by The Cricut Autopress is the brand’s newest and largest heat press machine, changing the way you can make shirts and apparel designs at home. If you’re a craftsman or creative looking for a second income, the Cricut Autopress offers an almost commercial heat press in the home. It may look a little unwieldy, but as you’ll see in this article, the Cricut Autopress makes professional projects easy.
Cricut has a strong design aesthetic and has turned digital hobby machines into easy to use home appliances and the best heat press machines are usually from Cricut. Read our Cricut EasyPress 2 review and Cricut EasyPress Mini review to see how well these devices work.
In this feature I show what the Cricut Autopress can do and explain how this great heat press machine differs from the brand’s other devices. Like all heat press machines, the Cricut Autopress should be used alongside the best Cricut machines, such as the Cricut Maker 3.
Cricut Autopress: what is it?
Simply put, Cricut Autopress is one of the greatest heat press machines you can buy for your home. It features similar technology to the smaller EasyPress 3 so you get consistent results as the heat plate heats up evenly.
What sets the Cricut Autopress apart from other heat press machines is that it offers a commercial grade build, size and heating plate. Like other heat press machines, the Autopress uses iron-on vinyl and other materials, such as Cricut’s proprietary Cricut Infusible Inks to create custom designs on shirts, bags, bedding and more.
The difference is that the Autopress has a number of new features that set it apart from the smaller Cricut heat press machines, and this goes beyond simply being ‘big’. The Autopress features presets, automatic pressure, a unique folding design and much more.
Cricut Autopress: design and build
The Cricut Autopress is a ‘clam-shell’ design rather than a swing-arm construction, meaning it’s a more compact design for the size than you might expect, and is designed to fit on a standard desk or hobby table .
So, let’s talk about That mate. The Autopress is 5 x 12 inches (38 x 30 cm), so it’s a big boy, but it still fits on the average desk. It is also quite heavy, about 24.13 kg, but the weight is necessary to provide stability during use.
So yes, Autopress is big and heavy, but it’s also a streamlined design with curves and a simplicity that mirrors the rest of the Cricut range of hobby and heat press machines. While other great heat press machines are basic pieces of metal that belie their industrial heritage, the Autopress is a shiny, curvaceous piece of equipment that looks as effortless as it does in use.
Cricut Autopress: how is it different
A key design feature is the four point hinge, this means the ‘lid’ of the Autopress opens upwards like a standard ‘clam shell’ design, but when lowered and positioned above the ceramic hob the lid becomes flat straight and falls vertically. It is a design choice that makes the Autopress unique among large heat press machines.
This makes the Autopress user-friendly and suitable for different material thicknesses. The device automatically adjusts the pressure to the material you are using, similar to other Cricut heat press machines, such as the Cricut Mug Press. This is an easy and effortless machine to use.
The Autopress is also fast and consistent, reaching temperature in seconds and each project between the clamped lid and the heating plate takes about 30-40 seconds to transfer a design. You can do design after design in minutes.
Cricut Autopress: How It Works
Despite its size and weight, the Autopress is easier to use than you might imagine. It’s designed to be used with ‘two fingers’, meaning opening and closing the lid is easy and a motor takes over once the lid reaches a certain point, so there’s really no stress involved.
The same ease of use can be found as soon as the Autopress lid clicks shut. The automatic pressure control kicks in and preset temperature controls heat the plate to match your material, though you’ll need to use Cricut’s proprietary materials to make sure it works just right at first, then experiment with each material whatever you want.
The presets are also customizable, so once you have a project you need to make on a large scale, you can set the timer and let the Autopress do all the work. Materials also come off the heat plate easily, there is no sticking or struggling.
The Control Pod can be paired with a computer and connected to Cricut Design Space, allowing you to manage your designs to the Autopress, either wired or wireless. The Control Pod can handle all presets and a timer reads and displays the temperature; these can be manually adjusted and saved using the buttons.
Various safety features prevent you from getting burned, for example the Autopress cannot be opened until the automatic cooling has been completed and when the machine is in use the top of the machine is air cooled so it can be touched properly – unlike some heat press machines.
Cricut Autopress: Should You Buy One?
If you’re making large projects for craft fairs or an online store like Etsy, the Autopress is an attractive choice. We’ve got a guide to how to make money with Cricut, and the Autopress can really make that easier.
The 15 x 12 inch heat plate is larger than any other Cricut heat press machine, meaning it’s ideal for designs and materials that may be more commercial, such as all sizes of T-shirts and even bedding and framed art.
If you’re serious about turning your hobby into a job or second income then the large Autopress is a great option, although you may want to start with the smaller and cheaper EasyPress 2 or EasyPress 3 and then work your way up, as the Autopress sells for $999 / £899 (though $200 / £200 off deals can often be found).
Cricut Autopress: Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Cricut Autopress Different?
The Autopress automatically adjusts its pressure to the thickness of the material you use, up to five centimeters thick. The unique hinge and lid movement ensures that the Autopress clamps smoothly and precisely, avoiding pinched and wrinkled material. Presets and connection to Cricut Design Space make Autopress easy to use.
Do I need a Cricut Maker to use a Cricut Autopress?
Yes, you need any brand or type of digital cutter to get your designs onto iron-on transfers and use fusible inks. The ideal machines are the Cricut Maker 3 and the Cricut Explore 3 as they use Cricut Smart Materials for convenience, but you can also use an older Cricut Maker or Explore Air 2.
Is the Cricut Autopress worth the money?
It’s faster and more consistent than other heat press machines, and its size allows you to do more in less time. If you’re making large batches of projects, the Cricut Autopress is an excellent choice.
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