Are you trying to find the best heat press machine for mugs?
Printing on mugs is just one of many ways for companies and freelance designers to handle their branding.
Along with T-shirts and stationery, coffee mugs make for some of the most eye-catching mediums for you to display your artwork or message on.
What’s also cool is that with all this new technology, everyone can own and operate a mug heat press - hello to mug gifts for mothers, friends, teachers, family members and more.
Of course, having something worth transferring from sublimation paper to a fine ceramic mug is important.
But so is having a machine that won’t fail you and that will do justice to your skill as an advertiser, designer, or both. There’s no shortage of manufacturers claiming that they make the best mug press machines.
Obviously, not all of them can be correct. In this article, you’ll be able to read reviews on some of the best entry-level, mid-range, and commercial mug heat presses on the market.
You’ll also learn about the important features to look out for in these machines in order to avoid getting fooled by false advertising or “fancy” wording.
Not in the mood for research and reading and just want to find out which is the best?
- THE BEST MUG PRESS MACHINE -
Our top pick is the Cricut Mug Press.
- It is a great, compact mug heat press machine
- Automatic heat press makes the press easy to use, especially for beginner crafters
- Incredibly versatile and works with sublimation products and materials as well as Cricut Infusible Ink materials
- Cricut's newest model
- THE BEST MUG AND TUMBLER HEAT PRESS MACHINE -
Our top pick is the FUN-WORX Press.
- It is the best mug sublimation machine for both tumblers and mugs
- Incredibly versatile and works with sublimation products and materials as well as Cricut Infusible Ink materials
- Works with mugs and tumblers 11 oz - 15 oz
Keen for all the info? Keep reading.
Comparison Table of the Best Mug Press Machines
Below is a comparison chart of the top mug heat press machines, which are mentioned in this article.
You can then read my mug press reviews below.
Mug Press | Info | Price |
---|---|---|
1. Cricut Mug Press | The mug press is designed to work with Cricut Mug blanks and their Infusible Ink materials. | |
2. FUN-WORX Tumbler Mug Heat Press Machine | Temp: 0 - 428°F Time: 0 - 999s Size: 11-30oz | |
3. UNQWIN Automatic Mug Heat Press Machine | Temp: 0 - 392°F Time: 60 - 100s Size: 11-15oz | |
4. BIZK Mug Heat Press Machine | Temp: 0 - 392°F Time: 0 - 300s Size: 10-13oz | |
5. Noe Dreaming Heat Press Machine | Temp: 0 - 392°F Time: 0 - 200s Size: 11-30oz | |
6. VEVOR Mug Press Machine | Temp: 0 - 392°F Time: 0 - 100s Size: 11-15oz | |
7. BetterSub Mug Heat Cup Press | Temp: 0 - 430°F Time: 0 - 240s Size: 6-11oz | |
8. Super Deal Pro 2-in-1 Mug Heat Press | Temp: 0 - 420°F Time: 0 - 240s Two Attachments: One for 11oz mugs and one for 12oz latte cups | |
9. Smartxchoices 2-in-1 Coffee Mug Heat Press Machine | Temp: 0 - 430°F Time: 0 - 240s Two Attachments: One for 11oz mugs and one for 12oz latte cups | |
10. F2C 2-in-1 Mug Heat Press Machine | Temp: 0 - 430°F Time: 0 - 240s Two Attachments: One for 11oz mugs and one for 12oz latte cups |
Coffee Mug Heat Press – What to Know Before You Buy One
There are a few considerations you need to be aware of before buying the best cup heat press. It is not just about the 'looks' or even about the reviews.
Most of the time, the affordable heat press machines will be too similar in specs to even tell apart from one another unless you check the logo.
1. Temperature
This means that the devil is in the details. First of all, if you’re looking at a mug heat press that can barely break 380° F it means that you won’t be able to guarantee a long-lasting imprint.
For ceramic material in particular, being as close as possible to 400° is considered ideal.
