The definition, the best clamshell heat press has different meanings depending on your needs and price. Whether you are a hobbyist, home or small business you probably have different requirements and budget in mind.
The definition, the best clamshell heat press has different meanings depending on your needs and price. Whether you are a hobbyist, home or small business you probably have different requirements and budget in mind.We aim here to cover best entry-level clamshell heat press, some mid-range as well as high-end presses that are suitable for pressing t-shirts, pillows, onesies and other flat items. If you are looking to press hats, cups, mugs or plates then check out our other article on multifunction heat presses.
Best Entry Level Clamshell Heat Presses
For hobbyists and small business users, you are most likely looking for a cheap entry point to heat transfer and making t-shirts. We have a number of recommendations for you to suit your budget and startup needs.
US Cutter 15″x15″ Heat Press bundle
If you are starting out then the US Cutter is a wonderful deal to get you pressing right out of the box. The heat press comes with two sheets of heat transfer vinyl (HTV) as well as two t-shirts and a non-stick Teflon sheet to protect your shirts and design as you press. US Cutter provides US-based support and has a great following. They also sell vinyl and other higher end presses including auto open presses and multifunction presses. As their lower end starter press, this represents the best value deal and a thumbs up from us.
USCutter 15″x15″ Digital Heat Press Machine, T-Shirts, Vinyl, Non Stick Sheet (Starter Bundle)
Includes: Digital Heat Press, 2 Tshirts, 5 Sheets Siser EasyWeed Vinyl, Non-stick Sheet
Large Digital LCD Display - Preset desired time and temperature control for precise operation
Heavy Duty - stable and supported by rigid steel frame which is built to last
Price: $298.00
FancierStudio 15″x15″ Heat Press
This is probably the lowest price entry point for those looking for a clamshell heat press. For around $150 right now you cannot find a better deal on a 15″x15″ heat press. Cheaper presses from this price point and down are 12″x15″ heat platens which, while they work fine, they may present issues if you want to press larger garments or designs – you will have to double press. The FancierStudio press is a sturdy build, well reviewed and popular press in the crafting groups online. If you are on an absolute budget then this is THE press for you.
Fancierstudio Power Heat press Digital Heat Press 15 x 15 Sublimation Heat Press Rhinestone Heat Press T-Shirt Heat Press 15×15 B/BLK
Brand new 15-by-15-inch heat press sheet included
Voltage: 110 volts; Power: 1800 watts
Temperature Range: 0-699 degrees F; Time Range:0-999 s
Price: $179.99
Powerpress 15″x15″ Heat Press
This quality-wise is a step up from the press above and from personal experience, it is a fantastic press. If you are in the craft groups on Facebook both for Cricut and Silhouette, this is the most recommended heat press by far. To add to its accolades it is Amazon’s best selling heat press with solid reviews and ratings. It is a close call between this press and the US Cutter press, the latter probably wins out based on the local US support and bundle options which are a huge plus if you are just starting out.
US Cutter 15×15 Volcano Clamshell Heat Press with optional Mug Press
This is a little more expensive than the above models but it differs in one important area. The US Cutter Volcano press is a regular clamshell BUT it has an additional hookup for an optional mug press attachment. This gives you more flexibility to make cups but retains the solid construction of a clamshell. The optional mug press attachment costs an additional $79.99. US Cutter offers US-based support. Seriously check this press out if you plan to make more than shirts. It is feasible that US Cutter could release an optional hat press too.
USCutter New 15″ x 15″ Volcano Digital Clamshell Heat Press with Optional Mug Press Attachment
VOLCANO Clamshell Heat Press w/optional mug press attachment
Large bright digital LCD display with quality electronics
Heavy-duty rigid steel frame and aluminum body
Price: $299.99
Best Midrange Clamshell Heat Presses
These heat presses offer more functionality like auto open and larger heat platens as well as local US support from companies like US Cutter and Hotronix.
US Cutter Auto Open 15″x15″ Clamshell Heat Press
This is a heavy duty commercial grade heat press. Unlike the manual heat presses, this clamshell will automatically open the press once the timer goes off. If you are busy working large orders this function is a huge plus as you can set and forget your press and it will release ready for the next shirt while you multitask and concentrate on getting the next shirt ready. This auto open heat press will streamline your pressing process. Like the entry-level model above the auto open press comes with 6 sheets of heat transfer vinyl (HTV).
