The invention of new inks in the 1960s made the printing process more accessible, which propelled the popularity of graphic t-shirts at that time. The first printed T-shirt was an Air Force Rifle School T-shirt, which appeared on the cover of Life magazine in 1942. Over the years, technology has led to new inventions that have seen the emergence of new machines and printing methods.

In this review, we evaluate ten models that rank among the best t-shirt printing machines on the market. There are different types of machines in this industry, and the editor’s choice in this evaluation is a heat press version that has many features that promote functionality and efficiency. The Cricut EasyPress 2 is a versatile model that can be used for a variety of printing services. Using this model is simple and allows users, whether they are beginners or experienced, to achieve professional iron-on results in a minute or less. This brand features a hot plate design while the surface is covered with a ceramic coating. It allows temperature control up to two hundred and five degrees Celsius. Simply set the required time and temperature for your infusible ink or HTV to start printing amazing designs on your t-shirts and an assortment of other materials compatible with this model.

We focus on the key features of the ten brands we discuss here, including but not limited to power, voltage, temperature, hot plate size, duration and weight. This article consists of a comparison chart, a detailed review of each of the selected models, and a buying guide to help you learn more about t-shirt printing machines and their distinguishing features before purchasing.

The 10 best t-shirt printing machines

Cricut EasyPress 2 – T-Shirt Hot Press Machine

VIVOHOME 8 in 1 Combo Heat press transfer machine

This 5-in-1 F2C Pro heat press features a full rotation system that makes working more comfortable and saves you time while printing almost anything. The timer can run for up to 999 seconds. To get started, place the machine on a flat work surface and make sure you put enough pressure on the button designed to hold the machine in place to prevent the plate from shaking while you work.

The hot plate has dimensions of twelve by fifteen inches, and it has a non-stick surface, which enhances its functions as well as its aesthetic value. It also has a removable cradle made of improved aluminum alloy for cups, caps and pads. The power this machine needs to accomplish the various tasks it was designed for is one thousand two hundred watts and a voltage of one hundred ten. The temperature can be displayed in Celsius or Fahrenheit on the digital LED display. It varies from 32 to 430 °F, thus offering multiple possibilities as to the material on which to print.

F2C Pro 5 in 1 Combo Heat Press

This 5-in-1 F2C Pro heat press features a full rotation system that makes working more comfortable and saves you time while printing almost anything. The timer can run for up to 999 seconds. To get started, place the machine on a flat work surface and make sure you put enough pressure on the button designed to hold the machine in place to prevent the plate from shaking while you work.

The hot plate has dimensions of twelve by fifteen inches, and it has a non-stick surface, which enhances its functions as well as its aesthetic value. It also has a removable cradle made of improved aluminum alloy for cups, caps and pads. The power this machine needs to accomplish the various tasks it was designed for is one thousand two hundred watts and a voltage of one hundred ten. The temperature can be displayed in Celsius or Fahrenheit on the digital LED display. It varies from 32 to 430 °F, thus offering multiple possibilities as to the material on which to print.

Fancierstudio Power Heat Press

This model from Fancierstudio has undergone a series of improvements to make it the best t-shirt screen printing machine for home businesses. Modifications have been made to the hot plate to include a Teflon coating, which ensures sturdiness and efficiency when printing. In addition, the rubber base was glued. One thousand eight hundred watts are required, and 110 volts to operate this machine. The upward opening model that this brand offers makes it easy to work and save space when transferring designs onto t-shirts, bags, badges and an assortment of other items that can be branded using this machine.

The temperature ranges from 0 to 699°F, while the timer can run for 999 seconds. The temperature and time control is electronic, making this design professional and easy to use. The hot plate measures 15 inches by 15 inches and has a silicone gel base and Teflon coating. This model weighs 15 pounds and has a precise time setting and an adjustable pressure system, so you can use this quality t-shirt printing machine in a variety of ways.

Cricut Easy Press Mini

Cricut is among the leading manufacturers in this industry that have made a name for themselves by providing top quality products and some of the best starter t-shirt printing machines for all budget ranges. This miniature easy press model works with minimal power as it only requires one hundred and fifty watts to operate and one hundred and twenty volts. It weighs 1.5 pounds, making it a lightweight model that you can use smoothly and even move around with.

The manufacturer did not explicitly state the size of the hot plate, but from the imagery, you can tell that it is intended for small-scale designs. Two unique heating elements and the ceramic-coated surface allow you to make professional-level transfers with minimal fuss. Precise temperature control up to 400°F. Enter the suggested time for your HST and infusible ink project and transfer your designs to the shirt. Insulated base protects your work surface from damage. The auto shut-off feature turns off after ten minutes of inactivity, so you can stay safe in your workspace.
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Transfer Crafts T-Shirt Heat Press relies on high pressure and excessive heat to copy the design patterns onto the t-shirt. This model is the best t-shirt screen printing machine for home use, and it can also be used for light commercial work. For example, you can customize a t-shirt for your book club or puzzles for any social group you are a part of.

PlanetFlame Industrial

PlanetFlame Factory is one of the leading manufacturers of heat presses, heat transfer materials, and other transfer parts, and this model from them has been recognized in the market since its release. The size of the hot plate is 15 by 15 inches, so you can work stress-free on a variety of projects. The plate is coated with Teflon, which is safe for fabric, easy to store, and greatly enhances the beauty of this model. The base material used for the plate is aluminum, which, combined with the coating, allows for even heat distribution.

