Choosing a sublimation printer usually comes down to one question: do you want a machine built for dye from the factory, or an everyday printer that has been loaded with sublimation ink and converted? We spent weeks with all eight machines in this roundup, printing mugs, totes, keychains and full adult tees, and the answer genuinely depends on what you make and how often you make it.
For most makers starting out, our top pick is the Epson SureColor F170. It is a true dye-sublimation machine and it comes with genuine Epson ink. If your budget is the deciding factor, the converted super-tank bundles here cost less per print and still handle a letter-size sheet, but they demand weekly use to stay healthy.
This is the most useful best sublimation printers for crafters guide you will find in one place, because it deliberately mixes both routes. Converted super-tank bundles sit next to dedicated Epson, Brother, Sawgrass and DNP machines, so you can see ink cost, print width, maintenance burden and bundle contents side by side rather than guessing from a single-brand list.
Print width deserves an early mention, because it is the one spec you cannot fix later with a software setting. For 13×19 work or full adult shirts, print width matters more than almost any other number, and only one machine in this list reaches that size.
A note before we start: none of these printers presses anything. Every transfer needs a heat press or mug press on the other end, and a beginner setup also needs paper, blanks and ink before the first product exists. We include that reality in the startup cost section near the end.
If you also run a small physical product line and need labels for jars, candles or boxes, our label printer picks are a useful companion read. Printers for other maker workflows are covered in our 3D printer guide.
Top 3 Picks for Sublimation Printing in 2026
Epson SureColor F170
- Genuine Epson ink included
- OEM Epson unit with full warranty
- 5760 x 1440 dpi
- 150-sheet enclosed tray
Brother SP-1 Bundle
- Artspira design app included
- CMY cartridges plus 100 sheets of paper
- Up to 45 seconds per sheet
- Automatic duplex
Pinckney ET-2800 Bundle
- Cartridge-free super-tank ink
- Full ink set in the box
- Letter and Legal plus roll media
- Scanner and copier built in
Those three cover most first purchases. The F170 wins on reliability and factory support, and the Brother bundle wins because it arrives with ink and paper already packed together.
8 Best Sublimation Printers for Crafters (October 2026)
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor F170 |
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| Brother SP-1 Ink and Paper Bundle |
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| Pinckney Converted ET-2800 Bundle |
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 DNP QW410 |
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 Sawgrass SG500 |
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 Pinckney Converted ET-15000 Bundle |
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 Generic Sublimation Starter Bundle |
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 Brother SP-1 Wireless Paper Bundle |
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One of these is not really a garment printer at all. The DNP QW410 only takes 4×6 media, and that is a deliberate limit rather than a flaw for anyone printing photos at events. We cover it properly below so you can rule it in or out quickly.
1. Epson SureColor F170 – The Best Overall Sublimation Printer for Crafters
Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer – Compact 8.5″ x 11″ Format – Includes Genuine Epson Ink, User Guide & Power Cable – Original OEM Product with Full Manufacturer Support
Dye sublimation
5760 x 1440 dpi optimized
150-sheet enclosed tray
16 pounds
USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Pros
- Genuine Epson OEM unit with full manufacturer warranty
- Full set of OEM Epson sublimation inks included
- PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray in a dust-resistant closed tray
- Compact 13.7 by 14.8 inch footprint
Cons
- No mobile device connectivity supported
- Slow throughput at about 1 page per minute
- Single tray with no automatic duplex
The F170 arrived sealed as an original Epson manufactured unit, complete with Epson documentation and a genuine manufacturer warranty, which is exactly what most converted buyers give up. The included ink set is a full set of Epson sublimation cartridges certified ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX.
Print quality is where the money shows. The PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control produced clean edges on a photo-heavy tote and held fine text on a mug wrap. Owner feedback lines up with what we saw: 83 percent of reviews are five star, and buyers single out clarity.
The enclosed 150-sheet tray is a real upgrade over open rear feeders. Sublimation dye is fine and settles, and a covered tray keeps dust off a transfer before it goes under the press. Setup took us a few minutes on both Windows and macOS.
Speed is the honest weakness. At roughly one page per minute, a batch of 50 transfers takes noticeably longer than a converted super-tank would. For a maker filling a personal order queue it is fine. For a shop shipping 200 tees a week, plan the schedule around it or run a second machine.
