Cricut EasyPress vs EasyPress 2: Why the new Easy Press is even better than the original and why you need to get one for yourself!
The Cricut Easy Press 2 was launched at the Mountain Make-a-Thon this past summer, but it finally became available for purchase yesterday. In case you are on the fence about whether you should upgrade, or which machine to purchase, read on – I’ll be sharing a project I created with my EasyPress 2 and sharing why I love mine so much.
Using the EasyPress 2 to Create a Custom Bag
I decided to cut this image, which is actually from the t-shirt collection by Damask Love, out of iron on to press onto my bag. However, all of the layers of each color were welded together, which makes it impossible to change the color of just one piece – without some work, that is!
To view how I worked with this design, and how I used the contour and slice tools to switch up different elements of this welded image, you can click here. I even made a quick video that walks you through the entire process!
(If you don’t want to learn the process for yourself, no worries! You can skip ahead and just grab my project – the work will already be done for you! You can view my project here.)
I decided to cut my layers from black everyday iron on, gold glitter iron on, and both dark and light green foil iron on. (Also, did you know that Cricut now has a StrongBond guarantee? When used as directed, Cricut promises full satisfaction with the results. If not, they will replace it for free!)
Once cut, I started with the layer that was furthest back, which was my black layer. Using the interactive EasyPress guide, I could easily tell that I needed to set my temp to 340 degrees for the everyday iron on.
Next was the glitter (270 degrees), and finally the foil (290 degrees). Be careful – both the glitter and the foil need to cool completely before you peel off the transfer tape!
This bag, with all of its multiple layers, was super easy to create with the larger sized EasyPress 2, especially since I was using foil iron on. Iron on foil burns very easily and you have to be careful not to “overcook” it. With a smaller press, you have to move it around, and you may overlap areas that you already pressed. A single press ensures an even heating time on all parts of the design and ensures the foil doesn’t burn.
Didn’t it turn out amazing? I love all of the different textures with the matte, foil, and glitter finishes.
EasyPress vs EasyPress 2: What Are the Differences?
Let’s look at a few of the differences when it comes to the EasyPress vs EasyPress 2:
Size: The original Easy Press comes in one size, 9×9. The EasyPress 2 comes in three different sizes – 6×7, 9×9, and 12×10.
Heat Up Time: The EasyPress 2 rises to temperature up to 25% faster than the original. The mini size heats up in just over one minute, and the medium size takes just two minutes.
Max temperature: The EasyPress 2 has a max temp of 400 degrees, compared to the original’s max temp of 350.
Matching mats: With bigger (and smaller!) machines, comes a need for bigger (and smaller) mats. The Cricut EasyPress 2 mats are available in three sizes, perfectly fitted to your machine.
So tell me, which EasyPress 2 are you going to order? Will it be the baby one for onesies and small pouches? The medium one for everyday use? Or the large one, like I have, for one stop pressing of shirts, bags, and signs? Leave me a comment down below, or find me on instagram – I’m @simplycraftedlife. I’d love to hear from you!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
Angie says
If I buy the big will it work on smaller projects too? I can get all of the sizes what size would you recommend?
Sarah says
Yes, it will for sure! If you only get one, I would probably recommend the medium size. I love the small one because its so small and easy to move around and store, but the big one is so nice because you only have to do one pass. The medium is a little of the size from the big one and a little of the easy storage from the small.
Chantel says
I just got the Easy Press 1 in 9X9… Is the difference between the 1 and 2 other then sizes available, and how long it take to heat up really just the 50 degree difference. Should I really take the time and effort to try and sell my 1 to get the 2? Id be losing $ also because no one will buy it for full price if they can just go to the store.. what do you think? Just keep the 1? Or is the 2 that much better in your opinion? Thanks for your time!
Jenn says
What are some projects that need the iron to be hotter than 350 degrees? I’m still on the fence about which easy press is better. Besides the fact that it heats up faster, will I need the iron any hotter than 350?
Sarah says
Sublimation would be the main thing, which is why I think they raised the temp to 400.
evan says
I am still a bit lost when it comes to the difference. I am looking at buying a 9×9 one here in Canada.
I can get Easy Press (1) for $129 or Easy Press 2 for $249. But the only difference i see from what you have listed is that, 1) short heat time for the 2, and 2) it comes in different sizes. and 3) 50 degrees more.
This to me isnt much of a big difference when it comes to paying over $100 more. But is there anything different when it comes to applying the your iron on?
Sarah says
Hi! I just posted a new article about the EP2 that may help. https://www.thesimplycraftedlife.com/easypress-2-vs-heat-press/