Heat Press Platen Sizes: Does Bigger Always Mean Better? (23×30 vs 38×38 vs 40×60)

When you’re ready to buy a heat press, one of the most confusing choices is the heat press platen size. With options like 23x30cm, 38x38cm, and 40x60cm, you might be wondering: what size heat press do I actually need? Does bigger always mean better? This guide will help you choose the right size for your sublimation projects and business needs in South Africa.

Understanding Platen Sizes and Their Uses

The platen is the heated metal plate that presses your design. Its size directly impacts what you can create and how efficiently you can work.

The 23x30cm Heat Press: The Compact Starter

This smaller size is roughly the size of an A4 page. It’s perfect for hobbyists or businesses focusing on smaller items.

• Best For: Babygrows, kids’ t-shirts, coasters, mousepads, and small logos on adult apparel.
• Pros: Most affordable, heats up quickly, requires minimal space.
• Cons: Too small for full-front adult t-shirt designs. You’d need to press multiple times, which risks alignment issues.
• Our Pick: 23x30cm Swing-Away Heat Press

The 38x38cm Heat Press: The Versatile All-Rounder

This is the most popular and versatile size for a reason. It’s large enough for the vast majority of sublimation projects without being overwhelmingly big.

• Best For: Full-size adult t-shirts (up to XL), tote bags, pillowcases, and most standard sublimation blanks.
• Pros: The perfect balance of size, price, and versatility. Can handle almost any common project.
• Cons: Might be slightly too small for XXL+ apparel or oversized items like custom towels.
• Our Pick: 38x38cm Clamshell Heat Press

The 40x60cm Heat Press: The Bulk Producer

This is the largest standard size, designed for oversized items and high-volume production. It allows you to press multiple smaller items at once.

• Best For: Oversized hoodies, all-over print designs, doormats, custom towels, and pressing multiple items (like coasters or keyrings) in one go.
• Pros: Maximizes efficiency for bulk orders, enables larger and more ambitious projects.
• Cons: Most expensive, requires significant space, uses more electricity, and takes longer to heat up.
• Our Pick: 40x60cm Heat Press

So, What Size Heat Press Do I Need?

• If you’re a hobbyist or only making small items: A 23x30cm is a great, budget-friendly start.
• If you’re starting a t-shirt business or want maximum versatility: A 38x38cm is the undisputed champion.
• If you’re focused on bulk orders or oversized items: A 40x60cm is a worthwhile investment in efficiency.

Conclusion: Choose for Your Goals, Not Just for Size

Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to a heat press platen size. The best choice is the one that fits your workspace, your budget, and the type of products you plan to create most often. For most South African startups and small businesses, the 38x38cm provides the perfect sweet spot.

Need more guidance? Check out our Ultimate Heat Press Buying Guide or chat with our expert team for personalized advice!