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Scanse » 7 Best Sublimation Printers in 2023 for Beginners to Experts, Sawgrass, Epson

7 Best Sublimation Printers in 2023 for Beginners to Experts, Sawgrass, Epson

Find the best sublimation printer for everyone, from beginners to experts, and start printing heat transfers right away! Why rush to a professional when you can do things yourself? Printing on fabric, mugs, and other goodies is the new trend and a fun thing to do. You can now print your favorite quote or a picture you love on most hard surfaces, be it paper, fabric, card, or plastic. All you need is a good sublimation printer.

In sublimation ink printing, the design is first printed on a special transfer paper. Then, heat is used to move the design from the paper to the material or fabric. The dye-ink that is used in this process turns into gas with the introduction of heat, which then adheres to the fabric.

Read Our Other Printers' Unbiased Reviews: i. Best Sublimation Printer - ii. Best 11X17 Color Laser Printer - iii. Best Negative Scanner

Dye-sublimation printing is one of the most common and cheapest methods for printing. It is used on a wide range of materials, including organic cotton.

Sublimation printers are often cheaper than other popular methods like screen printing and flexography. They are also easier to set up and use.

best sublimation printer
sawgrass sublimation printer

Best Printer for Sublimation Printing in 2023

On the market, there are a lot of companies that make sublimation printers with different features and at different prices. Because dye-sublimation printers are expensive, making the wrong choice can cause serious problems. But to choose the best sublimation printer, you need to know a lot about the accessories that go with it. Scanse has conducted extensive market research to bring you a list of the best sublimation printers available.

You should note that Sawgrass is the only brand on the market that produces printers specifically for sublimation printing. The other printers on this list are also able to print using sublimation, but they were not made for that purpose alone. Some printers can’t be turned back to normal after being changed to make sublimation prints, and the manufacturer’s warranty may no longer be valid. It is advised to check with your manufacturer before proceeding with the conversion.

Before you get to see our top dye-sub printers, we would like to make it clear that we do not endorse any of the brands on our website. All the products we have used for this review are retail units and were purchased with our money. With that said, let’s get started.

For beginners to experienced, the Best sublimation printers in 2023

1. Epson WorkForce WF-7720 – best sublimation printer for beginners (Editor’s Choice)

2. Sawgrass SG500 – best sublimation printer for heat transfer [Recommended]

3. Epson Expression Photo HD XP 15000 – The Best Epson printer for sublimation in 2023

4. Canon Selphy CP1300 – Best Compact Dye Sublimation Printer

5. Brother MFC-J995DW – Best Affordable AIO Sublimation Printer

6. HP OfficeJet Pro 9025 – Best Mid-range Pick

7. Epson EcoTank ET-4760 – Economical Sublimation Printer (Cheapest Option)


Pro Tip – If your Looking for Sublimation printer for beginners

The best sublimation printers for beginners are usually low-cost and easy-to-use. This type of printer is perfect for those who are looking to start their own business, as they don’t need to invest in expensive equipment upfront. For example, give a try with:-Epson EcoTank ET-4760

#1. Epson WorkForce WF-7720- Best Sublimation Printer For Beginners

Looking for the Finest sublimation printer for beginners? There are many types of sublimation printers that you can buy. Each one has its own set of pros and cons. To help you make the right decision, we have reviewed some of the most common options in our detailed buyer’s guide.

The best sublimation printer for beginners is the Epson WorkForce WF-7720, which offers a good combination of speed and quality. The maximum print area is quite large compared to other printers at this price point, so it’s easier to work with large designs that require a lot of detail. Start printing today with your new Epson WorkForce WF-7720!

Epson WorkForce WF 7720 epson sublimation printers

Epson WorkForce WF-7720 is one of the best, if not the best sublimation printers out there on the market. It has a class in it that produces stunning graphics with exceptional quality. The WF-7720 is for people who want to use the sublimation printing process to get a perfect photo that they can then put on their favorite item.

BrandEpson
ModelWorkforce WF-7720
Weight40.8 lbs.
Product Dimensions19.1 x 22.3 x 13.4 in.
ConnectivityWiFi, USB, Ethernet, email print, Epson iPrint App,
Apple® AirPrint®, Google Cloud Print™,
Android printing, Fire™ OS printing
Display Type4.3” color touch screen Printing
Maximum Resolution4800 x 2400 dpi
Scanner Resolution1200 x 2400 dpi
Supported Paper Sizes3.5″ x 5″, 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″,
8.5″ x 11″, 8.5″ x 14″, 11″ x 17″, 13″ x 19″,
A4, A6, Half Letter, Executive

Epson WorkForce WF-7720 – Unboxing and package contents –

The device comes in a well-packaged cardboard box with sufficient padding on either side to protect it from damage during transit. On the front, you have the Epson branding and model number, along with a picture of the actual printer. Tearing the seal off and opening the box, you have the Epson sublimation printer at the top, padded with thermocol molds on either side.

Pulling the printer out of the box, you also get to see a power cord, a USB-A to USB-B cable, the supplied ink cartridges, and some paperwork to help you with the setup process and warranty details. The Epson 252 standard ink cartridges are the ones that come with this package. Apart from these, you also get to see a compact disc with setup drivers and utility software.

Device overview and build quality –

The Epson WorkForce WF-7720 is one of the heaviest sublimation printers that we have laid our hands on, weighing about 48.9 lbs with all the trays and accessories attached. You also need more shelf space to accommodate the printer, which has a larger footprint at 16.5” x 22.3” x 17.8” (H x W x D). Speaking of the build quality in general, it is one of the toughest printers on the market, with the entire body being built with hard plastic. On the durability front, it has a large duty cycle that promises years of heavy usage.

