Cricut AutoPress vs. Vevor Auto Heat Press | Which Heat Press is Best for Cricut and Sublimation?

There's a new auto heat press in town! In this video, I'm comparing the Cricut AutoPress and the new Vevor Auto Heat Press. There's a lot of similarities and some key differences between these two machines. See which one I recommend for Cricut projects...and which one I recommend for sublimation!
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Supplies used in this video (includes affiliate links):
• Cricut AutoPress: heyletsmakestuff.com/recommen...
• Vevor Auto Heat Press: amzn.to/3ZmxJW1
• Traditional Heat Press: heyletsmakestuff.com/recommen...
• Bella Canvas Maker's Account (wholesale pricing without a reseller license!): heyletsmakestuff.com/recommen...
• Sublimation Slate: www.heattransferwarehouse.com...
• Heat-Resistant Tape: amzn.to/3Sr4LSP
• Butcher Paper: amzn.to/3kjhfw7
• Green Pad: heyletsmakestuff.com/recommen...
• Nomex Pad: shrsl.com/40w8b
Helpful Blog Posts:
• Cricut AutoPress Review: heyletsmakestuff.com/cricut-a...
• Traditional Heat Press Review: heyletsmakestuff.com/how-to-u...
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[@UkrainianBoutique]

*What a wonderful review! Thank you for such a deep detailed explanation of all the features!!!* 🙏

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

You're welcome!

[@andrewwilliams2193]

Thanks for the review. I just got my Vevor heat auto press through Amazon yesterday and so far I like it. I have watched several videos and some people like it, some don't, but it boils down to preference. I am a die hard Cricut fan, but when it came to the auto press, even though Cricut reduced it from $1,000.00 to $799.00, it's still very expensive, so I went with the Vevor which cost only $219.00. It is a heavy monster and it took up a lot of space on my little crafting table, but I'm glad that it can store on it's side, because in my room, space is at a premium. I wished the control dial can detach from the machine, so I have to be very careful when moving it. The safety issue of the auto close is a concern. I bought it because I make a lot of T-shirts and I have been using the Easy Presses, I have the 9"x9", 12"x10" and the Mini. I like that the Vevor applies pressure when pressing, because using the Easy Presses, I don't have that upper body strength to apply a lot of pressure and I often had to press several times for the HTV to stick properly onto the T-shirts. The auto press makes it very easy for me to press one T-shirt after the next and I can get the next T-shirt ready to go right away.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I agree with everything you said! Other machines are better, but for the cost it can't really be beat.

[@abcmom18]

A very thorough comparison. Thank you for doing this.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

My pleasure!

[@Princess_karen]

I caught the Cricut heat press for half price and I absolutely love it. My press does not ka-chunk when it opens. It is not loud at all. I don’t normally press items that need heavy pressure. Have done many sublimation items and they come out great

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I got one of the first AutoPresses-I wonder if mine is more "ka-chunk"y than the newer machines!

[@greycat7773]

Thanks!!! Very Helpful Comparisons!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

You’re welcome!

[@cleversomeday]

Thorough and to the point. Thanks for this.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

You're welcome!

[@CJ.Digipics]

Thorough comparison.

[@judycrnkovich244]

Thanks for a great video. I sublimate with my cricut auto press and it works great it's all I use.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

That's awesome! Have you tried the higher pressure projects? I've done regular sublimation on garments, etc. and it's worked, but the higher-pressure items seem to be a no-go for me.

[@judycrnkovich244]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff I haven't tried slate. I mostly do sublimation and dtf on garments. I'm going to try coasters and hope that there is enough pressure. I'll let you know.

[@jenns.4187]

This was a great video! I have the Autopress and for the most part, I love it but this is my second. The first stopped working with the second use and kept popping open right after you closed it (then shut itself off!) and it took 2 zoom calls, 4 videos, etc. to get it replaced 😮 I can definitely tell that the new one is much better! I totally agree with the “POP” open experience in the Autopress and I’ve had it pop my project off the lower platen! I do use it for sublimation - totes, earrings, coasters - those have all worked fantastic and oddly, my ceramic coasters had that big indent in the paper like your Vevor did. I think I’m glad I kept my smaller Siser 9x12 for items that need more pressure - especially after seeing this!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Yes, definitely keep that smaller press! I just did a slate in my bigger clamshell press today and it turned out great :)

[@kljones9584]

At least yours was replaced. I was told mine was to far out of warranty. Three months, when I purchased mine there was no extended warranty offered. Only used it three or four times.

