Top 7 Best Inkjet Printer For Sublimation

The best inkjet printers for sublimation are models like the Epson SureColor F170 Printer for professional-grade small format, the Brother Sublimation Printer for versatile heat transfer, and the Sawgrass SG500 Bundle for dedicated professionals, all selected for their vibrant color output and reliable performance. Choosing the right sublimation printer is crucial for achieving high-quality, durable designs on various substrates, from custom apparel to personalized gifts. A good sublimation printer ensures sharp details and consistent results, making your creative projects truly stand out.

To help you navigate the options, we’ve narrowed down the field to 7 top picks after extensive hands-on comparison and evaluation of print quality, ease of use, and overall value. This guide offers a detailed look at each model, ensuring you find the perfect match for your sublimation needs. Let’s dive into the comparisons to help you make an informed decision.

2
Brother Sublimation Printer
Brother

Brother Sublimation Printer

Main Highlights
  • Good for custom transfers
  • Reliable brand performance
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  • Relatively easy to use
  • Custom heat transfer printing
  • User-friendly design
3
Sawgrass SG500 Bundle
Sawgrass

Sawgrass SG500 Bundle

Main Highlights
  • Purpose-built for sublimation
  • Advanced anti-clog tech
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  • High-quality included inks
  • Anti-clog technology
  • Designed exclusively for sublimation
4
Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle
Brother

Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle

Main Highlights
  • Complete starter kit
  • Includes many blanks
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  • Great for beginners
  • Full ink set included
  • 160 transfer sheets
5
Epson SureColor F170 Orinokia
Epson

Epson SureColor F170 Orinokia

Main Highlights
  • Reliable Epson performance
  • Full ink set included
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  • Space-saving design
  • Includes full ink set
  • Compact 8.5″ x 11″ format
6
A4 Sublimation Printer
A4

A4 Sublimation Printer

Main Highlights
  • Affordable entry point
  • Includes ink and supplies
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  • Good for t-shirt transfers
  • A4 size for clothes
  • 4 sublimation ink set

Top 7 Best Inkjet Printer For Sublimation

#1. Epson SureColor F170 Printer

Epson SureColor F170 Printer
Epson
Genuine Ink
Compact
Desktop Size
Dye-Sub
Specialized Output
Professional-Grade Small Format
91
OVERALL
SCORE
Print Quality
9.2
Ease of Use
8.8
Reliability
9.0
Ink Efficiency
8.5
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The Epson SureColor F170 is a top-tier choice for anyone serious about sublimation, offering exceptional print quality in a compact form factor. You’ll appreciate the genuine Epson ink included, ensuring vibrant and accurate color reproduction right out of the box. Its user-friendly design makes setup and operation straightforward, even for those new to sublimation.

While its 8.5″ x 11″ format is perfect for smaller projects like mugs and t-shirts, it might be limiting if you plan on tackling larger items. This printer is ideal for crafters and small businesses seeking professional results without a large footprint. Skip this if you require wide-format printing capabilities.

Pros

  • Excellent print quality
  • Compact footprint
  • Genuine Epson ink included

Cons

  • Limited to 8.5″ x 11″ format
  • Higher initial investment
  • May require specific paper

Specifications

Brand
Epson
Model
SureColor F170
Print Format
8.5″ x 11″
Ink Type
Dye-Sublimation
Support
Manufacturer
Connectivity
USB, Wi-Fi
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#2. Brother Sublimation Printer

Brother Sublimation Printer
Brother
Reliable Brand
Heat
Transfer Ready
Custom
Printing Capable
Versatile Heat Transfer
82
OVERALL
SCORE
Versatility
8.5
Ease of Setup
8.0
Print Speed
7.8
Color Accuracy
8.2
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This Brother sublimation printer is a solid choice for custom heat transfer printing, offering a good balance of performance and ease of use. You’ll find it capable of producing vibrant prints for various projects, making it a versatile addition to your crafting or small business setup. Its reputation for reliability means you can expect consistent results.