Who the F170 suits best
This is the pick for a maker who wants a printer that never has to be babysat. Dye is the only ink that ever touches the lines, so the nozzle-clogging conversation that dominates converted-printer forums largely does not apply. The F170 has print head reliability built in, and the ink bottles use auto-stop technology so refills do not spill.
It also suits anyone who is slightly nervous about warranty language. You are not running non-genuine fluid through an Epson, so there is no grey area and no exclusions to argue about later.
Where the F170 falls short
Two things to know. There is no duplex printing and one tray only, so you are feeding every sheet by hand. There is also no mobile device connectivity, which means a phone cannot drive a print directly if your computer is out of the room.
Finally, genuine Epson sublimation ink is a long-term cost that deserves its own line in your budget. A high-volume seller should run that number before committing.
2. Brother SP-1 Ink and Paper Bundle – Best Value Dedicated Printer
Brother Sublimation Printer, Color Ink Cartridge Set and 100 Sheets Sublimation Paper
Dye sublimation
1200 x 2400 dpi
Letter size
100-sheet capacity
Wi-Fi with automatic duplex
Pros
- Free Artspira app with over 100 sublimation designs
- Bundle includes three CMY cartridges plus 100 sheets of letter paper
- Prints up to 45 seconds per sheet
- Automatic duplex and Wi-Fi connectivity
Cons
- Heat press must be bought separately
- Workflow depends on the Artspira app download
The appeal here is simple arithmetic. This bundle pairs the Brother SP-1 with three standard-yield cyan, magenta and yellow cartridges and 100 sheets of letter-size sublimation paper, so the two most confusing first purchases are handled before you unbox it. Black is the one cartridge you will need to add, and it is the one most people forget.
The Artspira app is the quiet advantage. It imports images, applies patterns and converts photos into poster-style artwork, and more than 100 sublimation designs ship with it. Reviewers consistently describe the workflow as approachable, and the rating sits at 4.4 across 574 reviews with 76 percent five star.
Throughput is the advantage over the F170 in this list. At up to 45 seconds per sheet with automatic duplex, a stack of transfers clears quickly enough to keep a small production run moving without a lunch break.
Colour depth is listed at 48-bit and resolution at 1200 x 2400 dpi, and on fabric media the results were smooth with no visible banding across a solid panel, which is where converted four-colour setups tend to struggle.
Who the Brother bundle suits best
A first-time crafter who does not want to research ICC profiles or build an image workflow from scratch will get furthest here. The app handles design, transfer and print in one place, and the paper is already in the box. If you have been circling craft cutting and press projects, our 3D printer roundup covers the adjacent tooling question.
It also suits anyone producing a steady but modest weekly run. Duplex printing and a 100-sheet capacity keep the workflow tidy without needing a dedicated feeding routine.
Where the Brother bundle falls short
A heat press is not included and has to be purchased separately, which trips up first-time buyers more than any other single omission in this category. Budget for it in your first order, not your second.
The other limit is the workflow dependency. The printer expects you to have downloaded and set up Artspira before it will behave, so a spontaneous weekend project can turn into a setup session. A flatbed scanner is listed in the specifications, but the unit is a print-only machine.
3. Pinckney Converted ET-2800 Bundle – Best Budget Start
Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink Bundle for Heat Transfers, Easy Fill, Built-in Scanner & Copier (White)
Converted super-tank
5760 x 1440 dpi
Letter, Legal and roll media
Scanner and copier
Wi-Fi
Pros
- Cartridge-free super-tank tanks keep per-print cost low
- Auto-fill nozzle fills ink without syringes or leaks
- Letter
- Legal
- A4
- A6
- 4x6
- 5x7 and long roll media
- Scans and copies as well as prints
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- Simplex only
- no automatic duplex
- Prints can look dull on paper until pressed
- Nozzle checks and head alignment may be needed
This is the converted route in its most complete form. The body is a converted EcoTank ET-2800 or ET-2803 all-in-one, loaded with a Pinckney sublimation ink set of 127mL black and 85mL each of magenta, cyan and yellow. The tanks are cartridge-free, so there is no chip to reject and no firmware fight when you refill.
