WHAT IS A CRICUT EASYPRESS 2?
The Cricut Easy Press is a heat tool specifically made for heat transfer vinyl and infusible ink DIY Projects. The Cricut EasyPress 2 is the best of both a heat press and an iron. It can complete an iron-on project in 60 seconds but is small and compact like a home iron.
The Cricut EasyPress 2 combines the portability of an iron with the efficiency of a heat press in one compact, lightweight product.
A project that took 30 minutes with a household iron should only take 30 seconds with a Cricut EasyPress 2.
The Cricut EasyPress 2 will guide you to the perfect temperature and time settings for any project you want to do. A Cricut EasyPress 2 will heat up to 400 degrees which makes it perfect for fast infusible ink transfers as well.
The unique design of the press evenly distributes heat across the project, resulting in high-quality transfers.
High-quality iron-on transfers will keep your project fresh and looking new even after many washes.
The design is compact and easy to store away or use quickly when you need it!
Not only is the design compact, but portable as well. Each Cricut EasyPress machine is lightweight and easily portable as compared to a traditional heat press.
See the details below comparing the sizes of each Cricut EasyPress 2.
The Cricut EasyPress 2 comes in four sizes;
The Cricut EasyPress mini is 1.92” wide and 3. 25” tall
The Cricut EasyPress 2 9” x 9” is 5.7lbs
The Cricut EasyPress 2 12” x 10” is 8.6 lbs
The Cricut EasyPress 2 6” x 7” is 3.3 lbs
At the time of this post, the 9” x 9”, the 12” x 10”, and the 6” x 7” come in various colors: mint, raspberry, and lilac, and light blue.
It is important to choose a Cricut EasyPress 2 with a heat plate that corresponds to your crafting needs. A heat plate that is too large will be difficult for smaller projects. It may make the transfers uneven.
A heat plate that is too small will require multiple presses across your project. This can cause fading or damage to iron-on materials.
Think about what it is you want to create before you purchase a Cricut EasyPress 2.
What are the measurements of the projects you make the most?
Do you need to travel with your Cricut EasyPress 2?
Most crafters eventually purchase multiple sizes of Cricut EasyPress 2 machines to cover the projects they make.
Each Cricut EasyPress 2 comes with an insulated safety base. You can purchase a mat to go along with your press for an additional cost.
A Cricut EasyPress mat removes moisture ensuring the heat transfer vinyl lasts longer on your project. A Cricut EasyPress mat is an easy way to add a smooth and even surface for your project. In addition, to protecting your project a Cricut EaSyPress mat will protect the surface area you are working on when using heat transfer vinyl and a Cricut EasyPress 2.
Cricut Easy Press mats come in the following sizes:
Cricut EasyPress Mat 12” x 12”
Cricut EasPress Mat 20” x 16”
Cricut EasyPress Mat 8” x 10”
Cricut EasyPress mats are grey in color. From time to time, they will release polka dot mats. These Cricut EasyPress mats have traditionally been grey with pink or white polka dots.
The post contains affiliate links which means if you make a purchase from a link in this post, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
RELATED:
10 THINGS I WISH I KNEW ABOUT MY CRICUT BEFORE I BOUGHT ONE
THE BEST THINGS TO MAKE AND SELL WITH A CRICUT
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ORIGINAL EASYPRESS VERSUS A CRICUT EASYPRESS 2?
By comparison the Cricut EasyPress 2 features:
Available in various sizes: 6” x 7”, 9” x 9”, 12”x 10”, and the mini size.
Choose the color of your machine in raspberry, green, and lilac
Heats up to 400 degrees allowing you to use the press on a broader ranger of material.
A thicker heat plate gives your project a more professional look that will last longer.
Heats up fast
Easy to store
Does not require a dedicated outlet
Safe touch exterior
Automatic shutoff
Safety base that will keep the work surface cooler
Remember time and temperature settings from last use
Even heating
Edge to Edge heating
No steam
Countdown timer
Precise temperature control up to 400 degrees
Portable
Lightweight (see information below on specific weights of each size press).
The original Cricut EasyPress features:
Only one size, 9” x 9”
Safety base
Big handle
Auto Shut off
Evenly Heated Plate
No steam
Countdown Timer
Safe touch exterior
Lightweight, portable, and easy to store
Weighs 5 pounds
Color is white and blue
Precise temperature control up to 350 degrees
WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF A CRICUT EASYPRESS 2?
The Cricut EasyPress 2 comes with the following features:
Can be used on a broader range of base materials, even wood!
Heats up super fast
Convenient and easy to store
Lightweight and portable
Safe to touch exterior when working on a project
Automatic shutoff
Insulated Safety Base that will keep work surface cooler up to 60 degrees
The press will remember the time and temperature settings from the last use so if you are doing a batch project, the Cricut EasyPress 2 will remember the settings so you don’t have to!
Uniform heating through your project up to 400 degrees
No steam
Countdown timer
Be sure to check out Cricut’s heat guide for any medium you choose to work with.
