Ricoma Auto Open 16x20 Heat Press
#5 in AutomaticFull review
A large auto-open drawer press for small apparel businesses moving past hobby machines.
Amazon $1,138.99$1,138.99
The Ricoma Auto Open 16x20 Heat Press is the better heat press overall, rated 3.2 to 2.6. The Ricoma Auto Open 16x20 Heat Press leads on value, features and plate size. The Hotronix Auto Clam 16x16 wins on warranty. The Ricoma Auto Open 16x20 Heat Press costs $561.01 less ($1,138.99 vs $1,700).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Hotronix Auto Clam 16x16
#7 in AutomaticFull review
A proven auto-open clamshell for print shops that press all day.
Amazon $1,700$1,700
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Ricoma Auto Open 16x20 Heat Press for value ($3.56 per sq in ($1,138.99, 16 x 20 in plate) vs $6.64 per sq in ($1,700, 16 x 16 in plate)), features (adjustable pressure, slide-out or swing-away loading vs adjustable pressure) and plate size (16 x 20 in plate, 320 sq in vs 16 x 16 in plate, 256 sq in).
- Choose the Hotronix Auto Clam 16x16 for warranty (1-year warranty, lifetime on the heating element vs 1-year warranty).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every automatic heat press; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Ricoma Auto Open 16x20 Heat Press | Hotronix Auto Clam 16x16 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 2.6/5 |
| Value 35% | 39 $3.56 per sq in ($1,138.99, 16 x 20 in plate) | 9 $6.64 per sq in ($1,700, 16 x 16 in plate) |
| Plate size 15% | 100 16 x 20 in plate, 320 sq in | 64 16 x 16 in plate, 256 sq in |
| Temperature 10% | 50 maximum temperature not published (neutral score used) | 70 up to 420 F |
| Features 25% | 45 adjustable pressure, slide-out or swing-away loading | 20 adjustable pressure |
| Warranty 15% | 23 1-year warranty | 53 1-year warranty, lifetime on the heating element |
Specifications
| Ricoma Auto Open 16x20 Heat Press | Hotronix Auto Clam 16x16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat plate | ||
| Style | Drawer, auto-open | Clamshell, auto-open |
| Plate size | 16 x 20 in | 16 x 16 in |
| Maximum temperature | - | 420 F |
| Power | - | 1,800 W |
| Pressure and loading | ||
| Adjustable pressure | Yes | Yes |
| Slide-out or swing-away | Yes | - |
| Controls | ||
| Opens automatically | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Weight | - | 77 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Lifetime heating element warranty | - | Yes |