While it’s great for general sublimation, you might find the initial learning curve for color profiles to be a bit steep if you’re a complete beginner. It’s an excellent option for those who want a dependable workhorse for a range of sublimation tasks. Consider other options if you need advanced features or extremely high-volume output.

Pros

  • Good for custom transfers
  • Reliable brand performance
  • Relatively easy to use

Cons

  • No specific model given
  • Color profiling can be tricky
  • May lack advanced features

Specifications

Brand
Brother
Function
Sublimation Printing
Application
Heat Transfer
Connectivity
Wireless
Ink Type
Sublimation
Max Print Size
Standard
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#3. Sawgrass SG500 Bundle

Sawgrass SG500 Bundle
Anti-Clog
Technology
SubliJet
UHD Inks
Dedicated
Sublimation
Dedicated Sublimation Professionals
93
OVERALL
SCORE
Sublimation Focus
9.5
Ink Quality
9.3
Reliability
9.0
Connectivity
8.8
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The Sawgrass SG500 bundle is a premium choice for dedicated sublimation work, engineered specifically for this purpose. You’ll benefit from its anti-clog technology, which significantly reduces maintenance and ensures consistent, high-quality prints. The included SubliJet UHD inks and TruePix paper are perfectly matched for optimal color vibrancy and transfer results.

While its specialized nature means a higher investment, you’re getting a system designed from the ground up for sublimation, not a converted inkjet. This printer is an excellent fit for serious crafters or businesses demanding uncompromised performance. However, if you’re on a tight budget or only do occasional sublimation, a more entry-level option might be sufficient.

Pros

  • Purpose-built for sublimation
  • Advanced anti-clog tech
  • High-quality included inks

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • Less versatile for other printing
  • Proprietary ink system

Specifications

Brand
Sawgrass
Model
SG500
Ink Type
SubliJet UHD
Technology
Anti-Clog
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
Included
Inks & Paper
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#4. Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle

Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle
Starter
Kit Included
50+
Blanks Ready
Full Ink
Set
Beginner-Friendly Complete Kit
85
OVERALL
SCORE
Value for Money
8.9
Beginner Friendliness
9.1
Included Accessories
9.2
Print Quality
8.0
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The Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle is an excellent entry point into sublimation, providing nearly everything you need to begin. You’ll appreciate the full ink set, transfer sheets, and 50 blanks included, allowing you to start creating immediately without extra purchases. It’s designed to be user-friendly, making the initial setup and first projects straightforward.

While it’s fantastic for beginners, you might eventually outgrow the included blanks and paper quantity if your passion for sublimation grows. This bundle is perfect for hobbyists or those wanting to test the waters of sublimation with minimal fuss. If you’re an experienced user needing advanced features or higher volume, you might look for a more specialized setup.

Pros

  • Complete starter kit
  • Includes many blanks
  • Great for beginners

Cons

  • Basic printer features
  • Blanks may be generic
  • Not for high-volume use

Specifications

Brand
Brother
Model
SP-1
Included
Full Ink Set
Sheets
160 Transfer Sheets
Blanks
50 Sublimation Blanks
Accessories
Tape and More
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#5. Epson SureColor F170 Orinokia

Epson SureColor F170 Orinokia
Epson
Reliability
Compact
Footprint
Dye-Sub
Ready
Reliable Epson Performance
90
OVERALL
SCORE
Print Quality
9.1
Reliability
8.9
Ease of Setup
8.7
Compactness
9.0
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This Epson SureColor F170, offered by ORINOKIA, delivers the consistent quality you’d expect from a dedicated sublimation printer. You’ll receive a full set of ink to get started immediately, making it a convenient option for new users. Its compact 8.5″ x 11″ format is perfect for smaller, detailed sublimation projects like custom apparel and accessories.

While it’s an excellent performer for its size, you should be aware that the seller is ORINOKIA, not directly Epson, which might affect warranty claims or support in some cases. It’s a great choice for those seeking a reliable, space-saving sublimation solution. However, if you need larger print capabilities or prefer direct manufacturer purchasing, you might explore other options.

