The Lowdown
The Cricut EasyPress 3 and Cricut Hat Press have stepped up our DIY gifting and custom wearable game. They are easy to use, produce excellent results, and add versatility to any Cricut setup. Whether you’re creating personalized gifts, fundraising items, or simply enjoying a hobby, these presses make it possible to achieve professional-quality results at home.
Overall
Pros
- Easy to use
- Works well with Cricut machines
- Bluetooth connectivity sets temps and instructions
- Great results every use
Cons
- Requires activation with the Cricut Heat app (not ideal if you want an offline option)
- EasyPress 3’s large plate can be cumbersome for small projects
- Hat Press may require multiple passes for larger or wrapped designs
- Pricing may feel steep for casual crafters
Becoming a maker with Cricut products has been an enjoyable journey. Their machines and tools enable the creation of high-quality items quickly and easily at home. The Cricut EasyPress 3 and the Cricut Hat Press expand that creative toolbox even further, making it possible to add professional-quality heat transfers to clothing, hats, and gifts. These two products have quickly become favorites in our home crafting setup.
Cricut EasyPress 3
The Cricut EasyPress 3 builds on the company’s best-selling press, now with built-in Bluetooth wireless technology that connects to the Cricut Heat app. With the app, you can send precise time and temperature settings directly to the press and follow step-by-step guidance for different project types. Note that the press must be activated with the app and a compatible mobile device before first use.
With a 12″ x 10″ ceramic-coated heat plate, the EasyPress 3 delivers dry, edge-to-edge heat at controlled temperatures up to 400°F (205°C). This makes it ideal for larger projects like XL T-shirts, sweatshirts, banners, blankets, and more. We used it on a set of custom kitchen items with my wife’s grandfather’s cattle brand for a family reunion auction, and the results were flawless.
It’s compact, easy to store, and not overly heavy. Safety-conscious features include an insulated safety base and an auto-off function. Cricut also notes that the EasyPress 3 meets multiple global safety certifications, which is reassuring.
Most major brands of HTV, Infusible Ink, and sublimation materials work with the EasyPress 3, but we’ve had particularly great luck sticking with Cricut’s own products. Every project we’ve tried has delivered fantastic results that hold up well over time.
We do not use the Cricut Press products as a business, but have greatly enjoyed creating gifts and personal items. We recently created a set of kitchen items with my wife’s grandfather’s cattle brand and donated it for auction at her family reunion. It came out amazing and was well-received by everyone in attendance.
Cricut Hat Press
The Cricut Hat Press is designed specifically for caps and hats, and it feels like a natural companion to the EasyPress 3. Its 5″ x 3″ curved, ceramic-coated heat plate helps deliver wrinkle-free transfers with three heat settings up to 400°F (205°C).
The included Cricut Hat Pressing Form creates the firm, rounded pressing surface necessary for consistent results. Like the EasyPress 3, the Hat Press connects to the Cricut Heat app via Bluetooth, and it must be activated before use. The app makes the process foolproof by walking you through every step with the right time and temperature settings.
The Hat Press comes with everything you need to get started: the press itself, the pressing form, a safety base, strong heat-resistant tape, and even an iron-on design. We found the handheld design comfortable to use, and the auto-off safety feature provided peace of mind.
We’ve already made several custom hats, and the results look polished and professional. It’s been a lot of fun turning our designs into wearable art.
Everyday Use
Both presses make heat transfer projects faster, easier, and more consistent than using a traditional iron. The Bluetooth connectivity and app integration are helpful, but Cricut does require app activation, which could be a drawback for those who prefer fully offline tools. That said, once connected, the app ensures you never have to guess about time or temperature settings again.
The Cricut EasyPress 3 and Cricut Hat Press have stepped up our DIY gifting and custom wearable game. They are easy to use, produce excellent results, and add versatility to any Cricut setup. Whether you’re creating personalized gifts, fundraising items, or simply enjoying a hobby, these presses make it possible to achieve professional-quality results at home.
The Cricut EasyPress 3 retails for $249.99; it is available directly from the manufacturer and other retailers, including Amazon.
The Cricut Hat Press retails for $149.99; it is available directly from the manufacturer and other retailers, including Amazon.
Source: Manufacturer-supplied review sample
What I Like: Easy to use; Works well with Cricut machines; Bluetooth connectivity sets temps and instructions; Great results every use
What Needs Improvement: Requires activation with the Cricut Heat app (not ideal if you want an offline option); EasyPress 3’s large plate can be cumbersome for small projects; Hat Press may require multiple passes for larger or wrapped designs; Pricing may feel steep for casual crafters
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