5 Best Swing Away Heat Press Machines – Reviews and Buying Guide

By
Marilyn Grant
Marilyn Grant
Writer
Marilyn knows how to present the dullest topic in an interesting and easy-to-read way. When she’s not teaching English Literature at a local school or writing for our site read more
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Reviewed By
Julie Flores
Julie Flores
Expert Consultant
Julie owns a shop specializing in sewing equipment and accessories. No wonder she knows everything when it comes to technical specifications of practically anything we revie read more
Last updated: August 09, 2023
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There are hundreds of swing-away heat presses designed with the needs of different users. We have models that produce great designs on T-shirts, sweatpants, mugs, plates and many more materials. So, whether you want to make your prints for fun or business, you must factor in some features during your selection process to get the right model. And that’s why we created this masterpiece.

Our team chose the best products online and based the selection on the products to be printed, size of the printing area, temperature and time range, among others. You should go for a swing-away heat press with multiple functionalities if you want to print different materials like cups, plates, mugs, etc. Your room’s size affects the size of the machine you should pick. If it’s compact, look for a small-sized heated press and vice versa. Based on all these characteristics, the Vivohome Heat Press became the Editor’s Choice.

Quick Summary

  • Editor's Choice: Vivohome Heat Press
    "A 5-in-1 heat press with a large LCD screen display and a double heating tube design. 15” x 12”. 360-degree rotation. 800W."
  • Best for Beginners: ePhotoInc T-shirt Heat Press
    "A 9” x 12” heat press machine with electronic time and heat control. Teflon-coated aluminum heat platen. 0 – 500°F. 1200W."
  • "A 12” x 10” heat press with digital LCD timer and temperature control. 0399℉. Audible alarm. 360-degree rotation."
  • Easiest to Use: TUSY Pro Heat Press Machine
    "A 5-in-1 heat press with 15” x 15” Teflon coated platen, a large LCD screen display and a silicone pad. Precise digital control. 1100W. Non-slip rubber handle."
  • Best Multi-Functional: Seeutek Heat Press
    "A 5-in-1 heat press machine with two Teflon sheets, a heat-resistant Teflon cover, and an upgraded press-cast aluminum heating plate. 15” x 15”. 0-482℉. Non-slip rubber handle."

5 Best Swing-Away Heat Press Machines Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3664 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.8
1
Editor's Choice

Vivohome Heat Press

Features
  • Size: 15” x 12”
  • Temperature: n/a
  • Time: n/a
  • Wattage: 800W
  • Voltage: 110V

Other features: 5 in 1, 360-degree rotation, LCD screen display, double heating tube

As the name suggests, the VIVOHOME 5 in 1 Heat Press comes with a 5 in 1 set. You can use it to apply numbers and images onto your shirts, ceramic plates, puzzles, mouse pads. T-shirts, and on other miscellaneous fabrics. You’ll switch easily between the three modes to design unique products.

There is a large LCD screen display with silicone buttons that are easy to press and operate. The manufacturer indicates you’ll have to press a button at a time to get started.

Experts add that VIVOHOME Heat Press has a double heating tube design for better heating to make quality prints. Unlike most heating presses with ten or more degrees of temperature differences between the edge and center, VIVOHOME Heat Press has five.

Another good thing is that its surface doesn’t get too hot, making it safe to use. Even if you set 200 degrees as your working temperature, the surface remains 50 to 70 degrees, which can cause minor burns, unlike other surfaces that attain 70 to 100 degrees.

