Circuit EasyPress Review
Cricut Easy Press
- Pro level performance and home friendly design
- The big handle, Safety Base, and auto shutoff feature keep things safe every step of the way
- The evenly heated plate adheres your iron?on in 60 seconds or less. Insulated Safety Base keeps the heat plate safe and protected; auto shutoff feature turns it off after 10 minutes of inactivity
- Lightweight, portable, easy to store; Precise temperature control up to 400 degree F (205 degree C)
- The giant, ceramic coated 9 inches x 9 inches heat plate delivers the exact temperature you need
- 9 inches x 9 inches Base is Great for large or layered iron on projects
- Reference chart included to determine time and temperature settings
Product Overview
The Cricut Easypress machine is designed to offer professional iron-on results in a minute or less. This machine combines the speed of a conventional heat press and the convenience of a typical iron box to deliver fast and foolproof results that will last long even after repeated washes. Its evenly heated plate and easy to use controls put it head and shoulders above most iron-on boxes on the market. It rocks variable temperature control settings up to 350°F (180°C) making it ideal for both large and layered projects.
On top of that, the Easypress comes equipped with a handful of safety features such as auto-shutoff and an insulated resting base. The Cricut Easypress product line up consists of the circuit Easypress SKY-9″ X 9″, RASPBERRY 6″ X 6″, RASPBERRY 9″ X 9″ and the RASPBERRY 12″X10″.
How the Cricut Easypress works
To power up the device, all you have to do is press the power button to the left of the display. With the device on, you need to find a firm, flat and heat-resistance surface. With the pressing surface in place, set the timer and temperature to match your project needs.
To adjust the timer button, use the +/- buttons to specify the desired heating time for your iron-on project. Upon pressing the temperature button, the machine will begin to heat up; use the +/- buttons to either increase or decrease temperature. Note that the Cricut device displays an orange color when adjusting the temperature and will turn green once the desired setting is achieved.
It usually takes roughly two minutes and forty-five seconds for the device to heat up from 0 to 350°F. The device will automatically beep to signal it is ready for use. Place your shirt or other base material on top of a silicone foam mat and pre-heat it for 3 to 5 seconds to eliminate wrinkles. Place your vinyl design on the base material. Remove the Easypress from its base and it directly on the vinyl decal.
Then press the green Cricut button to initiate the timer. Hold the machine in place and apply gentle pressure while pressing until the device beeps. Remember to keep the machine still during the entire process. With the pressing complete, return the press back to its stand then wait for the liner to cool down before removing it from the heat transfer vinyl.
Circuit EasyPress Review
Cricut Easypress vs. traditional heat press
The most obvious benefit of the Cricut Easypress over a traditional heat press is its compact size. For starters, the Easypress has 9″x9″ frame meaning it will easily slot into any drawer or cabinet. On the other hand, heat presses, even small ones, tend to have larger frames and are bulkier than the Cricut’s Easypress. As a result, they require ample storage space which may not always be available in small workshops. Weighing roughly 5 pounds, the Easypress is arguably the more portable of the two machines.
When it comes to heating up, the Easypress takes just under 3 minutes to achieve maximum temperature (350° F) while a conventional heat press can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes. However, what the heat press lacks in portability it compensates with a high-temperature range.
While the Easypress only achieves a maximum of 350°F, the heat press can deliver well over 400 degrees. This extra temperature range comes in handy when working on materials such as printed head transfers and sublimation which require temperatures of 350 degrees and over.
The two items also differ in their method of application. The Easypress requires the user to apply some downward pressure throughout the entire pressing exercise. As for the heat press, all you have to do is place the base material, lock the device and wait for 10 to 20 seconds before removing your liners.
Cricut Easypress Vs. Household Iron Box
Your household iron features a single heating element which is designed to produce steam and remove wrinkles on fabric. As a result, household iron boxes a big hotspot right in the middle.
The Easypress, on the other hand, boasts two heating elements that snake their way through its entire ceramic heating plate. This result is a flat, dry and even heating surface that delivers flawless iron-on results. The biggest flaw of a household iron box is its uneven heat map which results in underwhelming iron-on results.
Consumer reviews regarding the Easy Press machine
Consumers are particularly impressed with how fast this pressing machine takes to heat up. Beginners will have no trouble at all using the machine because the user manual is straightforward and easy to follow.
The product works as described especially when it comes to adjusting the timer and temperature settings. The device is excellent for people with a small business or for creating custom design t-shirts for friends and family. The easypress, thanks to its high-quality body construction, offers good value for money.
However, despite all its strengths, the machine does raise a few eyebrows when used for more demanding projects. Some consumers do not recommend using the easypress on materials such as printed sublimation and thick glitter vinyl. The reason being, printed sublimation requires heat levels of 400 degrees or more which is not possible to achieve with this machine. As for thick glitter vinyl, you might have to press two or three times to ensure the vinyl fully adheres to the base material.
FAQ – Common Questions
Why would one choose this item over a standard heat press?
If you have a lot of shirts to work on, then the heat press is probably the better device. However, the ease of use, portability, and convenience of storage makes the Easy Press a suitable alternative. Besides, your household iron box would struggle to match the Cricut machine’s impressive results.
Do you need a silicone pad to go with the easy press machine?
When using the machine, you will want to have something under the press to ensure you have a stable pressing surface. Silicone pads or Teflon sheets perform this role to perfection. The pads do a good job of holding the base material in place during the pressing. Ironing boards will also serve the same purpose.
How do you know what heat level to use for vinyl? Does temperature vary depending on the type of vinyl used — glitter vs. regular HTV?
Cricut includes a quick reference chart that dictates what temperature to use for each material. The card specifies what heat level to apply and for how long. However, it’s still important to note that the temperature does vary depending on the type of HTV and material used. If you misplace your reference chart, you can find useful tips and tricks on Pinterest and Cricut’s Facebook page.
How does this item compare to an iron box?
Firstly, the easypress has a much larger heating surface compared to your traditional iron box. Secondly, with the iron box you only get a few pre-sets of cotton, linen, silk, and polyester whereas on the easy press you can set your temperature at specific levels such as 150,260 or 350°F. Cricut’s pressing machine also has a timer which lets you determine how long you intend to apply heat.
Can this unit take 110-120v like conventional laptop and cell phone adaptors?
The manufacturer recommends using a maximum input 120V outlet. The warranty will not cover damage resulting from exposure to anything above 120V.
