12 Best Sublimation Printer 2023 – Reviews & Buying Guide

Sublimation is a profitable and enjoyable work. From businesses to hobbies, it is beneficial for a vast variety of projects. Choosing the best sublimation printer for your needs is essential to carry out excellent results

If you are having difficulty in picking up the right printer, the given reviews will help you out.

Top Pick
Best-dye-sublimation-printer
Sawgrass SG-500
  • Built in Dye Sublimation Technology
  • High Definition Outputs
  • Product Support
Editor’s Choice
epson ecotank et-2800-best beginner sublimation printer
Epson EcoTank 2800
  • Fast
  • Easy to Use
  • Affordable
Good Deal
epson ET-15000-wide sublimation printer
EcoTank-15000
  • Handle Large Workloads
  • Premium Features
  • Wide Format Printing

12 Best Sublimation Printers

Here is the list of all printers that we have sorted out as best sublimation printers after conducting long time tests of different machines on the basis of performance, user interaction and other aspects.

1 – Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Best for Beginners

Editor’s Choice
Epson EcoTank ET-2800-Best for Beginners

Crux

  • 1.44” LCD
  • Borderless prints
  • Wi-Fi, wireless, USB, SD card
  • Maximum paper size: 8.5”x 14”

This is a small cartridge free sublimation printer with 4 color drop on demand micro piezo inkjet printing technology to produce excellent prints.

For a very long time, we were using the Epson EcoTank-2720, now the famous machine is upgraded to ET-2800 and we have found various improvements in it.

For sublimation of mugs, t-shirts and other substrates, this printer is perfect. We used it with different paper sizes from 3.5”x5” to a maximum of 8.5”x14”.

With front loading ink tanks, it is very easy to load ink in it. Cost per image is very low with amazing quality. This is economic and environment friendly with less waste production.

The input paper tray allows us to put 100 plain papers or 20 photo sheets at a time. Ink levels are displayed at the front for easy managing. Its a good, easy to use sublimation printer for beginners.

Printing with smartphones and other devices is simple with Wi-Fi. Usb and memory card slots are given. Other operating systems include windows, mac and servers.

The 8.8lb unit comes with a power cord, inks, manual and CD Rom for product setup. We used black but white is also available

Pros
  • Power efficient
  • Copy, fax and scan
  • Voice activated printing
  • No cartridges replacement
Cons
  • Wireless scan problems

This all in one cheap sublimation printer is small in size and has a low weight. You can use it for homes and business comfortably.

2 – Sawgrass SG500 – Best Dye Sublimation Printer

Our Top Pick
Sawgrass SG500-Best Dye Sublimation Printer

Crux

  • Wi-Fi
  • LCD display
  • Ultra HD prints
  • 2 year warranty
  • Maximum media size: 8.5”x14”

This is a dye sublimation desktop printer, fabricated by sawgrass for sublimation. It is loved because of awesome prints, beautiful design and small size.

With minimum consumption of ink and power, it produces ultra-high quality prints efficiently. Sawgrass also provides a creative studio online designer where you can make best designs to print.

Previously, sawgrass was limited to use for substrates with light color and a high proportion of polyester. But now, the printer is capable of sublimating any kind of substrate, with three types of sublimation inks, SubliJet UHD inks, EasySubli ink and Chroma blast ink.

sawgrass-500-dye-sublimation-printer-snapshot

SubliJet UHD sublimation ink is used to transfer designs on hard and soft items with rich polyester content.

EasySubli ink was introduced recently by Siser that is best for sublimating dark or light color t-shirts, fabrics, poly/cotton blends and non poly substrates. It is used with heat transfer vinyl (HTV). The best feature of EasySubli ink is that it is compatible with both poly and cotton substrates. The designs it prints are durable and long-lasting.

Chroma blast ink is also used for sublimating light colored cotton and its blends. You can use a printer with one type of ink only.

The printer is preserved by its auto maintenance feature. It comes with a warranty of 2 years. Their technical support is best and you can enjoy it for life.

Pros
  • Hassle free
  • Long lasting unit
  • Low maintenance
  • Sublimate right out of box
Cons
  • Nil

This is the best sublimation printer for all kinds of sublimation businesses. You can bring your work to a new level with this machine.

3 – Epson EcoTank 15000 – Best Wide Format Sublimation Printer

Good Deal
Epson EcoTank 15000-Best Wide Format Sublimation Printer

Crux

  • ADF
  • Wireless+ Wi-Fi
  • Color touchscreen
  • 250-sheets capacity
  • Voice activated printing

This is a wide format sublimation printer with super ink tanks and a good looking design. Reduce the cost of ink cartridges and get high quality prints with advanced features.

