Starting a T-shirt or heat printing business and looking for the best heat press machines for small business to help you succeed in your business?
Congratulations! You have come to the right place.
Top Heat Press Machines For Small Business:While there are lots of heat presses out there, it can be difficult to select the right one for your business.
However, by investing in a high quality, professional-grade heat press machine from a renowned brand, you will go into business, create durable and quality prints, complete your project in a timely and efficient way, and make money stress-free.
Apart from that, your machine will last longer, and you will avoid the frustration of selecting a cheap heat press.
In this post, we will help you parse through the crowded marketplace and select the best heat press machine for small shops or start-ups to make high-quality prints that will earn you thousands of clients in no time.
If you don’t have time to read the whole article, check the product summary of the best commercial grade heat press below in short!
- Sturdily built heat press for commercial use
- Touch screen LCD control for easy application
- Auto open and auto swing when press time is up
- Fully digital control for accurate application
- Durable and can withstand rigorous use
- 70 programmable presets speed up the rate of production
- Portable, fully digital control
- Auto open to prevent damage to substrates
- Affordable commercial-grade heat press
- It auto opens to prevent damage to substrates
- Portable and suitable for mobile use
- Affordable
- Well-built for rigorous use
- The clamshell design saves space
- Easy to use even for beginners
- 70 programmable presets
- Fully digital mug heat press
- Suitable for 11 to 16 oz mugs
- Auto open cap press
- The clamshell design saves space
- Suitable for all sizes of headwear
- Suitable for all sizes of headwear
- 70 programmable time saving presets
- Fully digital temperature control
Best Heat Press Machine for Small Business 2024
As we said earlier, selecting a high-quality, professional-grade heat press is important to ensure the success of your heat printing business.
While there are various commercial-grade heat press machines out there, we have selected the 11 best heat presses for small businesses based on high-end specifications, performance, and customers’ and users’ satisfaction. Check their review below.
#1 – Best Overall: Hotronix Air Fusion IQ 16×20 Heat Press For Small Business
Best for Specialty Decorators, High-Volume Shops, and Direct-to-Garment Printing
First on our list is the Hotronix heat press – a complete and total game-changer with strong configurations and features that make it the best heat press for T-shirt business.
This advanced commercial-grade heat press features an industry-leading touchscreen technology that reads out the current temperature, time, and pressure and allows you to adjust the machine settings according to your needs.
It has a large heating area of 16” x 20”, automatic on/off settings and multiple pressure and time settings for mixed media applications. This Hotronix heat press accepts items up to 1.75” thick and can even program and store a lot of application settings, which can help to save time when working with a large order.
It operates as a swing-away press, and automatically opens and swings away after application, thus preventing fatigue and injury and allowing you to inspect your garment efficiently.
The machine is easy to maneuver and comes with an electro-pneumatic regulator, which automatically adjusts the pressure required to complete the heat application task according to the thickness of the garment.
The full threadability on its lower plater is a plus as it allows you to rotate and position the garment and heat press designs to any area you want.
The machine is sturdily built; it comes with high-quality components and a corrosion-free framework that makes it perfect for those who need a durable and reliable workhorse for daily and rigorous use.
It comes with a lifetime warranty on heating elements and a massive 5-year warranty on major components. That means you have the assurance of being covered if anything goes wrong.
Highlighted Features
- 16” x 20” Heat Platen
- Industry-leading touch screen technology with multi-swipe gestures
- EZ-On Platen design for faster T-shirt loading
- Program and store frequently used application settings
- Strong and durable cast aluminum frame
- Real-time temperature, time and pressure display
- Auto-adjust pressure to the thickness of the substrate being printed
- Auto open and auto swing for a heat-free workspace
| Style | Swing |
| Heating size | 16" x 20" |
| Maximum temperature | 430⁰F |
| Power | 1800 watts (also available in 3500 watts for 240 V electrical option) |
| Voltage | 120 V (also available in 240 V option) |
| Weight | 150 pounds |
| Warranty | Heating Element - Lifetime Framework - 5 years Circuit Board - 2 years Parts & Labor - 1 year |
If you’re looking for the best heat press for T-shirt business, then Hotronix Air Fusion IQ heat press is for you. Although it comes at a premium price, it is one of the best heat press brands out there and the world’s most advanced commercial heat press.