As the device supports wide-format printing up to 13” x 19”, the front part of the device also feels wider than most printers on the market. At the front and bottom of the printer, two paper trays feel sturdy yet handy. The top paper tray has a way to change from normal-sized paper to wide-format paper. All of these trays can hold up to 500 sheets of paper.

The front side of the device also holds a control panel with a 4.3-inch touchscreen display, which is large enough to comfortably read the text. Epson added touch functionality, but they also put a few physical function keys right next to the screen that let you switch between modes quickly. The buttons are very tactile and comfortable to press. One can easily adjust the viewing angles by tilting the display up and down. All in all, the touchscreen display is a good feature that makes the device easier to use.

Getting the device ready and working for you-

Setting the device up and running is a cakewalk with the aid of the on-screen guide. All you have to do is connect the device to your computer using the provided cable if you chose a wired setup. Or, even better, enter your Wi-Fi credentials when asked during the setup to get it connected to your home network. Once you’ve set it up the first time, you can use the mobile app to play around with different settings.

After you’ve finished connecting to your printer, it’s time to install the ink cartridges that came with it. Lift the top lid of the printer. To the right at the bottom, you will find different cartridge slots with labels on them. Place the cartridges carefully as shown on the label and close the lid. Your printer should auto-detect the cartridges to get ready for the first print. In the next step, you are asked to choose a paper source. Choose the one according to your preference and click on the “Okay” option. Before selecting the source, make sure to place a few papers into the trays.

Epson WorkForce WF-7720 Performance –

The Epson WorkForce WF-7720 printer is an impressive all-in-one inkjet model. With a maximum printing speed of 18 pages per minute for black and white print and 10 ppm for color printing, this printer can quickly fill your needs when it comes to producing large volumes of documents.

Cost per print:

The Epson WorkForce WF-7720 comes with a decent inkjet cartridge system. Speaking of the printing costs on the WF-7720, it offers a decent value here. In our testing, the printing cost for black-only prints came out to be 0.066 US$/print and 0.132 US$/print for color prints, while photo printing averaged 0.323 US$/print.

Printing Speeds:

The Epson WorkForce WF-7720 isn’t the fastest printer out there, but it isn’t also the worst that we have tested. It offers fairly moderate speeds, with the black-only text document being printed at 8 ppm while the color document takes about 6 ppm. The photo print, on the other hand, took about 59 seconds, which is sub-par compared to most other printers on the market. It took about 13.6 seconds to output the first print (black-only).

Color Accuracy:

The colors on the WF-7720 aren’t very accurate, making it unsuitable for professional photo printing. However, this printer is the best choice for dye sublimation printing.

Photo printing quality:

In terms of the Epson WorkForce WF-7720’s overall photo quality, the device has bright colors and a good dynamic range. But in some parts of the picture, you can see a bit of graininess and banding. Overall, the photo quality is good.

Features and connectivity –

The Epson WorkForce WF-7720 supports automatic two-sided print/copy/scan/fax. It has a flatbed and sheetfed scanner that offers scans up to a resolution of 1200 DPI and has a 24-bit color depth. The scanner also supports duplex scanning and has built-in automatic document feeder functionality if that is what you are looking for.

Speaking of the connectivity on the device, it can be connected to your computer directly using a USB cable, there is an Ethernet port for wired network connection, and it also comes with Wi-Fi functionality with support to Wi-Fi Direct for direct wireless connection. Besides these, it also shares support for different cloud services like Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, etcetera.

Pros
  • Excellent build quality and design aesthetics
  • Wide-format printing
  • Automatic duplex print/copy/scan/fax
  • Wireless functionality with Wi-Fi Direct support
  • Printing costs are low
Cons
  • Color accuracy can be better
  • Printing speeds aren’t great
  • Heavy, larger footprints
  • Makes little noise while printing

Epson WorkForce WF-7720 – Verdict

The Epson WorkForce WF-7720 is the best wide-format all-in-one sublimation printer that your money can afford in 2023. It has an impressive scanner that can scan at resolutions of up to 1200 DPI. Printing speeds are a bit disappointing on this printer. But, if you only choose to print photos for coffee mugs or T-shirts, speed shouldn’t be a bigger concern. However, if you are looking for a sublimation printer that can produce prints a little faster, the HP Officejet Pro 7740 could be a good choice.

The WF-7720 is different from the Epson WorkForce WF-2830 in that it can print photos from a USB device that can be removed. The WF-7720 is better than the older Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3820 in terms of how it works, how well it prints, and how it handles paper.


#2. Sawgrass SG500 – Professional Sublimation Ink Printer

Sawgrass SG500 sublimation printer
Sawgrass SG500 sublimation printer

Meet the Sawgrass SG500, the only desktop printer designed specifically for sublimation printing. Most printers that are converted for use for the sublimation printing process demand a lot of maintenance as they are not designed to face the challenges that come along. Sawgrass printers, on the other hand, are designed specifically for sublimation, providing good quality and low operating costs.

BrandSawgrass
ModelSG500
Weight35.2 pounds
Product Dimensions21.65 x 14.17 x 9.84 inches
ConnectivityWiFi, USB, Ethernet
Display TypeLED-backlit display
Maximum Resolution4800 x 1200 dpi
Ink TypeStandard SubliJet ink
Maximum Media Size8.5″ x 14″ (215 x 355mm)

Unboxing and package contents of Sawgrass SG500 –

The device ships in a simple yet decent box and feels heavier in the hands. Tearing the seal off, we have the power cord and the included Sublijet ink cartridges, along with a manual on the top. Moving further, we have the printer wrapped inside a plastic cover and neatly padded with thermocol molds to help protect it from damage during transit.

