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When I receive products to review, I like to take my time with them. I use them more than once or twice before I post anything about them here on Cutting for Business or on social media. Why? Because most products are great the first time you use them. I find that you only notice the faults after using them over and over again.
Over the summer, I received the xTool Heat Press system for no charge in exchange for sharing my thoughts with blog readers. As always, my thoughts are my own and are not influenced by xTool.
Today, I’m going to introduce you to this new heat press system.
Table of Contents
What is the xTool Heat Press System?
The xTool Heat Press System is a heat press device that allows users to use it as a portable press (similar to Cricut’s EasyPress), as a swing away heat press, and also includes a mini press.
What Does the xTool Heat Press Look Like?
The xTool heat press is a portable press with two handles on top. To use it, you manually apply the necessary pressure based on how hard you push down on it. The xTool’s heat press platen measures 12″ by 10″. Included with the heat press is a wireless Smart Controller and a heat proof holder. A pressing mat is available – but not included in all packages.
What is the xTool Heat Press Smart Press Platform?
The xTool Heat Press Smart Press Platform allows you to mount the xTool Heat Press to make it into a traditional swing away heat press. When mounted, this allows you to easily adjust the pressure. I’ve found that it doesn’t take much effort to push down on the press and use it.
Mounting the xTool Heat Press is easy, there is a bracket you attach to the top of the heat press and it slides and clicks into the Smart Press Platform. It takes about 3 seconds to mount and unmount the press on the Smart Press Platform.
Once mounted, the xTool Heat Press functions as any other swing away heat press. It swings both left and right without much effort.
The xTool Heat Press adjusts from 212° Fahrenheit to 400° Fahrenheit. This allows crafters to use most heat transfer vinyl products, as well as also do sublimation and DTF transfers. The xTool Heat Press heats up to 400 degrees in about 5 minutes.
How Does the xTool Heat Press Smart Controller Work?
The xTool Heat Press Smart Controller connects wirelessly to the heat press. It features controls in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. Additionally, it is convenient that you can create three presets. The presets are nice, because if I routinely press the same brand HTV and use the same settings, I can store them in the controller.
What is the xTool Mini Press?
Included in the xTool All-in-One bundle is the xTool Mini Press. It weighs less than a pound and it perfect for awkward or small projects – like shoes, keychains, earrings, and more. One thing that I like about the xTool Mini Press over the Cricut EasyPress Mini is that the handle is open. It feels like I have more room for my (big!) hand.
The only thing I don’t love about the xTool Mini Press is that it has an auto shut off after 11 minutes. If I’m using it for a quick project, no worries – but it kinda drives me batty when it turns off. Luckily for me, it heats back up within just a few minutes.
Would I Recommend the xTool Heat Press System?
Yes! I would wholeheartedly recommend the xTool Heat Press System. I actually sold my Cricut EasyPress, my EasyPress Mini, and my standalone heat press. Now, I have more room for… more craft supplies!
I’d recommend the xTool All-in-One bundle, which includes: The xTool 12” x 10” Portable Smart Press, xTool Mini Press, Smart Press Platform, xTool Smart Control, and the xTool Smart Press Mat. You can purchase it directly from xTool or from Amazon. At the time of writing this review, the All-in-One Bundle is $299 through either link.
Since 2015, Christine Schinagl has been helping crafters start and run craft businesses through her blog, Cutting for Business. As a Silhouette and Cricut crafter herself, she has a unique take on what works and what doesn’t work in the craft business world. She also enjoys teaching other crafters how to create digital SVG designs, available through the Design with Me series.