Best Swing-Away Heat Press 15×15 Machine for Small Business

You can buy a heat press machine for different reasons. Whether you want to buy the machine for hobby or business purposes, buying the best swing-away heat press 15×15 machine can be a great start. With these versatile machines, you can grow your small printing business gradually.

A heat press is a machine that uses a combination of pressure and heat to transmit graphic designs onto a substrate. The heat press provides you an alternative to other printing methods such as screen printing and sublimation. It helps you customize mugs, plates, metal items, caps, garments, and other items in an easy modern way.

There are numerous heat press designs and types on the market, so picking the right model for your needs can be overwhelming. To help you make a valid choice, we have virtually all the information you need to know before buying these presses.

1. TUSY Pro 5 in 1 Swing Away Heat Press Machine Combo (15×15 inch)

For a versatile best swing-away heat press 15×15, we recommend you the TUSY Pro 5 in 1 heat press machine combo. The heating pad features a screen display that displays the temperature and time counter. It allows you to set up the time of transfer manually, and once the transfer is done, it will beep, alerting you to take your substrate out. Additionally, the upper heating pad of this machine can rotate 360 degrees meaning that you can move the heating elements aside when not in use and leave enough space on one side if you don’t have a spacious room.

The TUSY Pro 5 in 1 heat press model features a full-range pressure-adjustment knob that allows pressure to be controlled according to a different substrate, optimizing the transfer effect and preventing accidents. The thermometer on this machine allows you to manage the heat intensity inside the press. You can easily set up the temperature to 482 degrees Fahrenheit. Hence, the press heater automatically turns off when it reaches a particular level, so you will have no chance to damage sensitive fabrics.

This heat press machine comes with five different attachments; heat press plate, mug press sublimation, hat press, and two plate press. Users praise this machine since it allows precise controlling of pressing time and temperature.

2. SHZOND Heat Press Machine 15″x 15″ Heat Transfer Machine for T-Shirts and Hats

If you are looking for the best swing-away heat press 15×15 machine that will work effectively on your t-shirts, caps, and hats, you found one, the SHZOND Heat Press Machine. This unit has a full 360-degrees rotation meaning that you can move the heating elements aside when not in use, leave enough space on one side, and reducing the chances of an accident. Additionally, it features a pressure adjustment knob which you can adjust to the thickness of the material, plus a detachable silicone pad and cotton pad.

The SHZOND Heat Press features a display screen display that displays the temperature and time counter. It allows you to set up the time of transfer manually, and once the transfer is done, it will beep, alerting you to take your substrate out. Besides, the heating board is Teflon coated for protecting the clothes, vinyl, and iron while working and safe to them, plus the Teflon cover is heat resistant, easy to clean, and makes printing more steady.

The unit has a non-stick surface which allows preventing your substrate from burning. The heating element of this machine includes a 15×15 T-shirt press and Cap/Hat press 6×3.

3. CO-Z Pro Heat Press Machine 15″ x 15″ Transfer Sublimation Printer Swing Away (5 in 1)

If you are looking for the best swing-away heat press 15×15 that comes with an audible alarm, count on the CO-Z Pro 5 in 1 Transfer Sublimation Heat Press. This machine comes with a timer control and countdown function and an integrated dual-screen display that keeps tracking the temperature and time, protecting your safety with a smart design. The temperature maintains stability once the pre-set time is reached. Furthermore, it is Celsius and Fahrenheit convertible, accommodating your different needs.

The CO-Z Pro 5 in 1 Heat Press has a sturdy aluminum body with a polished anti-fingerprint finish, increasing durability with uncompromised performance. It features a revolutionary alloy handrail for easy heat transfer printing and transition among hat, plate, and cup heat press cushions. It also features an anti-skid handle made of rubber that offers a comfortable hand feeling.

The swing-away machine comes with an upper heating element that can rotate 360 degrees meaning that you can move the heating elements aside when not in use and leave enough space on one side if you don’t have a spacious room. It comes with gifts like a white T-shirt and Teflon coating paper. Furthermore, it is easy to operate and install, plus it has great customer service.

4. Seeutek Heat Press 15″ x 15″ 5 in 1 Heat Transfer Sublimation Machine Combo

The Seeutek Heat press 15×15 is another versatile model worth your consideration. The machine has an advanced press-casting aluminum heating plate and Teflon coating, which shields your clothes and vinyl while working. The upper heating pad of this machine can rotate 360 degrees meaning that you can move the heating elements aside when not in use and reducing the chances of accidents.