    What makes it special?
  • VIVOHOME 5 in 1 Heat Press is designed from durable steel frames.
  • Keep in mind that its 15 X 12 working area is spacious enough to accommodate several items you want to print.
  • Overall, this press comes fully assembled and ready to use. You'll only have to place it on a flat surface and start printing your materials.
    What cons did we find?
  • Customers complained that the cup press is poorly made. Others said that the hat attachment is not good.
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4667 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.3
2
Best for Beginners

ePhotoInc T-shirt Heat Press

Features
  • Size: 9” x 12”
  • Temperature: 0 – 500°F
  • Time: 0-999 seconds
  • Wattage: 1200W
  • Voltage: 110V

Other features: teflon-coated aluminum heat platen, electronic time and heat control

With a 9 x 12 printing area, the ePhotoInc Swing-away Heat Press comes fully equipped with the latest equipment like LCD for showing the temperature and time, aluminum heat platen that is Teflon coated, and many more.

Experts say its temperature and the time reach up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and 999 seconds, respectively. You can tweak the settings to meet your demand and get consistent results during printing but expect to take some time to understand the settings.

The manufacturer highlights that this heat press relies on heavy pressure and high heat to transfer the custom prints. You’ll also adjust the pressure easily with the pressure knob.

Overall, you can use ePhotoInc Swing-away Heat Press for home, industrial and professional use to design your bags, mouse mats, ceramic tiles, jigsaw puzzles, and plates, among others. You’ll hear a sound signal every time your transfer is done.

    What makes it special?
  • This machine comes fully assembled and ready to use.
  • You'll find a Teflon sheet, so you don't have to order one. Well, its silicone heat press can withstand high temperatures of up to 500 degrees without distorting.
  • Though some users say its printing size is small, we feel it’s perfect for beginners.
    What cons did we find?
  • ePhotoInc Swing-away Heat Press needs a lot of space for its top to swing away. Some customers complained that the handle is very flimsy and can break if you're not careful enough.
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8522 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.1
Features
  • Size: 12” x 10”
  • Temperature: 0399℉
  • Time: 0-999 seconds
  • Wattage: n/a
  • Voltage: n/a

Other features: digital LCD timer and temperature control, audible alarm, 360-degree rotation

The Super Deal PRO Swing-away Heat Press is your go-to machine if you prefer one that works well for making art and crafts on shirts for home or industrial purposes. You can also use it to transfer numbers, images, letters on your ceramic tiles, plates, mouse mats, garments, bags, and other flat surfaced items.

Like several heat presses, it has a digital LCD timer for presenting your desired temperature and time. You’ll hear an alarm when the time is complete. And experts add that this helps to avoid overexposure. You can also adjust the pressure to match the thickness of the material you’re transferring the print to.

It’s worth noting that the Super Deal Pro’s handle is well-positioned and spaced for even pressure distribution across your platen. Another great thing is the surface is non-stick.

    What makes it special?
  • As the manufacturer indicates, we feel Super Deal PRO is suitable for everyday and long-term use. It's designed from a durable steel welded framework that is scratch-resistant.
  • This machine is also lightweight and compact, making it ideal for homes and offices with limited space. And unlike its predecessors, it has upgraded structural support to enhance the flatness.
    What cons did we find?
  • One user complained that Super Deal PRO Swing-away Heat Press is prone to sparks and explosions.
  • Yes, it's also easy to use, but some customers feel the quality is low. Others say it's much smaller than the size.
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4414 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
8.9
4
Features
  • Size: 15” x 15”
  • Temperature: 32-482℉
  • Time: 0-999 seconds
  • Wattage: 1100W
  • Voltage: 110V

Other features: 5 in 1, 360-degree rotation, teflon-coated platen, non-slip rubber handle, precise digital control

You want to create custom T-shirts, plates, cups, and many more for home, industrial, and professional use?

If so, consider checking out the Tusy Pro 5-in-1 Heat Press Machine.

The five elements it comes with include a mug press sublimation, heat press, and plate press 1 and 2. And that makes it great for creating custom prints on mugs, hats, cups, plates, banners, sweatshirts, blankets, and many more.

The machine surface is covered by Teflon coated platen to safeguard your vinyl from burns. You also won’t have to get a separate Teflon/silicone sheet.

