Easy Press 3 Heat Press Machine Review, A Smart Heat Press for Crafters
If you’re serious about creating custom apparel and crafted goods at home, the Cricut EasyPress 3 bridges the gap between an ordinary iron and a full-blown clamshell heat press. Its unique blend of smart technology, portability, and professional-looking results appeals to beginners and seasoned makers alike.
What’s in the Box
This bundle includes:
- The Cricut EasyPress 3 (9″ x 9″) heat press machine
- A Cricut EasyPress Heat Press Mat (15″ x 12″) to protect your work surface and optimize heat transfer
The 9″ × 9″ press size is ideal for most everyday projects, from T-shirts and tote bags to pillows and aprons. It’s compact enough to stash on a shelf yet large enough for common DIY needs.
Design & Build, Elegant, Lightweight, Portable
The EasyPress 3 sports a sleek, modern look that fits well in any craft room. It’s lighter and more portable than larger heat presses, making it a great choice if you’re short on space or want to take it to craft fairs, workshops, or friends’ houses.
The handle is comfortable and ergonomic, and the overall balance of the unit helps you apply even, consistent pressure across your project — a major improvement over trying to use a household iron.
Smart Technology, Bluetooth + Cricut Heat App
One of the biggest upgrades with the EasyPress 3 is its Bluetooth connectivity and smart app integration. Once paired with the Cricut Heat™ app, the device becomes much easier to operate:
- The app sends precise temperature and time settings for your chosen material
- It walks you through project steps and suggests ideal parameters
- You don’t need to guess the best settings, the app does it for you
This feature is especially helpful if you’re new to heat transfers or working with a variety of materials like iron-on vinyl (HTV), infusible ink, or sublimation.
Note: The EasyPress 3 won’t operate until activated through the Cricut Heat app with a compatible internet-connected device. Once set up, you can use it without the app going forward, but activation is mandatory.
Performance, Even Heat for Professional-Level Results
The key job of any heat press is to deliver consistent, edge-to-edge heat, and the EasyPress 3 does just that. Its ceramic-coated aluminum heat plate heats evenly up to 400 °F (205 °C) and distributes temperature uniformly across the entire surface.
This even heating produces sharp, durable transfers that hold up well through multiple washes, a noticeable step up from regular irons or handheld tools.
The included heat press mat also helps create a firm, flat surface, preventing uneven results and protecting your table from heat damage.
Accessories & Safety Features
- Auto-off feature: The unit will shut off after inactivity for peace of mind.
- Insulated safety base: Helps keep heat off your work surface.
- Certifications: Meets UL, CSA, FCC, IEC, TUV, and Intertek standards, ensuring compliance with safety requirements.
Real-World Use, Great for Everyday Projects
Users consistently praise the EasyPress 3 for:
✔ T-shirts, bags, and home décor projects
✔ Smooth, vibrant heat transfers with minimal effort
✔ Quick heat-up and precise timing
✔ User-friendly interface and Bluetooth control
It’s particularly well-suited for smaller batches of custom garments, gifts, or seasonal crafting. If you mainly work on multiple large pieces or run a commercial production line, you might find the 9×9 size limiting. For larger garments, consider the larger 12″×10″ model instead.
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Smart Bluetooth app control and preset guidance
- Even, professional-quality heat distribution
- Compact, easy to store and carry
- Works with a range of materials
- Great for beginners and hobbyists
👎 Cons
- Must activate and pair using a mobile app
- Manual pressure required, unlike clamshell presses
- Limited to 9″×9″ surface for this bundle
- Some users report occasional app or temperature quirks in online forums, so patience might be needed initially
Bottom Line
The Cricut EasyPress 3 (9″×9″) bundle is an excellent tool for crafters who want crisp, professional heat-transfer results without paying for a bulky commercial press. Its smart features, ease of use, and great build quality make it a worthy investment for hobbyists, small boutiques, and personalized gifts alike. If you value simplicity, precision, and portability, this bundle delivers significant value, especially with the included heat press mat.