2. Timer
Now you have to look at what the timer offers. There are some machines that allow a maximum timer setting of around 240 seconds.
That’s usually enough for ceramic and way more than a plastic mug will need.
But, the longer you make the pressing cycle, the darker the imprint turns out.
If you’re looking for a darker shade then you may need a few extra seconds. That’s when machines with timers that go from 0 to 999 come in handy.
Not that you should ever get to 999 or anywhere near that mark, but it’s good to know that you can extend the pressing cycle without having to operate the machine twice per mug.
It saves time, ink, and money.
3. Adjustable vs. Automatic
There are really three types of mug presses: those that are manually operated, those that have a mix of automatic and manual features, and those that are fully automatic.
It’s hard to tell which combination is better unless you know just how reliable the machine readings are.
It’s always easy to rely on a pneumatic pump to apply even pressure to your mug.
But what if that machine is poorly designed and the pressure is not enough to facilitate a clean detailed imprint?
The same thing goes for fully automated machines. There are a couple of models for home use that don’t require anything from you than to just add the mug and press the start button – temperature and pressure settings are calculated by the machine.
That’s not to say that working the pressure screw can’t be tedious or difficult at times.
Some machines are simply calibrated better than others and some testing may be required before making a decision.
It also comes down to how much you trust a brand and how much you trust machines to have error-free software.
Sometimes giving your work a more personal touch may not be such a bad thing. Besides, it would be easier to experiment with different “recipes.”
4. Production Goals
At the end of the day, probably nothing matters more than what your actual goals are.
Figure out what do you need a mug printing machine for and everything will become so much clearer.
If you’re not looking to sell tons and tons of mugs, you won’t need a very fast, heavy-duty machine to make your vinyl or sublimation mugs.
You can settle for a slower one that doesn’t use as much power and doesn’t cost too much.
If you want to make your mugs to order or to promote your brand or company, then you might need a machine which supports mug pads of different sizes.
This will allow you to put your artwork on small cups and large mugs and make your presentation more appealing.
Last but not least, if you are considering a medium-sized commercial production, then you need a heavy-duty machine first and foremost.
On top of that, one that can press multiple cups at the same time is always preferred. Even two cups at the same time are better than one at a time.
Also worth noting is the fact that not all commercial mug heat presses may allow you to work on mugs and cups of different sizes simultaneously.
So, if that’s something important to you, you should look into that feature first.
5. Warranty
Due to how much work these machines are put through, manufacturers rarely offer more than one year of warranty.
This is why it’s tricky to judge the durability of a mug heat press. It’s not usually the chassis that gives but the heating element and moving parts.
Therefore, unless you’re getting a commercial-grade heat press, it’s best not to abuse it.
On the other hand, if you’re running a business, you can now write off the cost of the machine in one year. That’s assuming your company has a positive taxable income.
6. Attachments
You probably know that there are various “2-in-1,” “5-in-1,” “6-in-1,” and other similarly labeled models of coffee mug heat presses.
Some of the best heat press machines also come with a mug attachment as well.
This usually refers to the number of attachments supported (sometimes to create other products such as bowls, caps, t-shirts and more).
It doesn’t always indicate how many separate elements you get in the package.
This also doesn’t indicate that the machine you’re looking at is a dual-station model or otherwise.
For that, you just look at how many presses or levers there are. Each lever typically indicates a separate heating pad.
The included accessories may also include protective gloves, high-end cables, and almost always an instruction manual.
Even though most machines are straightforward and easy to use, having detailed instructions on how to press on various materials is important as it can save time spent on researching those facts yourself.
7. Price
Price is always a problem for some people. Luckily, when it comes to heat pressing mugs at home, there are many affordable machines that can get the job done beautifully.
If you don’t mind waiting for the pressing cycle to be over in a few minutes, a low-wattage mug heat press might be your best bet.
8. Bonus Features
There are a few interesting features, some rarer than others, that you may find on a coffee cup heat press machine.
One of them is a safety feature that’s also for quality control. It’s the secondary thermometer that kicks in and resumes the pressing cycle if the default temperature sensor fails.