This heat press also has multiple springs connected with the two handles on the platen and the non-slip rubber handle for balancing the pressure to enjoy better pressing. The best part is the thickened sponge and silicone pad enhance pressing due to their excellent elasticity.

We saw that its 15 x 15 surface blends with several flat surfaces for you to design your custom prints.

Well, the Pro 5 in 1 Tusy Heat Press Machine is safe to use thanks to its 360 degrees rotation of the arm feature. You can always push its heating element aside when not in use.

With the large LCD screen display, you’ll enjoy setting your pressing time and temperature.

    What are our favorite features?
  • This machine is wonderfully made and easy to use. And we feel its value matches the price.
    What could be better?
  • Customer complained that its press arm is too heavy. There are no rubber feet so expect this machine to slide off easily when swinging the platen.
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4962 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.4
8.8
5
Best Multi-Functional

Seeutek Heat Press

Features
  • Size: 15” x 15”
  • Temperature: 0-482℉ (0-250℃)
  • Time: 0-999 seconds
  • Wattage: n/a
  • Voltage: 110V

Other features: 5 in 1, upgrade aluminum heating plate with Teflon coating, two Teflon sheets, full 360-degree rotation

Seeutek Heat Press comes with two Teflon sheets, a heat-resistant Teflon cover, and an upgraded press-cast aluminum heating plate with Teflon coating to safeguard your clothes and vinyl from burns.

This heat press has an innovative tech for fast conversion between the plate and hat pressing pad and the cup. With its non-slip rubber, you’ll grip the handle with ease.

We found other features like the 5 in 1 heat transfer capabilities, swing-away design, and 360 degrees rotation to reduce accidents.

Well, its temperature ranges from 0 to 250 degrees Celsius. And with the digital control box, you’ll tweak it to meet your demands.

It’s also worth noting that Seeutek Heat Press stops heating immediately after it has attained the preset temperature, so you’ll have to choose the preset time and wait for the sound alarm.

Overall, the Seeutek Heat Press also comes with a full range pressure. You can adjust it according to the thickness of your material via the adjustment knob.

    What makes it stand out?
  • You can use this device on ceramic plates, tiles, mouse pads, jigsaw puzzles, caps, mugs, etc.
  • The lower platform is detachable for you to switch the elements. The silicone and cotton pad are also removable. Also, one user confirms this machine is really easy to use.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Some users complained that it's prone to smoking. Others said the design needs improvement.

Things to Consider

Swing-away heat presses are good for anyone who wants to create custom prints on different materials like shirts, cups, plates, etc., as a hobby or profession.
But the problem is always getting the right one that does the job well. That’s why we made this buying guide to help you make your selection pain-free.
We will cover what a swing-away heat press is and the features to look into when making your selection.

What is a swing-away heat press?

It’s an easy-to-use machine with a heating element that rises upwards and above the platen. You’ll swing-away the press from the heating area. And thanks to its design, you’ll get more space to transfer the design to your vinyl.

Experts add that most swing-away presses have heating elements that can adjust to materials with varying thicknesses.

Things to consider when choosing the best swing-away heat press machine

5 Best Swing Away Heat Press Machines - Reviews and Buying Guide

There are lots of swing-away heat presses in the market, so it’s kind of impossible to know the right one for you without the right guidance.

Well, the most important step to landing a good heat press is looking into some specific features.

And in this section, we will discuss the main ones like the products being printed, size, temperature, and time range, among others.

The product being printed

So, you’re planning to create custom prints on shirts, cups, plates, T-shirts, or all. Well, that will determine the type of heat press you should be targeting.

If you want to make several designs, you’re better off with a heat press with a 5 in 1 option like Tusy Heat Press Machine or Seeutek Heat Press.

But if you want to print on a specific fabric, say T-shirt, get a heat press that is designed for printing T-shirts.

Overall, we feel that the more options your heat has, the better. You never know when you’ll need the other functionalities.

