Best Printer for Sublimation Heat Transfer

Introduction

Sublimation heat transfer is a popular method for printing on fabrics and other materials. It’s a versatile and efficient process that provides vibrant, durable results. However, the quality of your prints will depend heavily on the printer you use. That’s why we’ve taken the time to research and review some of the best options available on the market today. In this article, we’ll be exploring the “Best Printer for Sublimation Heat Transfer”, whether you’re looking to print on mugs, t-shirts, or any other items. We’ll dive into the specifics of five different printers, examining their features, pros, cons, and customer reviews, to help you make an informed decision.

How We Chose Best Printer for Sublimation Heat Transfer

Selecting the best sublimation printers involved a detailed review of numerous factors, including print quality, cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and customer reviews. We also considered the versatility of each printer, noting whether they could handle various materials and sizes. In addition, we looked at the printer’s brand reputation and their customer service quality. Our aim was to ensure that our top picks represent the best combination of these factors to suit a variety of customer needs.

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What to Consider When Buying Best Printer for Sublimation Heat Transfer

When shopping for the best sublimation printer, you’ll need to take into account several key factors. The printer’s compatibility with different materials, the quality of its prints, and the cost of its ink are all important considerations. You’ll also want to look at the printer’s speed and capacity, especially if you plan on doing large print jobs. Finally, consider the printer’s size and whether it will fit comfortably in your workspace.

How We Test Best Printer for Sublimation Heat Transfer

Our testing process is thorough and unbiased. We start by researching the product specifications and customer reviews to gain an understanding of each printer’s strengths and weaknesses. We then compare these findings against the claims made by the manufacturer. Additionally, we consider the value for money of each printer, taking into account not just the initial cost, but also the ongoing costs of ink and other consumables. Finally, we look at any additional features that might set a printer apart from its competitors. This comprehensive approach ensures that our reviews are accurate, balanced, and helpful to our readers.

04 best printer for sublimation heat transfer

Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer

Product Details:

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a white, wireless color printer from the renowned brand Epson. It uses inkjet printing technology and comes with an array of special features like auto-duplex, energy star, a refillable ink tank, and an auto document feeder. The printer offers a maximum output of color prints and is capable of handling paper sizes up to 13″ x 19″ through rear feed.

One of the standout features of this printer is its cartridge-free printing and significant ink savings. The replacement ink bottles are cost-effective and equivalent to around 80 individual cartridges. Additionally, it supports hands-free, voice-activated printing, adding to its user convenience.

Based on customer reviews, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is appreciated for its fast printing speed, vibrant colors, and easy setup. However, a few users have reported issues like paper jams and disagreements on quality, ink, value, and print size.

Pros:

• Fast printing speed
• Vibrant, high-quality prints
• Easy setup
• Hands-free, voice-activated printing
• Significant ink savings

Cons:

• Occasional paper jams
• Some disagreements on quality, ink, value, and print size
• Some customers obtained faulty units

Product Comparison:

Compared to other printers reviewed here, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the only one that offers voice-activated printing, which is a unique feature. It also promises significant savings on ink, making it a cost-effective choice for long-term use. However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported disagreements on print quality, something to consider when making your choice.

Epson WorkForce WF-7720 Wireless Wide-format Color Inkjet Printer

Product Details:

The Epson WorkForce WF-7720 is a versatile printer that can print shop-quality, borderless prints up to the size of 13″ x 19″. This printer uses up to 80 percent less power compared to color laser printers, making it an energy-efficient choice. It features dual trays with a 500-sheet capacity and a rear feed for specialty paper.

Equipped with an auto 2-sided print, copy, scan, and fax functionality, this printer also comes with a 35-page auto document feeder. For easy navigation and control, it has a 4.3″ color touchscreen. This printer supports wireless printing and networking with Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, and NFC.

Customers have appreciated the printer’s large format capabilities and print quality. However, some users have experienced issues with ink recognition and print quality degradation over time.

Pros:

• Print shop-quality, borderless prints
• Large format capabilities
• Energy-efficient
• Easy navigation and control with color touchscreen
• Versatile with auto 2-sided print, copy, scan, and fax

Cons:

• Some issues with ink recognition
• Print quality degrades over time

Product Comparison:

When compared to the Epson EcoTank ET-15000, the Epson WorkForce WF-7720 has the added advantage of a color touchscreen for easy navigation and control. It also supports NFC in addition to Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet, providing more options for wireless printing and networking. However, some users have reported issues with ink recognition, which is something to consider when making your decision.

Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Color Printer

Product Details:

The Sawgrass SG500 is a dye sublimation color printer, designed specifically for sublimation heat transfer. It offers Wi-Fi connectivity for easy and convenient operation. The printer comes with a starter kit of Sublijet UHD Sublimation Inks CYMK, ensuring you have everything you need to start printing.

