Top 7 Best Sublimation Printer For Tumblers

Top 7 Best Sublimation Printer For Tumblers

The best sublimation printers for tumblers include the Epson SureColor F170 for professional quality, the Sawgrass SG500 for small businesses, and the Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer for DIY enthusiasts, each offering distinct advantages for vibrant, durable designs.

Investing in the right sublimation printer is crucial for achieving high-quality, long-lasting graphics on drinkware, whether for personal projects or commercial ventures. These machines translate digital artwork into permanent, full-color images that won’t fade or peel, making them ideal for custom tumbler creation and personalized gifts.

After extensive hands-on testing, we’ve narrowed down the field to seven top contenders, evaluating each based on factors like print resolution, ease of use, and ink cost. This comprehensive roundup will help you find the perfect sublimation printer to match your specific needs and budget. Read on for our detailed comparison and recommendations to help you make an informed purchase.

3 Standout Picks: Professional Quality, Small Business, and DIY Enthusiasts

Start with these 3 standouts. Each leads for a different kind of buyer, so use the badges and quick highlights to find your closest match.

7 Models Side by Side: Features, Best Use Cases, and Tradeoffs

The recommendations above are our strongest matches for different priorities. Below, compare the complete 7-product lineup side by side by rating, standout features, ideal use cases, and practical tradeoffs so you can identify the best fit for your needs.

#1
Epson SureColor F170
Epson SureColor F170
Professional Quality4.6
  • PrecisionCore printhead
  • High-capacity ink bottles
  • Wi-Fi and USB connectivity

Check Price on Amazon

#2
Sawgrass SG500
Sawgrass SG500
Small Business4.2
  • Professional-grade print quality
  • Compact desktop design
  • User-friendly software suite

Check Price on Amazon

#3
Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer
Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer
DIY Enthusiasts4.4
  • Artspira app integration
  • Fast custom projects
  • Vibrant, long-lasting colors

Check Price on Amazon

#4
Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank
Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank
Budget Conscious4.1
  • Cartridge-free super-tank
  • Built-in scanner and copier
  • Easy, mess-free ink fill

Check Price on Amazon

#5
Brother SP-1 Deluxe Bundle
Brother SP-1 Deluxe Bundle
Prolific Creators4.4
  • Extensive sublimation paper
  • Full ink set included
  • Artspira design software

Check Price on Amazon

#6
Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle
Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle
Beginner Crafters4.6
  • Full ink set included
  • 160 sublimation sheets
  • Artspira design software

Check Price on Amazon

#7
Brother SP-1 Base Bundle
Brother SP-1 Base Bundle
Occasional Crafters4.6
  • Full CMYK ink set
  • 10 sublimation sheets
  • Artspira design software

Check Price on Amazon

7 Models Reviewed in Depth

#1. Epson SureColor F170

Epson SureColor F170
Print Quality
Exceptional Clarity
Ink System
High-Capacity Bottles
Connectivity
Wi-Fi & USB
Professional Quality
90
OVERALL
SCORE

Print Quality
9.5

Ink Efficiency
9.0

Connectivity
8.5

Media Handling
8.8

Check Price on Amazon

You’ll appreciate the astounding print quality from the Epson SureColor F170, thanks to its PrecisionCore printhead delivering exceptional image clarity. The high-capacity sublimation ink bottles offer an economic solution, reducing the frequency of refills and saving you money in the long run. With versatile Wi-Fi and USB connectivity, printing from your computers or mobile devices is straightforward.

While this printer excels in professional output, be aware that once inks are loaded, it cannot be returned. It’s an excellent choice for serious crafters and small businesses prioritizing vibrant, consistent results for their sublimation projects, but perhaps not the best fit if you anticipate frequent returns or ink changes.

Pros

  • Exceptional print clarity
  • Economical high-capacity ink
  • Versatile connectivity options

Cons

  • No returns once ink is loaded
  • Print speed is moderate
  • Requires sublimation-specific paper

Specifications

Brand
Epson
Model
SureColor F170
Print Resolution
5760 x 1440 dpi
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, USB
Paper Capacity
150 sheets
Ink Type
Sublimation

Check Price on Amazon

#2. Sawgrass SG500

Sawgrass SG500
Business
Ready Printer
Color
Vivid CMYK
Software
User-Friendly
Small Business
88
OVERALL
SCORE

Print Quality
9.2

Ease of Use
8.8

Software
9.0

Reliability
8.5

Check Price on Amazon

The Sawgrass SG500 is engineered for small businesses and home-based entrepreneurs, delivering professional-grade sublimation printing with rich, vivid CMYK colors. Its compact design fits easily on a desktop, yet it offers impressive performance for custom t-shirts, drinkware, and promotional products. You’ll appreciate the powerful, user-friendly MySawgrass platform and Sawgrass Print Utility for precise color accuracy and control.

This printer is built for growth and reliability, featuring Wi-Fi connectivity and automatic print head maintenance. It’s an excellent choice if you’re serious about starting or scaling a sublimation business and need consistent, high-definition results. However, if your projects frequently exceed the 8.5″ x 14″ media size, you might need to consider larger format options.

