The Best Sublimation Printer [UPDATED 2020] Buyers Guide
Last updated on July 8th, 2020
What is the best sublimation printer?
SawGrass Vs Epson sublimation printer is the big decision we all have to make. Which is best will be determined by what stage you’re at: are you wanting to make sublimation transfers at home or for business?
Best Sublimation Printer Review
Whether you are looking for a sublimation printer for t shirts, mugs, or other hard blanks, the printers in this round-up are perfect for the job.
Notice that as of 2020, SawGrass have released new and improved versions of their SG400 and SG800 printers. The updated SawGrass SG500 and SG1000 have the latest and greatest sublimation technology and print resolution.
 | Epson Workforce WF-7710 |
| View Latest Price |
 | Epson Workforce WF-7720 |
| View Latest Price |
 | Epson Artisan 1430 |
| View Latest Price |
| Sawgrass SG500 |
| View On Heat Press NationView On Heat Transfer Warehouse |
| Sawgrass SG1000 |
| View On Heat Press NationView On Swing Design |
| The SawGrass EasySubli Bundle |
| View On Heat Press NationView On Heat Transfer Warehouse |
| Sublimation Packages |
| View On Heat Press NationView On Pro World |
Here are the sublimation printers we’ll take a deeper look at down below:
- Epson Stylus C88+
- Epson WF-7710 Vs WF-7720
- SawGrass SG500 & SG1000
- SawGrass and Siser EasySubli
- SawGrass VJ 628
Keep in mind that when buying an inkjet printer for sublimation conversion, you cannot then switch inks. You won’t be able to use your sub printer for inkjet printing and vice versa.
You will also need a good heat press machine to apply the sublimation transfers onto garments or other hard poly-coated blanks. The EasyPress 2 is suitable for sublimation, though not recommended for business use.
The Epson Stylus C88+
A beginner sublimation printer, the Epson Stylus C88+, is the most basic and the cheapest sublimation printer for sale.
It’s great for the home crafter and for those wanting to try out and learn dye sublimation. The maximum transfer size with this printer is 8.5 x 11 inches, so you won’t be doing all over sublimation.
Consider getting this machine if:
- you are starting out with sublimation
- you want the cheapest sublimation printer
- you’ll use it every 1-2 weeks (to prevent ink-heads from drying out)
The C88+ is made by Epson as an Inkjet printer, but can be used with sublimation ink. It can take sublimation ink cartridges (like standard inkjet cartridges), or be used with a CISS system.
This machine is certainly not the best printer for sublimation for everyone, and the results are not going to win any awards, but it is a great starter dye sub printer.
Epson Sublimation Printer
Which Epson sublimation printer is best?
Should you get the WF 7720, the WF 7710, or another model altogether?
To start off with, the only real difference between these two Epson model is the the WF7710 has a single feed tray, while the WF7720 has two feed trays. They both have the same print size, same output levels, and can both be used wirelessly.
The Workforce WF-7210 is another alternative Epson printer for sublimation. It has the same print size as these other models, but can often be picked up cheaper on sale. It is able to be used with a CISS and many people have had great success with it.
There are downsides to converting these printers to sublimation:
- it may void the warranty
- once it’s had sublimation ink installed it needs to remain
- not designed for sublimation paper and ink so there will be some issues over time (picking up multiple pieces of paper at a time, for example)
Using these Epson printers for sublimation is the cheapest way to get started. Visit Cosmos Ink for great sublimation ink and CISS packages!
SawGrass SG500 and SG1000
Released in early 2020, the all new SawGrass SG500 and SG1000 are welcomed updates on the SG400 and SG800. These machines were also previously known as Ricoh sublimation printers.
The big difference between the SawGrass and Epson is that the SawGrass printers were specifically designed for sublimation. The Epson inkjet printers were not (hence why the warranty can be void upon conversion).
SawGrass printers are made to print sublimation ink on sublimation paper, and they have a number of features and specifications that allows them to do this better than a conversion.
The SG500 and SG1000 have an extremely high print resolution at 4800 x 1200 dpi, and are made to work with the NEW SubliJet UHD inks. This ink with this print set up produces the highest quality sublimation transfers. With a massive color range you will have the most vibrant transfers for your hard and soft applications.
While the SG500 has a smaller print width (at 9 inches) than some of the Epson printers, it’s length can be greatly increased with a bypass tray. The SG1000 is the larger machine with a print range of 13 x 19″ with bypass tray.
Features:
- Self maintenance cleaning
- Wireless connection to computer
- New updated components and interface
- Prints transfers that will last
- Quality software and print manager
- High res images
Specs:
- High speed prints (15 seconds)
- High res images (max 4800 x 1200 dpi)
- MacOS 10.12 – 10.15 or Windows 10
- 2 year warranty
- Lifetime tech support
For more info, see our SawGrass sublimation printer review.
Siser EasySubli Sublimation Printer
The range of Siser EasySubli products were released mid-2019.
This is a new way of using specially formulated sublimation inks (made by SawGrass in partnership with Siser) to print onto Siser EasySubli HTV.
Because the actual transfer base is a type of heat transfer vinyl, you are able to use your heat press to apply it to dark and/or cotton garments – something that, of course, cannot be done with regular sublimation transfers.
You can also use the Siser EasySubli Inks for printing onto regular sublimation transfer paper, and then applying it to your garment as you would do usually.
