15 x 12 or 20 x 16? Why not go larger?

[Max Rivera]

Which could be the downsides, beside price, of getting a larger heat press? Judging by what i see in Amazon, smaller heat presses have the lion's share of the market. Why aren't larger heat presses more popular?

[Justin]

A lot of folk save money buying a smaller press thinking they'll never do larger than A4. Quick example, think about an A4 jigsaw....has to be printed on A3 paper and therefore needs larger press.

If you're doing clothing 16x20 is a must. I wouldnt' enterntain anything smaller unless I only had a specific job in mind.

[webtrekker]

It may also depend on the electricity supply in your location and the KW rating of the press. A large press may even need a 3-phase supply. Other factors are the substantial increase in both size and weight of a large press and the running costs.

[Max Rivera]

Interesting points. Someone mentioned the difficulty of pressing smaller tees, which I don't totally get. I press all sizes of tees placing them completely on the base of the press, not threading the back of the tee under the base.

[UK Printed Mugs]

The larger the press the more items you can sublimate hence the more money you can make. If you have enough demand of course.

[pcwizme]

So I have a big press and a small one, I do lots of one off items for people and so the small one is used lots for doing smaller items (bookmarks, small metal items etc)

[pw66]

I have a 16x20 with a selection of plattens, and keep my old 15 x15 just for hi-vis. I rarely have use for the smaller plattens, other than the polo shirt one.
I also have a cap press with several plattens, which is mainly used for neck labels and face masks.

[Max Rivera]

I have a 16x20 with a selection of plattens.

Could you share what kind of press is this?

[pw66]

It is a Pressmech, which is a UK made brand. Built like a tank, with a good selection of plattens, but not sold outside of the UK to the best of my knowledge.

I think Stahls do a selection of plattens for their presses. Not cheap but available worldwide. TBH if you buy a Stahls I would recommend the Maxx press. There is less to go wrong than there is with the 'better' models such as the Sprint or Fusion.

[Max Rivera]

Thanks so much!