Difference Between Easy Press and Easy Press 2
If you are in the market for a new heat-press, you may be wondering if the Cricut EasyPress 3 is worth the investment. Or, maybe you are trying to decide between the Cricut EasyPress 2 and 3.
The EasyPress 3 is the newer product that has some great features, but the EasyPress 2 is still a popular choice among crafters.
Both products have their pros and cons, so it really depends on your specific needs. So, let's explore and compare the Cricut EasyPress 3 vs EasyPress 2.
New Cricut EasyPress Comparison Guide
The entire line of Cricut EasyPresses are all really great products that I use frequently, but there are some key differences that you should be aware of before making a decision.
The EasyPresses are all designed for different projects. The larger EasyPresses are meant for mid-size projects like t-shirts and tote bags, while the EasyPress Mini is meant for projects that are much smaller like hats, sneakers, and whatnot.
The EasyPresses also have different temperature ranges, which will affect the types of projects you can tackle with them. For example, the EasyPress Mini goes up to 430 degrees Fahrenheit, while the larger presses go up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. That's a pretty big difference!
So, if you are looking for something that can handle a high-temperature project, the larger EasyPress would be the best option.
The EasyPresses also come in different sizes. The EasyPress Mini is just six inches by seven inches (hence the "mini" in its name), while the largest option is twelve inches by ten inches.
So, if you have a larger project, you will definitely need to go with a bigger size.
But as different as they are, there are a great number of similarities that make the products truly part of the same class of products.
For example, the EasyPresses all have ceramic-coated plates that heat the entire surface for dry, even, edge-to-edge heat, including an auto-shutoff feature for safety.
But if they're so great, why would we need the EasyPress 3? How can you improve on all that awesomeness?
Easy. You take out ANY guesswork that comes with heat pressing anything. I'll explore more about that later, but the truth is, if you're a first-time heat press user, this might be the one reason you select the Cricut EasyPress 3 over the EasyPress 2.
Cricut EasyPress Comparison Table
So, here's the nitty-gritty difference between the Cricut EasyPress 3 vs EasyPress 2.
If you want to make a decision between the Cricut EasyPress 3 vs EasyPress 2, you need to know what makes each one special.
So, I put together this efficient little table to throw all the information at the wall so we can see what sticks. However, don't get upset if tables aren't your thing.
I took the time to go into a bit more detail below, so keep reading for the juicier bits.
| Cricut EasyPress 3 vs EasyPress 2 Side by Side Comparison | Cricut EasyPress 3 | Cricut EasyPress 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Pressing Area | 12″x10″ | 12″x10″ |
| Machine Dimensions | 16.93″x15.16″x7.63″ | 16.93″x15.16″x7.63″ |
| Machine Weight | 14 pounds | 14 pounds |
| Temperature Range | 230-400 degrees F | 230-400 degrees F |
| Auto Shut-off? | Yes | Yes |
| Heat Plate Material | Ceramic | Ceramic |
| Digital Display (Time & Temp) | Yes | Yes |
| Closure Type | Manual | Manual |
| Cricut Heat App Integration? | Yes | No |
| Compatible Material | Heat transfer vinyl, Sublimation Prints, Cricut Infusible Ink, and more | Heat transfer vinyl, Sublimation Prints, Cricut Infusible Ink, and more |
| Pressing Mat Needed? | Preferred | Preferred |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Now, let's get into all the juicy details of what these two Cricut heat presses are all about.
What Makes the Cricut EasyPress 3 Different from the Cricut EasyPress 2?
The Cricut EasyPress 3 is a smarter version of the whole Cricut EasyPress line. What I mean by that is that you can integrate your EasyPress 3 with the Cricut EasyPress App and literally remove ANY guessing that you might have to do based on the material you're pressing and the item you're pressing it on to.
What – wait?! What?!
Yes!
You heard that right. The ONLY problem I've EVER had with any Cricut EasyPress product was the human error made when I guessed about how long I should be pressing because I didn't take the time to go hunt down the specific combination of pressing material to material being pressed onto. The Cricut Heat App literally takes all of that guesswork out.
How Does the Cricut Heat App Work?
The Cricut Heat App is designed to be very user-friendly for even first-time heat press users. So, here are the steps that you need to follow to achieve professional results with Cricut Heat App:
- Open the app and selected "New Project".
- Select the type of material being applied to your substrate (ie. heat transfer vinyl, sublimation, Cricut Infusible Ink, etc.).
- Select the substrate (ie. t-shirt, canvas, glass, etc.)
- Check the settings the app recommends, adjust if desired, then select the "Send Settings to EasyPress" button.
