Cricut EasyPress 2 vs. Heat Press – Which Is Better?

If you have been looking considering an EasyPress 2 or heat press but not sure which one is better or right for you then you’ll definitely want to read this post. 

If you’ve been following me for a while you know how much I love doing projects with my Cricut.  And you’ll find that most of those projects involve iron-on vinyl.  It’s my absolute favorite, I love how you can personalize everything from pillows to PJs. One thing is certain, creating those projects have come a long way since the launch of the EasyPress!  One of the questions I get asked all the time is if the EasyPress is really worth it or if it will work as well as a heat press.  

There are pros and cons to both the EasyPress 2 and a traditional heat press and today I’ll be sharing my thoughts and opinions on both to help you decide which is better for you.  

EasyPress 2

When Cricut released the EasyPress at their Mountain Make-a-thon in 2017 I was beyond excited.  Prior to that, I had been using an iron for all of my iron-on projects and the results were always hit or miss.  With the launch of the new EasyPress 2 things have gotten even better and I can safely say this little gadget has a permanent spot on my “must-have craft tools” list.  

Pros

• Now in 3 sizes. The EasyPress 2 comes in three sizes: 6″x7″, think Onesies, napkins, and party favors. The original 9″x9″, is ideal for t-shirts and tote bags.  And the 10″x12″ is for larger projects like pillows, blankets, and signs.
• Heats up fast.  The EasyPress 2 heats up faster and higher, it can reach up to 400 degrees, to achieve amazing, long-lasting results, in less than 2 minutes.  
• It’s easy to use. With just a few clicks of a button, enter time and temperature and press go, and it’s ready to go. 
• Lightweight and compact. It’s the ideal DIY tool because it is lightweight, portable and easy to store.  
• Super-safe. It has an insulated safety base that keeps the heat plate safe and protected and an auto-shutoff feature that turns it off after 10 minutes of inactivity.  I can’t tell you how many times I start a project and get interrupted and have to walk away, this feature is a must.
• Professional Results. It delivers fast foolproof results in 60 seconds or less, that will last wash after wash.
• Affordable. This tool combines the speed of a heat press and the convenience of an iron to deliver affordable, foolproof results that will stick even after repeated washes.

Cons

• No Pressure. You have to apply pressure to it. Unlike the heat press where you just press a button and pull down on a lever, with the EasyPress you do need to apply pressure to the project.
• Settings. It doesn’t remember temperature settings. however, Cricut does have an Interactive Quick Reference Guide on what temperatures and times to select for each type of material (cotton, polyester, leather, etc.). 

Heat Press

I recently had the opportunity to test the SHZOND 12″ x 15″ 5 in 1 Combo Heat Press so I could make an accurate comparison between the two products.  My initial reaction when this heat press arrived was shock.  I was shocked at how heavy it was and I was shocked that it didn’t come with a manual or instructions, but once I got over that initial shock I’ve been testing it out to see how it compares.  

Pros

• Easy to use. You set the temperature and time, close the clamshell, press a button and the heat press does all the work for you.
• Memory Settings. It remembers the settings you program, so when you turn on the heat press it will automatically heat up to the temperature you programmed.  This is especially helpful if you are consistently using the same type of materials and products. 
• Consistent Heat Distribution. Unlike the EasyPress 2, you don’t have to apply pressure to the project.  It evenly distributes heat and applies equal pressure on all surfaces. 
• Heavy Duty Design. This machine is solid, the heavy-duty design has longevity and is great for bulk projects.
• Fast and Reliable. Once heated most transfers are completed in 10-15 seconds with the heat press and the heat is evenly distributed.
• Professional. The combination of the heat and pressure definitely gives finished projects a more professional look, that will last longer and adhere better.

Cons

• Heavy. This was a beast to unbox and set up, and it’s heavy, like 50 lbs heavy. This machine is not portable and requires a dedicated space, which isn’t ideal when my workspace is often the kitchen table.
• Slow to Heat Up. A heat press typically takes 10-15 minutes to get to the ideal pressing temperature between 300-350 degrees.  The Easy press takes around 2-3 minutes.
• It’s Hot. Not only do the pads get hot but the whole machine gets hot. With a house full of kids safety is an issue, and I was worried that someone would get hurt.
• Limited Support. As I mentioned there was no manual and product information was scarce.  I didn’t find it to be very user-friendly and found myself frustrated during the process on more than one occasion.
• Storage.  It’s bulky and really needs a dedicated space because it’s so heavy and difficult to position.  The EasyPress 2 is much easier to store and is portable so you aren’t confined to one area.
• Limited Project Space. Anything bigger than 12″x15″ is hard to do because of the limited plate space.  With the EasyPress you have more flexibility to make large-scale projects.

So what’s the verdict?  Both are great options, it just depends on a few deciding factors.  The key things to look at are your usage and environment.  Do you have a dedicated space for your heat press or do you want flexibility with a more portable, easier to store option?  Will you be making multiple designs or larger orders for clients?  Or do you want to create custom shirts and decor for your family?

For me, the EasyPress 2 is the clear winner.  I need a compact, easy to store, reliable option to make crafts, holiday decor, and shirts for personal use.  While I don’t need the heavy duty professional option of a standard heat press I do want to produce quality results that I can’t get with an iron.

If you are on the fence about whether or not you need an EasyPress 2, I hope this review helps. 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.