The Hotronix heat press is built to last and can withstand rigorous use; this makes it perfect for high-volume shops. It is made in the USA with high-quality components and comes with a massive warranty, so its quality is guaranteed.
#2 – Geo Knight DK20S For Heavy Heat Press Printing Business
Best for Heavy-Duty Usage.
The Digital Geo Knight heat press is a multifunctional machine that allows you to print your unique designs on different substrates like t-shirt, tiles, ceramic plates, mugs, and so on.
What’s more, it features industrial-grade steel and is sturdy and well-built so, it can serve you for a lifetime. It also features simple, accurate, and easy-to-use electronics that provide you with the best possible features required for various modern heat transfer applications.
Geo Knight DK20S heat press comes with a 16″ x 20″ heat platen. It uses SuperCoil-Microwinding technology for quick heat-ups and even heat distribution; this makes it an efficient large-format heat press for commercial use.
The heat press comes with an easy-to-read LCD that reads out the pressure, temperature, and time simultaneously as well as 70 programmable presets to save common settings and speed up the rate of production.
This heat press also features a swing-away design and can adjust to accommodate different materials up to 2″ thick. It comes with good support and warranty, so there’s an assurance of being covered if anything goes wrong.
Highlighted Features
- 16” x 20” Teflon-coated Heat Platen
- 70 Programmable Presets
- Fully digital heat control
- Over-sized easy to read LCD
- A strong and durable steel framework
- Real-time temperature, time and pressure readout
- Interchangeable tables
| Style | Swing |
| Heating size | 16" x 20" |
| Maximum temperature | 425⁰F |
| Power | 1800 watts (also available in 3500 watts for 240 v electrical option) |
| Voltage | 110 v (also available in 240 v option) |
| Weight | 150 pounds |
| Warranty | Heating Element - Lifetime Framework - 5 years Circuit Board - 3 years Parts - 1 year |
The Geo Knight DK20S heat press comes with durable construction and plenty of productive and user-friendly features that make it an ideal companion for small businesses and personal use.
If you’re entering the heat transfer printing industry and looking for the best commercial heat press for heavy usage, then this is it.
#3 – Hotronix Auto Open: Best Heat Press For T-Shirt Business
If you’re looking for a great value heat press for home business, then the Hotronix Auto Open Clamshell heat press machine might be all you need.
This T-shirt press machine offers a strong and durable framework with user-friendly features like easy-to-read digital temperature, time, and pressure display for precise and consistent printing at a more affordable cost.
What’s more, it opens automatically when the time is up to avoid scorching and over applications, thus preventing stress and allowing you to multi-task and focus on more than a single project at a time.
It comes in a clamshell design that helps to save space and opens wide for easy layout of designs and applications. The Hotronix Auto Open supports substrates up to 1-inch thick and comes with 11″ x 15″ heat platen which is just enough to handle your small business heat transfer needs.
The Over-the-Centre Pressure Adjustment allows even distribution of heat and pressure irrespective of your substrate’s thickness while its Twin Timer allows you to preset 2 different time settings for different purposes.
The machine is made in the USA and comes with a good warranty out of the box.
Highlighted Features
- 11” x 15” Heat Platen
- Opens wide for easy layout
- Easy to read LCD
- Clamshell design that saves space
- Fully digital heat control
- Locks down with magnetic assist
- Twin timer to pre-set 2 different times settings for two-step application or pre-heating and application
| Style | Clamshell |
| Heating size | 11” x 15” |
| Maximum temperature | 430⁰F |
| Power | 1000 watts |
| Voltage | Available in 120 volts and 240 volts options |
| Weight | 79 pounds |
| Warranty | Heating Element – Lifetime Framework - 5 years Circuit Board - 2 years Parts & Labor - 1 year |
If you want an easy-to-use heat press machine that will allow you to multi-task efficiently, for your home’s heat press business, then you should get the Hotronix Auto Open heat press machine.