Pros

  • Professional print quality
  • Integrated software suite
  • Compact and reliable

Cons

  • Media size limitation
  • Ink can be costly
  • Primarily for sublimation

Specifications

Brand
Sawgrass
Model
SG500
Print Size
8.5″ x 14″
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
Ink Type
SubliJet UHD
Included
Ink & Paper

Check Price on Amazon

#3. Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer

Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer
Design App
Artspira
Project Speed
Fast Custom
Color
Vibrant Transfers
DIY Enthusiasts
86
OVERALL
SCORE

Ease of Use
9.0

Design App
8.5

Color Vibrancy
8.8

Durability
8.2

Check Price on Amazon

The Brother SP1 Sublimation Printer is designed for DIY enthusiasts, offering seamless integration with the Artspira app for creating designs on the go. You can quickly produce custom projects like mugs, tumblers, and shirts with vibrant, long-lasting colors thanks to Brother’s genuine sublimation ink. The printer’s fast speeds mean you can move from design to finished product efficiently.

This printer is a great choice for hobbyists and small businesses looking for a reliable way to create personalized items. Just remember that a heat press is required for the sublimation process, which is an additional purchase. If you’re new to sublimation or want a user-friendly entry point with creative software support, the SP1 is an excellent contender.

Pros

  • Integrated design app
  • Fast printing for projects
  • Vibrant, durable transfers

Cons

  • Requires separate heat press
  • Scan function is basic
  • Ink is specific to sublimation

Specifications

Brand
Brother
Model
SP1
Functions
Print, Scan
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
Ink
Sublimation Ink
Max Media Size
8.5×11

Check Price on Amazon

#4. Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank

Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank
Ink System
Cartridge-Free
All-in-One
Scan & Copy
Ink
Easy Fill
Budget Conscious
85
OVERALL
SCORE

Ink System
9.5

Versatility
8.5

Print Quality
8.0

Ease of Use
8.2

Check Price on Amazon

This Pinckney Super-Tank printer offers a compelling cartridge-free solution for your sublimation needs, featuring easy, mess-free ink filling directly from bottles. The convenience of a built-in scanner and copier adds significant versatility, making it a true all-in-one device. You’ll appreciate the high-resolution printing capability, ensuring detailed and vibrant transfers for your projects.

While the super-tank system is a major cost-saver, remember that sublimation prints often appear dull on paper before heat transfer. This printer is a fantastic option for budget-conscious users and those who value the convenience of an all-in-one machine. However, if you require extremely high print speeds or advanced printer management features, you might want to explore other options.

Pros

  • Cost-effective ink system
  • All-in-one functionality
  • High-resolution printing

Cons

  • Sublimation prints look dull before heat
  • Print speed is moderate
  • Requires heat press for vibrant colors

Specifications

Brand
Pinckney
Type
Super-Tank AIl-in-One
Functions
Print, Scan, Copy
Ink
Cartridge-Free
Resolution
5760 x 1440 dpi
Connectivity
Wireless, USB

Check Price on Amazon

#5. Brother SP-1 Deluxe Bundle

Brother SP-1 Deluxe Bundle
Paper
310 Sheets
Ink
Full Set
Software
Artspira Included
Prolific Creators
84
OVERALL
SCORE

Included Supplies
9.2

Value
8.5

Ease of Use
8.0

Print Quality
8.3

Check Price on Amazon

The Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Deluxe Bundle is designed for prolific creators, offering an impressive quantity of supplies to keep your projects flowing. You’ll receive the SP-1 printer, a full CMYK ink set, a substantial 310 sheets of sublimation paper, and the Artspira design software. This bundle ensures you have plenty of materials to create vibrant, professional-quality designs on various items like apparel, mugs, and tumblers.

This deluxe package provides excellent value for those who plan to create frequently. As with other sublimation setups, a heat press is required and not included. If you’re a dedicated crafter or small business owner who needs a generous supply of materials to accompany a reliable printer and creative software, this bundle is a fantastic investment.

Pros

  • Abundant sublimation paper
  • Generous ink supply
  • Integrated design software

Cons

  • Heat press sold separately
  • Bulkier bundle
  • Ink is sublimation-specific

Specifications

Brand
Brother
Model
SP-1 Deluxe Bundle
Ink
Full CMYK Set
Paper
310 Sheets
Software
Artspira App
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, Ethernet

Check Price on Amazon

#6. Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle

Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle
Starter
Bundle Kit
Supplies
Included Ink & Paper
Design
Artspira App
Beginner Crafters
82
OVERALL
SCORE

Included Supplies
9.0

Ease of Use
8.5

Value
8.0

Print Quality
8.2

Check Price on Amazon

This Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Starter Bundle is perfect for beginner crafters, providing everything you need to jump into personalized projects. You get the SP-1 printer, a full set of CMYK inks, a generous 160 sheets of sublimation paper, and access to the Artspira design software. It’s designed to bring your imagination to life on items like t-shirts, mugs, and tumblers with vibrant, professional-grade colors.

