by The Cricut Autopress is the brand’s newest and largest heat press machine and will change the way you create shirt and apparel designs from home. If you’re a crafter or creator looking for a second income, Cricut Autopress offers an almost commercial home heat press. It may seem a bit cumbersome, but as you’ll see in this article, Cricut Autopress makes professional projects easy.
Cricut has a strong design aesthetic and has transformed digital craft machines into easy-to-use home appliances, and the best heat presses are often from Cricut. Read our Cricut EasyPress 2 review and our Cricut EasyPress Mini review to see how well these devices work.
In this feature I will tell you what Cricut Autopress is capable of and explain how this great heat press machine differs from other devices from the brand. As with all hot press machines, Cricut Autopress should be used with the best Cricut machines like the Cricut Maker 3.
Cricut Autopress: what is it?
Simply put, the Cricut Autopress is one of the largest heat press machines you can buy for your home. It has 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 hot press machines is that it offers a commercial grade build, size and heat plate. Just like other hot press machines, Autopress uses iron-on vinyl and other materials such as Cricut’s own Cricut Infusible Inks to create bespoke designs on shirts, bags, linens and more.
The difference is that Autopress has a number of new features that set it apart from the smaller Cricut heat press machines, and it goes beyond simply being ‘big’. Autopress has presets, autopress, a unique foldable design and much more.
Cricut Autopress: design and build
The Cricut Autopress is a ‘clam shell’ design rather than a rocking arm structure; This means it’s a more compact design than you might expect and is designed to fit on a standard desk or craft table.
So let’s talk about He dimension. The Autopress measures 5 x 12 inches (38 x 30 cm), so it’s a big kid but can still fit in an average desk. It is also quite heavy, around 53 lbs (24.13 kg), but its weight is necessary to provide stability during use.
So, yes, the Autopress is big and heavy, but it’s also a sleek, curvy design that echoes the rest of the Cricut line of craft and heat press machines. While other great heat press machines have basic pieces of metal that hide their industrial heritage, the Autopress is a shiny, curvy device that looks just as effortless to use.
Cricut Autopress: how is it different?
One of the main design features is the four-point hinge; this means that the ‘lid’ of the Autopress opens upwards like a standard ‘oyster shell’ design, but flattens and falls vertically when lowered and hovered over the ceramic hob. It is a design choice that makes the Autopress unique among large heat press machines.
This makes Autopress easy to use and can handle a variety of material thicknesses. The device automatically adjusts its pressure according to the material you are using, as with other Cricut heat press machines such as the Cricut Mug Press. It is an easy to use and effortless machine.
The Autopress is also fast and consistent, reaching temperature in seconds, and it takes about 30-40 seconds for each project to transfer a design between the snap-on lid and the heat plate. You will be able to transfer the design within minutes after the design.
Cricut Autopress: how does it work?
Despite its bulk and weight, Autopress is easier to use than you might think. It is designed to be used with ‘two fingers’ meaning opening and closing the lid is easy and when the lid reaches a certain point a motor is activated so there is really no stress.
The same ease of use can be seen when the Autopress lid clicks shut. Automatic pressure control kicks in and preset temperature controls heat the plate to suit your material, but you’ll need to use Cricut’s own ingredients to make sure it works right initially, then experiment with whatever material you want.
Presets are also customizable, so when you have a project that needs to be done at scale, you can set the timer and let Autopress do all the work. Materials also come off the heat plate easily, no sticking or fighting.
The Control Pod can be connected to a computer and connected to Cricut Design Space, so you can manage your designs wired or wirelessly to Autopress. The Control Pane can use all presets and a timer reads and displays the temperature; these can be set and saved manually using the buttons.
Various safety features protect you from burns, for example the Autopress cannot be opened until its automatic cooling is complete and the top of the machine is air cooled during use so you don’t need to touch it unlike some hot press machines.
Cricut Autopress: Should I get one?
If you’re creating large projects for craft fairs or an online store like Etsy, Autopress is an attractive choice. We have a guide on how to make money with Cricut and Autopress can make it really easy.
The 15 x 12 inch heat plate is larger than Cricut’s other heat presses; This means it’s ideal for designs and materials that can be more commercial, such as T-shirts of all sizes and even bedding and framed artwork.
If you’re serious about turning your hobby into a business or a second income, the large Autopress is a great option, but you may want to start with the smaller and less expensive EasyPress 2 or EasyPress 3 and continue as Autopress retails. For $999 / £899 (but there are often discounted deals of $200 / £200).
Cricut Autopress: frequently asked questions
What makes Cricut Autopress different?
Autopress automatically adjusts its pressure based on the thickness of the material you are using, up to two inches thick. The unique hinge and lid action ensures that the Autopress clamps smoothly and accurately, preventing material from jamming and crumpling. Presets and the Cricut Design Space link make Autopress easy to use.
Do I need a Cricut Maker to use Cricut Autopress?
Yes, you will need any brand or type of digital cutting machine to transfer your designs onto cardboard and use infusible inks. Ideal machines are the Cricut Maker 3 and Cricut Explore 3 as they use Cricut Smart Materials with ease, but you can also use an older Cricut Maker or Explore Air 2.
Is Cricut Autopress worth the money?
It’s faster and more consistent than other hot press machines, and its size lets you do more in less time. If you’re doing large batch projects, Cricut Autopress is a great choice.
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