RELATED:
CRICUT DESIGN SPACE FOR BEGINNERS
WHAT SIZE CRICUT EASYPRESS 2 IS BEST?
It is important to choose a Cricut EasyPress 2 with a heat plate that corresponds to your crafting needs. A heat plate that is too large will be difficult for smaller projects. It may make the transfers uneven.
A heat plate that is too small will require multiple presses across your project. This can cause fading or damage to iron-on materials.
Think about what it is you want to create before you purchase a Cricut EasyPress 2.
Some questions you may want to think about:
What are the measurements of the projects you make the most?
Do you need to travel with your Cricut EasyPress 2?
Many Cricut crafters eventually purchase multiple sizes of Cricut EasyPress 2 to cover all projects they make.
The 12” x 10” EasyPress is great for larger projects like t-shirts, banners, sweatshirts, blankets, and more.
A larger heat plate will reduce the number of presses within your project. If you are working on larger projects, a 12”x10” Cricut EasyPress 2 is your best bet!
The Cricut EasyPress 2 12” x 10” will heat up in under 3 minutes.
Professional iron-on results in 60 seconds or less.
Precise temperature control up to 400 degrees.
Project Ideas you can make with an EasyPress 2 12” x 10”
Larger t-shirts
Larger sweatshirts and crewnecks
Banners
Blankets
Fully designed sleeves or pant legs
Bath Towels
Curtains
Pillows
The 9”x 9” is the most popular and versatile machine. Especially if you are making projects that are slightly larger than a 6” x 7”, the 9” x 9” may be your best purchase.
The 9” x 9” Cricut EasyPress 2 heats up in under 2 minutes.
Professional iron-on results in 60 seconds or less.
Precise temperature up to 400 degrees.
I love this size Cricut EasyPress 2 for t-shirts and tote bags.
Projects you can make with a 9 x 9 Cricut EasyPress2:
Smaller sized t-shirts and apparel
Wine totes
Bags
Aprons
Kitchen Towels
Costumes
Tote Bags
The 6” x 7” is lightweight and easily portable. It is a uniques size. If you have small children and love making shirts Cricut EasyPress 2 is the perfect fit for you.
The 6” x 7” Cricut EasyPress 2 heats up in under a minute.
Professional iron-on results in under 60 seconds or less.
Precise temperature control up to 400 degrees.
Projects you can make with an EasyPress 2 6” x 7”
Baby Onesies
Baby blankets
Mittens
Gloves
Smaller gift bags
Smaller tote bags
The EasyPress Mini makes even the most challenging of projects easy with its compact design. The mini is also great for uneven surfaces like wood. Many crafters use a mini when transferring heat transfer vinyl to wood surfaces. The size of the Cricut EasyPress Mini gives you the control to bond vinyl to uneven surfaces with ease!
Use the Cricut EasyPress 2 mini is great to customize unusual projects like hats, shoes, or stuffed animals. The ceramic coated heat plate provides dry, even, edge to edge heat transfer.
The Cricut EasyPress 2 mini has three heat settings for every iron-on and infusible Ink project.
The maximum input is 120V. This press has an insulated safety base and auto-shutoff feature.
Projects you can make with an EasyPress Mini
Personalize shoes
Pocket decals and designs
Hair accessories and jewelry
Custom hats
Accessorizing handmade dolls and other handmade toys
Related:
12 Amazing DIY Leather Earrings you can make with a Cricut
HOW TO MAKE LEATHER EARRINGS WITH A CRICUT
DO YOU NEED THE CRICUT EASYPRESS MAT?
I do recommend if you have the money, a Cricut EasyPress mat is ideal.
However, you do not NEED an easy press mat. You could use an old folded towel under your project to protect the work surface you are working on.
However, an easy press mat does eliminate moisture from the material or blank you are using for your DIY project. Eliminating moisture ensures the heat is going directly to your iron-on design.
If you are planning on using infusible ink with a Cricut EasyPress 2, a Cricut EasyPress mat may be a good idea.
To apply infusible ink, the Cricut EasyPress 2 will get up to 385 degrees! For heat that high, I would recommend a Cricut EasyPress mat to protect the surface you are working on.
Another feature of the Cricut EasyPress mat is that the mat will reflect heat back into your project while you work. This way, your project is heated from both sides. An old towel or ironing board will not be able to do that!
If you choose not to purchase a mat choose a work surface that is waist high, firm, and flat structure. Think kitchen table, craft table, etc.
If you are using a towel be sure to pick a towel with an even texture and is folded to 3 inches thick.
Do not use an ironing board, corrugated cardboard, aluminum foil, or a silicone baking sheet.
Cricut Easy Press mats come in the following sizes:
Cricut EasyPress Mat 12” x 12”
Cricut EasPress Mat 20” x 16”
Cricut EasyPress Mat 8” x 10”
Cricut EasyPress mats are grey in color. From time to time, they will release polka dot mats. These Cricut EasyPress mats have traditionally been grey with pink or white polka dots.