Size

Your work area determines the size of the swing-away heat press you should target. For instance, if your office or home’s space is limited, buy a heat press for limited spaces like the Super Deal Pro.

Also, if you need more space to swing the arm, ensure your rooms are spacious enough. Experts add that you should also consider the size of the heating area. And it’s no brainer that it’s advantageous to get a machine with a bigger heating area.

Temperature

The temperature ranges of different machines vary to meet the needs of all users, from people who print as a hobby and profession.

If you prefer to print your stuff for fun, pick a heat press with low-temperature ranges but if you do it professionally, get one with a high range to distinguish yourself from the competition.

Different garments also need unique temperature ranges. Your machine should offer a high range if you are printing materials like hoodies and sweatshirts. Of course, to print light items like T-shirts, models with up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit work well.

Time range

Depending on your preferences, you can buy a swing-away heat press with a timer or not. The majority of the models have time 0 to 999-second time ranges that will customize through their LCD screens.

And our swing-away heat presses like the TUSY Pro Heat Press Machine, ePhotoInc T-shirt Heat Press and Super Deal PRO Digital Heat Press have 0-999 second time range.

Heat Platen

You should pay more attention to the heating platen if you’ll use your swing-away heat press for industrial or professional use. We have models with one or more platens.

If you want to print more materials, get a swing-away heat press with a double platten. You’ll bulk every time you receive several orders from your customers. Also, if you’ll be printing as a hobby, look for a sizable platen.

Adjustable force and pressure knobs

Remember, the amount of pressure you’ll use to make prints on T-shirts isn’t the same with sweat pants and other garments. That’s why it’s important to factor in if you can adjust the force before buying any swing-away heat press.

Experts say the pressure knobs come in handy for adjusting the pressure, especially if your machine has a full-range pressure like the Seeutek Heat Press.

You’ll adjust the pressure according to your material’s thickness. Our other machines with adjustable pressure include the Tusy Pro Heat Press Machine and the ePhotoInc Swing-away Heat Press.

Monitors

Monitors are very important for adjusting the time and temperature controls. You’ll tweak the settings according to your needs with the buttons.

Of course, you might take time to comprehend the monitor’s controls. Experts mention that some monitors have alert systems. They will instantly open your machine after your work is done.

Overall, look for a machine with a large LCD screen like Super Deal PRO Swing-away Heat Press and VIVOHOME 5 in 1 Heat Press.

Warranty

5 Best Swing Away Heat Press Machines - Reviews and Buying Guide

Swing-away heat press is like any other electrical device. You can get a defective model, or yours can be damaged during the delivery, and you’ll have every reason to ask for a replacement or repair.

Like most machines, swing-away heat presses have varying warranties depending on the manufacturer.

We have some with a one-year limited warranty and others with up to three- or five-year warranty.

FAQ

How much space do I need for a swing-away heat press?

They don’t take up too much space. The amount of space they need can be compared to a big microwave.

Which is a better clamshell or swing-away heat press?

Both clamshell and swing-away heat press work well but the best one depends on your needs and preferences.

Clamshell machines work well for areas with limited spaces due to their compact designs. However, we recommend going for swing-away heat presses since they’re safer to use than clamshell.

Our verdict

It’s easy to pick the best swing-away heat press if you look into the right features above. Also, you’ll have to consider if a machine matches your budget before investing. Overall, we’ve given you everything you need to pick the right one.

The Vivohome 5 in 1 Heat Press is our first pick. It has a good heating area that accommodates multiple items you’ll be printing. Also, this machine comes fully assembled and ready to use.

The ePhotoInc T-shirt Heat Press is our second pick. It’s well-designed and easy to use, becoming the best swing away heat press machine for beginners.

Finally, our team chose the Super Deal PRO Digital Heat Press as the third pick. As it features a 12” x 10” heat press with digital LCD timer and temperature control.

9,8
Total Score
Vivohome Heat Press - Editor's Choice
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