Best Hat Heat Press Machine For Home and Business Use

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Hat heat presses come in handy in pressing our favorite designs on our favorite gear. They have been around for decades, and unlike the standard heat presses, the best hat heat press machines have a curved design to promote quality in the design transfer.

As a business owner, you want to get a high-quality hat press machine that can handle large-scale orders. With a wide range of hat press machines in the market today, it can be challenging to find the best one that perfectly matches your needs and preferences.

To make your search easier, we have rounded up a review of the five best hat press machines available in the market today, their pros and cons, as well as the major factors one should consider before buying the best heat press machine.

5 Best Hat Heat Press Machines

1. Mophorn Hat Press Machine 3.5X5.9 Inch

VEVOR Hat Press Machine 3.5X5.9 Inch Cap Press Heat...
  • This cap hat heat press is exquisite in appearance and fine in...
  • The aluminum heating plate is made of high-quality rugged...
  • The digital LCD timer can preset the required time, and an...
  • The curved heating element is perfectly transferred to all types...
  • Clamshell design is used on the cap heat press machine. The...

The Mophorn Hat Press Machine 3.5X5.9 Inch is one of the best heat press machines designed for a heat printing business that doesn't have high commercial production. It is a good quality machine that offers great quality graphic transfers and saves on space. The curved element measures 3.5” x 5.9” which can handle a wide range of hats, including baseball caps.

One of the best features of the Morphon heat press machine is a clamshell heat press design that will not only save your space but will also offer protection by pushing the heating element away from where you're working from. You won't need any excessive force to operate the machine because the action is smooth.

This hat heat press machine has a service life of 12000 hours, which means you will be provided with 1.5 years of usage, assuming the standard work hours are 8000 a year. You are also given the chance of making adjustments to the pressure, time, and temperature, and one can see the setting clearly on the LCD display.

It has a power consumption rated at 350W and a temperature range of up to 300° C (about 572° F). The handle is coated to protect you from injuries and also give you a firm grip.

Pros:

  • Durable and great quality
  • LCD display and touchpad control
  • Easy to use
  • Compact size
  • Reasonable price
  • User-friendly clamshell
  • Multiple applications

Cons:

  • Medium heat

2. VEVOR Heat Press 6x3.75Inch Curved Element

VEVOR Heat Press 6x3.75Inch Curved Element Hat Press...
  • Aluminum Heating Plate: This clamshell heating plate is designed...
  • Digital Timer and Temp Control: A LCD regulator helps users set...
  • User-friendly Clamshell: The space-saving design provides plenty...
  • Easy to Use: The ergonomic foam parallel arm handle reduces the...
  • Various Printing: This heat press machine can transfer numbers...

Vevor is one of the popular brands that manufacture heat press machines, and Vevor Heat Press 6x3.75Inch Curved Element is one of the best ones. It features a clamshell design that means you won't need a lot of desktop space. The aluminum heating plate ensures that you get a great service life rated at 12000 hours.

It comes with an LCD screen that enables you to set the temperature and duration, as well as a pressure knob to adjust the pressure. The machine features a temperature range of up to 300° C (about 572° F), and the power consumption is at 350W. The temperature range is enough to ensure a smooth end result and a quality ink transfer.

As one of the good quality and best heat press machines, it features a parallel arm handle with an ergonomic foam grip to ensure comfortability and reduce the handle flex when closing or opening this cap press machine. It is also has a heavy-duty steel frame that ensures stability and durability.

Pros:

  • Durable and stable
  • Easy to use
  • Comfortable handle
  • Great temperature
  • Touchpad control and LCD display
  • Two curved elements included

Cons:

  • It may not fit all hats

3. Hotronix Cap Heat Press Auto Open

Hotronix Cap Heat Press Auto Open MADE IN USA - Heat...
  • Cap Heat Press with a Space-Saving Clam Shell Design!
  • Warranty: Heating Block: Lifetime | Casting and Welds: 5 Years |...
  • UL/ULC/CE/ROHS Approved
  • Made in USA

For business owners who have medium to large-sized orders, the Hotronix Cap Heat Press Auto Open Machine will come in handy. It features a clamshell design to securely accommodate the hat or cap and create a smooth surface. It can also lock down easily, which means less hassle.

This device allows users to set the temperature and time beforehand, saving a lot of time and giving consistent readings. It also comes with an auto-open feature that prevents the over-application of caps and hats, making it an excellent choice for many users.

Another great feature is the Under-the-Center Pressure Adjustment, which, when used correctly, can lead to even images on every small substrate. The tool requires a dedicated circuit breaker during installation. It also comes with an impressive warranty that provides more value.

Pros:

  • Auto-open technology
  • Easy to lockdown
  • Saves space
  • Convenient twin timer
  • Results into a beautiful and smooth surface
  • Even printing
  • Great warranty

Cons:

  • Pricey
  • You may need a circuit breaker for installation

4. Siser Digital Cap Press

Siser Digital Cap Heat Press
  • Siser's Recommended Cap Press for use with their Entire Heat...
  • Additional Platens for Various Size Hats Sold Separately, Live...
  • Over the Center Pressure Adjustment - Great for even Heat...
  • Upper Heating Element with Non-stick Coating, Cast Tubular...
  • Avoid Low Priced Heat Presses that do not Distribute Heat Well...

The Siser brand is widely known for their manufacture of flat heat press machines, but they also have great hat heat press machines that could do wonders to your hats and caps. The Siser Digital Cap Press opens widely to give an easier time when placing a small substrate on the platen.