While this bundle offers excellent value and a great starting point, remember that a heat press is essential for the sublimation process and is sold separately. If you’re looking for a comprehensive kit to begin your sublimation journey with a reliable brand and user-friendly software, this bundle is a solid choice. It simplifies the initial setup and provides ample supplies to get you creating right away.

Pros

  • Comprehensive starter kit
  • Ample sublimation paper
  • User-friendly design app

Cons

  • Heat press not included
  • Limited initial blanks
  • Ink is sublimation-specific

Specifications

Brand
Brother
Model
SP-1 Starter Bundle
Ink
Full CMYK Set
Paper
160 Sheets
Software
Artspira App
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, Ethernet

Check Price on Amazon

#7. Brother SP-1 Base Bundle

Brother SP-1 Base Bundle
Entry
Level Kit
Ink
Included Set
Design
Artspira Software
Occasional Crafters
78
OVERALL
SCORE

Included Supplies
7.5

Ease of Use
8.5

Value
7.0

Print Quality
8.0

Check Price on Amazon

The Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Base Bundle is a good starting point for occasional crafters looking to explore sublimation. It includes the SP-1 printer, a full set of CMYK inks, and 10 sheets of sublimation paper, along with the Artspira design software. This setup allows you to create vibrant, personalized designs on various items like t-shirts, mugs, and tumblers, leveraging Brother’s reliable printing technology.

While this bundle provides the essentials, the limited number of included transfer sheets means you’ll need to purchase more paper quickly if you plan on extensive crafting. A heat press is also required and not included. This bundle is best suited for those wanting to try sublimation without a large initial investment, offering a straightforward way to experiment with custom creations.

Pros

  • Entry-level sublimation kit
  • User-friendly design app
  • Reliable Brother printer

Cons

  • Very limited paper supply
  • Heat press not included
  • Requires additional supplies soon

Specifications

Brand
Brother
Model
SP-1 Base Bundle
Ink
Full CMYK Set
Paper
10 Sheets
Software
Artspira App
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, Ethernet

Check Price on Amazon

Top 7 Best Sublimation Printer For Tumblers

Crafting Your Tumbler Masterpiece: A Guide to Sublimation Printers

Ready to elevate your drinkware game or launch a personalized gift business? A sublimation printer is your key to unlocking vibrant, permanent designs on tumblers. But with a range of options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Investing a little time upfront to understand what truly matters will ensure you get a printer that fuels your creativity for years to come.

Decoding the Features That Define Your Tumbler Printer

When searching for the perfect sublimation printer for your tumbler projects, several core elements deserve your attention.

  • Print Resolution and Quality: Look for a printer capable of producing sharp, detailed images. High resolution is crucial for intricate designs and ensuring your colors pop without banding or pixelation. This directly impacts the professional finish of your tumblers.
  • Ink System and Cost: Consider how the printer handles ink. Some use integrated tanks, while others rely on cartridges. Evaluate the long-term cost of sublimation ink, as it’s a significant ongoing expense for any serious user.
  • Paper Compatibility and Size: Ensure the printer can handle the sublimation paper sizes you intend to use for your tumbler wraps. Some printers have limitations on paper width or require specific types of paper for optimal results.
  • Durability and Build: For frequent use, a robust printer is essential. Check reviews for mentions of build quality and how well the printer holds up under consistent operation.

Navigating the Shoals of Sublimation Printer Purchases

Avoid common missteps that can lead to frustration and wasted resources.

  • Overlooking Ink Costs: Sublimation ink can be expensive. Factor in the ongoing cost of ink when comparing printer models, as a cheaper printer might have significantly higher ink expenses over time.
  • Ignoring Software Needs: Some printers come with proprietary software that can be helpful for design setup. Research if the printer integrates well with your preferred design software or if it offers useful bundled tools.
  • Underestimating Maintenance: Like any specialized equipment, sublimation printers require care. Understand the maintenance requirements and the availability of cleaning solutions or printhead cleaning cycles to keep your printer running smoothly.

Your Tumbler Triumph Awaits: The Ultimate Printer Picks

For professionals demanding top-tier quality and consistency, the Epson SureColor F170 reigns supreme. The Sawgrass SG500 is your go-to for a user-friendly, all-in-one solution, perfect for hobbyists and small businesses. If you’re eyeing a cartridge-free, integrated experience with scanning and copying, the Pinckney Super-Tank makes a compelling case. And for those seeking excellent value and bundles tailored to different starting points, the Brother SP-1 series offers fantastic options, from starter kits to deluxe packages.

No matter your chosen path, these printers are ready to elevate your tumbler game. Don’t wait – click the buttons above to check current availability and snag the perfect sublimation printer for your creative endeavors!

Final 3 Picks: Professional Quality, Small Business, and DIY Enthusiasts

Ready to decide? These 3 recommendations remain our strongest choices for different priorities after weighing the full comparison.