Cricut Mug Press FAQ

We designed Cricut Mug Press – and rigorously tested it with Cricut blanks – to ensure successful heat transfers, every time. Cricut Mugs, from shape to poly-coating formula, meet our standards for best transfer results. 

Generic mugs labeled "sublimation compatible" are likely to work with Infusible Ink and Cricut Mug Press, but we cannot guarantee results with non-Cricut blanks. When using non-Cricut blanks, look for poly-coated, sublimation-compatible products that meet the specifications below: 

• Capacity of 10 – 16 oz (295 – 450 ml)
• Drinkware with smooth, straight pressing area only; avoid placing design on curves, bevels and textures
• Diameter between 3.2 in - 3.4 in (82 – 86 mm)
• Maximum height of 4.72 in (120 mm)

Important: Mug blanks must be fully inserted into the Mug Press so that they rest on the base heater. Do not allow mug to hover over the base heater while you close the lever as this may result in damage to the Mug Press. 

Cricut Mug Press is designed for use in well-ventilated indoor household environment and complies with requirements of accepted product safety standards. Cricut Mug Press applies heat and pressure for Infusible Ink transfers on Cricut Mug blanks. As such, users will be near heat plates. Use extreme caution as machine operates at high temperatures that can cause burns. Users may also experience odors and vapors associated with heat appliances and the Infusible Ink transfer process. Use only in well-ventilated areas, and follow all steps found in the interactive Cricut Heat Guide to transfer your designs. 

See additional safety information here. 

Cricut Mug Press heat plate gets very hot during use. Heat plate is positioned in the left side of the press, and closes around mugs when lever is pressed. Use extreme caution. Machine operates at high temperatures that can cause burns. 

In the diagram below:

1. Progress lights
2. Power button
3. Lever
4. Heating elements

Cricut Mug Press flexible heat plate is made of materials than can present an odor when heating. Odor will diminish with subsequent use but may not completely go away. Vapors from pressing Infusible Ink materials are also natural, as the process transforms Infusible Ink from a solid state to a gaseous state. Use Cricut Mug Press and Infusible Ink products in well-ventilated areas.

See additional safety information here. 

Yes, after you have followed the instructions for pressing and revealing your design, and only once the mug is completely cool, can the mug be used for normal beverage consumption.

Important: While Infusible Ink has been found to be safe on Cricut blanks when used as intended and in accordance with all instructions, there are a wide variety of coatings used on sublimation products. Cricut cannot speak to the quality or suitability of coatings for products produced by other manufacturers. Use of Infusible Ink on products outside of the Cricut brand of products requires testing and certification by the manufacturer to ensure the combination of all materials are safe for mouth/lip contact. 

When use with Cricut Mug Press, Infusible Ink products create vibrant, seamless designs that are dishwasher and microwave safe. HTV/iron-on and permanent vinyl results may peel, flake, and fade with washing over time. 

Cricut Mug Press makes it easy to make custom, quality mugs in minutes. The sleek, safety-conscious design features one-touch settings, just-right temperature control, and an auto-off feature for peace of mind. No manual adjustments needed! 

The flexible heat plate in Cricut Mug Press is designed to transfer designs onto smooth, curved, ceramic Cricut mug blanks. Cricut EasyPress products have a flat, rigid heat plate which cannot safely secure a mug or apply even heat and pressure to a hard, curved surface. 

1. Progress lights – use to track transfer progress 
2. Power button
   • No light – standby mode
   • Orange flashing – connect mode
   • Solid orange – warming up
   • Solid green – ready to use
   • Green flashing – auto-off in progress
   • Solid red – error detection. Learn more about Cricut Mug press error messages here.
3. Lever
4. Heating elements

Cricut Mug Press does all of the work for you. We've optimized the process for seamless transfers, no adjustments needed. 

The average press time is 6 minutes. Time may vary depending on room and mug temperature. 

When your Cricut Mug Press arrives, activate your press on cricut.com/setup. Activation registers your press, ensures it has the latest firmware, and allows us to notify you when an update is available, so you press always has the best firmware. 

You must activate Cricut Mug Press before first use. If you don't have a compatible computer with USB port, you will need to borrow a computer with the right port to activate your Cricut Mug Press. 

No need to re-activate Cricut Mug Press! We recommend they register the device to their Cricut account for firmware updates. 

No. Cricut Mug Press only needs to be connected to a computer for activation and firmware updates. 

No. 

Yes, Cricut Mug Press produces pro-quality mugs for every occasion. 

The serial number is laser etched on the bottom of the press. 

Extra layers of butcher paper prevent Infusible Ink marker designs from bleeding onto the heat plate. We've designed Infusible Ink transfer sheets with a liner to prevent bleeding and protect the heat plate. 

To prevent yellowing or scorching of butcher paper, trim away excess before inserting into Cricut Mug Press. 

Before handling, allow mug to cool for 15-30 minutes. 

Four simple tips to remember when transferring with your Cricut Mug Press: 

• Remove debris with lint-roller prior to pressing
• Ensure design is completely flat against mug surface, within recommended measured areas, and only on the smooth, straight pressing area*
• Use a Cricut Mug blank or sublimation compatible mug
• Trim any excess transfer sheet liner close to your design

Note: *For best transfer results with Cricut beveled and stackable ceramic mugs, ensure design does not extend beyond smooth, straight pressing area. Click here for tips on aligning your design on Cricut beveled and stackable ceramic mugs. 

Designs can span up to 0.5" (12.7 mm) from the mug handle. Designing beyond that can result in fading and discoloration. 

12 oz (340 ml) mug blank

• Max length – 8.75 in (22.52 cm)
• Max height – 3.79 in (9.62 cm)

15 oz (444 ml) mug blank

• Max length – 8.75 in (22.52 cm)
• Max height – 4.25 in (10.8 cm)

15 oz (444 ml) beveled mug blank

• Max length – 8.75 in (22.52 cm)
• Max height – 4.17 in (10.59 cm)

10 oz (300 ml) stackable mug blank

• Max length – 8.75 in (22.52 cm)
• Max height – 2.95 in (7.49 cm)

For best results, make sure to leave at least 0.5 in (1.27 cm) between the edge of your design and the mug handle. 

For instructions on how to make a custom mug design, see cricut.com/make-mugs.

Cricut Mug Press is designed for transfers on the outer smooth, straight, cylindrical surface of your mug, up to 0.5" (1.27 cm) from the handle. It is not designed for transfers onto the handle, inside, or bottom of the mug. 

Note: For best transfer results with Cricut beveled and stackable ceramic mugs, ensure design does not extend beyond the smooth, straight pressing area. Click here for tips on aligning your design on Cricut beveled and stackable ceramic mugs.