Furthermore, it features a digital control box that allows you to set the temperature (Degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius) you desire. The press heater automatically turns off when it reaches a particular level, so you will have no chance to damage sensitive fabrics.

The heating pad features a screen display that displays the temperature and time counter. It allows you to set up the time of transfer manually, and once the transfer is done, it will beep, alerting you to take your substrate out. The sublimation heat press machine is very strong and well-built, meaning that it will last for a long period.

The Seeutek’s heat press comes Teflon cover that is heat resistant and easy to clean. It features a detachable lower platform, a detachable silicone gel baseboard, and a cotton pad. Furthermore, the package comes with five elements: a fully-assembled heat press machine with platen press, hat press, mug press, two plate presses, plus two bonus Teflon sheets. 

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Swing Away Heat Press Machines

1. Heat distribution and temperature

Your heat press machine needs to be able to offer consistent temperature all over the platen. When shopping for the best heat press machines, know that a cheap heat press machine doesn’t manage even heat distribution well. You, therefore, need to look for a brand that delivers excellently and equal heat across their platen.

To check the heat distribution, turn the heat press machine on and move your hand across the heat plate. The right heat distribution can make a big difference if you are printing using larger designs or larger t-shirts.

Apart from heat distribution, the temperature range is another thing you should consider. The temperature range of your heat press machine highly affects the type of material you can work on. T-shirts normally require less than 350 degrees Fahrenheit; however, thicker garments like sweatshirts and hoodies may need more.

Heat press machines are much better than irons since you can set and control their temperature. When you apply for the transfer, it is important to have the right temperature settings for processing a heat transfer effectively.

2. The pressure of the heat press machine

It is important to look for a machine with centralized adjustable pressure and a flotational heat plate. Swig-away heat presses are the best models due to their ability to handle pressure a lot better.

If you decide to buy a manual heat press model, ensure the pressure and force knobs are adjustable. It might feel like a small factor to consider, but a good pressure knob can make a large difference in your daily use of the machine and make your work easier.

This consideration is crucial because you need to ensure you apply precise pressure on every t-shirt when printing. Applying excessive pressure each time and daily may give you backaches. Conversely, applying too little and the image may not transfer the information to your garment the way you wanted it to.

3. Ease to use

When shopping for the best heat press machines, look for that machine that is easy to use. You can look for one that opens in a smooth and fluid motion. An easy-to-open press machine is even more essential if you produce a large number of custom shirts daily. When it comes to a swing away style press, precision placement is a bit easier.

4. Compatibility with work at hand

When shopping for the best swing-away heat, press 15×15; the truth is you will go for that one that is compatible with your workload. Look for a heat press that comes with a thick platen as these usually retain heat better than the thin platen ones.

5. Digital Display

A cheaper heat transfer machine depends on manual or bell times. They also have a thermostat. Although this is ideal, you would want a digital display with a timer and a thermometer for temperature if you rarely use heat printing. The best heat press machine has a digital timer and temperature control panel, where you can control and set the temperature and the timer for heavier workloads.

6. Materials being pressed

The heat transfer process requires pressure and heat while heat pressing. You will need to use various temperatures and pressure levels on the media type and transfer type being printed upon. Therefore, it is important to do enough research to have a sturdy concept of which heat press machine achieves the workpieces you intend to press. These heat press reviews will help you out; however, if you feel more confused, look for a supplier online to get a deeper understanding of the various types of transfers and how the materials being pressed associate with them.

7. Budget and cost

Deciding which heat pressing machine to buy for your small T-shirt printing business will highly rely on your dedicated budget. Look for an affordable heat press machine, but at the same time, it is an outstanding high-quality heat press. Getting this is possible, especially with the models on our list. However, if you need a workhorse that produces hundreds of t-shirts daily, you should invest in the higher end of the price range. For a 15×15 swing-away model, the price varies from $250 to more than $1,000 depending on the manufacturer, warranty, and other features.

8. Portability of the heat presses

Consider the portability of the machine when shopping for the best swing-away heat press 15×15 machine. A portable heat press machine will be easy and convenient to work with. Conversely, most of the swing away machines are portable, so you don’t have to worry much though it is worth your consideration nonetheless.

9. Customer support and warranty

The best swing-away heat press 15×15 machines should come with the best customer support most definitely. When shopping, check what sort of customer service is offered by the brand of the unit you intend to buy. If anything goes wrong with the unit, you want to know that a professional service representative can help.

Conversely, ensure you check the length of the warranty that comes with your unit. We recommend you invest in a press machine that comes with a manufacturer lifetime warranty on the heat platen.