- The app will connect to the EasyPress via Bluetooth and load the settings while you set up your substrate and pressing mat.
- When the EasyPress is preheated and ready to start, both the EasyPress and the app will alert you, so you can position the EasyPress onto your substrate and push the "go" button on the EasyPress.
- The EasyPress and the app will both countdown your time, then walk you through any additional steps such as turning the substrate over, etc.
- Then place your EasyPress on the safety base and finish your project!
Can I use the EasyPress 3 without the Cricut Heat app?
Yes, but you will need to use it the first time to set it all up.
Which of the Cricut EasyPress Heat Presses Use SVGs?
Heat presses do not directly use SVGs or other cut files. To directly use SVGs, you will want to have access to a cutting machine. The full line of Cricut cutting machines use SVGs and other cut files.
To use these files, you just upload the images to Cricut Design Space, follow the prompts and the software will then turn your files into precise cutting lines, draw lines, or printing lines that can be applied to the material you've selected using the cutting machine.
If you need some ideas or a free SVG to get your creative juices flowing for your next project, you can check out my library here.
What are the Materials That the Cricut EasyPress Machines Can Apply?
When you're trying to make some material stick to a shirt or some other base material (like a yard flag, cutting board, or whatever), typically, you just need a nice, consistent sheet of very hot to make activate the material's adhesive or ink.
This is typically something that can be done somewhere between the temperature of 230 degrees F and 400 degrees F.
For everything I have done, I have not had to heat press anything at a temperature lower than 230 degrees F nor can I think of a time I needed to heat anything to more than 400 degrees F.
So, as long as your material falls within that range, these machines can tackle it.
Honestly, both machines can press the same materials. Some of my favorites are:
- Heat Transfer Vinyl
- Sublimation Prints
- Cricut Infusible Ink
The truth is if you need heat to apply it, within the temperatures noted above, any of the Cricut EasyPress machines can knock it out.
What are the Materials That the Cricut EasyPress Machines Can Press Onto?
There's a super wide variety of materials that can be used on either of the Cricut EasyPress machines. Because you're just looking to apply heat, there are a ton of materials you can use a heat press on to make it all come together. Some of my favorites are:
- Shirts
- Koozies
- Lanyards
- Cutting Boards
- Wood Planks
- Fabric (like tote bags and yard flags)
- Banners
- Blankets
The list is literally never-ending.
Does The Cricut EasyPress 2 12×10 Come With a Pressing Mat?
Yes, the Cricut EasyPress 2 comes with a pressing mat. But do you have to use the pressing mat? No, you don't, you can use a towel. However, I have found that using a towel is not as easy, nor consistent.
I definitely recommend that you use the pressing mat.
Does the Cricut EasyPress 3 Come with a Pressing Mat?
The Cricut EasyPress 3 does not come with a pressing mat. However, like with the EasyPress 2, I strongly recommend using one, even though a towel can be used. No need to risk your product being a touch, off because the surface underneath it wasn't even.
Other Items in the Box with Your Cricut EasyPress 2
- Welcome Book
- Safety Base
- Pressing Mat
- Materials for a practice project
Other Items in the Box with Your Cricut EasyPress 3
- Safety Base
Cricut EasyPress 2 vs Cricut EasyPress 3 Price Comparison
The EasyPress 2 costs: $179 and you can buy one here.
The EasyPress 3 costs: $249 and you can buy one here.
Which is Best: Cricut EasyPress 2 vs. Cricut EasyPress 3?
For anyone who is very comfortable with their current Cricut EasyPress 2, that only uses it occasionally, you may not want to upgrade to the EasyPress 3.
However, if you frequently use your EasyPress, are a new user, or are not comfortable with your current capabilities, there's a lot to be said about the EasyPress 3. Access to the Cricut Heat App is a game-changer, taking a lot of the challenge of using a heat press out of the user's hands.
I am definitely going to be switching over to the EasyPress 3 because I do have a lot of projects that I use my heat press for and I do end up with a few mistakes that I think the EasyPress 3 will help me avoid.
So, I guess it really depends on your situation as to which of these products is better for you. But I would definitely say that, for ease of use, the EasyPress 3 is hands-down the winner in my book.
More Cricut Comparisons.
- Cricut EasyPress 2: Beginners Guide
- Best Heat Press Machine | Cricut EasyPress vs. Heat Press
- Cricut EasyPress Mini And Everything You Need To Know
- Cricut Maker Vs Explore Air 2 Machines
- Cricut AutoPress: Your Get Started Guide (new cricut heat press)
Source: https://colormecrafty.net/cricut-easypress-3-vs-easypress-2/
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