It is thoughtful of Sawgrass to cover all the corners and vulnerable areas of the printer with tapes. I’m very much impressed by the overall packaging of the Sawgrass SG500.

Device overview and build quality –

The device doesn’t look futuristic or doesn’t focus on the modern aesthetics that most printers on the market do. It has a very minimal design with an old-school control panel at the front. The panel has an LED display with a backlight, a few hardware keys, and a few indicators.

The physical buttons include, a menu, reset, selection keys (3), navigation keys with an OK button at the center, an Escape key, and a power button to the extreme right. We have a couple of paper trays below the control panel. There is a provision for accessing the ink cartridges from the front side of the device. To the left side, there is a little cap that covers the Ethernet and the USB ports. For clearing the paper jams easily, there is a provision at the rear side of the printer.

Setting up and getting the device ready –

The initial setup process on the SG500 did take me a few minutes. It is pretty straightforward. Just connect the power cord to the device, plug the same into a wall socket, and press the power button on the printer. Once the device is powered, it should ask you to insert the ink cartridges. Open the cap present on the front side of the printer, which will give access to the cartridge area. Carefully slide in the provided cartridges one after the other, close the cap, and hit OK on the printer.

If you wish to connect the printer to a computer to continue with the setup process, you can do that. I prefer to do it wirelessly, so I headed to the menu on the printer to access the wireless settings. Inside the wireless option, you are shown the list of available networks. Choose the one that you wish to connect to, enter the credentials, and click OK. Once you’re connected, other devices on the network should be able to find the printer. Load the sublimation transfer paper into the printer and start printing.

Features and connectivity –

The device does well in terms of print quality with fairly accurate colors, exhibits a decent dynamic range, and also turned out to be very economical in the long run. If you are a beginner at sublimation printing, the Sawgrass SG500 should be your go-to option. When it comes to printing speeds, the device is a bit faster than most Epson printers that have been converted.

Speaking of the connectivity on this device, you can choose between both wired and wireless options. It has it all: USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi Direct support—it has it all.

Pros & Cons of Sawgrass SG500

Pros
  • High-quality printing
  • Faster print speeds
  • Free license for the Sawgrass online creative studio
  • Connectivity options
Cons
  • Costlier
  • No touchscreen displays

Sawgrass SG500 – Verdict

The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 is made to print on the special paper that is used for sublimation printing. They are industry-class devices that offer a complete set of features to meet the demands of sublimation printing. Having laid my hands on different models from the Sawgrass line-up, I can confidently say that the Sawgrass SG500 is the best professional solution for sublimation printing. However, these printers are a bit costlier compared to most compatible printers on the market, but it is totally worth the extra price if you are aiming at a printer for professional use.

The best part is that the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 is backward compatible with the accessories from its predecessor, the SG400. As this printer is specifically designed for sublimation printing, it does not demand a lot of maintenance like the other converted Epson printers. Moreover, the ink doesn’t dry up quickly even if it’s not used for longer durations.


Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000 – Best Printer for Sublimation

Sawgrass UHD Virtuoso SG1000 Sublimation Printer
Sawgrass SG1000 With Bundles

The Sawgrass SG1000 is a fantastic printer for apparel, soft goods, and small or medium-sized photo panels. It’s perfect for growing businesses that want to up their game. With advanced

Unboxing the package contents

Unboxing the package The Sawgrass SG1000 reveals a sleek and compact design that will make it easy to store and transport. Inside the box are all the components necessary for optimal performance, as well as a power cord and USB cable. The printer itself comes with two sets of ink cartridges—one black cartridge and one set of six color cartridges—plus pre-installed software and instructions on how to get started.

What you’ll Get in the Box

  • Sagrass Print Manager
  • Creative Studio Online Designer Software
  • SubliJet UHG Sublimation Inks
  • 2 Year Product Warranty & In-house Support

Design Overview of Sawgrass SG1000

The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000 Printer Design is making a splash in the printing industry. It has a sleek and ergonomic design that makes printing easy on the eyes. This printer has a unique Ultra High Definition (UHD) resolution that makes colors pop and lines look sharp.

Setting up and getting the device ready –

The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000 UHD is the best digital transfer printer on the market, and it has changed the way printing is done. Before you try to set up and use your new SG1000, make sure you have everything you need, like input trays, ink cartridges, and power cables. As soon as these things are in place, connect all the cables to the right ports on either side of the unit. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to installing software drivers and loading media into each tray slot.

Performance

The Sawgrass uHD Virtuoso SG1000 printer is a high-performance machine that is perfect for people who need prints that look like they came from a professional business. The device also has a built-in color correction system that makes sure that every time you print, the colors are correct. The machine is powered by Sawgrass’ innovative Ultra High Definition (uHD) printing technology.

Do More with CreativeStudio 4 Software

The Sawgrass SG1000 CreativeStudio 4 is a one-of-a-kind digital printing solution. It comes with a built-in laser cutter so that you can cut out intricate shapes or designs with precision and accuracy. The software also includes templates for common products such as shirts and mugs.

Connectivity

The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG1000 has Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and Bluetooth for advanced connectivity. This allows users to easily connect their device to the printer without any extra cables or adapters. It also supports multiple file formats, so you can quickly print out whatever documents or images you need. Furthermore, this printer comes with its own software, which allows for easy customization and integration into existing networks.