Other than black, there are yellow, cyan and magenta inks in the printer. With precision core heat free technology, it delivers high performance in less time.

epson-ecotank-15000-sublimation-printer-snapshot

We sublimated t-shirts, mugs, tumblers and other substrates with this sublimation printer and these are just wonderful with highly detailed colors.

The printer is designed to handle big projects easily. With its front loading paper tray, you can manage 250 sheets. A rear feed for specialty paper holds paper size up to 13×19 in. It produces borderless prints up to 11×17 inches.

For easy supervision of setup and process, a color touchscreen of 2.7” is provided. Wi-Fi is available to connect mobile phones and other smart devices with printer. It supports many windows and operating systems.

Pros
  • Less waste
  • No ink cartridges
  • Versatile media handling
Cons
  • High initial cost

This is the best sublimation printer for businesses and homes with high productivity and low running cost.

4 – Sawgrass SG1000 – Best Sublimation Printer for All Works

Value to Money
Sawgrass SG1000-Best Sublimation Printer for All Works

Crux

  • Wi-Fi
  • LED-backlight
  • Creative studio
  • Warranty: 2 year
  • Max print size: 11”x17”

This is a large format printer for sublimation by sawgrass. Transform your designs beautifully with high quality ink and low running cost.

Ultra fine photo mode of the printer produces more vibrant images with high resolution. The printer is best to sublimate photo panels, t-shirts and many other large or medium items professionally.

sawgrass-sg1000-sublimation-printer-snapshot

It can print the media up to 11×17 inches. You can also extend it to 13×51 inches by an optional bypass tray of its previous model sawgrass 800.

With a single roller bar, paper jam is reduced significantly in the new printers. Self-regulating maintenance improves its efficiency and makes it easy to use.

Wi-Fi, windows and mac connectivity is provided. For trouble free conduction of the printing process, a color screen is given.

Pros
  • Easy setup
  • Fast printing
  • Low maintenance
Cons
  • Expensive unit

This sublimation printer is best for producing professional quality products. The price is worth it with the output it delivers beyond our expectations.

5 – Canon Selphy CP1300 – Best for Mugs & Stickers

Little Beast
Canon Selphy CP1300-Best for Mugs & Stickers

Crux

  • Wi-Fi
  • 3.1” tilt up LCD
  • Borderless prints
  • Guarantee: 2 year
  • Max print size: 5.82”x3.93”

The superfast little dye sublimation printer is ready for creating beautiful small designs efficiently. It is less than 1 kilogram in weight, so we took it everywhere with us easily.

This is the only sublimation printer by cannon that we recommend for sublimation. It does not need any conversion. It uses thermal dye sublimation printing technology.

The printer is best for sublimation of mugs and small designs like gifts, stickers, monograms, mouse pads etc. Ink dried up instantly and the prints are enduring. For better results, use regular sized images and proper settings of the heat press.

canon-selphy-cp-1300-dye-thermal-sublimation-printer-snpshot

It is connectable with numerous devices at a time with the canon print app. You can also print a photo right from the camera with this printer. It is also compatible with Windows and Mac.

The printer comes in three colors, black, white and pink. In the product box, there is a user manual kit, AC cable, Power adapter and a paper cassette of postcard size. Ink cartridges and batteries are not included.

Pros
  • Fast speed
  • Auto feed tray
  • Multi languages
  • Small & low weight
  • Many connectivity options
Cons
  • Comes without ink

This is a cheap sublimation printer for mugs and other small items, produces quality prints and offers a variety of features in a compact design.

6 – Epson WorkForce WF-7840 – Best for Heat Transfer

Work Horse
Epson WorkForce WF-7840-Best for Heat Transfer

Crux

  • 4.3” color LCD
  • Wireless and Wi-Fi
  • ADF and Auto 2S printing
  • Maximum print size: 13”x19”

This is a largely used printer for sublimation works. Powered by precision core printing technology with four color ink cartridges and 4800×2400 dots per inch print resolution. It is a new version of workforce-7720 that is discontinued now.

For a large printing volume, the printer is perfect with its two paper trays of 500 sheets combined capacity. It holds our 100 sublimation sheets at a time when bracket screws of the top tray are removed. A rear feed is also provided.

It produces brilliant shop quality images which are strong and durable. The printer delivers borderless prints of many sizes up to 13×19 inches.

