I use the side handles a lot as itās recommended to be used to achieve medium and high pressure. The top should technically be used only for light pressure projects. I feel like using the side handles gives great pressure with little effort and it spreads it evenly over the project. Iāve never once burnt myself or slipped using them.
I really like the curves and slightly bubblyness look of the HTVRont t-shirt press. The design makes me feel happy and itās cute looking with the splash of colourās. If you takeaway those elements it will just look like a boring cube that looks like all the rest.
I guess you could change the design up and have all the pressure points towards the top of the machine but I would still love the cute design to stay.
Other features would be cool to have is Bluetooth to connect to the app, can give you a heat guide and input heat, time and pressure settings to the heat press. This is great for new beginners. I still love the manual buttons as for quick jobs you do all the time you can just input and press. I would really like if it came in different sizes. Iāve seen a lot of people use these out and about at Craft fairs and demos.
I have never used the htvront version but I have one with top handles and in my opinion have no idea what the side handles would be used for. I think with the top handles itās easier to put enough pressure all around for good heat distribution but thatās just my own logic behind top handle only. I filled out the form emailed out to us with the same answers
I have used the side handles for more pressure and an even press. I feel like the 2 top handles would eliminate the need for the side handles. Iām weary of having my hands too close to the heat plate so I only use them when necessary.
I think the side handles add versatility and functionality. Depending on the project, I get to decide where I place my grip
Thanks everyone for sharing your ideas. We truly appreciate your time and insights. 
I have the t-shirt heat press and I absolutely love it as it is.
I use the side handles far more often than the top handle. In fact, I think I only use the top handle for carrying it and moving it into position.
With the handles on the side I feel I have complete control of the press. The side handles allow me to apply as much pressure as I need, leave my view of the display clear, and most importantly, they make the press completely stable in use. I feel that the top handle offers far less stability and control. I feel it is less safe when I only use the top handle.
The only way that top handles would work as well as the side handles, would be for them to be at the very edges of the press.
The current format is perfect, so please do not change it. By all means, tweak the design, make it look different and āstand out from the crowd,ā but please keep the side handles.
ā End of rant! ā-
Alsoā¦ in the unlikely event that I ever need to replace mine, I would not buy a replacement if it didnāt have the side handles.
In this instance, Iād rather buy a different brand than buy one without them.
ā- Definitely the end of the rant now!!! ā-
I concur totally. Well said.
I agree with you here Belle. I still prefer the design of the 1st one. I like how it can be handled with one hand as well
I agree with everything @BellethehowtoGuru said.
The machine seems already designed and manufacturedā¦ If the feedback about the top handles is negativeā¦ is it going back to the classic design? 
This is definitely the kind of thing a company should ask about before they manufacture a new product or redesign.
Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and experiences about the machine side handles, youāve given us so many amazing and insightful ideas! 
Congratulations to our 3 participants who will each receive 50 Cheers: @Judi_B, @BellethehowtoGuru, and @MomBossMayo! 
The rewards have already been added to your community accounts.
Thank you @Jodie for the cheer points
Thank you for the cheers I have fun doing these! I am glad to be more active again the mini in when I was not feeling well wasnāt any fun.
Congrats to the winning participants 