Pros
  • A high-quality, reliable printer
  • ease of use.
  • excellent color accuracy.
  • It runs quietly
  • The print speed of up to 14 ppm
Cons
  • The Initial investment cost More
  • Only one type of paper can be used at any given time, so switching between media types can be time consuming and inconvenient
  • The supplied software

Sawgrass SG1000 – Verdict

The Sawgrass SG1000 is the perfect printer for all of your apparel, soft goods, and photo panel needs. This professional-level device delivers consistent results for every project – no matter how big or small. It’s ideal for busy businesses that need quick turnarounds on their orders.

#3. Epson Expression Photo HD XP 15000 – The Best epson printer for sublimation in 2023

Epson Expression Photo HD XP 15000 – The Best Sublimation Photo Printer

Meet the photo expert—Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000. There are many wide-format photo printers on the market, but none of them are like the HD XP-15000. It is by far the perfect sublimation printer that we have reviewed here.

BrandEpson
ModelExpression Photo HD XP – 15000
Weight18.7 lb
Product Dimensions (W x D x H)18.7″ x 30.9″ x 16.2″
ConnectivityHi-Speed USB, USB host, Wi-Fi with support to Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet 10/100
Display Type2.4-inch LCD color display
Maximum Resolution5760 x 1440 optimized dpi
Ink Configuration6 individual ink cartridges: 4x 312 ink (1x Black, 1x Cyan, 1x Magenta, 1x Yellow);
2x 314XL ink (1x Gray and 1x Red)
Supported Paper Sizes3.5″ x 5″, 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″, 8″ x 10″, 8.5″ x 11″,
8.5″ x 14″, 11″ x 17″, 13″ x 19″, A4, A6,
Half-Letter, Executive

Unboxing and package contents –

The device ships in a brown cardboard box with the Epson branding on its front. Cutting the seal open, you will be greeted with the accessories bag. In the bag, there is a power cord, a CD with the necessary drivers and utility tools, and some paperwork about how to set up the computer and how long the warranty lasts. You also get the ink cartridge set with a total of 6 cartridges covering the entire color range.

The box also has a disk tray that lets you place CDs and DVDs in it for printing labels directly onto them. Moving on, we have the printer itself sufficiently padded in polystyrene molds to safeguard the device during transit.

Device overview and build quality –

The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 comes in a pretty minimalistic design, with its entire body made of hard plastic. As far as looks are concerned, I’m pretty impressed with the design and material quality. The device has an all-black body with its physical dimensions being 18.7″ x 30.9″ x 16.2″ (476 x 785 x 412 mm) (W x D x H).

The top of the device hosts a lid that reveals the nozzle area and the ink cartridges. At the front, we have a 2.4-inch LCD color display paired with a bunch of physical buttons to make navigation through the menu easier. However, there is no touch functionality on the display. The hardware buttons make the experience smoother. The viewing angles on the screen are also good, and the tillable mechanism makes them even better.

The front portion of the printer hosts a retractable tray that moves in and out with the aid of stepper motors, which is kind of cool but unnecessary. All in all, the device seems quite sturdy and should last for a while even with heavier usage.

Setting up and getting the device ready –

The setup process for the Epson Photo HD XP-15000 is pretty much straight. Plug the provided power cable into the slot presented on the back of the printer and plug the other end into a wall socket. Now, press the power button present on the control panel of the device. This should power the device on and the printer should guide you through the setup process.

Select the language from the list and press OK to proceed further. It should now ask you to insert the ink cartridges that came with the printer. Carefully lift the lid above and place the cartridges into their slots. Once you are done, press the OK button on the device. The printer should now go through the nozzle check automatically. Place a few papers into the input tray and press OK on the device. You should now see the XP-15000 printing different test patterns.

You can either choose to connect it to your computer using a USB cable or use the Ethernet or Wi-Fi functionalities to use the printer via the network. To do this, head to the settings and choose the Wi-Fi option and provide your network credentials. You should be able to find the printer on your network if the connection works.

Performance –

We have tried printing documents of different sizes and quality, and the results surprised us. The printing quality turned out to be exceptional with great color depth, crisp and vibrant colors, great detailing, and exhibited decent dynamic range thanks to the 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution.

When it comes to printing speeds on this device, we observed the following; A3+ print at high quality – 6 minutes 49 seconds, A4 print at high quality – 3 minutes 45 seconds, A3 at standard quality, high quality – 2 minutes 19 seconds, A3 print at high quality – 5 minutes 46 seconds, and 28 x102 cm print at high quality – 10 minutes 29 seconds.

Features and connectivity –

The photo richness of the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 makes it a good sublimation printer on the market. It can produce stunning prints up to 13-inches wide with the 6-color Claria Photo HD Inks. The ADF functionality makes it more convenient for larger print jobs.

Speaking of the connectivity on this device, it offers both wired and wireless options to choose from. From Wi-Fi, Ethernet to USB connectivity, the XP – 15000 has everything to meet your needs.

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Printer pros & cons

Pros
  • Easy setup
  • Quieter operation
  • Versatile
  • Excellent pigment ink print quality
  • Well designed and compact
  • Vast connectivity options
  • Ideal for sublimation printing
Cons
  • Printing costs are high
  • Slow printing speeds

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 – Verdict

The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 could steal a sweet spot in our ‘Best Sublimation Printers in 2023’ list for the design, performance, and feature set the device has to offer. If photo printing is your only concern, you cannot go wrong with your choice of the XP-15000.

When compared with Canon’s popular PIXMA IP8750, the XP-15000 offers a lot faster print speeds and a bigger input tray capacity.