[@jenns.4187]

@@AmandasHandmadeKreations that’s awful!! How long have you had it? I feel like there should have been some kind of recall on a few batches as none of this should be happening for the price… I went with it because of the large opening and less chance of burning myself but I kind of wish I had gone with the HTVront auto press or something from heat press nation. I’d love to hear what you and up with or if Cricut changes their mind.

[@SheWritesHerJourney_]

Very great breakdown!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Thank you!

[@darlahpotechin1668]

Thank you for the review. I really appreciate it. I just bought the vevo to try. I do not have the luxury of buying a Cricut autopress to try. The cost is great when I can buy a non autopress for the same price and be quality and have a much larger platen. I do have the htvront autopress that literally makes your lights flicker. I rarely use it but did try slate on it. I found I had to put padding to lift it and increase the time almost double. I never heat my slate by hovering. I do a fair bit of slate - usually larger than photo slate and thicker. I do find my manual pressure heatpress is better. The one on the Vevor seems it has potential to sublimate on slate as it did have more pressure and perhaps slightly more pressure with more time would have worked. All the Chinese presses had no quality and way back when I 1st started, I had 2 Chinese presses catch on fire. One just the cord and one the actual platen had a fire under it. They have improved but not all are there yet. Vevor is not banned anywhere. They made changes and are Canadian compliant now. All the presses are from China in some degree or another except 1 based in the states. You get what you pay for. My best press was a pneumatic press but too pricey now. It is too bad as they truly give you the best press. Again, thank you!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Glad you are able to make it work for your slates!

[@renesysval]

WOW, I really am glad for this review. I can't deal with all that white noise on the Cricut Autopress. Guess that is now off my wish list.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I'm really sensitive to beeping and I have a few presses that beep a lot, so I totally understand!

[@lynnebizlyne436]

Very good comparison. Thank you for sharing. I still prefer my swing away 😊

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Glad you found it helpful! I love my regular clamshell press the most, ha!

[@chrislashley]

So helpful!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Glad you think so!

[@ruby0761]

Great comparison Just wanted to add that Vevor is not banned in Australia where I live. I’ve had a traditional Vevor heat press one for 3 years without any problems. I have just bought the Vevor auto press so fingers crossed for me

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

It was just one specific machine and apparently only in WA: www.commerce.wa.gov.au/announcements/electrical-safety-warning-heat-press-machine

[@ruby0761]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff Thats good to know, I thought you meant Vevor in general, thanks for clarifying :)

[@slsaints8247]

Hi @ruby0761, I am looking to buy a heat press machine and was wondering if you would recommend any in particular? I am also living in Sydney Australia.

[@cichrisphotography]

I knew I should have bought this from Amazon around Mother Day when it was $499. Thanks for the video. I’ll be waiting until it goes back to half off and buy the 3-4 years insurance on it from Amazon.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I'm sure it will be on sale for the same price again, especially as we get closer to the holidays!

[@cichrisphotography]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff I ended up purchasing a 12 x 10 inch one from Amazon. I’ll try to get this one in the future.

[@Jana-TheCraftyGambler]

I don’t know if this will make a difference with either of these presses, but I have a HTVRONT heat press. I tried sublimating ceramic car coasters and originally, I used the pad that came with the heat press which is close to the one on the Cricut press. The end results were horrible. I bought a silicone heat press mat and used that. Not much better. I then took a 10” round and used the ceramic pieces that were messed up and put them around the outside of the wooden round and put the blank ones in the middle. They came out perfect! I’m thinking that the HTVRONT press was not getting enough even pressure. Adding the wooden round with the silicone mat helped and they came out perfectly. I don’t know if this will help in your case but I thought I’d share anyway. Thanks for the video on both of the heat presses.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Oh that's a good idea! I also thought of taking some of the sturdier pads out of one of my many heat presses and try that. But good call on using the round.

[@clevesque6348]

Have you done a comparison for the HTV Ront one. I think this was a fair comparison. Thanks 🫶 I love my cricut autopress.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I have like eleven heat presses but not that one! Maybe someday I'll add it to my craft room :)

[@CLTGeek]

FWIW, I believe the fan in the Cricut unit is there is like a convection/air fryer fan. It's there to circulate the heat to give the unit even heating without more expensive heating elements.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

That would make sense!

[@AnnieHi]

Ha! Learned something new already! Didn't know I could store it "up"!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Yes! I store it between the wall and one of my many tables. It's actually pretty handy. I think you can do it with the Vevor press as well, but it's not as narrow as the AutoPress when standing on end.