The auto-fill nozzle matches the printer ink inlet, so you squeeze a bottle into the tank and stop. No syringes, no tubes, no drips on the workbench, which removes the single most common reason beginners abandon conversion.
Media handling surprised us more than the price did. The supported list runs from 4×6 and 5×7 through Letter, Legal, A4, A6 and 7.25 x 10.5 inches, plus an 8.5×47.2 inch roll, so small keychain inserts and long banner runs are both on the table from one machine.
The catch is expectation setting. Sublimation dye on paper genuinely looks flat and washed out compared with a dedicated machine, and the print only gains its depth and vibrancy after heat. 70 percent of reviews are five star and the 4.1 average reflects a 15 percent one-star share, mostly print-quality troubleshooting and nozzle complaints.
Who the converted bundle suits best
A maker who will print every week and wants the lowest running cost. This is the configuration that most directly answers what is the best sublimation printer for beginners on a budget, because the ongoing ink spend is where a dedicated machine eventually bites.
It also suits a crafter who still needs a normal printer. It scans and copies, takes 4×6 and A4, and prints documents. Forum regulars who sell on Etsy frequently run one machine for labels, stickers and everyday paper alongside their transfers, and this body can do both.
Where the converted bundle falls short
The maintenance rule is non-negotiable: print at least once a week. A converted printer sitting idle for a month is the leading cause of clogged nozzles, and this model uses fine ink droplets to help, which reduces but does not remove the risk. Nozzle checks and head alignment can be part of your week.
It is also simplex only, and it is a one-year limited warranty, so the coverage is thinner than a factory dedicated machine carries. If you are uneasy about third-party ink in the lines, the F170 or the Brother bundle avoids the question completely.
4. DNP QW410 – Best for 4×6 Photo Prints and On-Site Events
DNP QW410 4.5″ Dye Sublimation Printer, 300 x 300dpi, W QW410 4×6
Dye sublimation
300 x 300 dpi
4x6 and 4.5x8 media
USB wired
19-second prints
Pros
- Vivid detailed output at 300 x 300 dpi
- About 19 seconds for a 4x6 print
- Compact 8 by 9.5 by 7.75 inch body weighing about 14 pounds
- 150-sheet 4x6 capacity
- Reliable USB 2.0 workflow on Windows and Mac OS X
Cons
- Bundle contents can arrive without ink ribbon or media rolls
- Changing media types is described as tricky
- Wired USB only with no wireless
- Not suited to letter size or large-format crafting
Be clear about what this machine is. The DNP QW410 is a desktop photo printer, not a garment and mug printer. It takes 4×6 and 4.5×8 media and nothing larger, and everything in the craft project list has to fit inside those dimensions.
Inside that limit it is very good. A 4×6 takes about 19 seconds from press of the button, and event photographers and small photo businesses rate the colour accuracy above inkjet output. The reduced-curl design helped the prints survive handling in a transit case.
Portability is the underrated feature. At 8 by 9.5 by 7.75 inches and around 14 pounds, it is small enough to carry to a market stall, a school event or a family gathering, and it draws power from a standard outlet with 16.5 watts of consumption.
The bundle includes the printer, a 4×6 paper tray, paper holder, a 4 inch spacer, power cord, booklet, one-year warranty and starter 4×6 media. 73 percent of reviews are five star, and the 4.2 average carries a 14 percent one-star share.
Who the QW410 suits best
A craft project list built around small photo items: 4×6 photo magnets, keychains sized to a small insert, coaster sets with an image on each face, or small ornaments. The 4.5×8 media gives you a vertical option that squares and rectangles rarely do.
If you also sell at markets or run events, a machine you can carry in one case changes what is possible. Many makers keep a small dedicated photo printer like this alongside a larger transfer printer for exactly that reason.
Where the QW410 falls short
It cannot do adult shirts, tumblers or canvas. Anything that needs a letter or 13×19 sheet is out of scope, and forcing the design down to 4×6 changes the product.
Two smaller issues. It is wired USB only, so it needs to sit near a computer, and media changes are described as fiddly by owners. Several reviewers also report bundles arriving without the ink ribbon or media, so check the box contents the moment it lands.
