat press. Here the main benefit is iron is budget-friendly and most of the time we have it for household work. The next advantage of using iron is you don’t need to learn any additional procedure of using it. Finally, irons are easy to carry and available almost everywhere.
Now if you think about the disadvantages you’ll find even more drawbacks. First of all, this is not for professional use. Next, irons don’t provide even heat and the surface area of iron is smaller. So, the design won’t be sticky like a heat press and it may take you more time and effort.
2. Heat Gun
Another alternative to the Cricut heat press is the heat gun. You can use a heat gun instead of a heat press for applying HTV, especially for curved objects like mugs, jars, or round containers. And here the most interesting thing is you’ll need less time and effort. However, in the case of fabric/cloth, you’ll have to be extra careful while using a heat gun.
There are also some other risks of using a heat gun instead of a Cricut heat press. First, if you aren’t an experienced user and wrongly position the heat gun in a way that restricts airflow, there is a risk of burning due to overheating.
Next, heat guns aren’t suitable for use on clothes like t-shirts, mouse pads, etc. So, if you compare between an iron and a heat gun I would recommend iron.
FAQs
Do You Really Need A Heat Press For Cricut?
For Cricut projects using a heat press is the best option but there are also other options. You can also use an iron, heat gun, or hair dryer instead of a heat press. But for a professional finish and large projects, a heat press is essential.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have A Cricut Easypress Mat?
If you don’t have a Cricut Easypress mat you can use a towel, blacker, cardboard, or silicone baking mat.
Can I Use Regular Iron For Cricut?
Yes, you can use regular iron for Cricut but when it’s a long-term project it’s not recommended. Iron can’t distribute heat evenly and here the surface area is small. So, you might not get the exact outcome as heat presses and it will be time-consuming.
Is A Cricut Press Just An Iron?
No, a Cricut Press isn’t just an iron. Cricut Presses come with some significant advantages. For example, you can put even pressure using it and the temperature distribution is also even which is unlike iron.
Is Cricut Mini Press Worth It?
If you lack budget, and storage and you have to travel a lot carrying your heat press machine then a Cricut Mini Press is worth it for you.
How Do You Iron Vinyl Without A Cricut?
To iron vinyl without a Cricut you can use household iron. First, set the iron temp according to the vinyl material. Next, get a cloth or towel and place it over the fabric and vinyl to ensure