[@SixfarHeatPress]

good job

[@jodiepotter6029]

Thanks for a great review. I’ve heard that pressure is an issue with Cricut’s Autopress and to try multiple mats. I wonder if the Autopress mat, topped with the Nomax, then your remaining paper, slate, paper, green pad, paper would help at all? I realize Im late to the party on this, but just a thought.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I’m actually going to be testing this method in an upcoming video!!

[@LouRao]

VERY GOOD REVIEW👍. So Good, I subscribed to your channel. Question, After the plate test and demonstrating the difference between the two heat press, would you say the Vevor is better pressure vs Cricut for vinyl, sublimation, and other crafts projects besides tile plates? I have both Cricut Auto and Vevor Auto heat presses, but getting ready to return Venor because can’t close lid manually. I haven’t done any project with Vevor, only turned it on and played with the dial. What I don’t like about the Cricut it does not have enough pressure. So, do you think I should keep Venor if the pressure is better than Cricut? Today is my last day for return.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Sorry if I am too late! I do think that either machine is fine for 95% of projects you could make. It's really just sublimation projects that require heavy pressure that is an issue...and it's an issue with both of them. Hope that helps!

[@LouRao]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff Yes, it did help👍. But, I decided to return it yesterday😢. I also have HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Machine - 15"x15". I will testify this is a good heat press for sublimation. The drawback is getting thicker fabrics such as hoodies can be a challenge. Hoping for the next HTVRONT Auto Press generation is redesigned to accommodate larger items. Otherwise, a very good heat press at its price point. Again, thank you for your reply😎

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

@@LouRao Thank you for sharing that! I have so many heat presses but not that one (yet, ha!).

[@DonJuravin]

Thanks!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Thank you!!

[@2Bs_scrapsNcrafts]

I love Bella canvas and I didn’t know they had onsies 😍😍

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Yes! They are really soft like their other garments.

[@user-xo4dq4db3w]

Do you think you could put some wood blocks, etc. beside your transfer on the Vevor baseplate and then close to make a hover effect? What is the max item thickness of the Vevor? Also, have your tried doing the tiles with the green pad/pressing mat and sub paper on the bottom and the tile face down on top, opposite what you normally do? I haven't made any myself, but I thought I saw that on some instructions somewhere. Thanks for the comparison video!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I'm not sure, but I am working on a video on how to do slate with an autopress soon so maybe I'll test it out!

[@user-xo4dq4db3w]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff I'm sure you'll figure it out with a little trial and error! Good luck!

[@antellmarkus9568]

Just wondering, what happens if you press button to close and then again just before it closes? I mean for hovering.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

It opens right back up.

[@k6135]

Is the cricut auto press really an "auto" press because to me the "auto" would mean little to no human effort or force. So vevor passed the "auto" test full 100 for me. Thanks so much for the detailed review. I really appreciate it. Just got my vevor autopress. Do you own an HTVRONT auto press? I would love to see a comparison between HTVRONT and VEVOR

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

The Autopress requires very little force compared to any other heat press. You can easily close it with just a slight pressure vs. all the elbow grease needed for a larger press. But yes, the Vevor is 100% automatic. I don't have the HTVRONT but with so many people asking about it...I think I may need to do a comparison!

[@angelikakopek]

I think the results are subjective to your blank; I have an auto press and have had no issues with slate. I watched a video from Country chic cottage and she was able to do slate with great success :)

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

It might be! I know she has some hacks to use a different pad and temp and time. So it might be possible.

[@diannecook4667]

I live in Australia and had no problem buying the Australian model of the Vevor autopress recently.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

It was a different Vevor press www.commerce.wa.gov.au/announcements/electrical-safety-warning-heat-press-machine

[@kinarasankofa1934]

I lived in Erina NSW but back in the US. Looking a this machine and the Vevor Swing away as my options as to which is better.

[@naiyahp]

I definitely prefer the Cricut’s auto-press in my opinion.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Definitely prefer it over the Vevor!

[@redbacktrekkers2986]

Strongly believe the green pad affected the pressure on the slate, would be keen to see a rerun without the green pad and thanks for such a great video

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Without the green pad always has worse results for me, but you're welcome to try it!

[@preallz2493]

I have the autopress… You need to add 3 mats to get a good press…… There’s a slight gap in between the plate when it goes into pressure mode with one heat matt.. Also the auto press for some reason is 35 degrees off using heat gun… If you need a temperature of 300 degrees put it on 335

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Good to know! I think I'd prefer just to have a press that gives me adjustable pressure, but yours might work for some folks!

