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Cricut EasyPress 2: Is it Better Than An Iron?

In this post, I’m testing out the Cricut EasyPress 2.  Is it better than using a regular household iron?

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

I love crafting, especially during the holidays.  And now that I have a child, all I want to do is make things for her.  So I was super excited to test out the Cricut EasyPress 2.  I had been checking it out for some time now.  However, I always questioned whether I really needed it.  I questioned whether or not I’d achieve the same results using an iron. Well, this was my time to find out.  

Cricut EasyPress 2_ Is it Better Than An Iron_ @toolboxdivas.com

 

What is the Cricut EasyPress 2?

So what exactly is a Cricut EasyPress 2 and what does it do? Essentially it’s a small compact, heat press.  However, it has all these little buttons and features that make it easier to use.   You can easily set the temperature and the time needed to press on the Iron-on material.  All the guesswork is removed.  The EasyPress has an advanced heat plate design with a ceramic-coated surface.  This allows the user to evenly apply heat to the iron-on material. 

How does it compare to an iron?

Much like an iron, the Cricut EasyPress 2 gets hot.  But it doesn’t have those little holes that create steam like an iron.  

Source:http://inspiration.cricut.com/easypress-vs-heat-press-vs-iron/

Also as demonstrated in the photo above, an iron’s surface doesn’t heat evenly.  This makes it a little challenging when using an iron for an iron application.  I regular household iron is relatively inexpensive at $20-$40 and you can find one in most homes. However, it doesn’t provide the professional-grade adhesion as a Cricut EasyPress.  

So I’ve used an iron to apply iron-on materials before. I know how it performs.  I’ve ruined a couple of irons by trying to apply Iron-on materials by getting the glue on the surface of the iron.  Now for the test using the Cricut EasyPress.

Cricut EasyPress 2 in Action

Setting up the EasyPress was as easy as plugging it in and turning it on. It was super easy.  

 

It comes with everything to try out your first heat transfer project, adhering the Cricut symbol to a small drawstring bag.  

The instructions were super easy to follow, starting with pressing the bag prior to adhering the iron-on material.

The Cricut EasyPress Mat protects the work surface from damaging heat and moisture. 

I placed it into the bag, set the temp and time on the EasyPress, and placed it on the fabric.

The results were flawless.  Now it was time to test it out using my own design.  

Cricut Heat Guide

Before I jump into my design I have to mention the Heat Guide that’s provided by Cricut.  Bookmark this page for sure (https://cricut.com/en_us/heatguide)! It removes all the guesswork.  The calculations have already been done for you.  Just input the Heat Transfer material you’ll be working with and the material you’re applying it to.  And Voilà!  It spits out everything you need to know to complete your project.

 

My Little “ToolBox Diva In Training” Design

For this, you need Baby Onesies and Everyday Iron-On.  I cut the mirrored design out on the Cricut Explore Air 2.

 

Then weeded the excess vinyl to press on the onsie. 

 

This part was so easy because all I had to do was follow the instructions as displayed in the Heat Guide

I set the temperature and timer and applied pressure to the vinyl.  

 

I can’t wait to put this on my little girl! 

 

So to answer the question: Is the Cricut EasyPress better than an iron? Yes, yes it is because it’s application is totally different.  

Happy Crafting ~T.

 

 

Check out Other Cricut and Craft Project

DIY Wooden Elephant Pencil and Phone Holder

DIY Basswood Christmas Ornaments

Amazing Staircase Idea For Christmas

 

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