The printing speed of this Epson sublimation printer is admirable. It lowers down the time and inconvenience with its 35 pages auto document feeder.

To keep yourself free from the trouble of replacing ink cartridges, we would recommend installing a continuous ink system.

Pros
  • Economical
  • Easy to set up
  • Voice printing
  • Power efficient
  • Borderless wide prints
Cons
  • Large and bulky

It is affordable and easy to convert, the best Epson sublimation printer for heat transfer for any type of sublimation project, business and home use.

7 – Epson Photo HD XP-15000 – Best Budget Printer

Budget Pick
Epson Photo HD XP-15000-Best Budget Printer

Crux

  • 6 color ink
  • 2.4” color LCD
  • Rear feed paper tray
  • Maximum print size: 2.4”-44”

Producing executive quality of prints is now very easy with this sublimation printer. This is the replacement of the Epson artisan 1430 which is discontinued now.

Its previous model was also used for screen printing too, but this upgraded sublimation printer is not able to do that.

With other 4 colors CMYK, red and gray inks are added to the printer which prints high spirited and strong, rich detailed photos in least time.

epson-xp-15000-sublimation-printer-snapshot

With this printer, we get striking borderless prints from a small size of 4×6 inches to a wide 13×19 inches and sublimate them on mugs, shirts and other substrates.

For expert class projects, rear feed is provided for easy management. Front tray of 200 plain sheet capacity is also present.

Connecting with mobile devices is very easy with the Wi-Fi. Operating with mac and windows is simple. USB connection is also available.

Pros
  • Fast
  • CD/DVD printing
  • Auto output tray
  • Border-free prints
  • Hands free printing
  • Smaller than its older model
Cons
  • Small cartridges for large works

This is a premium sublimation printer, much cheaper than what it delivers. Usable in business and homes, to expand your work with excellent yield.

8 – Epson Ecotank-4850 – Best for Heat Press

Excellent
Epson Ecotank-4760-Best for Heat Press

Crux

  • 250 sheets paper tray
  • Touchscreen display control
  • Automatic two sided printing
  • Scan, fax, copy, print, all in one
  • Wireless and internet connection

Epson EcoTank 4850 is a low price best sublimation printer for beginners with premium productivity features. Its compact and stylish design make it highly appealing. This printer will do all kinds of your sublimation work. It combines scan, copy fax and print, all features in one machine.

This small sublimation printer utilizes ink tanks instead of cartridges and we saved more than 90% of the ink bottle replacement cost. In addition, they also provide replacement ink which will be maximum for 2 years usage. Each ink bottle is equivalent to about 80 cartridges.

epson-ecotank-4850-sublimation-printer-snapshot

With the precision core technology, as expected, we attained high quality photo graphics and sharp text with excellent printing speed. Realizing that its performance is much better than laser printers.

You can save a lot of time and cost as it has internet and wireless printing features which are best for efficiency and give quality results. Connect multiple devices like tablets, androids, mPOS systems.

If your work demands a large printing volume and requires less time, it is just best for you with 250 sheet paper tray capacity. Produce borderless prints with automatic two sided printing.

Minimize handling of feeding papers with its auto document feeder (ADF). You can also control the operation through its touchscreen display.

Pros
  • Maximum productivity
  • Premium results with superb printing speed
  • Saves 90% ink, no need to buy expensive cartridges
Cons
  • Not faced any problem yet

It is the best sublimation printer for small business as it is cheap and affordable, easy to handle, and has automatic functionality. We tried black, but it is also available in white.

9 – Epson Workforce WF-7310 – Best Cheap Printer

Cheap
Epson Workforce WF-7310-Best Cheap Printer

Crux

  • 2.2” LCD
  • Auto 2 sided printing
  • Wi-Fi, wireless & NFC
  • Max. paper size: 13”x19”
  • Upgraded version of Epson WF-7210

The workforce 7310 is the best sublimation printer to increase the quality production of your business with the precision core cutting edge technology.

The printer delivers impressive quality images swiftly. We also used it for printing borderless photos of 3.5”x5” up to super B size. It is best able to print wide format media of 13×19 inches.

It is economical to use, consumes 80% less power and performs better than laser. For bulk printing, you can also get optional high capacity ink cartridges.

It manages high volumes of printing with 500 sheets capacity dual trays and a rear feed. The output tray holds 125 sheets.

The unit is easy to set up with a color screen control display. Connect with Wi-Fi and print remotely. It is well suited with windows, Mac and server systems.