#4. Canon Selphy CP1300 Review – Best Compact Dye Sublimation Printer

Canon Selphy CP1300 – Best Compact Dye Sublimation Printer

The Canon Selphy CP1300 is one of the few dye-sublimation printers available on the market. It is the most compact printer that we have tested so far. Despite its size, Canon hasn’t skimped on anything. From features to performance, it is no less than a regular-sized inkjet printer.

BrandCanon
ModelSelphy CP1300
Weight1.9 lbs.
Product Dimensions (W x D x H)7.1″ (W) x 5.4″ (D) x 2.5″ (H)
ConnectivityHi-Speed USB, USB Flash Memory, SD card, Wi-Fi
Display TypeTilting 3.2″ LCD Screen
Print ResolutionColor256 Levels Per Color (16.8 million Colors)
Printing TechnologyDye Sublimation
Supported Paper SizesPostcard (4.0″ x 6.0″) L Size (3.5″ x 4.7″) Card Size (2.1″ x 3.4″) Square Label (2.1″ x 2.1″)

Unboxing and package contents –

It took me a week to finally receive my Canon Selphy CP1300 after I placed the order online. I was very surprised by the size of the box packaging. It is smaller than what I had expected. The printer came inside a beautiful white box package. On opening the package, we have the manuals and warranty card at the top, followed by a power adapter. The AC to DC conversion happens in the power adapter itself, and the printer takes in DC input from the adapter. This is done to cut down on the size of the printer. Very thoughtful.

Moving further, we have attachments for the paper trays, an included cartridge, and the printer itself. The printer comes neatly packed inside bubble wrap to prevent damage during transit.

Device overview and build quality –

On first impression, the device feels extremely compact. At first, I couldn’t believe that it was a printer. Despite its small size, it is difficult to transport during your travels. However, handling, moving between rooms is extremely easy compared to a full-sized printer.

Speaking of the quality, the entire device is made up of good quality hard plastic that makes this device sturdy and durable. At the top of the device, we have a 3.2-inch LCD that can be tilted up and down. The tilting mechanism on the screen comes in very handy and makes the operation easier and hassle-free. There is no touch functionality on the LCD screen. But it is still easy to use the device with the buttons that are already there.

Setting up and getting the first print –

Setting the device up and running is a cakewalk. If you choose to connect to a computer, you can do that. However, you do not have to have it connected to a computer for the initial setup.

Plugin the power adapter into the power socket and plug the other end into the DC port at the back of the printer. At the top, press the power button. You should now see the display light up. Now, put the cartridge that came with the printer into the printer and set the paper tray in place.

Once you are done preparing the Canon Selphy CP1300 physically, it is time to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. To do this, navigate to the Wi-Fi option displayed on the screen by using the hardware keys present and clicking on OK. Your display will show all the available Wi-Fi networks nearby. Select the one that you wish for your device to be connected to and press OK. Enter the credentials for the network and click OK. This should bring your device to your network.

To print an image from your phone, install the Canon PRINT application from the App Store or PlayStore depending on the type of device you use. Once you have the application installed and open, you should see your device auto-detected and listed in the application. However, your mobile phone should also be connected to the same network as your sublimation printer for the discovery to happen. You can now send prints directly from your mobile phone.

Canon Selphy CP1300 Performance –

The prints turned out to be surprisingly decent, with rich colors and great accuracy. Honestly, I didn’t think that a printer of this size could produce such stunning images with such color accuracy and sharpness.

As the Canon Selphy CP1300 uses dye-sublimation technology to print, printing speeds aren’t even comparable to regular inkjet printers. In dye-sublimation printing, the photo paper on which the image is to be printed has to be passed four times (yellow, magenta, cyan, and finishing coat) in and out to get the colors right. This makes this printer very slow compared to other printers. However, in our testing, the printer took less than a minute to output a 4×6 color photo.

Features and connectivity –

Despite the size of the printer, Canon has not compromised in any area on this printer. It does everything that a typical inkjet printer does while still being very compact and portable. The fact that the device doesn’t need to be connected to a computer makes it an ideal choice for sublimation printing.

On the connectivity note, it has everything – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB Flash Drive, SD card support, cloud services support and you name it.

Pros & Cons of this dye sublimation printing Machine

Pros
  • Very compact
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Excellent image quality
  • User-friendly interface
  • Affordable
  • Decent connectivity options
Cons
  • No-touch functionality
  • USB Cable not included
  • Limited photo size

Canon Selphy CP1300 – Verdict

If you are in the market for a 4X6 sublimation printer, the Canon Selphy CP1300 offers you the best value-for-money deal. Besides being very compact, it offers everything that a full-sized printer does. In terms of portability, you can buy a battery pack for this device to make it truly portable.

You don’t have to have your printer connected to a computer to get the job done. It works as a stand-alone device, which means that thanks to the SD card slot and USB host support, you can now assign the print job and manage everything on the device itself without using a computer.


#5. Brother MFC-J995DW Inkvestment Tank – Best Affordable AIO Sublimation Printer

Brother MFC J995DW Inkvestment Tank – Best Affordable AIO Sublimation Printer

The Brother MFC-J995DW INKvestment is the best investment you can make today if you are looking for a powerful yet affordable sublimation printer. It checks off all the boxes that any other professional dye-sub printer on the market does.