This machine can be used for a variety of printing jobs, including t-shirts, bags and puzzles, among others. The temperature ranges from 0 to 750 ℉ while the duration is between 0 and 999 seconds. The power requirement is 1300 W, while the source voltage should be 110 V. The built-in fuse guarantees your safety while using this machine. No assembly is required, as the manufacturers deliver the device with it already in place.

SUNCOOHeat heat transfer machine

If you are looking for the best five color t-shirt screen printing machine, then this may be the model you are looking for. This 8-in-1 heat press machine can transfer colorful images and characters onto five different items. This machine has five models that allow you to print on t-shirts, baseball caps, hats, mugs, plates and bags. The pressure control handle improves performance and saves labor, which means you can use this machine for commercial purposes.

Reviews indicate that this model is among the best digital t-shirt printing machines, well-designed and capable of handling a consistent workflow. The built-in LED display allows you to set the time and temperature you need and control them, making this model easy to use. The temperature range is from 33 to 482 ℉, while the timer allows you to set the time from 0 to 999 seconds. These ranges allow for customization of different printed products. The hot plate measures 15 by 15 inches while the power requirement is 1200W. The seller did not indicate the voltage for this model, which weighs 49 pounds.

PowerPress Hot Press Machine for T-Shirt

This power press creation is designed with safety measures that ensure your protection, as well as that of your workspace. The replaceable fuse built into the design protects the machine from overheating and any other electrical faults that may occur during its use. It has an LCD control panel that allows full digital optimization of temperature and time functions. The temperature range allowed by this model is between 32 and 455 ℉ while the timer can be set for 0 to 999 seconds.

The printing area is 15 by 15 inches, and the base is made of silicone gel. The hot plate is harmless to clothing as it is coated with Teflon. This coating is easy to clean and adds to the appeal of this piece. The power required to operate this machine is 1400W while the voltage should be one hundred and ten. The pressure can be adjusted accordingly to give the desired results. This t-shirt printing machine weighs 48 pounds and does not take up much space in the home or office.

Mophorn Heat Press 15×15 Inch 5pcs

When using this product, safety is guaranteed as it has a swivel design, which allows the arm to rotate three hundred and sixty degrees. This arrangement allows you to remove the heating element more easily without causing accidents or damage. The large print area, which has dimensions of 15 by 15, allows you to work on a series of parts without any problems. The optimal temperature range is between 32 and 430 ℉. The LED controller allows you to painlessly set the temperature you want to work with.

The timer allows you to preset the amount you want the machine to run during printing. This machine can be used in many applications: t-shirts, caps, mugs, coasters and fabrics, among others. The tool can create colorful designs on any item it can print. This model comes with five attachments that allow you to perform the various functions that this t-shirt printing machine is designed to provide. The bottom platform is removable, which allows for easy cleaning.

features a timer; LED controller; Teflon-coated platen press element; removable bottom platform
Why do you need a t-shirt printing machine?

There are many reasons why you might want to buy a t-shirt printing machine, but the most obvious is that it allows you to print your t-shirts in the comfort of your own home. There are many other reasons why you might need such a machine. We take a look at these reasons and some of the benefits you get when you purchase one of the models available on the market.

Fast printing – when you own a t-shirt printing machine, you can produce the pieces you need as soon as you start working. You are able to plan your time and deliver the results you want, because all the factors necessary for fast control are in your hands.

Superior quality – printing your t-shirts and other items allows you to choose the best variety of raw materials needed. Whether for personal use or for professional services, you can decide on the superiority of the printed merchandise, and thus get the desired results.

Easily available – when you own a t-shirt printing machine, you can choose to print what you want at any time. This gives you flexibility and freedom to decide when you want to have your t-shirt printed. In addition, you can process the projects in a very short time after you are informed about them, as you have the tools to do so.

Features to consider before buying a t-shirt printing machine
There are many elements that combine to make the best t-shirt printing machines on the market. Knowing these elements and their importance in the machine is paramount if you want to get the most out of your purchase. There are some vital elements that you need to pay attention to when you are only interested in a t-shirt printing machine.

Size of the hot plate
The size of the hot plate is the printing area, and it determines how much coverage you can work with. Some models are designed for t-shirts and other small items, while others are perfect for printing large areas. Assess your needs and the size of the t-shirts you are likely to print before purchasing a t-shirt printing machine.

Power
T-Shirt printing machines depend on electrical power for normal operation. Knowing how much power a printer consumes is crucial to estimating the cost to the business. In addition, knowing how much power it needs allows you to assess the power supply in your home or workplace to determine if it is sufficient to run the machines on a daily basis. Some machines run on high power, such as the Fancierstudio Power heat press, which runs on 1800W of power. The larger the machine, the more power it requires. Not all models require high power; some brands, such as the Cricut Easy Press Mini, require low power as it only needs 150 W for trouble-free operation.

Voltage
Most, if not all, electrical machines operate on 110 or 120 volts, and this is the case for most home printers intended for small-scale home and commercial use.

Temperatures
Transferring graphic designs onto T-shirts requires a certain amount of heat to operate. To achieve the desired results, the temperature must be set correctly. You need to know how to identify the temperature range of the heat-pressed material. This information is essential to prevent the fabric from being damaged by excessive heat during the printing process. Using low heat also adversely affects the material and the printing process, so the temperature must be correct. Also check the manufacturer’s heat settings to make sure the range you choose is appropriate. Some machines display the temperature in Celsius, others in Fahrenheit, while others provide both readings, and the VIVOHOME 8-in-1 thermal press transfer machine is the perfect example.