Its compact design ensures it doesn’t take up much space, making it ideal for small workspaces. And while it might be compact, it doesn’t skimp on print quality.

Based on customer reviews, users love this printer for its easy setup and high-quality prints. However, some have reported issues with replacement inks after software upgrades and mentioned that the printer is expensive to maintain due to the high cost of ink.

Pros:

• Compact and space-saving design
• High-quality sublimation prints
• Easy setup and use
• Wi-Fi connectivity

Cons:

• High cost of replacement ink
• Some users reported issues after software upgrades

Product Comparison:

Compared to the other printers, the Sawgrass SG500 stands out as the only printer specifically designed for sublimation heat transfer. It’s compact, making it ideal for small workspaces or home offices. However, the cost of replacement ink is higher than other printers, which could make it more expensive to maintain over time.

Lexmark MC3224dwe All-in-One Color Printer

Product Details:

The Lexmark MC3224dwe is designed to be a robust all-in-one device, offering high-quality printing, copying, and scanning functions. It comes with a tray capable of holding up to 250 pages and a single-sheet feeder for added convenience. The color touch screen makes navigation easy, while wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity options ensure flexibility in use.

This printer also offers mobile support via the Lexmark mobile print app, Morea, AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print. The device is equipped with a 1-GHz dual-core processor and 512 MB memory, ensuring smooth performance. Notably, this printer has a full-spectrum security architecture to protect your information.

Customer reviews reveal mixed opinions about the Lexmark MC3224dwe. While many users appreciate its ease of setup, AirPrint functionality, scanning capabilities, and print speed, some have reported issues with wireless connectivity and scanning experience.

Pros:

• Multifunctional device (print, copy, scan)
• Easy setup
• Fast print speed
• AirPrint functionality
• Full-spectrum security architecture

Cons:

• Wireless connectivity issues reported
• Some users faced problems with the scanning experience

Product Comparison:

In comparison to other printers, the Lexmark MC3224dwe stands out with its full-spectrum security architecture, a feature not commonly found in other models. It also offers a variety of connectivity options, including wireless, USB, and Ethernet. However, some users have reported issues with wireless connectivity, which is something to consider when making your selection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the best printer for sublimation heat transfer depends heavily on your specific needs. Whether you’re printing mugs, t-shirts, or other heat transfer products, each printer has its unique strengths and weaknesses.

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a versatile choice with its large format printing, cost-effective ink bottles, and multiple connectivity options, making it a great choice for various printing needs, not just sublimation heat transfer. The Epson WorkForce WF-7720, on the other hand, is highly praised for its large format capabilities and print quality, despite some users experiencing issues with ink recognition.

The Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Color Printer is a compact printer designed specifically for sublimation printing, which stands out for its ease of use and excellent customer support. However, issues with ink recognition after software upgrades are something to consider.

The Lexmark MC3224dwe All-in-One Color Printer is a great all-rounder with its multifunction capabilities, offering printing, copying, and scanning. But, it’s worth noting some users reported issues with wireless connectivity and scanning.

Each of these printers has a lot to offer, and the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. Remember to always consider the size of the items you’ll be printing, the quality of the print you desire, and the printer’s overall functionality and cost-effectiveness.

Q&A Section

Q: What is the best sublimation printer for heat transfer?

A: The best printer for sublimation heat transfer largely depends on your specific needs, such as the size of the designs you’re planning to print, and your budget. However, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 and Epson WorkForce WF-7720 are popular choices due to their high-quality prints, versatility, and cost-effectiveness.

Q: What are the popular models of sublimation printers recommended by professionals?

A: Some of the popular models of sublimation printers recommended by professionals include the Epson EcoTank ET-15000, Epson WorkForce WF-7720, and the Sawgrass SG500. These printers are known for their superior printing quality, efficiency, and durability.

Q: Are there any budget-friendly sublimation printers with good quality?

A: Yes, there are several budget-friendly sublimation printers that offer good quality prints. The Lexmark MC3224dwe All-in-One Color Printer is an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality.

Q: Which printer works best for sublimation heat transfer?

A: The Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Color Printer is specifically designed for sublimation heat transfer and is often considered one of the best options in the market. Its compact design and Wi-Fi connectivity make it a convenient choice for both home and professional use.

Q: What is the most affordable sublimation printer?

A: The most affordable sublimation printer in our list is the Lexmark MC3224dwe All-in-One Color Printer. Despite its lower price point, it offers a range of features including wireless connectivity, mobile support, and a full-spectrum security architecture.