BrandBrother
ModelMFC-J995DW INKvestment Tank
Weight18.1 lbs (8.2 kg)
Product Dimensions (W x D x H)17.0” (W) x 13.3″ (D) x 7.6″ (H)
ConnectivityEthernet, USB to PC, USB host, Wi-Fi,
Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service
Display Type2.6” Touchscreen LCD Display
Maximum Print Resolution1200 x 600 dpi
Printing TechnologyInkjet
Supported Paper SizesLetter, Envelope, Legal, Executive, A3, A4, A5, A6, Envelope (C5), Envelope (DL),
Envelope (Monarch), Photo (3.5″ x 5″),
Photo (4″ x 6″), Photo (5″ x 7″), Photo (5″ x 8″), Photo (8″ x 10″)

Unboxing and package contents –

The printer came in a big, fat box with the brand name, model, and preview of the printer printed on the front of the carton. Lifting it isn’t easy as the box is very heavy on the hands. Opening the box, we have the cartridge set lying at the top. Brother claims that the provided ink should last for a whole year. However, it is dependent on the actual use case.

Besides the ink cartridges, we have a power cord and the printer itself lying below comfortably. You also find the mandatory goodies—the user guide and the installation CD—inside the box.

Device overview and build quality –

The device feels extremely modern. We have the white and grey variants here. Though the package feels a bit heavier, the device, however, feels very sleek for what it does. At the front, we have the control panel with a power button, home, back, and cancel buttons, and a 2.6” touchscreen display. You also get to see an NFC mark on the control panel.

The scanner on the device is an 8.5″ x 11″ flatbed scanner with support for sheetfed functionality. There is no duplexing support on the scanner. However, you have the automatic document feeder functionality. The maximum resolution on the scanner is 1200 DPI, which is a good figure.

Getting the device ready and working –

Setting the device up is fairly easy with the provided on-screen instructions and is pretty much standard stuff. Connect the power cord, press the power button, insert the cartridges, choose between a wireless or wired connection, and you are good to go.

Performance –

The Brother MFC-J995DW does exceptionally well in terms of printing. It exhibits rich details, decent dynamic range, better color reproduction, and great sharpness. For having truly nice colors in your prints, it is suggested that you set the default color profile to ‘vivid’ on the device.

Speaking of the printing speeds, the MFC-J995DW can print 12 pages per minute (PPM) in the case of monochrome documents and 10 ppm for color. These aren’t the best out there, but you shouldn’t have a problem printing on the sublimation papers.

Pros & Cons of this print device

Pros
  • Rich printing and scan quality
  • Economical printing
  • No warm-up time needed
Cons
  • Printing speeds could have been better
  • The paper tray at the back is a bit finicky

Brother MFC-J995DW Inkvestment Tank – Verdict

Be it for printing on coffee mugs or T-shirts, you will need a decent sublimation printer to do the job. The Brother MFC-J995DW INKvestment is one of the good sublimation printers that you can afford today. It has a pretty cool design aesthetic to complement your workspace. The device has a smaller footprint, with its dimensions being 17.0” (W) x 13.3″ (D) x 7.6″ (H).


#6. HP OfficeJet Pro 9025 – Best Mid-range Pick

HP OfficeJet Pro 9025 – Best Mid range Pick

The HP Officejet Pro 9025 is the best all-in-one sublimation printer that we have tested at Scanse. Even though it can print high-quality color photos, it is more likely to print regular documents.

BrandHP
ModelOfficeJet Pro 9025
Weight30.9 pounds
Product Dimensions (W x D x H)12.5 x 17.2 x 15.6 inches
ConnectivityWi-Fi, 4 pin USB Type A, RJ-11, RJ-45
Display Type2.65″ Color Touchscreen
Maximum ResolutionCopying: 600 x 600 dpi (mono / Color)

Printing: 1200 x 1200 dpi (B/W), 4800 x 1200 dpi (Color)
Scanning: 1200 x 1200 dpi
Printing TechnologyInkjet
Tray CapacityADF – 30 sheetsInput Tray – 500 sheetsOutput Tray – 100 sheets

Unboxing and package contents –

Like most other HP products, the Officejet Pro 9025 comes in a simple box packaging with the brand and model number mentioned on the front side of the carton. Opening the box, we have the ink cartridges on the top, below which is the actual printer, along with a mains cord and some paperwork. Surprisingly, you won’t be able to see a software CD inside the package.

Device overview and build quality –

HP doesn’t need an introduction when it comes to product build quality. It comes in a decent form factor, with the dimensions being 12.6” x 17.6” x 15.6” (H x W x D). The printer isn’t as tall as its predecessor, the HP Officejet Pro 9015, but it is heavier with its weight being 26.4 lbs.

The ink cartridges can be accessed from the front side of the device without having to lift the top. You only use the top lid for clearing potential paper jams. At the front, we have a 2.7-inch touchscreen display. Though the display is smaller, the touch functionality on the device is very responsive and we didn’t face any issues in operating it. The device boasts a 1200 DPI flatbed scanner with a maximum scan size of up to 8.5” x 11”.

Getting the device ready and working –

The setup process is fairly standard and doesn’t take a lot of time. Powering on, placing the provided cartridges in their place, getting the device connected to the network and you’re good to go. It is thoughtful of HP to place the cartridge tray towards the front side, you don’t have to go through the pain of lifting the top every time.

Performance –

On the performance note, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9025 does fairly well. The output image quality is pretty dope with excellent details and a great dynamic range. Besides printing, the scanner on the other hand also does well with great color depth.

Speaking of the printing speeds, in our testing the printer raced at 24 ppm for black and 20 ppm for color which is decent compared to most competitors in the market. The scanner on the device took about 12.5 seconds to produce a color scan.