Check out the following EasySubli video tutorial, or visit our Siser EasySubli review for more info.
The Sawgrass Virtuoso VJ 628
From one extreme to the other: we’ve gone from the cheap Epson C88+ to the Sawgrass Virtuoso VJ 628. The cheapest printer for sublimation, to one of the more expensive options.
I put this here as something to aspire to. If you aren’t yet at the level of having one of these top sublimation kits, one day you just might be. Keep providing quality products, awesome designs, great prices, and you will have a thriving sublimation shop.
Why couldn’t you one day have the Sawgrass Virtuoso VJ 628?
The Best Sublimation Printer
Hopefully this short list has helped you to determine the best sublimation printer for your budget and requirements.
The SawGrass machines are certainly better than the Epson sublimation printers, but it’s going to depend on your budget. So many people have found a lot of success using the conversions, and there is a lot of support out there in the Facebook groups and on platforms like YouTube.
If you can afford a SawGrass sub printer, we highly recommend them. But if you’re just starting out with dye sublimation heat transfers, there’s nothing wrong with an Epson. Grab a Workforce WF-7710 and get sublimating today!
Leave a comment below with your favorite machines, or printers you think need to be on this list, and we’ll add them to it!
Pin this post! 🙂
(Please note: This post contains affiliate links. Read our full disclosure policy here.)
Comments 23
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Such a great article and very detailed on the features of each sublimation printer.
So glad you appreciated it, Frank! Thanks for the kind words!
Can you use Cricut heat presses for all sublimation pressed items? Is that something that will only work with hats, shirts, shoes, and clothing? I know you can do license plates I would assume you use the transfer paper and press it? Will Cricut heat presses work or do I need a special (spend more ?$$) press?
The EasyPress will work for flat sublimation projects (as it reaches 400 degrees+), but it would be difficult to press hats, caps, and anything else that’s not completely flat. It’s not the ideal heat press for sublimation and you would be better going with a regular heat press if you plan on doing mostly that type of transfer. Cricut Infusible Ink is a pre-printed sublimation paper that is great with the EasyPress.
Can you use Cricut presses with the sub ink on all materials? Or does this just work on hats, clothes, and shoes?
You can use the EasyPress for sublimation on hard blanks as well. You can see an example with these sublimated coasters that we made (using Infusible Ink which is a type of sublimation). The EasyPress will be fine with sublimation on shirts and other flat surfaces, but a regular heat press would be better.
which heat press do you guys recommend for sublimation onto a coffe mug?
Any of the mug press machines here on HPN are perfect for mug sublimation!
I have an ornament business i want to bring in house (I currently outsource it). I do 3inch ceramic ornaments. Would the F570 be the optimal printer i would use to print about 300-400 a day? Thank you
I work at a small gift shop and we are looking at swing away heat press..I don’t think we need sublimation..but not sure!! if I understand correctly you must have a dedicated printer for sublimation and special inks and paper correct??much more expense correct
Yes there is a bit of cost getting set up, especially if you are going with good equipment (SawGrass and a decent press). Sublimation may be the way to go for a gift shop as you can decorate a huge range of sublimation blanks, not just t shirts. If you are just wanting to do t shirts, perhaps start out getting a vinyl cutting machine and using heat transfer vinyl. In my opinion, there is less of a learning curve for using HTV compared with sublimation!
I need big one what is best large format sublimation printer
Hey Graeme, we recommend the SawGrass VJ 628 as a great large format sub printer. You can find out more info here.
Which sawgrass printer is best for t shirts?
The SawGrass SG800 would be better than the SG400 for t shirts because of the size. That way you’ll be able to do larger sublimation prints. More info in this SawGrass Guide.
Hi
I want to print t shirts for my cheer team but I need white and gold in the design. can the The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG800 to that?
Thanks
Hi Kelly, you can’t print white with sublimation printers, but you will be printing on a white garment (unless you’re thinking EasySubli). Usually you just leave the white parts in a design blank, and the garment color provides it. You shouldn’t have any problems printing gold. What color are the t-shirts? Have you considered using HTV instead?
I would love some help finding the best printer for dye sublimation. Here is my issue…. I need it to print 17” wide but I can’t drop $5k on one yet. Can you help?
Hi Ashley, did you consider the SG800 with the bypass tray for large format printing? Would that suit your size requirements? Alternatively, I recommend using the live chat at Heat Press Nation (during business hours) for on the spot advice!
Hi,
I find your article very interesting. I would like an advice from you – if you are able to help me choose. I would like to start my own home business, making cotton t-shirts, pillows, mugs and probably phone cases. I would like an advice for what to buy – from the printer and paper, to the heat press. The most important thing in my business will be the quality. I want quality images on a quality fabrics. I understood that sublimation printers and papers bring the quality, right? I want models and prices and a place/link to buy from.
I will greatly appreciate your help!
Thanks for the comments and questions Zlatina. I really recommend getting in touch with Heat Press Nation. They have a chat box on their site, or you can give them a call. They have everything you need from beginner to advanced, and will be able to taylor something for your budget. However,they do not sell outside the US. If this is your case, send me another message through our contact form and I will help you out further.
purchased a mug sublimation machine from HPN. What would be the best quality printer for mug sublimation?
Hi Milton, really depends on your budget and what you are using it for. All of the printers listed above are suitable for mug sublimation, but if you were wanting better quality results I’d aim for at least the SG400.