# EasyPress vs clamshell heat press

Source: https://bladeandmat.com/blog/easypress-vs-clamshell-heat-press
Published: 2026-10-09
Publisher: Blade & Mat

**Short answer:** A handheld press like the Cricut EasyPress is small, stores in a drawer and handles shirts, bags and odd shapes, but you supply the pressure by hand. A clamshell press clamps down with a fixed platen, so pressure is more consistent and batches go faster, but it needs a sturdy table and more space. Choose the EasyPress for occasional projects and a clamshell for regular shirt orders.

Most people who buy a cutting machine end up pressing iron-on vinyl, and the first decision is handheld or fixed-platen. This page compares the Cricut EasyPress family with 15x15 clamshell presses on pressure, heat evenness, speed, safety and storage. A standalone EasyPress is not in the listings we draw from, so we point to the closest listed option, an Explore 5 bundle that includes an EasyPress 9x9, and compare it with two listed clamshells. If you are wondering whether you need a press at all, start with [do you need a heat press for Cricut](https://bladeandmat.com/blog/do-you-need-a-heat-press-for-cricut).

## How the two designs work

The **EasyPress** is a heated plate with a handle. You set the temperature and time, place it on the transfer and hold it with firm pressure. It comes in several plate sizes, from the small EasyPress Mini for hats and shoes up to larger plates for shirts. Because nothing clamps, it works on items that will not lie flat in a press, such as pillow covers on a form or the sleeve of a hoodie.

A **clamshell** press has a lower platen and an upper heated platen hinged at the back. You close it and lock the handle, and the machine applies set pressure across the whole plate. A swing-away press works similarly but the top swings sideways before lowering. Auto-open models lift the platen when the timer ends.

## Spec table from the listings

Facts below come only from the listings. The EasyPress 9x9 appears in a Cricut Explore 5 bundle; a standalone EasyPress is not in our listing data.

|  | Explore 5 + EasyPress 9x9 (B0GSSFV6RZ) | Fancierstudio 16x20 (B01MY32DPI) | Fancierstudio 15x15 (B07XKD371P) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Press type | Handheld EasyPress SE 9x9 | Clamshell, 16x20, lower platen pulls out 5.5 in | Clamshell, 15x15, slides out 5.5 in when open |
| Temperature range | Not stated in listing | 0 to 500 F | 0 to 500 F |
| Timer | Not stated in listing | 0 to 999 s | 0 to 999 s |
| Power | Not stated in listing | 1800 W, 110 V | 1200 W, 110 V |
| Other | Includes Explore 5 cutter, Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On | Sublimation and rhinestone use named in title | Non-stick lower platen cover |
| Listed price | $469.99 (whole bundle) | $279.99 | $179.99 |

EasyPress bundle and two clamshell presses as listed

Note: The bundle price covers a cutting machine and materials as well as the press, so it is not a like-for-like price comparison.

## Pressure and even heat

Pressure is the biggest practical difference. With a handheld press, you control it, and it varies with your arm, your table height and how tired you are on the tenth shirt. Cricut's EasyPress instructions call for firm pressure on a sturdy, waist-height surface for that reason. A clamshell sets pressure with a knob and repeats it every press.

Both types are designed to heat the plate evenly, but a bigger plate covers a big design in one press. A 9x9 handheld covers most chest designs; a large back print may need two overlapping presses. A 15x15 clamshell covers an adult back design in one go. Use our [shirt decal size chart](https://bladeandmat.com/blog/shirt-decal-size-chart) to see whether your usual designs fit the plate.

## Settings do not change with the press type

Time, temperature and peel come from the transfer, not the press. Siser EasyWeed on cotton or polyester blends: 305 F, 10 to 15 seconds, medium pressure, hot or cold peel. Siser EasyWeed Stretch: 300 F, 10 to 15 seconds, medium pressure, hot peel. Siser Glitter: 320 F, 15 to 20 seconds, firm pressure. Cricut Everyday Iron-On with EasyPress on 100 percent cotton: 315 F, 30 seconds, then 15 seconds on the back, warm peel.

Pre-press the blank for 5 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles, and if the vendor's label differs from these values, follow the label. Our [heat press settings](https://bladeandmat.com/tools/heat-press-settings) tool gives these by transfer type, and [how to apply iron-on vinyl](https://bladeandmat.com/blog/how-to-apply-iron-on-vinyl) covers the full process.

Note: Both press types reach high temperatures. Keep them on a heat-resistant surface, away from children and pets, and switch them off when you finish.

[Look up heat press settings](https://bladeandmat.com/tools/heat-press-settings)

## Speed, space and storage

Clamshells open at an angle, so the hot top platen sits close to your hands while you place the shirt. Swing-away and slide-out designs give more room; both Fancierstudio listings say the platen slides out 5.5 inches when open. For more on press styles, see [best heat presses for T-shirts](https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-heat-press-for-t-shirts).

| Factor | Handheld EasyPress | Clamshell press |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Storage | Fits in a drawer or cupboard | Needs a permanent spot on a sturdy table |
| Pressure | By hand, varies | Set by knob, repeatable |
| Large back designs | May need two presses | One press on a 15x15 plate |
| Odd shapes, hats, shoes | Easier, especially with the Mini | Harder; needs flat placement |
| Batches of shirts | Slower and tiring | Faster and consistent |
| Thick items like wood signs | Possible with care | Depends on platen clearance; check listing |

Practical differences

## Which to buy

1. Making a few shirts a month, plus bags and hats: a handheld EasyPress is enough.
2. Pressing in batches of 10 or more, or selling shirts: a 15x15 clamshell saves time and gives repeatable pressure.
3. Pressing large back prints often: choose a press with a plate big enough to cover them in one go.
4. Short on space: handheld, or an auto-open press that lifts on its own; see [best auto-open heat presses](https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-auto-heat-press).
5. Want auto pressure with Cricut's app: compare in [Cricut AutoPress vs EasyPress 3](https://bladeandmat.com/blog/cricut-autopress-vs-easypress-3).

## Frequently asked questions

**Is an EasyPress as good as a heat press?** It is a heat press, just handheld. Results are good when you use the right time, temperature and firm, steady pressure. A clamshell is more consistent across many shirts.

**Can I use a clamshell press for Cricut Iron-On?** Yes. Use the time and temperature for the material, not the press brand, and follow the label when it differs.

**What size EasyPress do I need for adult shirts?** A 9x9 plate covers most chest designs. Larger back designs may need two overlapping presses or a bigger plate.

**Do clamshell presses work for sublimation?** Many do; both Fancierstudio listings here name sublimation in the title. Use sublimation blanks and the ink maker's settings.

## Gear guides for this topic

- https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-heat-press-for-t-shirts
- https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-auto-heat-press
- https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-cricut-bundle