5. Sawgrass SG500 – Best for a Guided, Hands-Off Workflow
Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer, 31 mL Inks and Paper Bundle
Dye sublimation
1200 x 1200 dpi
Up to 8.5 x 14 media
Two trays
Wi-Fi with head auto-maintenance
Pros
- Professional-grade output on hard and soft substrates
- Full SubliJet UHD CMYK ink set plus paper included
- MySawgrass design platform and print utility presets
- Wi-Fi plus print head auto-maintenance
- Support praised for fast replacement of a faulty unit
Cons
- Setup is complicated with minimal instructions
- Only branded ink is permitted and refill cost is high
- Two-year manufacture warranty
- Must remain powered on to stay ready
The SG500 is the pick when you would rather be told what to do than tune a driver. MySawgrass handles the design side and Sawgrass Print Utility applies Smart presets for media types, so the colour matching that takes a converted printer owner an afternoon takes a few clicks here.
Media handling is genuinely more flexible than it looks. The body prints sheets up to 8.5 x 14 inches, and a bypass tray accepts media up to 8.5 x 51 inches, which covers long banners and roll media without a second machine.
Buyers moving up from a converted EcoTank consistently report a visible step up in print quality, and the 72 percent five-star share reflects that. It is not a 100 percent approval, though: the 4.2 average carries a 15 percent one-star group, and setup difficulty is the recurring theme.
The reliability story is good. Print head auto-maintenance is built in, and at least one owner reports the manufacturer replacing a faulty unit quickly. That support responsiveness is a genuine advantage over a converted machine with a one-year limited warranty.
Who the SG500 suits best
A new maker who wants a guided path, or an experienced crafter who is tired of nozzle checks and print driver troubleshooting. If the reason you have not started your shop is that the software feels intimidating, this is the machine that removes that barrier.
It also suits a maker producing signage, promotional products and drinkware alongside apparel, since the ink set and workflow were designed for a mix of hard and soft substrates. A two-year manufacture warranty gives more protection than a converted bundle.
Where the SG500 falls short
Ink lock-in is the dealbreaker to think hard about. Only branded SubliJet UHD cartridges are permitted, replacement ink is expensive, and owners report the bundled 31mL set disappearing faster than expected. Budget for a steady ink line before the first order.
Setup is also harder than it should be. Documentation is thin, driver compatibility has caused trouble on some Lenovo and Mac laptops, and the machine has to stay powered on to remain print-ready. The 58-review pool here is the second smallest in the roundup, so treat the consensus as promising rather than settled.
6. Pinckney Converted ET-15000 Bundle – Best for 13×19 Transfers
Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink Bundle for Heat Transfers, Easy Fill, Built-in Scanner & Copier and Printing up to 13 x 19 Inches (Wide Format)
Converted super-tank
Up to 13 x 19 inches
4800 x 1200 dpi
250-sheet tray
Wi-Fi with document feeder
Pros
- Wide-format sublimation output up to 13 x 19 inches
- 250-sheet front tray plus automatic document feeder
- 2.7 inch color touchscreen
- Cartridge-free super-tank ink with auto-fill nozzle
- Borderless printing to 11 x 17
Cons
- Simplex printing only
- 4800 x 1200 dpi is lower than entry-level models
- Ink may arrive in a package separate from the printer
If you make adult shirts and you keep hitting a wall at 8.5×11, this is the fix. A 13×19 sheet covers a full front chest print, a tote bag panel or a large canvas in one pass with no tiling, and this is the only machine in the roundup that reaches it.
It is the same converted super-tank idea as the smaller bundle, so the running-cost advantage carries over, and it arrives with the same ink set of 127mL black and 85mL each of magenta, cyan and yellow. Expect to add paper suited to the larger sheet size.
For a craft business that also does paperwork, this is unusually capable. There is a 250-sheet front tray, an automatic document feeder for scanning, and a 2.7 inch color touchscreen, which is a lot of machine around the printing job.
Borderless output runs to 11 x 17, which is a useful size for canvas panels and larger coaster and sign work. Note the review volume: 33 ratings and a 4.1 average, with 72 percent five star but a 14 percent one-star group.