Pros
  • Fast printing
  • Efficient and energy saving
  • Fits with a lot of media size and type
Cons
  • Large in size

This sublimation machine is a combination of high quality and high performance with little cost, making it best for uplifting business.

10 – Brother MFC-J995DW – Best all in One Printer

Best of Brother’s
Brother MFC-J995DW-Best all in One Printer

Crux

  • Wi-Fi, Wireless
  • Borderless prints
  • 2.7” color touchscreen
  • Paper size: Up to 8.5”x14”

This is a beautiful all in one best sublimation printer by brother with a compact and space saving design. It is loaded with smart features to provide convenience in operating.

This sublimation machine delivers crispy images with a maximum print resolution of 6000×1200 dots per inch with extra shades and smoother transitions.

The printer has four color front loading ink cartridges which are easy to use and replace. For large volumes or to reduce the replacements, you can also use inkvestment tank cartridges.

brother-mfc-j995dw-sublimation-printer-snapshot

The level of ink and the amount of prints you can get with the remaining ink can be monitored with a page gauge.

Its paper tray is capable of holding 150 sheets. An auto document feeder is also given with 20 sheets capacity. Making it best for managing small and medium projects easily.

Various connectivity options are given including Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB. You can also print from the cloud storage apps like dropbox, one drive and G-drive with its responsive touchscreen control.

Pros
  • All in one
  • Fast printing
  • Cost effective
  • Easy to operate
Cons
  • Duplex printing issues

For small business and to use for homes, you can go for this printer. It offers wide solutions for sublimation materials with low cost.

11 – Epson EcoTank ET – 8550

Premium
Epson EcoTank ET-8550

Crux

  • 6 color inks
  • 4.3” touch LCD
  • Borderless prints
  • Wi-Fi, wireless and more
  • Maximum media size: 13”x19”

This is a new wide format printer manufactured by Epson with a glamorous look. It is a cartridge free unit, uses 6 color inks to print lab quality photos.

Lead, and gray inks are added with the other four black & CMY inks which delivers ultra-high quality images and detailed sharp text upon sublimation on materials.

The printer is equally useful for small and wide substrates like mugs and t-shirts. It can print 4×6 inches of photo in just 15 seconds. And support media up to A3+ size.

It produces stunning borderless prints from 3.5×5 inches to 13×19 inches. Cardstock and other media of thickness 1.3 mm is well suited with this printer.

The paper management is well managed by different trays. Front tray holds 20 photo sheets, another front tray has capacity of 100 plain papers, a rear feed with 5 A3+ sheets and a rear straight pass. Direct CD and DVD printing is also available.

Many connectivity choices which include Wi-Fi, usb, memory card, windows and mac operating systems are given. It is compatible with various mobile and voice printing options.

Pros
  • Speedy
  • CD printing tray
  • Compact design
  • Various media handling
Cons
  • Expensive

This is an ideal sublimation printer for professional business and creative projects. Output it delivers is beyond expectations. Although the price is high, it is worth it.

12 – SureColor P700 – Best Photo Printer

Pro Machine
SureColor P700-Best Photo Printer

Crux

  • Print software
  • High Quality prints
  • Touchscreen display
  • 10 color ink cartridges
  • New carbon black driver technology

This is an exceptional printer, introduced by Epson. Designed to deal small to high level needs. Commended by professional American photographers in their magazine “Hot Ones”. Because of its high productivity and outstanding results.

We printed vibrant and fantastic photos on various types of media, on a thick poster board, panoramic, long paper, luster, matte and many others. The results it delivers are much more than we expected. Thanks to its 10-color ink cartridges.

Its print quality on metallic and glossy media is marvelous as it decreases the gloss differential. The black and white prints it produces are also super amazing. You can also print cd, dvd.

If you are using photo papers or any kind of lighter paper, you can put several sheets in tray. But we would recommend to put only one sheet at a time if you are using art paper. For heavier art papers, poster boards, use its front feed to avoid issues.

The upgraded new ink system, design and paper feed increases its efficiency. New carbon black driver technology increases the Dmax on glossy papers. Touchscreen to control the setup of the printer and its functioning.

Although the ink cartridges are included in the product box, they would run short after initial setup and some prints. So, our recommendation is to keep extra cartridges and use them regularly to run your work smoothly.

Pros
  • Small size
  • Economical
  • Fast & quality printing
  • Variety of media handling
  • Maximum paper size: 13”x19”
Cons
  • Nil

Epson SureColor P700 dye sublimation desktop printer brings revolution in professional printing technology. With the variety of media it handles, quality of result it offers make it viable for any kind of startup or running business.

