Cricut EasyPress 2 FAQs

On the fence about the EasyPress 2? I’m covering some Cricut EasyPress 2 FAQs today, and pretty sure you’ll be convinced!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

Cricut EasyPress FAQs

First of all, you may be wondering what an EasyPress 2 is. If you’re in the know, scroll down for the Cricut EasyPress 2 FAQs.

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, an EasyPress is a heating device for iron-on projects. And in case you’re wondering…yes, it really is that easy!

If you scroll down to the bottom of the post, you’ll also get a FREE Printable Cricut EasyPress Guide Sheet.

You can use the EasyPress with many different types of Cricut Iron-On. You can use other products, too…but Cricut has tested all the temperature settings for their products with certain materials, so they make it REALLY easy to know your heat and time settings.

What is the difference between the Cricut EasyPress 2 and standard irons?

I used a standard iron for a comparison with this tank top. I was expecting to wash it a few times before I saw a difference but after one wash, the iron-on fell off on the IRON example, while the EasyPress 2 side was peachy!

• Now, I know A LOT of this could be user error. Cricut even has a StrongBond Guarantee that if you use the material correctly, they’ll replace it for free.
• With the heat settings guide for the EasyPress, I know exactly what settings and temperatures to use, and I don’t have that with the iron. So with a standard iron, you have a lot more room for error.
• Irons do not have steady heat, so no matter how much pressure you apply, it’s much harder to get a consistent and lasting press with your design.
• The EasyPress has edge to edge heating, it’s steam free, and has exact temperature controls.

Below you’ll see the comparison of the iron with the EasyPress 2. The iron didn’t even last one wash, while I have several shirts made with the EasyPress that have lasted over a year of washes.

It helps to know how to cut and care for your iron-on projects, so check out this tutorial on the Cricut blog.

You can also find some fun SVG Files to use for Cricut EasyPress 2 projects in my SVG Shop.

What is the difference between the EasyPress 2 and a typical Heat Press?

This is probably the most asked question about the Cricut EasyPress 2! Both heat up to 400 degrees, have edge-to-edge heating, are steam free, and have temperature controls. For the record, I don’t own a heat press, and here’s why:

• The heat press is very large and heavy. I didn’t have room for that in my Arizona home, and I DEFINITELY don’t have room in my current craft room.
• The EasyPress is portable. I often have to move it from room to room, and I can easily take it to craft nights if I need to.
• Because of its size and weight, you will be able to work with a wider range of materials with the EasyPress 2…like wood, hats, and dimensional projects.
• Warm up time is only 30 to 45 seconds with the EasyPress 2. It can take up to 8 minutes to heat up the heat press.
• Number one reason is probably safety. The heat press scares me…like for reals. I am so accident prone that it’s just a bad idea for me to be around one. I love that I don’t have to worry about touching any area around the heated plate with the EasyPress 2.

I’m really proud to say I’ve never burned myself with an EasyPress in the year I’ve owned one. For the number of times I’ve burned myself on the oven, stove, and curling iron…I think that says a lot about the safety of the EasyPress 2!

Which size of Cricut EasyPress 2 is right for me?

My short answer…all of them! I have all three sizes and I use them for different things. I used the 12X10″ for my daughter’s Glitter pillows – that way I got a really even press with that larger image. I like the 9X9″ for t-shirts, and the 6X7″ worked great on some wood coasters! My babies are too old, but the smallest size is PERFECT for onesies.

Conclusion? It depends on the scope of the projects you’ll be doing. I personally use the largest and smallest sizes the most.

What is the iron-on protective sheet for?

For protection. But really, it protects your material from sticking to the EasyPress. When I only had an iron to use, I accidentally didn’t cover a spot with a protective sheet and we had to get a new iron.

BONUS FEATURE: the protective sheet makes it easy to keep your design in place. You’ll cut it out, weed the areas around the design, then place it on your material…no need to piece your design together!

What is the EasyPress mat for? Is it sold with the EasyPress 2?

The Cricut EasyPress 2 mat does not come with the Cricut, but I think it’s VITAL. The mats come in 3 different sizes (one for each EasyPress size). I recommend getting the largest size. it’s just much easier to work with even on smaller materials.

So what is it for?

The EasyPress mat not only protects your surface from the high heat coming from the heat press, but it also helps you get those consistent iron-on applications. Before the mat came out, I used some fabric and a towel. It still worked, but the mat is much better…AND waaaay more convenient.

So when you purchase your EasyPress 2, make sure you add a mat to the cart, too!

How do I know what temperature to use for different materials/projects?

Cricut has a handy interactive guide with most materials and iron-ons. I am constantly checking it when I create iron-on projects. I am also providing you with a free printable EasyPress 2 Guide Sheet with the most common materials and Cricut iron-on material. These settings are for the Cricut mat, so if you’re using something else, or you don’t see the material on this worksheet, check out the interactive guide.

Download the FREE Cricut EasyPress 2 Guide Sheet

Please note: I may use some lingo for the Cricut that may be confusing to newbies. If you’re a newbie, make sure you sign up for my mailing list and get the FREE Beginner’s Guide to Cricut Design Space. You’ll also get some of my most popular SVG Files from the shop. Once you sign up you’ll get the password (and wait a couple days for even MORE freebies)!