15″ x 15″ Auto-Opening Clamshell Heat Press + Color Theory Glitter Heat Transfer Vinyl Kit
15"x15" Auto-Opening Clamshell Digital Heat Press
Large Digital LCD timer - Preset desired time to help avoid over exposure
Easy to access control knob for controlling pressure
Price: $349.99
Powerpress 16″ x 24″ Clamshell Heat Press
If you are into making larger designs and want to press XXL and larger shirts, pillowcases, sheets, milestone blankets then this is the press for you. Offering a huge 16″x24″ heat platen you will be able to press designs that max out your Cricut or Cameo’s design limits!
ePhotoInc Heat Press 16 X 24 Large Heat Press Sublimation Heat Press T Shirt Heat Press Machine Screen Printing Transfer Machine
Temperature Range:0-500?F
Worktable Size:16"x24"
Voltage:110V Power:1800W
Price:
Hotronix Maxx 15″x15″ Clamshell Heat Press
This is a big step up in price but also performance. The Hotronix presses are heavy duty commercial grade presses. The Maxx features superior heating elements which ensure that you have consistent and accurate temperatures across your heat plate with no cold spots or variance. The price jump between these presses and the other midrange is high but this is due to a much superior product with fantastic local support. If you are getting into the business and wanting to invest in a heat press that will last through the years with consistent professional results this is the starter press for you!
Hotronix Maxx Digital Heat Press – 15″ X 15″
Cast-in tubular heating element every 2?(5cm), eliminating cold spots
3/4? (2cm) thick, non-stick upper platen - 3/8? (1cm) Silicone rubber bottom pad
Temperature range 200?F - 400?F
Price: $1,000.00
Best High-End Clamshell Heat Presses
These are the presses if money is not an issue and you want the best presses in the industry with commercial grade build quality and longevity. These presses are a business investment that will provide consistent professional results day in day out and have local US support should you have issues with your press.
Hotronix 16″x16″ Auto Open Clamshell Heat Press
This commercial-grade heat press offers a larger 16″x16″ heat platen with magnetic auto-opening. The timer resets when the press auto-opens ready for the next item to help streamline your pressing process. The Hotronix features digital time, temperature and pressure controls, Twin TimerTM for programming two independent time settings, Auto Sleep Mode as well as magnetic assist lock-down. This press also has a wider opening to help you lay down your design without getting caught on the heat element. The heat plate is also Teflon coated for protection.
Hotronix 16×16″ Heat Press Auto Open MADE IN USA – Heat Transfer Press Machine Built To Last!
Features 16’x16 Heat Platen Magnetic auto-opening Time resets when the press auto-opens Digital time, temperature and pressure controls Twin TimerTM for programming two independent time settings Auto Sleep Mode Magnetic assist lock-down Accepts items up to 1″ thick Leveraged handle for very easy closing Teflon coated upper heat platen Wide opening for easy layout Quick […]
Price: $1,400.00
Hotronix Fusion 16″x20″ Heat Press
Now we are into serious presses. These are actually swing away not clamshells but are the top of the line heat presses. They offer touch screen control of temperature, time and pressure. The Teflon coated heat platen swings away from the plate and additionally, the tray slides towards you so you can better place your design away from the heat source. You can program your heat, pressure and time preferences into memory on this press so you can switch between settings quickly and reliably press using the correct temperature and time every time! The Maxx also features auto-off functionality.
Hotronix Fusion 16″x20″ Heat Press Swing-Away MADE IN USA – Heat Transfer Press Machine Built To Last!
Features 16″x20″ Heat Platen opens w/Swing or Draw Motion Exclusive touch screen technology Live digital time, temperature & pressure readout Innovative EZ-On platen design eliminates the need for pillows or pads Special cast aluminum frame Multiple time settings make applications a breeze Program & store (unlimited) frequently used applications for time & temp. Records number […]
Price: $2,250.00
Hotronix Fusion Air 16″x20″ Heat Press
As with the press above you have the touch screen control, multiple programmable settings, swing away, slide out drawer functionality. The difference with the Fusion Air is that it comes in a tabletop format and features auto open.
Hotronix Air Fusion 16″x20″ Heat Press Swing-Away Table Top MADE IN USA – Heat Transfer Press Machine Built To Last!
Features 16″x20: Heat Platen Exclusive touch screen controller with new multi-swipe gestures Data interface port for software upgrades Fully digital time, temperature & pressure readouts Automatic on/off setting Multiple time and pressure settings for mixed media makes applications a breeze Electro Pneumatic regulator that auto adjusts pressure for all recipes Hands Free Auto Open, Auto […]
Price: $4,000.00
The Hotronix presses have the best warranties:
Lifetime Heating Element Warranty
5-year warranty on major components
2-year warranty on circuitry board
1-year warranty on parts and labor
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i have read a lot on facebook groups about the less expensive presses exploding or catching on fire. my first press is a small one i got from amazon and its been a great little machine. Is there any truth to these claims that the amazon ones tend to malfunction and even catch fire? I am not interested in getting a 15×15 and am considering buying from pro-world or hpn.
There have been some isloated incidents reported in the crafting groups of presses that have shorted out. I am not sure of the brands that experienced the issues. It is possible that they were either poorly made chinese presses or that something came loose in shipping. Either way it was most unfortunate but these are high draw electrical items, there is always a possibility for a fault like with any manufactured product, the incidents are rare but make the news because the impact is great and people share.
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