This Cricut EasyPress 2 review will look at one of the new range of approachable and portable craft machines on the market. If you’re planning on using your Cricut to work with heat transfer vinyl or infusible ink, then you’re going to need a the best heat press machine. While a traditional iron is space-saving and cheap, it doesn’t compare to a professional heat press, which is where the EasyPress 2 comes in handy.
The Cricut EasyPress 2 is a quick and easy way of getting your designs onto your material of choice, be it a bag or shirt design. This review will look at all the different aspects of the Cricut EasyPress 2 and why this is the ideal companion to use with one of our picks of the best Cricut machines.
The Cricut EasyPress 2 is a portable heat press that will evenly apply heat to your iron-on materials providing you with professional results in less than 60 seconds. There are three Cricut EasyPress models in the range, the excellent EasyPress Mini and the Cricut EasyPress 2, which come in two sizes, standard and large and the all-new Cricut EasyPress 3.
It's worth noting the Cricut heat press gadgets don’t just stop at the the EasyPress. The Cricut MugPress is another excellent tool that offers a professional mug design process in a compact machine. If you’re looking for a bargain, then it’s worth checking out our best Cricut Easypress 2 bundles guide, which has all the best prices. And why not check out the best Cricut accessories guide, which will ensure you have all the tools you need to get creating.
For this review, I'm using the standard-sized Cricut EasyPress 2. I am testing it with various projects from personalising shirts to cushion covers. I am testing the different heat temperatures and the timer function to get the best out of this machine.
Cricut EasyPress 2 review: features
The Cricut EasyPress 2 is more than just an iron. This is a lightweight, easy to transport and easy to store device. My favourite feature of this portable heat press is that you can set the exact temperature and time that your project requires.
The Cricut EasyPress 2 pre-heats quickly and can reach temperatures of up to 205°c (400 °F), so you won’t be hanging around waiting for it to warm up. Also, the high heat setting makes it perfect to use with Cricut Infusible Ink (or regular sublimation ink).
The timer is also excellent as it means you won’t risk burning your fabric. For a good indication of how long you need to apply the Cricut EasyPress 2 to your project, download the Cricut heat guide, which gives the ideal setting for almost any material.
It’s also extremely easy to use. You just need to adjust the temperature, set the timer and click the 'Go' button. While the Cricut EasyPress 2 works as a sidekick to any Cricut machine, it’s probably more suited to the larger machines, such as the Cricut Maker 3 or the Cricut Explore 3, because they deal in larger cuts. However, if you’re using a Cricut Joy, then the EasyPress Mini may be a better option.
EasyPress 2 review: design
The Cricut EasyPress 2 comes in two sizes, 9 x 9 inches and 12 x 10 inches. Both sizes are ideal for completing projects like personalising clothing or tote bags and working with other materials like wood and metal.
The Cricut EasyPress 2 comes in a stylish white and raspberry colour combination. As soon as you look at this machine, you can see how easy it is to handle and operate. There are six buttons on the front of the machine, including Power, Time, Temperature, Up, Down and the Cricut 'Go' button.
A small LED display also shows the temperature setting and how much time is left on the timer. Thanks to its thick and wide design, there’s plenty of room to place both hands on the handle. This makes applying the right amount of pressure to your design a breeze.
Applying the right amount of pressure to your design a breeze
This machine has an advanced heat plate design with a ceramic-coated surface for a fast and even heat source. The temperature can be adjusted invariants of +/-5° C to get your ideal heat setting. There’s no automatic shut off with the EasyPress 2, so this machine comes with a safety base.
So when you’re not using it, it can be placed on the base to protect the area you’re crafting on. It’s also handy for knowing your heat-press won’t cause any damage whilst it’s cooling down. If you’re looking for a good project to test out your Cricut EasyPress 2, then take a look at what’s on offer in the Cricut Design Space software, I recommend looking at a Cricut Access subscription too. This offers thousands of ready-to-make projects for a low cost. Here are just 10 reasons why you need Cricut Access.
The Cricut EasyPress 2 has a USB port that can be used to keep your machine updated to ensure it runs efficiently. It also remembers your last temperatures, which are handy when working on multiple items at once. The EasyPress 2 also works really well with sublimation ink and the Cricut Infusible Ink, as well as the Cricut Infusible Ink Markers, which we’ve highlighted in our Best Cricut Pens guide.
EasyPress 2 review: price
When it comes to Cricut, nothing is cheap, and that includes the Cricut EasyPress 2. But when you compare it to the cost of a traditional heat press, then it actually represents real value for money, especially when you consider that it’s lightweight and portable to boot.
The Cricut EasyPress 2 costs $189.99 / £169.99 for the 9 x 9 inch model and $239.99 / £213.99 for the 12 x 10 inch model. You may want to factor in some extras, such as a Cricut EasyPress mat which is priced at $24.99 / £24.99 for a 12 x 12-inch mat, but you can get various different sizes. You may also want to consider a tote bag or case, particularly if you're taking the device on the road to craft fairs and stores. We have a list of the best Cricut accessories to consider.
The Cricut EasyPress mats will help protect your crafting area and wick away moisture so you keep your fabric dry when the heat is being applied, so it’s a worthwhile accessory. But the Cricut EasyPress 2 isn’t the only portable heat press on the market, check out our best heat press machine in 2022 for alternatives.
EasyPress 2 review: should you buy one?
After spending time with this device, I'm a fan of the Cricut EasyPress 2. It’s light, it’s portable, and it heats up quickly, what more could you possibly want if you’re working with iron-on vinyl or infusible ink. I love how you can easily adjust the temperature, and the timer makes sure that you get the right amount of heat for the right amount of time which means flawless results.
The Cricut EasyPress 2 is also very reasonably priced. Of course, you could pick up a traditional iron for less, but you won’t get the same results as an iron is designed to press your clothes, not vinyl. Likewise, a traditional heat press would take up a lot more room and likely take longer to heat up, so it makes buying the Cricut EasyPress 2 a no-brainer. Plus, the speed at which this machine heats up is amazing, it gets to maximum temperature in less than three minutes.
The Cricut EasyPress 2 is limited to flat surfaces but is ideal for anyone who wants professional results in a small, compact home machine. If you’re looking for more materials to work with on your Cricut machine, then take a look at our guide on the best Cricut materials.
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