Features and connectivity –

The OfficeJet Pro 9025 is one of the best intuitive sublimation printers considering the overall user experience. Operating the device is fairly easy with most of the functions being self-explanatory. On the connectivity note, the device offers almost everything to meet modern demands. It has a LAN port along with two modem ports, a USB Type-B port, a USB Type-A port. If you wish to go wireless, it also features Wi-Fi functionality with support to Wi-Fi Direct.

Pros & Cons of HP OfficeJet Pro 9025

Pros
  • Decent speeds
  • Economical printing
  • ADF and duplexing support
  • Smaller footprints
Cons
  • On the pricier side
  • ADF is glitchy
  • Not the quietest we have tested

HP OfficeJet Pro 9025 – Verdict

The HP Officejet Pro 9025 is a great sublimation printer for home use or small business use. It has a robust build and has outstanding features, including ADF, low cost printing, two-sided scanning, etcetera. You can completely go wireless with the MFC-J995DW as it shares support for most cloud services out there and also has built-in Wi-Fi functionality with support for Wi-Fi Direct.

It offers a great cost-per-print ratio. However, if you choose to print a lot, the HP Officejet Pro 9015 is a more sensible choice as it offers better color accuracy and also a slightly better page yield.


#7. Epson EcoTank ET-4760 – Economical Sublimation Printer

Epson EcoTank ET 4760 – Economical Sublimation Printer

The Epson EcoTank ET-4760 is one of the most economical printers that we have tested in our lab. Besides functioning as a decent sublimation printer, it also doubles up as a workhorse for taking heavy workloads, making it an ideal choice for printing documents in larger quantities.

BrandEpson
ModelEcoTank ET-4760
Weight15.9 lb
Product Dimensions (W x D x H)9.1″ x 14.8” x 13.7” lbs (H x W x D)
ConnectivityEthernet, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service
Display Type2.3″ Color Touchscreen
Maximum Resolution4800 x 1200 optimized dpi
Printing TechnologyInkjet
Ink Configuration4 individual ink bottles (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)

Unboxing and package contents of Epson EcoTank ET-4760 –

The Epson EcoTank ET-4760 came inside a grey and black carton with the Epson branding towards its front. You also get to see all the functions the device has to offer at the front. Unboxing the shipment, we have the ink bottles and the power adapter at the top. Moving further, we have the device itself sitting comfortably surrounded by thermocol molds.

Device overview and build quality –

The device feels a bit heavier, weighing about 15.9 lbs. Despite its weight, the ET-4760 appears to be quite smaller with the dimensions of 9.1″ x 14.8” x 13.7” lbs (H x W x D). It feels sturdy as the entire body is made up of hard plastic.

At the front, we have the control panel with a 2.3” touchscreen display. There are only two physical buttons on the panel, one of them is a home button, and the other is for menu help. The control panel can be moved up and down to change how it looks and make it easier to use.

Getting the device ready and working –

The initial setup on the Epson EcoTank ET-4760 is pretty much standard as seen in most other printers. Press the power button on the printer, plug it into a wall socket, press the power button on the printer, fill the ink tanks with the provided, and connect the device to the network-as simple as that.

Performance –

The photo printing quality on the Epson ET-4760 is decent with excellent details and flat color tones. Banding can be seen here and there in the prints, especially in the greyscale area.

The printing speeds, on the other hand, are pretty good at 16 ppm for black-only text documents, while the color prints come out at 7 ppm. It took a solid 89 seconds to output a high-quality photo.

The best part about the ET-4760 is its printing costs, which are remarkably low compared to most other competitors in the market. On the other hand, the ink bottles used in this printer aren’t very expensive and should last for a while before you have to replace them.

Pros
  • Economical – fewer printing costs
  • Decent print speeds
  • Massive connectivity
  • Great details in the prints
Cons
  • Color accuracy could have been better
  • Heavier in weight
  • Overpriced

Epson EcoTank ET-4760 – Verdict

If you are in the market for a decent all-in-one sublimation printer, look no further than the Epson EcoTank ET-4760. It’s one of the least expensive printers we’ve looked at on our site. However, it is not meant for those photo enthusiasts who aim for excellent color accuracy. If you use it for general printing, you don’t complain. The scanner, on the other hand, has excellent color depth and does the job well.

The ET-4760 and the ET-3760 are almost similar in functionality, except that the 3760 misses out on the FAX feature. If you aren’t a FAX person, you might have a way with the Epson EcoTank ET-3760. Also, there is no tabloid support for the ET-4760. If your job requires printing tabloid-sized photos, go for the Epson EcoTank ET-15000.


Sawgrass sublimation printers: Sawgrass SG1000 vs Sawgrass SG500

Sublimation printers from Sawgrass are among the most widely used in the industry. Both the SG1000 and SG500 stand out from other brands because of their distinct advantages. Sawgrass SG1000 printers are known for their high-end quality prints and fast print speeds that can reach 1200 dpi. The user-friendly design makes setup quick and easy without any technical knowledge.

Sawgrass SG1000

Sawgrass’ SG1000 desktop sublimation printer is perfect for small to medium businesses. The image will not fade or wash out over time thanks to its high-quality output. With two years of warranty coverage from the brand, you can be sure that your investment money is safe. It’s perfect for creating unique apparel, soft goods, and photo panels, thanks to its high-quality output and specialized ink.

Sawgrass SG500

The Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer is a great choice for people who want a reliable and high-quality way to print. This printer makes images with bright colors and close to photographic quality that you can’t get with other brand inkjet printers. Its unique ability to print by sublimation helps the printed image Long Lasting and gives it great clarity and vibrant color.