It over the center pressure adjustment makes it easy to achieve clean press hats when done correctly. The upper heating element features a non-stick coating that helps to detach the hat and the transfer paper with ease. It features a cast-in tubular heating element every 2 inches that ensures even heat distribution.

It is beginner-friendly because of its ease of operation and also one of the hat press machines that are CE/NRTL approved. The model has various sizes of additional platens that may require you extra money to get them.

Pros:

  • Non-stick platen
  • Opens wide for a simple layout
  • Optional additional accessories available
  • Over-the-center pressure adjustment
  • Digital time and temperature display
  • Affordable
  • Easy to use and operate

Cons:

  • Not the best for large printing projects
  • You may need to purchase an extra platen size separately

5. VIVOHOME Professional Hat Cap Press

VIVOHOME Professional 3.5 x 5.9 Inch Hat Cap Press...
  • PREMIUM QUALITY - We've made this cap press machine with the...
  • INTELLIGENT CONTROL - This machine uses dual screens to display...
  • SIMPLE DESIGN - Perfectly-sized heating element guarantees the...
  • WIDE USES - Ergonomic and practical, this heat press machine has...
  • PARAMETER - Worktable Size: 5.5" x 3.5" Inch(curved element);...

If you're in search of a hat heat press machine for home use, the Vivohome Professional Hat Cap Press is one of the best available. This is because it is not only affordable but is also very easy to operate. You can easily transfer designs, images, and logos into hats and caps.

Its curved board will provide users with optimal transfers on different types of hats and caps. It also features a crystal clear display as well as an alarm that will come on when the hat presses are done. This heat press machine also comes with parallel long arm handles and an adjustable cap lever with string for easy and comfortable operation.

The hat heat press machine features a fully automatic steel mechanical arm that releases high pressures to ensure the heat presses are seamless. It also features high-quality silicon wafers that are resistant to high temperatures ensuring that your caps or hats won't get burnt.

Pros:

  • Easy to read display
  • Adjustable cap level
  • Electronic timer and automatic thermostat
  • Adjustable knob
  • Durable heat press machine
  • Wide range of uses

Cons:

  • Not the best for print shop use

Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Hat Heat Press Machine

1. Design and Styles

Hat heat presses come in two common designs, and each of the designs is used differently and for different purposes. The styles include;

a). Clamshell

The clamshell-style is one of the most popular styles because it can be able to print on different types of material. They are smaller in size and also one of the most affordable. Its name comes from how it closes and opens like a clam. However, these hat heat press machines may not transfer well on thicker materials and may also not allow much access to the material.

b). Swinger or Swing Away Heat Press

This heat press design will allow more access to the material than the clamshell and will also allow the pressing of thicker materials. You can move the top platen aside and continue working without burning your hands, which comes in handy if you're looking to design different parts of the cap or hat. However, these hat heat press types tend to occupy a lot of space.

2. Platen Size

Hat heat press devices are versatile, just like hats or caps. They come in a variety of sizes are designed for different needs. The best hat heat press machine should come with interchangeable platens in different shapes and sizes so that you achieve great results.

3. Safety Features

It is important to ensure that the cap heat press is secure enough for use. Some models may include built-in levers or clasps that will secure the cap or hat during pressing, which ensures that it creates a smooth surface for the machine.

These features are very important because, without them, the design may not be able to print properly, or the wrinkles may not be released and may also cause injuries. They ensure that you have good quality results and value for the money.

4. Temperature

The temperature will affect how long you will have to wait for the hat heat press before the print is done. Ideally, a higher temperature means a faster printer; however, not at all times because the material of the substrate may be different.

You also need to be able to adjust the temperature of the heat press because different fabrics have varying heat resistance levels. The temperature range may vary from one model to another, where some can go up to 750 degrees while some as low as 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Time Range

The best hat heat press should come with time settings, making it easy for users to print the designs on the hats and caps.

6. Voltage

Most of the time, when you buy any electric product, you plug it into a socket and turn it on. However, this may not work if you purchase a tool that is not compatible with your sockets in terms of voltage. When a hat heat press has a different voltage from the socket, it may cause damages to it or prevent the heat press from starting.

7. Coating

You will find that some hat press models come with a non-stick coating on the heating elements. This enables easy detachment of the hat or transfer, and it is also crucial to ensure that nothing will get burnt.

8. Warranty

Buying a hat press can be very costly, and the best way to protect your heat transfer vinyl machine or the cap press machine is by having a warranty. You need to ensure that you choose a product with an impressive warranty to ensure that the best hat press is of good quality and that you won't lose your big investment for a long while after the purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Hat Heat Press Machines

1. Can I use an iron instead of Hat heat press?

While you can use a household iron to apply heat transfer vinyl on hats as well as t-shirts, the results may not be desirable. Using a heat press makes it faster and easier, and you will most like achieve a good quality press when done correctly.

2. What temperature do you heat press a hat?

The temperature you need to do a heat press varies widely depending on the material of the hat and also the type of the machine. Some materials may require more heat than others, and this is why most hat press machines come with a wide temperature range that you can adjust to match the different needs and preferences.

3. What can one use instead of a Teflon sheet for a heat press?

Teflon sheets are considered to be the best accessory when it comes to heat press. They are normally placed between the item and the top platen. However, there are other alternatives that can be used, for example, baking paper, parchment paper, or tea towel. A parchment paper will work best for dark color fabrics and will result in a smooth surface.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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