Another cool feature is alarm notification. This alerts you when the heating pad reaches the desired temperature and the transfer is complete.
This means you can prep more mugs while waiting for the one in the machine to finish which can speed up your production cycle considerably.
Dual temperature unit support is also nice to have. Since not all machines are manufactured in the US, some of them may come with instructions that use the metric system and the Celsius scale for measuring temperatures.
Top Mug Heat Press Reviews
So what is the best cup press? Here are some mug press machine reviews to help you decide.
I will outline the top features, the pros and cons of each in detailed coffee mug printing machine reviews, which should help you choose the best mug heat press 2023 has on offer.
1. Cricut Mug Press Review
The Cricut Mug Press is designed for home use whilst still giving a vibrant, professional-quality to personalized mugs.
The mug press is designed to work with Cricut Mug blanks and their Infusible Ink materials (pre-printed sublimation transfer sheets).
Once you have created your design with the infusible ink range you attach it to your mug and let the press do the rest!
The mug press is to easy to use as there is no need to set the temperature or pressure as the press does it all for you!
The Cricut Mug Press has a heat plate that creates excellent, consistent results with every use.
This is the ultimate home mug press that allows to you make unique and personalized gifts for family, friends, teachers, neighbors, and coworkers with complete ease.
Although the Cricut Mug Press has been optimized for Cricut's Infusible Ink products, you can use it with other sublimation blanks and products as well.
So if you have a sublimation printer this is definitely a great addition to your crafting room and machines. This unique mug press is the perfect complement to any brand of cutting machine.
The press is designed to work with mugs that are 11 - 16 oz (350 - 470 ml) in size.
The heat press is reasonably priced, is compact enough that it does not take up a lot of space in your craft room and can easily be stored away.
Its size and weight make it highly portable which makes it great if you want to create designs and mugs at craft shows and markets.
PROS:
- Easy to use with one-touch settings
- Small and compact
- Makes mugs in minutes
- Affordable
CONS:
FAQ's About the Cricut Mug Press:
Here are some answers to the most asked questions about the Cricut Mug Heat Press.
1. Can you use Cricut Mug Press without a computer?
When setting up your Cricut Mug Press you do need a device (computer, iOS or Android) for activation and firmware updates.
Once your Cricut Mug Press has been activated, you will be able to use the press without a computer by using sublimation prints.
You can also draw designs with Cricut Infusible Ink pens and markers and use the Cricut Mug Press to transfer your designs to your sublimation mug blank.
But yes, ultimately it is just so much easier and more versatile to use the Cricut Design Space software on a device (computer, iOS or Android).
2. Can I use Cricut Mug Press without Cricut?
Yes you can. If you have a sublimation printer you can print designs with sublimation ink and use the Cricut Mug Press to transfer your sublimation print to your blank mug or tumbler.
3. Can you use a Cricut Mug Press for tumblers?
The great news is, yes you can! Using your Cricut Mug Press to create tumblers is possible.
If the tumbler is really tall as some may stick out of the top of the tumbler, you will need to ensure that your design is taped to the correct part of the tumbler which can be a little tricky.
Ultimately if you plan to do lots of tumblers then I recommend you look at a press that is specifically made for that though.
4. Can I use Dollar Tree mugs for Cricut Mug Press?
Yes you can, provided they are sublimation blanks from Dollar Tree.
You may also find that when using Cricut Infusible Ink materials on the Dollar Tree mug blanks that the color is not as vibrant.
5. Can you use mason jars in Cricut Mug Press?
Although sublimation mason jars can be used in the Cricut Mug Press it is not a supported product.
It is not recommended that you do use Mason Jars in the Cricut Mug Press due to heating issues.
I hope that has answered some questions that you might have had. I love this press. If you want to do cups, then I highly recommend this press.
However if you want to do tumblers then I suggest you look at the next press that is on our list.
>>> Click the button below to check the price, or click here to grab on the best Cricut Mug Press Bundles.