This machine is made in the USA and comes with an automatic opening mechanism to save your T-shirts from scorching. Finally, it comes with good warranty coverage and is not too pricey; this makes it a great value heat press for T-shirt business.
#4 – Hotronix LowRider 6″x6″ Heat Press For Mobile Heat Printing Business
Best for On-Site Printing or Events.
Hotronix 6″ x 6″ Heat Press is yet another wonderful offering from Hotronix. As you already know Hotronix is a reliable USA brand, so the quality of this heat press machine is assured.
It comes in a space-saving clamshell design with 6″ x 6″ heat platen; this makes it lightweight, portable, and suitable for mobile and on-site printing or events. It also opens automatically when the time is up to avoid over-application and scorching and ensure that your designs are applied correctly.
The machine comes with an easy-to-read LCD screen that reads out temperature, time, and pressure precisely and allows you to control the machine digitally for quality and consistent printing.
It opens wide for an easy design layout and accepts items up to 3/4″ thick. The machine has a leveraged handle for easy closing and locks down easily with the help of its patented magnetic assist; this makes it easy on its users’ bodies.
The machine is sturdily built and comes with good warranty coverage. It also comes with Twin Timer™ that allows you to program two independent time settings for different applications.
Highlighted Features
- 6″ x 6″ heat platen
- Lightweight and portable (Clamshell design)
- Easy-to-read LCD
- Twin Timer to pre-set separate time settings for pre-heating and application
- Under-the-Center Pressure Adjustment for even distribution of heat and pressure irrespective of the substrate’s thickness
- Accepts items up to 3/4″ thickness
- Fully digital control
| Style | Clamshell |
| Heating size | 6" x 6" |
| Maximum temperature | 430⁰F |
| Power | 360 watts |
| Voltage | Available in 120 volts and 240 volts options |
| Weight | 41 pounds |
| Warranty | Heating Element – Lifetime Framework - 5 years Circuit Board - 2 years Parts & Labor - 1 year |
Buying this machine will no doubt improve your heat-press printing business. You will be able to handle small prints and become more creative.
Also, Hotronix 6"x6" LowRider Heat Press is portable so you can move it from one job site to another to take advantage of more business opportunities. Moreover, it is affordable, and you have a good warranty on the vital parts of the machine.
#5 – Best Budget: Hotronix Craft Heat Press For Home Business
Best for Hobbyist/Crafters/Start-up.
If you’re looking for a heat press that is durable, economical and easy to use, then you should get the Hotronix EASY™ Brand Craft Heat Press. This heat press is not only durable and easy to use, but it is also a total on-demand heat printing and customization appliance.
This machine features a 9″ x 12″ heat platen and full temperature control of 430 degrees Fahrenheit. When you use it with a heat transfer pillow, its print capability is limitless. This heat press has integrated live digital time and temperature readout to avoid damaging items.
Its over-the-center pressure adjustment feature allows you to achieve the perfect amount of force and ensures that you always have a balanced pressure distribution.
The Hotronix Craft Heat Press is perfect for beginners in the industry and as a second press for your home or shop. This 9×12 heat press is excellent for printing small garments or designs and applying labels on shirts, shorts, and bags.
You can also use this Hotronix Pink Craft Heat Press in the shops, or as a travel press for live events like car shows, craft shows, trade shows, dance competitions, cheer events, and so on due to its space-limiting design.
It comes with a 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty.
Highlighted Features
- Easy to use and tough steel framework
- Perfect for beginners and as a second press or a travel press
- Real-time Digital Time and Temperature control
- Over-the-Center Pressure Adjustment
- The upper heating element comes with a non-stick coating
- Opens wide for easy layout and is approved by UL/ULC/CE/ROHS.
| Style | Clamshell |
| Heating size | 9"x12" |
| Maximum temperature | 430 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Power | 800 Watts |
| Voltage | 120 volts |
| Weight | 35 pounds |
| Warranty | 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty |
If you are a crafter or start-up, you should consider buying the Hotronix Pink Craft Heat Press. It is made in the USA, so the quality is assured. It is also economical, sturdy, durable, and has an audible signal to inform you when the press ends. Give it a try!