[@preallz2493]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuffsorry I meant two mats not 3 lol

[@petawakefield86]

I have the vevor press and am in Australia and purchased it from an australian retailer they are not banned.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

It was one certain press from them, not all presses and only in WA: www.commerce.wa.gov.au/announcements/electrical-safety-warning-heat-press-machine

[@tjroane]

If the cords are removable they could have supplied right angle\90 degree (left or right) to take up less space at the back of the machine.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Yes, that would've worked too!

[@lesleygray3981]

i must stop watching this and tell you that you are a great communicator ! Ok back to it .

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Thank you Lesley!

[@marklola12]

for me NO auto heat press is ideal, i tried the cricut which got returned as it did not give me enough pressure for alot of items. i got the htvront auto press and that was worse so i stick with a normal heat press as it works perfect each time

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

While I do like my Cricut Autopress, I usually use my regular heat press for most projects, too!

[@darkstar7422]

I think with the autopress you need to put an extra mat to increase the pressure.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I’ve tried and didn’t have much luck either 😕

[@marklola12]

does not always work actually, for me it made sublimation even more patchy and crap

[@kljones9584]

Good comparison, purchased the cricut auto press one year later three months out of warranty it died. When I purchased my auto press no extended warranties were offered. Nor was it offered to prior owners. Contacted cricut, so I am out of a hefty sum for a machine that made the one year mark before death. Go figure. No way to get the machine serviced, Disappointed…..did not use it often.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Oh, that's a huge disappointment! I'm sorry :(

[@marklola12]

the issue is that green mat you put on top haha it is too thick so the heat is not getting through fully, just do it with Butcher paper on top

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

It’s a heat conductive mat. It gets as hot as the press plate but presses more evenly and protects your slate from breaking. You can try it without but the pad is not the problem.

[@QuieroCake]

Both are nice however the counter it’s to tall for you.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

This is not normally where I keep either of these presses-it's just where I do my videos.

[@pen25]

ok. you dont love the auto close function because the button is close to the heat plate and yuo said the top isnt hot right before. and its a heat press what are you worried about? kids should be supervised around a hot press just like with a steam iron.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

The top isn't hot, but you still have to get close to the heat plate which I don't love. And yes, of course I supervise my kids but they are also kids and sometimes they do things I'm not expecting.

[@pen25]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff you have to do that with pretty much any heat press.

[@SilverHawk555]

looks like a piano landed on a toilette

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I'm sure this is what they were going for.

[@SilverHawk555]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff hmmmmm… I think they were going for the apple aesthetic and it turned out toilette looking lol 😂 I’m

[@dawnievdb7316]

Why haven't you mentioned the set up of the cricut auto press, vs the Vevor heat press. It's much easier with Vevor, so your giving a false idea of the set up requirements. I do agree with the safety issues though

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Honestly? It's been so long since I set up my AutoPress that I forgot there were steps in Cricut Design Space. I didn't find it difficult then, but you're right, the Vevor is just plugged in and ready to go.

[@josephineoccena176]

Ive watched a thorough review of the autopress and they tested the heat turned out autopress heat is not accurate.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I've tested mine and it's accurate, but perhaps other people have had problems.

[@josephineoccena176]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuffand cricut failed the pressure test where they put papers on all the 4 edges , you can easily tell it doesn't press equally hard on all sides, 2 of the papers were "harder" to pull out.

[@chicodabs710]

i think it'd be more logical to just keep the kids away from work area ?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

If you want to do that, you can! I work next to my house and I am teaching my boys how to be safe in my studio. Having them in here means they are learning and we are spending time together, so I still would rather not have the automatic close of this heat press. If it works in your space, then go for it.

[@gracierosemiller4411]

Firstly why would you want your kids around your heat presses and secondly why do you have them turned sideways and hiked so high up on a table. How can you give a true review if you are as you say sandwiched between two heat presses and scared to use them. Wouldn't it be better to have them facing you and at a more appropriate height.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I like having my kids around when I’m crafting and I’m teaching them safety. And these two presses do not sit here normally-they are on lower tables that face forward. They are just here because this is where I film.

[@palacetrinity7818]

i think the lady is biased frankly and shouldnt be giving reviews. The kids fingers could just as easily be caught in cricut one

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

The Cricut auto press doesn’t close automatically. Therefore, I think the risk of pinching is much less. You can buy this one. I’m just giving you my opinion between the two.

[@melissasebring4801]

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Hey Melissa!