RELATED:
CAN I USE AN IRON INSTEAD OF AN EASY PRESS?
Yes, you can use a household iron to apply heat transfer vinyl to a project. It is possible to use a household iron but a household iron does not distribute heat equally across your project like a Cricut EasyPress 2 will do.
A Cricut EasyPress 2 has the convenience of a household iron with the durability of a heat press. With a Cricut EasyPress 2, the temperature is even throughout giving your heat transfer vinyl lasting results.
See the picture above. On the left is a household iron. On the right, is a Cricut EasyPress 2. You can see the Cricut EasyPress has a larger surface area of heat that is consistent throughout the base.
On the left is the heat distribution of a household iron. Uneven heat will cause the HTV to bond differently across the project.t In some cases, you can burn your project. That is not a fun way to end a craft project!
Consistent heat is super important with any heat transfer vinyl. When heat is consistent across your project, heat transfer vinyl will last longer and make any project more durable.
A household iron does not supply heat transfer vinyl with consistent heat across the entire surface areas of your project like a Cricut EasyPress 2 will do.
Tip: be sure to turn the steam function OFF when using a household iron with any heat transfer vinyl project.
CAN A CRICUT MAKE SHIRTS?
Yes, you can make custom t-shirts with heat transfer vinyl and a Cricut EasyPress 2.
1. Gather up all the supplies you will need to make custom shirts with a Cricut EasyPress 2
Cricut EasyPress 2. I would recommend a Cricut EasyPress 2 in the 9”x9” size. If you are making larger t-shirts or hoodies, you may need a 12”x10”. Measure your project before you buy.
2. Design a t-shirt inside of Cricut Design Space or purchase a cut file and upload the file into Cricut Design Space. Use the templates feature within Cricut Design Space to make sure the design you are using is sized correctly with the blank you’ve purchased.
3. Cut the HTV making sure you mirror the image before cutting.
4. Weed the vinyl being careful not to tear the vinyl.
5. Transfer the vinyl to your t-shirt using a Cricut EasyPress. 2 Check out Cricut’s guide to temperature and time settings on the EasyPress HERE.
RELATED:
IS A CRICUT EASYPRESS 2 BETTER THAN A HEAT PRESS?
This really depends on what you are using either machine for.
A heat press will permanently apply a heat transfer to a surface. Common uses for a traditional heat press are heat transfer vinyl that is pre-cut, Inkjet Transfer paper, laser transfer paper, and sublimation.
A heat press will transfer a graphic design onto t-shirts and other materials much like a Cricut EasyPress 2. A traditional heat press can be either commercial or designed for home use. The heat press makes use of applied pressure to transfer the heat transfer vinyl to the desired surface.
Traditional heat presses come in three types: clamshell, swing-away, and rawer style. While there are advantages to each, they virtually operate the same.
A traditional heat press will allow you to set the required pressure. The stabilizes your project so the surface will not shift during the heat press process. If you are looking to make a lot of apparel with specific artwork to transfer, this feature may appeal to you.
With a Cricut Easy Press 2, you control the pressure. You need to be careful not to accidentally shift or bunch your surface before or while you press. Be careful to watch for wrinkles before you begin using the Cricut Easy Press 2 and be mindful of using the same pressure throughout the transfer process. This is not a big deal but something to keep in mind!
The portability of a Cricut EasyPress 2 can’t be beaten.
You can spread a project out on your kitchen table with ease when using any Cricut EasyPress 2. It is compact and easy to use virtually anywhere!
A traditional heat press is big whether you are using a clamshell or another option. If space is an issue for you, the Cricut Easy Press is a better option for you.
Generally speaking, a heat press can take a long time to heat up and everything gets hot. If you have little ones around, this can be tricky.
Another thing to be aware of, you are limited to making projects by whatever size Cricut Easy Press you buy. If you are only into making t-shirts then this should not be an issue. By comparison, a traditional heat press would give you a wider range of options for making a variety of different-sized goods.
For general crafters, the Cricut EasyPress 2 is a great buy. If you create products for a shop that requires a heat press, do your homework! A traditional heat press may be a better option for you.
IS A CRICUT EASYPRESS 2 WORTH IT?
YES! I do not like buying things I don’t need. I waited A LONG time to buy a Cricut EasyPress 2 and have not regretted it once. The only thing I regret is not buying one sooner.
I spent hours using a household iron while completing heat transfer vinyl projects. I would have to go over projects multiple times with household iron. The Cricut EasyPress 2 makes each project I do fast and efficient. It is simply worth the money.
I started with a 9 x 9 if you are curious! I can make custom t-shirts and tote bags in this size. In my opinion, it is the most versatile Cricut EasyPress 2 size.
WHAT PROJECTS CAN I MAKE WITH A CRICUT EASYPRESS 2?
Make DIY custom pendants. Purchase blank pendants and use heat transfer vinyl for custom words or names.
Custom pajamas for the entire family this Holiday Season.
Fa la la la la t-shirt for you and your friends!
Library tote bags