2. FUN-WORX Tumbler Mug Press Review
The FUN-WORX Mug Press is the best mug press for sublimation. The machine is suitable for a large variety of sized mugs and tumblers from 11 - 30 oz.
The heat press machine can press straight mugs, skinny tumblers, water bottles, thermos cups and more!
The heat press has a digital display so you can easily change the temperature and time parameters.
The heat press is compact enough that it does not take up a lot of space in your craft room, and can easily be stored away.
It is available in two colors, white and blue.
Its size and weight make it highly portable which makes it great if you want to create designs and mugs at craft shows and markets.
PROS:
- Easy to use with one-touch settings
- Small and compact
- Makes mugs in minutes
CONS:
>>> It is the best sublimation mug press. Click the button below to check the price.
3. UNQWIN Mug Heat Press Review
The UNQWIN mug heat press is a great alternative to the Cricut Mug Press machine.
This is an automatic machine as you cannot set the temperature and time settings on the heat press machine. Not only are the time and temperature automated so is the pressure.
This mug heat press is a great price if you are looking for an automated mug press machine similar to the Cricut Mug Press Machine.
You can only press one mug at a time and with one press taking up to 5 minutes at a time it can take a long time to press many mugs or tumblers.
The maximum heat reached for this mug press is 392°F which is not as high as some of the other mug heat machines on our list. It is still sufficient to use with a variety of sublimation blanks and products.
The heat press is best suited for sublimation blanks between 11 - 15 oz in size.
As you cannot adjust the pressure on the mug press you cannot use tumblers or mugs that are too slim or skinny.
PROS:
CONS:
- No additional attachments
>>> Click the button below to check the price.
4. BIZK Mug Heat Press Review
The BIZK mug heat press is a portable mug press machine suitable for a variety of sized mugs and tumblers.
It might just be the best tumbler heat press because you can fit a large variety of mugs. Simply twist the screw to adjust the diameter of the attachment to fit different cups and mugs.
The heat press has an automatic shutdown safety feature where the machine will switch off after 10-minutes of no use.
The heat press has one button with 3 mode settings levels. You can set the temperature to low (160℃), medium (180℃), and high (200℃) to meet different heat transfer needs.
This mug heat press is a really affordable price if you are looking for a mug press machine to start creating personalized mugs and tumblers.
You can only press one mug at a time. The maximum heat reached for this mug press is 392°F which is not as high as some of the other mug heat machines on our list.
The heat press is best suited for sublimation blanks between 10 - 13 oz in size.
PROS:
CONS:
- No additional attachments
>>> Click the button below to check the price.
5. Noe Dreaming Mug Heat Press Review
The Noe Dreaming mug heat press is very similar to the BIZK portable mug press machine.
The Noe Dreaming mug heat press is suitable for a variety of sized mugs and tumblers. Simply twist the pressure-adjusting screw to adjust the diameter of the attachment to fit different cups and mugs.
The heat press can press mugs in sizes from 11 - 30 oz. If you press mugs between 16 - 30 oz you will only be able to achieve a partial print on your sublimation blank.
You can only press one mug at a time. The maximum heat reached for this mug press is 392°F which is not as high as some of the other mug heat machines on our list.
When you purchase the mug heat press you also receive a pair of heat-resistant gloves which is great for removing your mug from the press after pressing.
PROS:
CONS:
- No additional attachments
>>> Click the button below to check the price.
6. VEVOR Automatic Mug Heat Press Review
The VEVOR mug heat press is an automatic and portable mug heat press.
It can press mugs and tumblers that are straight shaped and between 11 and 15 ounzes in size.
The heat press is easy to use with one button to press to switch on the heat press. The mug press automatically sets the time and heat settings taking out all the guesswork for you.
You can only press one mug at a time. The maximum heat reached for this mug press is 392°F which is not as high as some of the other mug heat machines on our list.
The press gives a full 270° wrap around your mug or tumbler when pressing which is great if you want to achieve a full wrap around your mug.
