The Cricut EasyPress 2 is perfect for easy DIY projects using iron-on vinyl or Cricut infusible ink. The EasyPress 2 makes crafting easy with a lightweight size and portability when compared to a clamshell heat press. If your craft space is small or compact, the Cricut EasyPress 2 makes a great addition because the machine can be easily tucked away when not in use.
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I recently upgraded from the original EasyPress (9’ x 9’ size) to a Cricut EasyPress 2 (12” x 10” size). For easy DIY projects, I made the switch to the larger sized EasyPress to make large scale iron-on projects simpler, such as T-Shirts. The EasyPress 2 has several feature upgrades to makeCricut craft projects easier with your Cricut machine. If you are considering upgrading to the Cricut EasyPress 2 or picking up a used original model, here are some key feature differences to consider.
ADVANTAGES OF A CRICUT EASYPRESS 2
Faster heat up time: Cricut boasts up to 24% faster heat up time as compared to the first generation model
Streamlined safety base: The base is a bit more lightweight and easier to grab than the older model but not a significant difference.
Remembers time and temp settings from previous use: Ok, this might not seem like a big deal but its super helpful if you are using similar settings each time. No more finger jamming on the buttons to reach 400 degrees F.
USB port for firmware updates: If the machine ever had an unexpected glitch or bug in it, this would be the only way Cricut could fix the issue (outside of replacing the machine). Also, the easiest way to tell if you have the older EasyPress model is to turn it around and check the back. The newer model has a micro usb port.
Uniform, edge-to-edge heating: I am surprised the older model did not already have this feature so I’m even more grateful for the upgrade to the EasyPress 2. An even heating surface is essential for perfect infusible ink craft projects.
Temperature control up to 400 F: This is used for infusible ink, which works best at a temperature of 400 F. The older model goes up to 360 F. With that said, you can use the older model with infusible ink – it just takes longer. I used the original EasyPress to make this Infusible Ink project.
Larger Pressing area: The biggest size EasyPress 2 is 12” x 10” and the biggest original easy press goes up to 9” x 9”. The larger EasyPress size will make large scale iron-on projects easier such as for shirts, totes, and blankets.
Weight Differences: The 12” x 10” easy press weighs 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) while the 9” x 9” first generation EasyPress weighs 5 lbs (2.3 kg). Even the 12” x 10” is lightweight enough to be portable. Much easier than a large clamshell heat press, which can weigh 25 lbs or more (some are over 40 lbs!)
Price: You can no longer purchase the original EasyPress from Cricut’s website, however, you can find them on Amazon or may come across a used one on facebook marketplace. The large 12” x 10” EasyPress 2 retails for $239, but is often on sale for $189.99 on Cricut’s site. In comparison, the 9” x 9” EasyPress 2 retails for $189.99 but often on sale for $139.99. Amazon has an original 9” x 9”EasyPress for $159.99.
If you are in the market for a new EasyPress 2, Cricut sales are good deals. If you find a used EasyPress, be sure the cost is lower than the sale price of a new machine from Cricut directly.
GETTING STARTED WITH CRICUT EASYPRESS 2
When I opened my brand new, shiny EasyPress 2, I noticed a few differences from the older model. First, the new machine came with a dust cover. The dust cover is not necessary, but after looking at my older EasyPress, I did realize it collected a lot of dust around the handle area. Second, the buttons have no words, only symbols for temp and timer.
Within the EasyPress 2 box are a welcome instruction book and quick start guide but not much on how to register the machine. The one leaflets that mentions registering the EasyPress 2, instructs you to activate within seven days of purchase. A micro USB cable is needed to register the EasyPress 2– unfortunately, the machine does not come with a cable in the box. However, micro USB cables are common among small electronics so you may have one already.
CRICUT EASYPRESS 2 REGISTRATION
Follow along with EasyPress 2 registration using the graphic of the process below. The whole registration process takes less than 5 minutes over most wifi connections. The most difficult part was finding a micro USB cable to connect the EasyPress to a computer.
Note for iphone/ipad users: the micro USB cable is different from the similar looking lightning charging cable.
Cricut EasyPress 2 registration is basically a firmware update. The welcome leaflets instruct EasyPress 2 owners to go to cricut.com/register to start the easy registration process.
When connected to USB, the EasyPress 2 will show ‘USB’ on the display and will beep during the firmware upgrade.
After the registration, Cricut sends you to the heat guide website, which is a good site to bookmark for future reference. Along with the EasyPress 2, the Cricut heat guide makes DIY projects easy by taking the guesswork out of deciding the right temp and timer settings to keep iron-on projects simple and fun.
TROUBLESHOOTING
“No Cricut device found” or numbered error messages while attempting to update Cricut EasyPress 2 firmware most often occur when:
- The Micro-USB cable being used is not capable of data transfer
- The Micro-USB cable is not securely fitted into the USB ports
IS THE CRICUT EASYPRESS 2 RIGHT FOR YOU?
The Cricut EasyPress 2 is a must have for compact Cricut craft spaces and easy DIY projects. Cricut Infusible ink crafts are made simple with the quick preheat and max heat temperature of 400 F using the EasyPress 2.