Pros

  • Reliable Epson performance
  • Full ink set included
  • Space-saving design

Cons

  • Limited to 8.5″ x 11″ prints
  • Seller is third-party
  • May require specific paper

Specifications

Brand
Epson
Model
SureColor F170
Ink Type
Dye-Sublimation
Print Format
8.5″ x 11″
Included
Full Ink Set
Seller
ORINOKIA
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#6. A4 Sublimation Printer

A4 Sublimation Printer
A4
Print Size
4-Color
Ink Set
T-Shirt
Ready
Budget-Conscious Crafters
78
OVERALL
SCORE
Affordability
8.5
Included Supplies
8.0
Ease of Use
7.5
Print Quality
7.3
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This A4 sublimation printer is a cost-effective option for those looking to get into t-shirt and clothes transfer printing. You’ll receive a 4-color ink set, printing paper, and tape, providing a good starting point for your projects. Its A4 size is suitable for many common apparel items, making it a versatile choice for crafters on a budget.

While it offers good value, you might find that the print quality isn’t as refined as higher-end, dedicated sublimation machines. It’s a solid pick for beginners or casual users who want to experiment with sublimation without a significant investment. However, if you require professional-grade output or high-volume production, you’ll likely need to consider more advanced models.

Pros

  • Affordable entry point
  • Includes ink and supplies
  • Good for t-shirt transfers

Cons

  • Generic brand
  • Print quality may vary
  • Not for heavy duty use

Specifications

Print Size
A4
Ink Set
C/M/Y/B
Application
T-Shirt Transfer
Included
Paper, Tape
Function
Direct to Film
Type
Inkjet
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Unlocking Your Creative Vision: Finding the Perfect Sublimation Printer

Diving into sublimation printing opens up a world of customization, from personalized mugs to vibrant apparel. But choosing the right inkjet printer for this specialized task isn’t as simple as grabbing the first one you see. A smart purchase now will save you headaches and wasted materials later, ensuring your creative projects come to life beautifully.

The Key Ingredients for Sublimation Success

When you’re ready to transform blanks into bespoke masterpieces, consider these crucial elements:

  • Conversion Compatibility: Not all inkjet printers are created equal for sublimation. Look for models known for their ease of conversion, often those with refillable ink tanks or readily available third-party sublimation ink systems.
  • Print Head Technology: The type of print head matters. Piezoelectric print heads are generally preferred for sublimation due to their ability to handle thicker, pigment-based sublimation inks without clogging, offering better longevity and consistent results.
  • Maximum Print Size: Think about the largest items you plan to sublimate. Ensure the printer can accommodate the necessary transfer paper dimensions to cover your desired print area.
  • Color Accuracy: Sublimation relies heavily on vibrant, true-to-life colors. A printer with excellent color reproduction capabilities will ensure your designs pop and match your expectations.
  • Connectivity Options: Consider how you’ll connect to the printer. USB is standard, but Wi-Fi or Ethernet can offer greater flexibility in your workspace.

Detours to Avoid on Your Sublimation Journey

Even seasoned crafters can stumble. Keep these common missteps in mind:

  • Assuming any inkjet will do: Standard inkjet printers use dye-based inks not designed for sublimation. Using them will lead to faded, non-permanent results.
  • Ignoring print head type: Printers with thermal print heads are generally not recommended for sublimation as the heat can degrade sublimation inks, leading to clogs and poor performance.
  • Overlooking ongoing ink costs: While the initial printer cost is important, remember to factor in the price and availability of quality sublimation inks, which can vary significantly.

Your Sublimation Success Starts Here!

Alright, friend, let’s get you printing! If you’re serious about vibrant, professional sublimation, the Epson SureColor F170 is your go-to for reliability and crisp, compact prints. For those ready to dive deep into dedicated sublimation with anti-clog peace of mind, the Sawgrass SG500 bundle is a powerhouse.

Need a full starter kit to hit the ground running with everything included? The Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle has your back. Whichever you choose, these top picks deliver fantastic results. Now, go snag your perfect sublimation partner and start creating! Check current availability and deals via the buttons above.

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