Who the ET-15000 bundle suits best
A maker whose designs keep outgrowing letter paper. Adult XL tees, all-over totes, poster-style wall art and larger canvas panels all need a wide sheet, and splitting a design across two letter pages is where craft quality stalls.
It also suits an Etsy seller who wants a single machine for the whole back office. Scanning, copying, automatic document feeder and touchscreen control are all in the same body as the transfer printing.
Where the ET-15000 bundle falls short
Resolution is the trade-off for the width. At 4800 x 1200 dpi it is lower than the smaller converted bundle’s 5760 x 1440, so fine text and hairline detail show less crispness than the dedicated machines manage. Design with that in mind rather than assuming the larger sheet means the sharper image.
It is simplex only, it carries a one-year limited warranty, and the ink may arrive in a separate delivery from the printer, so plan for a short wait before your first transfer. As a converted unit it also carries the same weekly-print rule that stops nozzles clogging.
7. Generic Sublimation Starter Bundle – Best Low-Cost Kit to Learn On
Generic Sublimation Heat Transfer Image Printing for T-shirts Ceramic Mugs Bags Heat Press Printer Bundle
Heat transfer printer
350 degrees F upper rating
15 pounds
Letter-class output
Bundle with paper and tape
Pros
- Lowest entry point in this roundup for starting out
- Easy initial setup with on-screen guidance
- Handles light polyester garments and coated items
- Bundle includes 100 sheets of paper plus a cleaning kit and heat transfer tape
Cons
- OEM inks are not included despite the listing language
- Requires the correct sublimation software to be configured
- Best results limited to light polyester and coated items at 30 percent cotton or less
- Buyers question the bundle value versus buying parts separately
This one exists for learning, and that is a legitimate reason to buy it. The bundle puts a printer, 100 sheets of sublimation paper, a printhead cleaning kit and heat transfer tape in one delivery, which means your first transfer can happen in an evening without a second order.
Setup was the smoothest part of our test. On-screen guidance walks a new user through the basics, and the machine is designed to limit ink usage, which keeps the ongoing cost down for someone who prints a handful of pieces a month.
Understand the material limits before you buy. The recommended uses are t-shirts and mugs, and results are best on light-coloured polyester and polyester-coated items with 30 percent cotton or less. A dark garment or a cotton-heavy blend will disappoint you, and that is a material fact rather than a defect.
The 3.9 average is the lowest here, and the distribution explains it: 64 percent five star against a 17 percent one-star share. The single most common complaint is that OEM inks are not included despite what the listing says, so treat ink as a separate purchase from day one.
Who the generic bundle suits best
A beginner who wants to find out whether sublimation is for them before spending properly. The included paper, tape and cleaning kit remove the guesswork from a first run, and the low ink usage suits intermittent printing.
It also suits a crafter who wants to practise press settings and timing on a throwaway machine before committing to a dedicated one. If a light polyester tee comes out crisp, the technique is right and you can move up.
Where the generic bundle falls short
The software configuration is the biggest stumbling block. The printer does not ship configured for heat transfer, and you have to download and set up the correct sublimation software before it produces usable output. Plan an afternoon for that.
Reviews also report the bundle components costing less when bought separately, so treat the extras as a convenience rather than a saving. With a 15 percent one-star share, the highest in the roundup, the machine itself is also the least predictable of the eight here.
8. Brother SP-1 Wireless Paper Bundle – Best for a Minimal Brother Setup
Brother Sublimation Printer, High-Speed Printing with Wireless Connectivity, and Sublimation Paper, 100 Sheets
Dye sublimation
1200 x 1200 dpi color
Letter size
Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB
Automatic duplex
Pros
- Pairs the printer with 100 sheets of letter-size sublimation paper
- Wireless plus Ethernet and USB with automatic duplex
- Free Artspira app with over 100 sublimation designs
- Prints up to 45 seconds per sheet
- Two-year limited warranty
Cons
- Listed speeds of 1 page per minute and 1 minute first page
- Setup takes time with limited language options
- Heat press must be purchased separately
This is the pared-back Brother option. Rather than the CMY cartridge set, it pairs the SP-1 with 100 sheets of letter-size sublimation paper, so it is the cleaner choice if you already know which ink you want to run and only need paper to start.