#6 – Geo Knight DK3 Heat Press For Mug Printing Business
If you need a great heat press that is exclusively designed for mugs, then the Geo Knight Heat Press DK3 is your best bet.
This fully digital mug press transfers designs from the heat transfer paper onto mugs efficiently using a complete wrap-around, handle to handle, top-to-bottom printing on mugs.
It presses images up to 5″ high, and closes up to 1/2″ from the handle, depending on your mug size. That is why it is one of the best mug press machines that you can buy.
DK3 is adjustable and ideal for pressing 11 oz, 15 oz, 16 oz mugs, and steins. The press opens extra wide and allows you to load and unload mugs easily. It also comes with a programmable super coil micro winding heater technology, with a temperature accuracy of ±2°F. It has user-selectable end-of-cycle alarms to notify you of the transfer completion.
Like all modern digital presses, the Geo Knight DK3 uses a state-of-the-art digital control system. Its thick solid steel structure die-cast clamp assembly gives you a strong framework for continuous use.
It has 70 programmable presets that save time, and it records the number of pressing cycles done. The maker provides you with a whooping 3-year warranty on heat-control electronics.
Highlighted Features
- Complete digital temperature control
- Automatic digital timer
- 70 programs that you can preset, and it records the number of pressing cycles done
- Solid steel welded framework
- Integrated Super Coil-Micro winding heater technology
- Soft heater liner for accommodating inconsistent mugs
- Read-out Temperature accuracy of ±2°F
- User-selectable end-of-cycle alarm
| Style | Clamshell |
| Heating size | 15"x13"x15" |
| Maximum temperature | 400℉ |
| Power | 450W |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Weight | 30 pounds |
| Warranty | 3 year plus 3,000 mug warranty on heat platen 5 Year warranty on frame 3-year warranty on controller 1-year warranty on parts |
If you need a mug heat press only for small to large businesses, we recommend the Geo Knight Heat Press DK3. It is adjustable and has 70 preset functions you can use for different substrates, with an automatic digital timer to enable you to keep track of your mugs in the press.
#7 – Hotronix 360 IQ Cap Heat Press For Headwear Printing Business
Best Heat Press for Headwear Printing Business.
If you want an ideal cap-designed heat press machine that is compact and easy to use for decorating caps of all sizes, you should get the Hotronix 360 IQ Hat & Cap heat press.
This heat press has a heating area of 6″ x 5″ which is enough to print caps of any size. It has automatic on and off settings, easy-to-read digital time, temperature, and pressure display for stable and reliable printing.
The heat press locks down simply using the patented magnetic assist, causing less fatigue on its users’ wrists and shoulders. Also, it has an automatic magnetic opening – a feature that helps to avoid over-application.
Hotronix 360 IQ cap press decorates all types of headwear and allows you to program your settings – a feature that makes it the best heat press for the headwear printing business.
The heat press has the approval of the UL/ULC/CE and offers a good warranty out of the box.
Highlighted Features
- Platinum RTD heat sensor
- Easy-to-read digital time, temperature, and pressure display
- Press locks down simply using the patented magnetic assist, causing less fatigue on wrists and shoulders
- One-size-fits-all platen for multiple cap sizes without changing platens
- Offers cloud-based tracking of machine and operator
- Clamshell design
| Style | Clamshell |
| Heating size | 6" x 5" |
| Maximum temperature | 420°F |
| Power | 500 watts |
| Voltage | Available in 120 volts and 240 volts |
| Weight | 50 pounds shipping weight |
| Warranty | Heating Element – Lifetime Framework - 5 years Circuit Board - 2 years Parts & Labor - 1 year |
Hotronix 360 IQ cap & hat heat press is portable and easy to use and comes with other productive features that make it the best heat press for the headwear printing business.
