Even though 5 in 1 heat presses or “multifunction” heat presses have been around for a while, they’ve only been gaining traction in the last year or so. In fact, up until about late 2019, you couldn’t even find these machines on websites like amazon.
But that’s all changed and now there are several varieties and of course, all different price ranges that regrettably add to the confusion of what you can do with these helpful, space saving, multi function machines.
So, here goes our best attempt at an explanation of what you can do with the typical 5 in 1 heat press:
With a 5 in 1 Heat Press, you can make Fabric items such as: T-Shirts, Bibs, Flags, & Mousepads. Plus, 11-15 oz Coffee Mugs, Small & Large Latte Mugs, Espresso Mugs, Baseball Hats, Visors, as well as Small & Large Plates. Most crafters get creative with all 5 attachments and can make so much more than what’s listed above.
Now…every once in awhile, you’ll find a 5 in 1 heat press with different attachments instead of the standard listed above. We’ll go over that as we get into the components of a 5 in 1 heat press so you know which attachments to use for each product and how they work.
Also, we’ll go over the difference between a 5 in 1 heat press and an 8 in 1, in case you’re interested in tumblers or water bottles. Then we’ll talk about some specialty, attachments that could be an incredible way for you to rake in some dough from untapped niches.
Let’s dive in…
Short on time? here is a snapshot of our thoughts:
Best for Small Budget : 5 in 1 try one of these (link to products)
For quality and business growth we like this company (link to products)
What Attachments Come with a 5 in 1 Heat Press
Most manufacturers include the following as part of the 5 in 1 offering:
- 1 top plate (shirts)
- 1 Mug Element (11-15oz)
- 1 Hat Press
- 2 Plate Elements (Small/Large)
Other Uses for the 5 in 1 Heat Press Plate Attachment
Many sublimators do not make custom plates, but those round heat presses for the plates do come in handy for other projects.
Many people use them for logo shirts, because it avoids the dreaded “square or rectangle” press. They are also great for ornaments, coasters and anything small and solid. The greatest benefit being that you don’t have to heat up the whole room with the heat press, and the heat is focused right onto the the object.
So, the plate attachments are handy items to have, even if you have no desire to sublimate plates.
Other Uses for the 5 in 1 Hat Press Attachment
Hat presses sure did come in handy when masks took over the world. Using a hat press was a really nice fit for the inside of curved masks with a high trim.
We also use the hat press for sleeve work on t-shirts, cheer bows and head bands.
Essentially, anytime you can accomplish the same results with a smaller press that uses less power, we go for it.
5 in 1 Heat Press vs. 8 in 1 Heat Press
For the most part, an 8 in 1 Heat Press will have all the same attachment as a 5 in 1 Heat Press. The Additional 3 Attachments are typically: 2 Latte Mug elements, these are the cone shaped cups, plus 1 Espresso cup Element.
Occasionally, a maker might include a label maker instead of an Espresso element. So be sure to read each product offering carefully.
Here is an example offering
This 8 in 1 Heat Press Includes:
- 15″ x 15″ Heating Element
- Cap/Hat Heating Element
- 5″ Ceramic Plate Heating Element
- 6″ Ceramic Plate Heating Element
- Standard 11 oz. Mug/Cup Heating Element
- Espresso Mug/Cup Heating Element
- Medium Tapered Mug/Cup Heating Element for Latte Mugs
- Large Tapered Mug/Cup Heating Element for Latte Mugs
Now those cone shaped presses can be used for just about any tapered drinkware. Also, the espresso element can be used for oversized shot glasses. Pretty neat!
For those of you looking to do full wrap coffee mugs. Full wrap meaning, you want your design to go handle to handle, not just a centered logo please pay attention to the shape of your 15oz coffee mugs.
Sublimating 11oz Coffee Mugs vs. 15oz Coffee Mugs
Be advised that the attachment for the 11oz and 15oz is often the same attachment. So it’s really important that you get 15oz coffee mugs that are TALLER than the 11oz mugs and not actually WIDER.
If you get the wider 15oz coffee mugs, there might be too much white space near the handles.
Still, we have been known to make it work, but it requires 2 presses, moving the mug in between.
Do They Make 20oz Tumbler Presses?
What about tumbler presses? Does the 5 in one or 8 in 1 come with a tumbler attachment? So far, we haven’t seen them but I wouldn’t be surprised if someone starts including a tumbler attachment in their multi attachment press.
However, you can usually buy a separate tumbler attachment and use it with your 5 in 1 or 8 in 1. I recommend sticking with the same manufacturer if you do this.
In other words, if you buy a HPN five in one, then buy a HPN tumbler attachment.
Are Heat Press Attachments Universal?
Your manufacturer usually states whether you can or cannot use other attachments and if there is no indication, call them and ask.
If other attachments are allowed, for the most part, all 4 prong heat press attachments are compatible with 4 prong heating machines. However, be aware that some 5 prong attachments do exist and they would not be compatible with a 4 prong system.
It’s also important to be sure the element you’re looking to buy is rated for the watts that your machine puts out. If your machine putts out more watts then the attachment can handle, don’t risk it. Stick with your line of products to avoid a unsafe setup.
Specialty Heat Press Attachments
Aside from being a catchy phrase, the term “the riches are in the niches” couldn’t be truer. While everyone in the sublimating world competes for the same tumbler customer. Why not explore the less popular niches and start making some serious “hush” money? Hush money as in….shhh…it’s a secret.
Here are just a few niche markets that aren’t thoroughly saturated:
- Flasks
- Shot glasses
- Slates
- Car flags
To check out flask attachment pricing, click here or the shot glass attachment click here
Where is the best place to get a 5 in 1 or 8 in 1 Heat Press?
When it comes to price, there are 2 ways to approach the pricing variables and we’ll offer our years of experience as a way of guiding you through the decision. In the end, there isn’t a wrong choice, just sometimes there are different outcomes for the choices
Cheapest Route
5 in 1 try one of these (link to products)
8 in 1 deals (link to products)
Quality, Tech Support Route
For quality components with excellent support we like these (link to products)
Is a Cheap Multifunction Heat Press Worth It?
Most pros have learned that cheap machinery is more likely to cause cheap looking results. We’ve been there, done that and that’s why you’ll seldom see a pro trying to find the cheapest “anything”
But, we were all once beginners, just scraping by, testing the waters, and trying to build a business on breadcrumbs…so we get that.
Here is why pros buy from professional suppliers such as HPN.
- The machines usually last longer
- The machines distribute heat more evenly (produce better results)
- They often feel sturdier
- Usually at least a 1 yr. warranty with upgrade options
- Phone Tech Support
- Machines hold their value for resale
You can watch lots of youtube videos of people comparing their awful 5 in 1 heat press to one that cost more on Heat Press Nation. So, it’s not just us, it’s definitely a trend.
That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get a quality, no name, multifunction heat presses. I’ve seen some amazing results. I guess the bottom line is “consistency” is not always there. And professional sublimators with a client base need consistency.
At the end of the day, not everyone is a professional sublimator. Many are just looking to make the occasional gift or perhaps just dipping their toe into sublimation. That’s why we’re so lucky that choices even exist! Do what’s best for your situation.
If you’re brand new to sublimating, we encourage you to check our homepage.
Happy Sublimating!