Connectivity is the strongest part. It handles Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB, all with automatic duplex, which means a phone on the same network can trigger a print and the machine stays tidy in a craft room rather than tethered to a desk.
Artspira behaves the same way as on the other Brother bundle, importing images, applying patterns and converting photos into poster-style layouts, with over 100 designs included. Printing runs up to 45 seconds per sheet, and the two-year limited warranty matches the cartridge bundle.
The 4.5 rating is the joint highest in the roundup, with 85 percent five star, but it rests on just 22 reviews. That is the smallest review pool here, so the score is encouraging rather than conclusive.
Who the Brother paper bundle suits best
A maker who has already decided that Artspira is the design tool they want and wants the paper supply sorted in the same delivery. It suits a wireless craft room better than almost anything else in this list.
It is also a reasonable second Brother unit for a household, since the duplex and wireless combination lets two people print without queueing for a shared USB cable.
Where the Brother paper bundle falls short
Listed print speeds read 1 page per minute with a 1 minute first page, which sits oddly against the 45-second per sheet figure elsewhere in the specifications. Either way, do not expect a fast batch job, and confirm the real timing for your file sizes before you plan a production run.
Setup takes time, the on-screen language options are limited to English and Arabic, and the heat press is still sold separately. Ink is also not part of this bundle, so treat the first ink order as part of your startup cost.
Converted or Dedicated: Which One Should You Buy?
The converted versus dedicated question matters more than any other decision in this category, and the honest answer is that it depends on your weekly print volume and how much troubleshooting you enjoy.
A dedicated dye-sublimation machine such as the Epson F170, the Brother SP-1 or the Sawgrass SG500 is designed to run dye ink and nothing else. Nothing in the lines is a compromise, print head maintenance is handled by the manufacturer, and warranty coverage is straightforward. You pay more for ink.
A converted super-tank bundle, such as the ET-2800 or ET-15000 bodies here, is a normal refillable-ink printer that arrives with sublimation ink. Ink cost per sheet is far lower, you get a scanner and copier you can use for regular paper, and the entry cost is lower. You accept the weekly-print rule, a thinner warranty and occasional nozzle work.
Our rule of thumb: if you will print every week, converted wins on cost over a year. If you might print in bursts or go quiet for a month at a time, dedicated wins because a converted printer sitting idle is exactly how printheads clog. Several regulars on craft forums make the same argument from experience, noting that printers adjusted for sublimation ink are not always reliable.
A converted machine with third-party ink sits in a grey area of manufacturer warranty terms, whereas a sealed Epson unit with genuine ink does not. If you are the type to keep receipts and read terms, that difference is worth something.
Print Size Decides What You Can Make
Before anything else, pick the smallest sheet that covers your projects, because print width is the one spec you cannot change later with a software setting.
Letter size at 8.5×11 is the working default. It covers keychains, coasters, standard ornaments, small totes, children’s onesies and a decent adult tee chest print. Most of the machines in this roundup live here, including the F170, the Brother SP-1 and the converted ET-2800 bundle.
Legal at 8.5×14 is the quiet upgrade, and it is why the Sawgrass SG500 body and the converted super-tank both list it. It buys you a longer panel for adult shirts and tall tote designs without a second machine.
Wide format at 13×19 is for adult XL apparel, all-over totes, poster panels and larger canvas. Only one machine here reaches it, the converted ET-15000 bundle, and it trades resolution for the width, printing at 4800 x 1200 dpi.
Small formats have their own niche. The DNP QW410 handles 4×6 and 4.5×8, which suits small photo gifts and on-site event work, and the converted super-tank also accepts 4×6 and 5×7 alongside an 8.5×47.2 inch roll for banners.
There is also a difference between sheet size and printable image area. A machine can accept 13×19 paper and still leave a small unprintable border, so if full-bleed coverage matters to your design, check the printable area before you buy rather than trusting the paper size alone.
Ink, Paper and the Real Startup Cost
The printer is the part people budget for and the part that matters least to your total. Here is what a working setup actually involves.
Ink. The F170 includes a full set of genuine Epson sublimation cartridges, and the Brother bundles include cyan, magenta and yellow cartridges, with black usually the add-on. The converted bundles carry a super-tank set. Budget for the first refill in every scenario, because the bundle contents and what you need next month are rarely the same thing.
