Cricut, the go-to name in DIY tech, has released the third iteration of its popular shirt press, the Cricut EasyPress 3. It works in conjunction with its line of popular vinyl cutters to personalize canvas bags, coasters, pillows, and of course, every kind of T-shirt. Just like the Cricut vinyl cutters, EasyPress 3 is incredibly user-friendly, and you don’t have to have any serious crafting background to operate it right out of the box. Here’s a quick review of the Cricut EasyPress 3 and its functionality.
What is Cricut EasyPress 3?
Specs:
— Size: 9 inches L x 9 inches W x 3.5 inches H, without stand
— Weight: 5.5 pounds
— Temperature Range: Up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
The Cricut EasyPress 3 is the third generation of its heat presses. I’m reviewing the 9 x 9-inch model, but it’s also available in a 12 x 10-inch size. Its ceramic-plated heat plate can be programmed to heat up to precise temperatures to use in a myriad of crafting projects. Temperature can be adjusted manually on the machine, or through the Cricut Heat app. Here are a few of its standout features.
— Infusible Ink Ready: This heat press works with heat transfer vinyl, Infusible Ink, and other popular iron-on products.
— Precise, Safe Heat: Cricut EasyPress 3 tops out at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, whether you’re pressing on cotton v-necks or ceramic coasts. When the device isn’t in use, it rests on its handy Safety Base. It even shuts off automatically if you’re the kind who tends to leave the iron on.
— Cricut Heat App Compatibility: Cricut EasyPress 3 is one of the first heat presses with wireless connectivity. What temperature should you set the EasyPress to if you want to make personalized shirts for your softball team? Syncing the EasyPress 3 to the Cricut Heat app (available on App Store and Google Play) takes the guesswork out of all crafting projects, complete with guided visual instructions every step of the way.
Cricut EasyPress 3 Review: Is It Worth It?
First Impressions
Last year, I got to try the Cricut Explore 3, my first foray into DIY machines. For the uninitiated, Cricut’s main line of machines is known for cutting precise designs across every manner of crafting material, from vinyl to cardstock, fabric to cork. Cricut EasyPress 3 works in conjunction with these cutting machines for any and all DIY projects that require a heat press. Sure, you could use an iron. But irons are imprecise, and usually use steam to get the job done. Imprecise heat and water can ruin any project, and worse, a project in the homestretch.
Irony-poisoned millennial that I am, I decided to make some seriously unhinged projects with my new Cricut EasyPress 3. For many, projects begin and end using the Cricut Design Space App (available on App Store and Google Play), which is crammed with plenty of ideas, design assets, and step-by-step instructions that include needed materials. There are even a bunch of assets from fandoms like Harry Potter, Disney, and Star Wars. I too would dabble in the familiar, though I’m positive none of the “fandoms” I’d be covering are available on Design Space.
Easy Peasy Pressing
Eager to try out the press, my first project was adorning the canvas bag that came with the machine with a vinyl cutout of the Cricut logo. The Cricut EasyPress 3 synced up to the Cricut Heat app on my phone quickly and easily. The task at hand was easy, but as someone who doesn’t know what decoupage is (and refuses to dedicate gray matter to actually finding out) I was happy to see that there were full step-by-step instructions. The pertinent information was sent wirelessly to the heat press, and within a few minutes, the device reached the appropriate temperature. Next, I applied the heat, and using light pressure (as instructed), and the vinyl sticker pressed easily into the fabric. After a quick cooling session, the bag was ready to use.
The second project would be a raglan T-shirt from my spouse, something corny and heartfelt. Goofy slogan aside, I used Rainbow Triangle Infusible Ink transfer sheets to make it stand out. After dragging the design into Design Space, my Cricut Maker 3 cut out the design (mirrored, of course) and it was ready to transfer. I followed the same process, selecting the fabric and the transfer material directly from the app. Less than a minute of heat and light pressure later, my surprise gift for my beloved was ready.
I have close to zero DIY experience, but the whole process couldn’t be more simple. From there, I was off to the races, designing, cutting, and pressing a set of coasters displaying taglines from the internet and one of my favorite tawdry reality shows. I don’t have to tell you that almost everyone I showed these projects off to were barking out requests for their own. I may just have to open up an Etsy shop.
Double Duty
I’m still a crafting neophyte, but operating the EasyPress 3 was easier than ironing a shirt. In fact, I even used it to iron out a cotton shirt, to see if it could do double duty as an iron. Spoilers: it can and without the need to fill it with water. Just make sure you set the temperature to the optimal setting for whatever fabric you’re looking to get the wrinkles out of (Google can help here).
Final Thoughts on Cricut EasyPress 3
Cricut EasyPress 3 does exactly what it says it does and it does it beautifully. This Cricut EasyPress 3 review dug up no obvious flaws, hiccups, or even room for user error after days of use. Using an iron for heat transfer is a dubious prospect, especially if you’re working in high volume. For massive undertakings, like making a pile of shirts for everyone at a family reunion or entire sports teams, Cricut EasyPress 3 ensures the first shirt off the line is just as great as the last. The obvious downside is that you sort of need a Cricut machine to take full advantage of it. If you plan on making any sort of heat-transfer projects, the price point is totally reasonable. Its precision, user-friendliness, and companion app take the guesswork out of iron-on crafting projects big and small. It also makes a great gift for techy DIYers.
This post was created by a non-news editorial team at Recurrent Media, Futurism’s owner. Futurism may receive a portion of sales on products linked within this post.
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