It’s ideal for businesses who need to get their work done quickly and efficiently while still maintaining excellent quality results.

best sublimation printer for home use – Epson SureColor F170

If you’re looking for the best sublimation printer for home use, the Epson SureColor F170 is a great pick. It’s compact and easy to use, and it produces high-quality prints. Plus, it is relatively affordable, making it a great choice for budget-minded buyers.

These are some of the features that make the Epson SureColor F170 great for home use:

Compact design: The Epson SureColor F170 is small enough to fit on a desktop or shelf, making it a great choice for home users who don’t have a lot of space.

Easy to use: The printer is easy to set up and use, so you’ll be able to get started right away. Plus, the included software makes it easy to print your photos and other documents.

Check Price of Epson SureColor F170

What’s the best starter sublimation printer

The best starter sublimation printer is the Epson SureColor P400. It’s a desktop printer that has a small footprint and can be easily set up on your work desk. It has a maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi, and it prints at speeds of up to 20 inches per second.

The P400 also comes with an in-built cutter. which is perfect for cutting designs from vinyl and other materials. The cutter can cut through materials as thick as 3 mm, which makes it possible to create custom stickers or labels that are durable enough to withstand wear and tear.

Check the Price for Epson SureColor P400.

Also Read: Best Pigment Ink Printer in 2023

What You Can Print On With A Sublimation Printer

A sublimation printer allows us to transfer vibrant images onto a variety of surfaces and materials. This unique printing process uses heat to transfer dye onto the specially coated surface. The image is embedded into the material itself, so it will never fade or crack over time. that you can print on Sooo many things:

  • T-shirts
  • Fabric bags
  • Curtains
  • Pillow cases
  • Mugs
  • Cell phone cases
  • Canvas (pre-coated with polyester)

best printer for sublimation – buying Guide

The best printer for sublimation can be tough to find. You need to look for one that is easy to use and fits your budget as well.

With technology always getting better, there have been a lot of changes in the last few years. One of those new technologies is the heat press machine, or an inkjet printer with a heating function. These machines can print on various materials, including cotton, silk, wool, leather, paper, and so on.

The sublimation printing process was first developed by Xerox way back in 1963, but only recently has it gained popularity as a cheap method of printing multiple colors on sandwich-type materials such as paperboard and corrugated board.

Printer For Sublimation

Sublimation printers are the best printers for sublimation printing. They are versatile, durable, and easy to use.

Sublimation is the process of moving something from one medium to another, usually with the help of heat and pressure, without changing the shape or structure of either the original material or the new medium.

The excellent sublimation printers have an inbuilt heat press that is capable of printing on both paper and fabric. They also have a wide range of features, such as different types of ink and different sizes.

What is Sublimation Printing?

Sublimation printing is a method of transferring a design/picture to a material or fabric using ink and heat. First, the design is printed onto sublimation paper with the aid of a sublimation printer. After the design is printed on the paper, heat is used to move it to the material. The dye-ink that is used in this process turns into gas with the introduction of heat, which then adheres to the fabric.

Additional information on sublimation printing –

Is the design permanently printed using the sublimation method?
The designs printed using the sublimation printing technique are less prone to fading, as the ink penetrates and adheres to the fabric rather than simply laying on top like a regular print.

Can I use any printer for sublimation printing?

No, you cannot use a regular printer to produce sublimation prints. The sublimation technique requires you to use a special type of printer called a sublimation printer. Ricoh and Sawgrass produce the industry-best printers, specifically designed for carrying out the sublimation technique. However, there are decent printers from Epson, Canon, and HP that can also produce sublimation prints.

Can I use Epson printers for both the sublimation process and regular printing chores?

No! Epson printers use special ink for printing on sublimation papers. Once you run these printers using this ink, you cannot go back to normal ink as it damages the device.

Which ink should I use for sublimation printing?

No matter which printer you use, it is essential to use quality ink made especially for sublimation printing. The ink you use directly relates to the quality of prints you get.

What T-shirt materials are used for sublimation printing?

The sublimation process works best on polyester materials. Cotton is not the best material for dye sublimation. The natural fibers in the cotton won’t bind well permanently with the dye sublimation inks.

What do I need to carry out the sublimation process?

In order to carry out sublimation techniques for printing on fabric, you need to have the best quality sublimation paper to print your design on it. Additionally, you will need a good heat press machine to transfer the design from the sublimation paper onto the fabric.

Also Read: Best 11×17 Color Laser printer in 2023

FAQs about Dye-Sublimation Printing

Can any printer do sublimation?

No! Not all printers can do sublimation printing. Sublimation printing requires special ink and paper which only a few specifically designed printers can handle.

Which printers can do sublimation printing?

We have two types of printers on the market, printers that use heat (thermal) energy to print and printers that use pressure (Piezo) technology. Piezo printers are suitable for sublimation printing whereas thermal printers aren’t.

What is the best sublimation printer in 2023?

The Epson WorkForce WF-7720 is by far the best sublimation printer that you can purchase today.

What materials can I sublimate on?

Sublimation can be done on polyester fabrics, PVC, aluminum, ceramic, polycotton textiles etcetera.

How long does sublimation last on T-shirts?

If printed using higher quality ink and a decent printer, the sublimation on fabric should last over 10 years.

What is the best professional sublimation printer in the market?

The Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 is by far the best professional printer for carrying out sublimation printing. Sawgrass printers are the only printers that are specifically made for sublimation printing whereas other printers are just compatible with sublimation printing.

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Tony Hoffman

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