PROS:
CONS:
- No additional attachments
>>> Click the button below to check the price.
7. BetterSub Mug Heat Press Review
BetterSub is responsible for a wide range of heating presses. The manufacturer makes standard presses for shirts, presses for cups and mugs, and also vinyl and sublimation paper.
That being said, if you’re only interested in transferring ink on mugs, there’s no real need for anything more advanced than a basic cup press machine, especially not if you’re not planning to commercially release your mugs just yet.
This BetterSub machine can heat press mugs in a timely manner. The temperature goes up to 430°. You can set its timer between 0 and 240 seconds, which is all you need for mug sublimation machine.
There’s only one mug attachment included. The mug heater size is 6-11oz (3.1"-3.9" diameter). This is a great size for mugs as well as for water bottles.
The heat press lever is small, which gives the machine a small vertical footprint when not in use.
It also has automatic baking time control and automatic temperature kept at a constant. You can also adjust the pressure with the use of the adjustment knob.
PROS:
CONS:
- No additional attachments
>>> Click the button below to check the price.
8. Super Deal Pro 2-in-1 Mug Heat Press Review
This Super Deal Pro 2-in-1 mug heat press is a manual-operated machine. It allows you to digitally set the temperature and timer for the press, but the pressure adjustments and the press itself are not automated.
There’s a pressure adjustment knob with easy access from above. The press itself has a handle and is rubber-coated to protect you from the heat and give you a firm grip over the lever.
This mug heat press is similar to many others in this price range.
Super Deal offers multiple heat press machines including for T-shirts and other apparel.
But what makes this model particularly appealing is its high heat output and the fact that it comes with two attachments.
The package includes two elements, one for a standard 11-oz. mug and one for a 12-oz. latte cup. The latter comes in a cone shape.
This provides some much-needed versatility to the heat press as it allows you to create a wider range of merchandise if you want to scale up production for your startup.
Of course, you can only press one mug at a time – but there’s nothing to stop you from getting a dozen of them (and you might be able to train someone to operate 3 or 4 of these machines at a time).
The maximum heat output can be held steady at around 420°, ± 2°.
The solid steel framework makes this a durable machine and reliable in the long run, especially for a portable model. The display panel can be set to display Celsius or Fahrenheit.
The timer only goes to around 240 seconds. But, that’s enough for all ceramic applications anyway. Another cool feature is the cycle recording function.
The machine automatically records how many times you’ve completed a pressing cycle so you can always check how many mugs you’ve made.
PROS:
CONS:
- Standard one-year warranty
>>> Click the button below to check the price.
9. Smartxchoices 2-in-1 Coffee Mug Heat Press Review
This Smartxchoices mug press is another reliable alternative for those seeking compact heat presses for small-scale production or for creating proof-of-concept office or kitchen merchandise.
The machine comes with two elements or mug attachments, which is what the “2-in-1” stands for. This can be a big deal for a lot of designers since most machines only have one attachment.
And, finding compatible replacements or extras is not always as simple as you think.
The heat press has temperature stabilization and you can set it for up to 430° Fahrenheit. You can also switch the scale to Celsius if you’re more comfortable with that.
The top end of the heat output is very good; that ensures that you get the recommended 400° during the pressing cycle even if the temperature varies.
The timer can be set for up to 240 seconds. 210 seconds is usually considered enough for most ceramic applications.
However, you can use a few extra seconds if you want your print to have a darker shade and a bit more contrast. Just make sure that the material can handle it.
The standard attachment for the mug press is an element designed for 11-oz. mugs of between 3” and 3.5” in diameter.
The secondary element is cone-shaped and can be used to print your artwork or company logo on 12-oz. latte mugs.
What’s also interesting to note is the large heating surface which ensures even heat and pressure distribution as well as a full cup surface print.
This is one of the small details that matter most if you want to create various custom merchandise.
PROS:
CONS:
- Limited timer
>>> Click the button below to check the price.