It is excellent for heat-pressing cap designs and decorating caps of all sizes. You can consider buying this machine for all its awesome features. Highly recommended.
#8 – Geo Knight DK7 Heat Press For Hat Printing Business
Top-rated Hat Heat Press for Start-Ups and Home Businesses.
The Geo Knight Heat Press DK7 – Digital 4×7 Cap Press is a complete cap press for heat printing the front face size of any headwear.
It comes with a wider heating area of 4 x 7” and has an automatic digital temperature control to adjust the heat up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
It features a tough steel framework and a unique device that pulls the rear strap of the headwear down against the pressing surface to hold the cap in place so that you can achieve the best result.
You can interchange the tables to get either standard or Euro-sized items. You can heat press youth and children-sized caps, fitted and low-profile caps, and so on.
The press has 70 Programmable presets and records the number of pressing cycles done, so you don’t have to count manually, especially when working with a large order.
It has a self-selected end of the circle alarm to notify you when the time is up.
Like all the other heat presses, the DK7 offers a 1-year warranty on the parts and a lifetime guarantee on the heat platen.
Highlighted Features
- Comes with both standard and Euro (mid-sized) bottom forms
- Fully digital temperature control
- Automatic digital timer and dual pre-press timer
- 70 Programmable presets and records the number of pressing cycles done
- Hardened high-strength pivot points and tough steel framework
- User-chosen end-of-cycle alarms
- Self-lifting gas-spring, and wide opening
| Style | Clamshell |
| Heating size | 4"x7" |
| Maximum temperature | 600°F |
| Power | 450W |
| Voltage | 110V |
| Weight | 50 pounds |
| Warranty | Free Lifetime Tech Support Lifetime warranty on heat platen 5-year warranty on frame 3-year warranty on controller 1-year warranty on parts |
The Geo Knight Heat Press DK7 is one of the best cap heat press machines for start-ups and home businesses. So, if you are looking for a strong, durable, and effective press to start a business, you can try this machine. It is highly recommended.
#9 – Hotronix Sports Ball Heat Press For Small Business
Hotronix Sports Ball Heat Press is the best heat press for balls that is available on the market today.
So, if you want to brand inflatable sports balls for use as trophies, promotional giveaways, or keepsakes, we recommend the Hotronix Sports Ball Heat press.
The press has an automatic open capacity to avoid over-application, and twin timers that allow you to set individual time settings for a two-step application or pre-heating and application.
You can adjust the ball cradle from the youth league sports balls to professional-size sports balls. This unique heat press is ideal for decorating balls with team logos, school names, and sponsor’s names. You can also personalize corporate logos, initials, player names, and numbers.
The maximum print area is 1.5″ x 4″. The finish is coated in powder to increase its durability, and you have a lifetime guarantee on heating elements.
The press is made in the USA and is known to be reliable.
Highlighted Features
- Auto clam
- An LCD screen that reads out time, pressure and heat
- Ball cradle that you can adjust from the youth league to professional size sports balls
- Heat presses for synthetic leather football, soccer balls, basketballs, and volleyballs
- Opens automatically to avoid over-application.
- Twin Timers to set individual time settings for two-step application or pre-heating and application
- Print on a Maximum Print Area is 1.5″ x 4″
- Made in the USA
| Style | Auto-Open Clam |
| Heating size | 1.5" x 4" |
| Maximum temperature | 235°F / 113°C |
| Power | 360 watts |
| Voltage | Available in 120 volts and 240 volts |
| Weight | 40 pounds |
| Warranty | Heating Element - Lifetime Framework - 5 years Circuit Board - 2 years Parts & Labor - 1 year |
This is arguably the best heat press for balls that you can find on the market today. The machine features industrial-grade material that makes it super durable.
It auto opens when the press time is up and has a big LCD that allows you to control the machine efficiently. Besides, the Hotronix Sports Ball heat press is made in the USA and comes with a good warranty.
#10 – Hix Swingman 15 Heat Press For Start-up Business
Best for a Start-up, Small or Mobile Shops.
If you are a crafter who wants to start up a small heat transfer printing business or a professional who sells designed shirts and other custom textiles with images printed on them, you would need a durable heat press machine.