Other Equipment Needed for Sublimation Printing

Apart from sublimation printers, there are some other things which are necessary to carry out sublimation. We have listed the things below we use, with a brief detail.

1 – Sublimation Inks

Sawgrass printers are built for sublimation, hence they are used with their provided dye sublimation inks. Canon selphy is also used with the given ink.

Epson printers require conversion. And to convert them, sublimation ink is required. It is replaced with the given ink and the printer is ready for sublimation.

2 – Designing Software

To create a design to transfer on a material, a designing software is required. You can use any one which is well suited to you. Sawgrass offers an online design software.

If you are/have already a designer, you don’t need this. Just bring the design and print it with your printer.

3 – Sublimation Paper

Transferring a design for sublimation needs a special sublimation paper. It should not be carried out on a plain paper for quality results.

Sublimation papers are available in different sizes. You can choose a pack according to your desired size.

4 – Substrate

A substrate is a material on which you are going to transfer the design. It may be a mug, t-shirt, mouse pad, plastic items, tumblers or anything.

5 – Cutting Machine

The printed design is trimmed before putting in the heat press. Silhouette cameo and cricut machines are used to cut materials like vinyl, paper, fabric, cardstock and other items.

However, it is optional, you can also use scissors, knife or other cutters for this purpose.

6 – Heat Press

To transfer a design printed on sublimation paper, a heat medium is required. Heat press or sublimation oven is used for this purpose where temperatures and pressure is adjusted according to the substrate and design is transferred permanently.

7 – Heat Tape

To hold a design on a substrate while putting it in a heat press, a heat tape is used which is designed specially to hold out against high temperatures.

Buying Guide for Best Sublimation Printer

This guide will help you to find the printer which is best for your work.

1 – Budget Friendly

Check the budget you have before selecting the printer. Buy the printer that fits with your price range and is good for your desired output.

2 – Brand

The main printers used for sublimation are sawgrass and Epson. Epson’s printers are cheaper than sawgrass and used mostly, after replacing the normal ink with sublimation ink.

Check the brand always, as Canon and HP printers are not convertible to sublimation.

3 – Ink Accessibility

Before buying a sublimation printer, always check its ink availability. For all the above reviewed Epson printers, conversion ink is available easily. Whereas Sawgrass and canon selphy does not need any conversion and sublimate with the given inks.

4 – Print Media Size

Select the printer according to the size of media you want to print. For mugs, a sublimation printer with little print size is best. For t-shirts and other large materials, a wide format printer is required.

5 – Output Quality

The print quality of every printer is different. Choose the best sublimation printer which delivers your desired quality output.

6 – Print Volume

If you are buying a printer for a business which requires large volumes of printing, go for the printer with high sheet capacity and quality output, to manage your projects easily.

For small and medium print volumes, any of the above reviewed printers is best.

7 – Network

The modern printers comes with various connectivity choices. You can print from mobile using Wi-Fi, wireless and voice printing, windows, mac and server systems etc. Check that the printer you are buying is bridged with the device you have.

8 – Maintenance

Printers require care to keep them running smoothly. We have reviewed the best sublimation printers that are easy to use and require very less maintenance.

We would suggest you to print with your printer at least once a week to prevent it from ink clogging.

Conclusion

All of the above reviewed units are top sublimation printers. Anyone you can buy from them is worth it.

Moreover, if you have any suggestions or product that you have found better for sublimation, let us know and we will definitely value it.

FAQ’s

What is a sublimation transfer?

Sublimation printing is the technique of transferring a design with heat onto a material e.g. mugs, t-shirts, bottles and a large variety of items so it became a permanent part of it. It is carried out by sublimation printer, ink and paper.

What material can you sublimate on?

Sublimation can be done on a lot of materials including ceramic, plastic, fabric, polymers, poly-blends, electronic items, packaging’s, and gifts.

How long does sublimation ink last?

With the dye sublimation ink, the print is transferred into the material which became a part of it. It is heat and smudge resistant, and doesn’t wash away with dishwasher and cleaning chemicals. It can easily last up to 15 years or more.

What is the difference between sublimation and digital printing?

With digital printing, the designs are printed on the surface of the material. Whereas, sublimation printed design is infused in the material and it becomes a part of it. Therefore, Sublimation printing is better than digital printing.

Are Ricoh and sawgrass the same?

Sawgrass manufactures dye sublimation ink for Ricoh sublimation printers(may be).

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