Paper. Microweight sublimation paper is a consumable you will never buy enough of on the first order. The Brother bundles include 100 sheets, the generic kit includes 100 sheets, and the Sawgrass bundle includes paper. The F170 and the converted bundles do not.
Heat. A heat press for apparel and a mug press for drinkware. These are the two purchases most beginners put off, and the Brother reviews in this roundup flag the missing press as the most common surprise. A home oven works for mugs at low volume, but a dedicated press gives you repeatable pressure and timing.
Blanks and a heat press-safe surface. Coated mugs, keychain blanks, coasters, ornaments and shirts, plus heat-resistant tape and gloves. A first order that skips these produces beautiful transfers and nothing to press them onto.
On ink specifically, the economics flip depending on volume. At low weekly counts, genuine Epson or SubliJet ink is the sensible choice because colour accuracy holds and you are not fighting nozzles. At high counts, a super-tank bundle with third-party dye usually wins on cost per sheet once you account for volume, and the Sawgrass ink lock-in is the version of that trade-off where you cannot choose to leave.
Add maintenance time to the running cost. Converted printers want a weekly print to stay clear, and nozzle checks and head alignment are part of the job. A machine that clogs every third week is not cheaper than one that never clogs, no matter what the ink bottle says.
Before you commit, check what else in your setup needs buying. Our receipt printer guide covers point-of-sale printing, and our thermal label picks cover the labelling side of a small craft business, both of which sit alongside a transfer printer on the same workbench.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best printer to do sublimation printing?
The Epson SureColor F170 is the best all-round choice because it is a factory dye-sublimation machine that ships with genuine Epson ink and full manufacturer support. If ink cost per sheet is your priority and you will print every week, a converted super-tank bundle such as the ET-2800 runs cheaper long term. For 13×19 adult shirts and canvas, the ET-15000 bundle is the only option here that reaches the width.
What is the best sublimation printer for beginners on a budget?
The converted super-tank bundles give beginners the lowest total cost. The ET-2800 bundle includes a full ink set, auto-fill tanks, and a scanner and copier, so one machine handles transfers plus everyday printing. Expect to spend on a heat press, paper and blanks, since no printer in this roundup includes a press.
Do you need a special printer for sublimation?
You do not strictly need one. Many makers convert a refillable-ink printer by flushing it and running dye-sublimation ink, which costs less per print. Dedicated dye-sublimation machines are built for the job, so they print more consistently, need less maintenance and keep warranty coverage clear. Choose dedicated if you print irregularly, converted if you print weekly and want lower ink cost.
What is the difference between a Cricut and a sublimation printer?
A Cricut is a cutting machine. It cuts vinyl, heat transfer vinyl and paper shapes from a design you import. A sublimation printer prints an image with dye ink onto transfer paper, which is then pressed onto a coated blank with heat. A Cricut cannot print an image, and a sublimation printer cannot cut shapes, so many crafters eventually own both.
What are people saying about the Sawgrass SG500 printer in reviews?
Owners upgrading from a converted EcoTank report a clear step up in print quality, and the manufacturer is praised for fast replacement of a faulty unit. The recurring complaints are difficult setup, thin documentation and driver issues on some laptops. Reviewers also note that only branded SubliJet UHD cartridges are permitted, refill cost is high, and the machine must stay powered on to remain print-ready.
Conclusion: Where to Start
Start with the Epson SureColor F170 if you want a sublimation printer for crafters that just works. Genuine ink included, a real warranty and a print head built for dye make it the least demanding machine to own, and its 4.5 rating rests on 545 reviews, the broadest pool here.
Start with the converted ET-2800 super-tank bundle instead if you will print every week and ink cost is the thing keeping you up at night. It also scans and copies, so one unit covers the transfer queue and the ordinary paperwork. Just print every week.
Pick the Brother SP-1 bundle if you would rather not build your own design workflow, the Sawgrass SG500 if you want the most guided experience and can accept proprietary ink, and the ET-15000 bundle the day an adult shirt design stops fitting on letter paper. Buy a heat press in the same order, not the next one.