Hix Swingman 15 Heat Transfer Press is a premium brand among professional-grade heat press machines; it comes with notable features that make it the best heat press for small shops. This swing-away heat press machine features top-quality industrial-grade materials that can withstand long and continuous use.
Hix Swingman 15 is economical and designed for creating custom T-shirts, mousepads, and license plates and can apply all kinds of heat transfers by inkjet, plastisol, foils, sublimation, and so on.
It comes with a 15″ x 15″ heat platen and offers complete temperature control of 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This machine is robust and allows you to swing the heat platen away after printing to avoid accidents and injuries.
It has an audible battery-powered timer to alert you on the completion of heating to avoid damage to items. Like all other heat press machines, you have a lifetime warranty on the heating element and a 1-year warranty for its parts.
The only drawback we can record is that it comes with a battery-powered timer that you need to replace each time it runs out. If it runs out during use, it could spoil your substrate, except you are alert. However, it offers powerful functions, and it is durable.
Highlighted Features
- Well-built machine with a strong support base
- A 15″x15″ Heat platen
- Accepts items up to 1-3/4″ thick
- Complete temperature control ability of up to 400°F
- Full-range pressure adjustment
- Heat indicating light and ETL certified (CE available)
- An audible battery-powered timer to alert you on the completion of heating to avoid damage to items
| Style | Swing away |
| Heating size | 15"x15" |
| Maximum temperature | 400⁰F |
| Power | 1500 watts |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Weight | 58 pounds |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty on the heating element and 1-year warranty on components |
The Hix Swingman 15 heat transfer press is powerful and economical, and this makes it the best heat press for small shops. Its heat transfer capability is limitless as you can earn a lot of money using this machine at mobile shops, races, concerts, state fairs, and any event.
#11 – Ricoma iKonix Digital Mug Heat Press For Gift Shops
Best for High-Volume Printing on Mugs
Ricoma Ikonix digital heat press machine is popular among gift shop owners in the USA, because of the wide range of products it can design.
Ricoma iKonix digital mug heat press is a robust heat press that perfect for high-volume printing on mugs.
The heat press has adjustable pressure control, an automatic timer and an LCD screen that allow you to track the heat transfer process accurately.
It has a working area of 3” with automatic on/off settings. Its resistant material remains stable up to 400°C to give you the best desired result.
This mug heat press can print five items at once, and it is a sublimation press for 11oz to 16oz mugs. You can print on a wide range of promotional products and gift items, like mugs, cups, teacups, water bottles so on.
You can also use this machine in flea markets, malls, and shows.
The iKonix digital mug heat press has a full wrap around and top-to-bottom coverage, which helps to make quality prints on mugs.
The machine has a robust steel framework, and you can adjust pressure as it adapts to the project you are running.
You have a one-year limited warranty and unlimited technical support by phone, email, or webcam.
Highlighted Features
- Suitable for printing on mugs, cups, teacups, water bottles and more
- It has a fully adjustable Pressure mechanism
- The resistant material remains stable up to 400°C
- Automatic time and temperature control
- Complete mesh heat element with total wrap around and top-to-bottom coverage
- Steel frame construction and scratch-resistant paint
- Replaceable heat-resistant silica gel sponge
| Style | Manual mug press |
| Heating size | 3.5” |
| Maximum temperature | 399℃ |
| Power | 380W |
| Voltage | 110 Volts or 220 Volts |
| Weight | 66 pounds |
| Warranty | Ricoma 1-year limited warranty |
The iKonix digital mug heat press prints on five items at once, saving time and cost of using the machine. So, if you want the best high-volume printing on mugs, go for the Ricoma iKonix digital mug heat press.
Conclusion
Above are the best heat press machines for small businesses that we recommend due to their durability, reliability, quality of prints, and ease of use. These products will not only help you make quality prints but also help to take your business to the next level.
Now, sit back, evaluate your needs, and select the one that suits your business and budget. If you need more help in selecting the right one for your business, feel free to contact us.
