Cricut Mug Press Review

The Cricut Mug Press does exactly that – presses designs onto blank mugs. But while mug presses are not new things, Cricut has once again designed an efficient, easy to use craft kit that fits in seamlessly with the rest of the products in their line.

With the Cricut Mug Press, it’s evident that Cricut has put a lot of focus on ensuring that you achieve high-quality, professional results with your machine, that it’s easy to use and, most importantly, safe to use.

But does the Cricut Mug Press really take your mug transfer creations from good to great, and from amatuer to professional-quality?

We’re going to find out below, by taking a closer look at how it works, it’s ease of use and safety, as well as a couple of things the product has going for it and some areas where it may be lacking.

How Does The Cricut Mug Press Work?

Ease of use is a big selling point of the Cricut Mug Press, so it would be a good gateway into the world of Cricut. But if you’re already acquainted with Cricut then you should be able to pick it up in no time.

There are 3 steps to creating with the Cricut Mug Press. These are Design, Attach, and Press.

The Design phase takes place in the Cricut Design Space software with your cutting machine.

In the Design Space you can use one of their templates, create a design yourself, or use an SVG that you’ve found elsewhere. It’s up to you!

Then your design will be ready to cut and this is done using Infusible Ink transfer materials rather than normal vinyl.

Normal vinyl just sits on the surface of the mug once it’s pressed on, meanwhile Infusible Ink fuses with the mug during the pressing process.

This not only leaves you with a more professional-looking mug, but one with transfers that will last a long time.

Then you move onto the attachment phase, and this is when you place the cut-out design onto the mug. Peel off the backing of the Infusible Ink and place it exactly where you want it transferred. 

All that’s left to do then is turn on the Mug Press and insert your mug. Press the button to start the transfer and when it’s finished it will let you know with a few beeps.

What Are The Features Of The Cricut Mug Press?

Dishwasher And Microwave Safe

Just like store-bought mugs, any mugs you make with a Cricut Mug Press will be able to withstand a dishwasher or microwave without fading or peeling.

Auto-Off Safety Feature

If you haven’t used your Mug Press in 13 minutes it will turn itself off automatically.

One Touch Settings

All it takes to get started with your Mug Press is pressing a single button. LED lights track its progress and when it’s finished you’ll be notified with a beep.

Heats Evenly

To ensure an accurate and even design, the heat plate inside the Press heats evenly from both the side and the base.

Insulated Case

The Mug Press’s insulated case keeps your worktops and your fingers safe from burns.

Is The Cricut Mug Press Easy To Use?

Yes, the Cricut Mug Press is extremely easy to use! Especially if you’re a long time Cricut customer and have experience using Cricut’s Design Space software.

It’ll fit right into your Cricut collection, and the Cricut Mug Press is a super simple add-on.

But the Mug Press is designed to be totally easy to use. As we’ve mentioned, you just need to press one button to start the transfer.

An LED bar will keep you informed of the progress, allowing you to multitask while the Cricut Mug Press does its thing.

While it is easy to use for Cricut newbies, there is of course a learning curve as you get used to the software and the cutting and Infusible Ink systems. But the Cricut Mug Press couldn’t be easier to use.

Is The Cricut Mug Press Safe To Use?

While the Cricut Mug Press’s ease of use is important, the safety of the Cricut Mug Press is even more so.

Burning your fingertips or melting surfaces when using other mug presses is unfortunately a common problem, and while this is sometimes human error most of the time it’s due to poor manufacturing of the mug presses. Thankfully, this does not apply to the Cricut Mug Press.

The automatic shut-off turns the machine off after 13 minutes of inactivity, eliminating the risk of forgetting to turn the machine off. Also, the case exterior of the Mug Press is fully insulated making it safe for use on any desk or table.

Of course, while this is definitely not a toy intended for children, the automatic shut-off and insulated case makes this machine a bit safer for use around children and lets them join in with the fun of crafting! 

What Are The Advantages Of The Cricut Mug Press?

High Quality Transfers

The quality of the transfers produced by the Cricut Mug Press really makes it stand out. 

If you want to create professional-quality vinyl mug transfers, don’t look any further than the Cricut Mug Press.

This machine is perfect for small businesses looking to elevate their products. The high quality materials and even, accurate heating make for the very best results.

With the Cricut Mug Press you no longer have to worry about peeling or fading transfers. You can even put your mugs in the dishwasher or microwave! This is something that normal vinyl can’t provide.

If you love making mugs or are running a small business, then this specialist piece of equipment should be on your wishlist. It’s sure to totally transform your transfer creations! 

Compatible With Other Cricut Cutters

While you may think the advanced capabilities of the Mug Press would only make it compatible with the Cricut Maker – think again! It is also compatible with other Cricut products like the Cricut Joy and Explore 3.

Compact

Compared to other mug presses on the market, the Cricut Mug Press is relatively small and can be easily stored away if you don’t have the room to leave it out when you’re not using it.

For safety, make sure you use the Cricut Mug Press in a well ventilated room to reduce any heating fumes.

What Are The Disadvantages Of The Cricut Mug Press?

Buying Into Cricut

Like Apple, Cricut designs their products to be used in conjunction with their other products. This is also the case with the Cricut Mug Press, which needs to be used with other Cricut products to work properly.

For example, you need a Cricut cutting machine in order to design and cut your transfer, which in turn needs to be done with Cricut Infusible Ink materials. But to achieve the best results, you should also use a Cricut Mug Blank. 

You can see why it’s easy to fall down the Cricut rabbit hole – you buy one Cricut product and then another so you can utilize the original product better, and all of a sudden your entire craft space is filled with Cricut products!

While this is a good business move on Cricut’s part, if you like to patronize other companies this may be unappealing.

Costly

This also becomes more of an issue when you consider that the Cricut Mug Press is one of the more expensive mug presses on the market.

This doesn’t mean the machine isn’t worth the money, and if you make a lot of mugs and are running a mug crafts business it’s a good investment and invaluable. 

But if you’re the occasional crafter, the price of the Cricut Mug Press may be off-putting for what is – essentially – an add-on. An impressive add-on, admittedly, but an add-on all the same.

However, even if you’re not an avid mug-maker right now, the Cricut Mug Press is a good way to get into mug-making thanks to its consistently impressive results and ease of use.

Still, it’s certainly not the most budget-friendly mug press and it’s not for everyone. Perhaps Cricut knows this though, as it is a specialist piece of kit.

Final Thoughts

So is the Cricut Mug Press worth it? Yes, it is, depending on a few factors.

It’s a worthy investment if you’re interested in buying a mug press, if you enjoy making mugs and want to improve your creations, or if you’re selling the mugs you’re making and want to ensure they’re of the highest quality.

The Cricut Mug Press certainly delivers on professional results, ease of use, and safety features.

Plus, it has an aesthetically pleasing design that is sure to look great in your craft space and fit in seamlessly with your Cricut collection.

However, the Cricut Mug Press is just an add-on, and it’s an absolutely essential product unless you love making mugs or are running a mug craft business.

It is also expensive compared to other mug presses on the market and requires other Cricut products to shine.