Welcome back to Insight Hub, where your ideas shape the tools we all love to use!
This time, we’re diving into the design of machine handles, and we’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you use your machine’s side handles? How important are they to you when crafting?
Your feedback helps us create designs that are not only functional but also comfortable and user-friendly.
Do You Use the Side Handles on Your Machine?
Have you ever used the HTVRONT T-shirt Heat Press Machine? Those who have are probably familiar with this part the side handles! Do you often use them when crafting? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Poll: How often do you use the SIDE handles on your machine?
And what’s the main reason you use the Side Hand Clamp? (Please leave your thoughts in the comments!)
If your machine doesn’t have side handles, just select “N/A.”
N/A – I don’t have a square heat press machine.
N/A – My heat press machine doesn’t have side handles.
Use them every time
Use them frequently
Use them occasionally
Rarely use them
Never use them (I only use the top handle)
0voters
Let’s Picture This!
If the machine WITHOUT the side indentations for handles, how would it affect the look? (e.g., “It would look cleaner”, “It would look less professional”, etc.)
Reward: We’ll pick 3 participants from the comments to win 50 cheers each!
Every insight counts, every idea builds the future.
I would not need the side groove at all with the two top handles! I basically use the side grooves to assure I’m giving even pressure on each side but with the two top handles it would make that even better with assurance of that pressure on both sides! This is a great design and definitely wouldn’t need the grooves anymore! And absolutely looks so much more sleek and professional! Love it!
The machine would have a cleaner look and maybe even lessen the chance of an accidental burn. I have one by a competitor company that I’ve used for years and only have the top handle.
I personally love the side handles it gets me get more pressure with the press and being that it displays the pressure for me I know it helps. That being said it’s also a design that not all brands have but from what I can see with the design of the h10 the two handles being on top vs the single on time and side ones I think it may have similar results.
Personally, I think that if the machine didn’t have the side indentations for handles, it would look cleaner and more minimalistic, which could appeal to people who like modern design. However, it might also seem less professional, less practical, and even less safe to carry, especially if the machine is heavy.
One possible solution could be to design the handles in a more discreet way, using an ergonomic, flush style that blends into the body of the machine. That way, the clean look is preserved without sacrificing safety or usability.
I usually use the top handle when pressing HTV on totes. I guess the side handle is used when pressing subli print on the materials that has wide size example is 10x10, so it would have a better result. As for the look, I would still love to have the side handle because the look is much better with colors. If the side hndle will be removed it will be chnged to white only. I love minimalist design but for this mchine I would prefer to have side hndle with color same on top handle
In my opinion would rather use the top handle, but don’t mind the side grooves aesthetically. Crafters would also be able to see the difference between a Cricut heat press versus this one. I feel like having that differentiating identity is pretty awesome.
I love those handles. They’re totally safe and they’re crucial to apply pression force, specially if you need high force and use body weight. Even if that’s not the case, the machine is easier to handle from them and they help you pressing uniformly, centered… they are beautiful too… please keep them.
Yes the side grooves have definitely been beneficial for that consistency in pressure. But I could see the new design H10 giving that same exact ability to give even pressure since there is a handle on each side that isn’t inverted into the machine vs that one inverted handle that makes it more difficult to apply that even pressure on both sides.
It would look like most of the other brand machines so the indentation makes it uniquely made. However im sure if removed, it will still have its own style because thats what your company is about and i love it.
I actually really like the side handles! The color contrast helps break up all that white and gives the machine a more balanced, distinctive look. It makes it stand out from other presses that tend to look too plain. Even though I don’t use the side handles much, I think they add to the overall design — giving it a professional yet stylish appearance.
Actually, I didn’t know that was the purpose of those things. I thought it was simply for aesthetic design I only used the top handle. I prefer the single top handle too since its easier to carry and manipulate with one hand.
I really don’t invest much thought into the side handles. I think the machine would look better quality wise, solid, if it didn’t have the side indents. To me, top handles give you a better grasp and allow for better, more even pressure. That’s just my two cents.
I think if the machine were to omit the side handles it would be a much cleaner look. I never really felt comfortable using the side handles of a manual heat press like that because I was afraid that my hand would slip or I would simply misjudge where the side handle was and accidentally grab the heating plate instead. In my opinion, my production time can also be hampered using the side handles. I solely rely on the top handle to do the work quickly and efficiently.
My t-shirt heat press only has one top handle—no side grooves, no double handles. And honestly? I’m totally fine with that! While side grooves might give the machine a sleeker, more polished look from others’ perspective, they also tend to collect dust (especially on those flat horizontal surfaces). So for me, simple and smooth wins the day. Less dusting, more pressing!
I don’t use them in case of accidental burns. My grandkids like to help, so I don’t let them even think about using them. Now two handles on top would be amazing.
Those who have are probably familiar with this part the side handles! Do you often use them when crafting? We’d love to hear your thoughts! 
Poll: How often do you use the SIDE handles on your machine?Let’s Picture This!
Reward: We’ll pick 3 participants from the comments to win 50 cheers each!
I actually really like the side handles! The color contrast helps break up all that white and gives the machine a more balanced, distinctive look. It makes it stand out from other presses that tend to look too plain. Even though I don’t use the side handles much, I think they add to the overall design — giving it a professional yet stylish appearance. 
I only used the top handle. I prefer the single top handle too since its easier to carry and manipulate with one hand.