DSF

Stahls seem to be the most popular. Quite pricey though as this will be my first heat press ( t shirt printing)
surely there has got be other brands just as good ? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Adkins is very well regarded.
Geo Kinght US made but again well regarded
Hotronix ?
Pressmech - uk made with many fans (not blowey fans obvs!)

I bought a Hotronix press as my first press. I think it's the only piece of equipment I haven't had to replace or upgrade.

I took a gamble and went with a very familiar looking 50x40cm press from BMS, and haven't had any issues.
- plus the optional pack of 4 or so additional lower platens was less than £200.
I don't know if there are others here with this press.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]6009[/ATTACH]
It's currently going for £440+vat (£528)
https://www.printerowners.co.uk/shop/ha ... eat-press/

Pressmech, Pressmech, or maybe even a Pressmech.

Thank you all ��

If by Stahls you mean the 'Basic' Clam Shell that sells for around £500 -600 then doen't touch it with a bargepole. Chinese made and not the same quality as their other US made models. Mine suffered from major temperature control and heat distribution issues which made it ok for vinyl but useless for sublimation. Just after the meagre warrenty expired the heat platen broke off!

The Maxx is reputedly very good, but isn't a swingaway which is a pain. If you are spending £850 +vat on A Maxx you are only £100 away from the price of a Pressmech from Novachrome, which is built like a tank and is a swing away.

Yup, PressMech - a few suppliers sell them (probably drop shipped from PressMech themselves.)
They are some sometimes on Ebay going very cheap as they predominantly unbranded so a lot of people have them and don't know what they are.