10. F2C 2-in-1 Mug Heat Press Machine Review
This F2C mug heat press machine is one of the fastest compact presses on the market. It takes less than two minutes from start to finish printing one mug. This is even if you’re going for a darker shade and at a higher temperature.
The machine comes with a single attachment by default. It’s a 9” x 4.5” rounded element that’s designed for standard-sized mugs.
The maximum temperature output is 393° F which is mostly enough to ensure quick ink transfer and color clarity.
Because the machine is designed for small businesses and hobbyists, it has a straightforward design and it’s very easy to use. The panel on the right side lets you set the temperature and time. You can then apply pressure manually using the lever on the left.
Another cool feature is the dual temperature display which allows you to switch back and forth between Fahrenheit and Celsius, whichever you’re more comfortable with.
Due to its size and limited heat output, the heat press doesn’t have a big power draw either.
Its size and weight make it highly portable. You can use this for show and tells, proof of concept, and even during pitches.
PROS:
CONS:
>>> Click the button below to check the price.
How to Print on Mugs
Sublimation printing on mugs is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to monetize your artwork. This process involves turning sublimation ink into gas and transferring it onto the mug. This is done through the pores built into sublimation paper.
You can use sublimation paper to create a lot of different products.
The end result is almost always very smooth and maintains all the colors used by the artist. There’s one very important thing to remember when printing on a mug. Different materials require different temperatures, pressures, and pressing times.
While plastics mugs may be heat-pressed in just 60 seconds, ceramic coffee cups may take up to 210 seconds for the ink transfer to complete. No matter what you’re pressing your designs on, the recommended temperature is always around 400°.
Anything less and you risk losing color saturation and clarity. The temperature settings may differ from one material to another, but for the most part, you’ll only want to exceed the 400° threshold when working with certain fabrics (or if your machine is off and you have to compensate for it).
You also need to think about the different requirements for heat transfer mugs vs sublimation mugs.
What’s the Point in Buying a Cup Printing Machine?
Most people look at a coffee mug printer and only think dollar signs. While it’s true that monetizing your artwork by printing it on various cups, mugs, or apparel has a lot of potential, there are many more things that you can use a sublimation mug press for.
What if you’re not an artist and you don’t plan on filling dozens of boxes with printed mugs? You can use a cup printing machine for branding. Put your company’s logo on a couple of office coffee mugs and include them in your gift packages.
People will always see your brand on a coffee mug. Business cards have a way of getting lost or forgotten. Another thing that you can do is using a heat press to make a few unique mugs and use them as proof of concept during presentations for your design firm.
And, considering how cheap some starter mug heat presses are, you can even use one to give new life to your favorite mugs at home. You really don’t have to worry about the brands. Just thank the manufacturing miracle known as China.
Furthermore, we’ve done the legwork for you and picked out the best mug press machines for your perusal.
Our Recommendation
Clearly everyone has their own interests and needs, so what works for you may not work for another designer.
That being said, it’s worth pointing out that BetterSub Mug Press is the most balanced of all affordable mug heat presses.
Its ability to handle long production schedules makes it suitable not just for hobbyists and small businesses but also for designers that want to start crafting commercial merchandise.
And, with all three key factors being completely under your control (time, temperature, pressure) you can make sure that each mug comes out exactly the way you want it to.
With that in mind, if you really want to ramp up your production scaling, then the Techtongda 3D Sublimation Vacuum Heat Press with its 12-mug capacity can really help.
It’s big and it can ensure you get the turnaround you want, from the comfort of your home or somewhere else. It is the best mug printing machine for small businesses.
Now that you have a mug press what is next? Grab some inspiration of what to make from our Cricut Mug Ideas post.
I found this review so helpful. I’m trying to do research before buying. I am mostly a hobbyist that would like to do mugs and cups as gifts and for special events. Your reviews were very detailed, and I took some notes on what you said were good features to have. Thank you so much for taking the time to put this out there for beginners!
Hi Leslie, thank you so much and I am so pleased to hear that you found this helpful – really makes me happy to know I am helping others!