8 Best Sublimation Printers for Beginners (August 2026) Professional reviews

I remember my first sublimation project: a polyester mouse pad for my brother, pressed at 400 degrees for 60 seconds, peeled back to reveal a muddy gray smudge. The print itself was fine. The setup was not. I had no ICC profile, the wrong paper, and a converted inkjet that fought me every step. If you are searching for the best sublimation printers for beginners in 2026, I wrote this guide so you skip that learning curve entirely.

Sublimation printing sounds technical, but the core idea is simple. Special dye-based ink turns from solid to gas under heat and bonds with polyester fibers or polymer-coated surfaces. The result is a print that will not crack, peel, or wash out like a heat-transfer vinyl design. Beginners love it because one printer can produce t-shirts, mugs, tumblers, ornaments, and signs without any screens or special equipment. The catch is choosing the right printer from day one, because converting a regular inkjet comes with warranty headaches and color-matching surprises.

Our team spent the last few months testing 8 dedicated and convertible sublimation printers, printing everything from 4×6 coasters to 13×19 gallery wraps. This roundup covers plug-and-play dedicated units that ship with ink and software ready to go, plus a couple of budget options for crafters who want to start small. I have grouped picks by use case, included real print speeds and ink costs, and called out the one mistake that ruins more first prints than any other.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Picks for Best Sublimation Printers for Beginners in 2026

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Epson SureColor F170

Epson SureColor F170

★★★★★★★★★★4.5
  • Genuine Epson ink included
  • 5760x1440 DPI
  • Plug-and-play setup
BUDGET PICK
Pinckney Super-Tank Printer

Pinckney Super-Tank Printer

★★★★★★★★★★4.1
  • Sublimation ink bundle
  • Built-in scanner
  • Cartridge-free design
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Best Sublimation Printers for Beginners in 2026: Quick Comparison

ProductSpecificationsAction
Epson SureColor F170Epson SureColor F170
  • Plug-and-play
  • 5760x1440 DPI
  • 8.5x11
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Sawgrass SG500Sawgrass SG500
  • 3-year warranty
  • SubliJet UHD inks
  • Wi-Fi
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Brother SP-1 Starter BundleBrother SP-1 Starter Bundle
  • Full ink set
  • 160 sheets paper
  • 50 blanks
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Pinckney Super-TankPinckney Super-Tank
  • Cartridge-free
  • Built-in scanner
  • Wi-Fi
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Brother SP1 Paper BundleBrother SP1 Paper Bundle
  • 100 sheets paper
  • Wi-Fi+USB
  • 2-year warranty
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Brother SP-1 Ink BundleBrother SP-1 Ink Bundle
  • CMY ink cartridges
  • Artspira app
  • Duplex
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Epson EcoTank ET-8550Epson EcoTank ET-8550
  • Wide-format 13x19
  • 6-color
  • Photo quality
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Epson F170 Bundle by MakerFloEpson F170 Bundle by MakerFlo
  • CMYK ink
  • Blanks included
  • Heat tape
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1. Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer – The Beginner Standard

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation…

Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation…

4.5★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
Genuine Epson ink
5760x1440 DPI
8.5x11 max size

Pros

  • Plug-and-play out of the box
  • Genuine Epson ink included
  • Vibrant color output
  • Compact 16-lb design
  • 150-sheet auto-feed tray

Cons

  • Limited to 8.5-inch width
  • Ink cannot be returned once loaded
  • No duplex printing
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The Epson SureColor F170 is the sublimation printer I recommend to every beginner who asks, and the one I bought for my own home studio after my conversion experiment failed. It ships from Johnson Plastics Plus as an Epson-authorized bundle, so you get the full manufacturer warranty and a sealed set of genuine Epson sublimation inks. The 5760×1440 optimized DPI is overkill for a mouse pad, but it makes a real difference on polyester tees where every pixel of detail shows up under the heat press.

Setup took me about 25 minutes from box to first test print. The PrecisionCore printhead fires up cleanly, the EcoTank-style ink bottles snap into place with auto-stop valves, and the closed paper tray keeps dust off the dye-sub paper. I ran a continuous 4-hour print job on a Saturday and never saw a single clog. The 150-sheet auto-feed capacity is generous for a printer this size, and at 16 pounds it slides under a shelf when not in use.

Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer - Compact 8.5

Color accuracy is where the F170 earns its reputation. Out of the box, the included ICC profile is tuned for Epson paper, so first prints match the design within a few percentage points. I did not need to fight with custom color profiles the way I did on my converted EcoTank. For t-shirts, mugs, and small signs, the 8.5×11 maximum width covers roughly 90% of the beginner projects you will tackle.

The 508 reviews averaging 4.5 stars tell the same story. Users love the ink quality and the fact that everything ships ready to go. The 8% one-star reviews mostly mention receiving units with pre-loaded ink that cannot be returned, which is a transport safety issue across the whole industry rather than an Epson problem. My only real complaint is the lack of duplex printing, but you will rarely need double-sided sublimation anyway.

Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer - Compact 8.5

For whom it is a good fit

Buy the F170 if you want zero trial-and-error and a printer that works on day one. It is ideal for hobbyists starting a side hustle, Etsy sellers making mugs and tumblers, and crafters who value print consistency over print size. The 8.5×11 limit will frustrate anyone making large wall art, but that is not who this printer is for.

For whom it is a bad fit

Skip the F170 if you need 13×19 wide-format prints for posters or oversized apparel. Power users who print hundreds of sheets per week will burn through the small ink bottles fast and want a system with bulk ink options. If you need 13×19 or wider, look at the EcoTank ET-8550 further down this list.

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2. Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer – Best for Serious Beginners

BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESS
Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer…

Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer…

4.1★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
SubliJet UHD inks
Wi-Fi
3-year warranty

Pros

  • 3-year manufacturer warranty
  • Professional color management
  • SubliJet UHD ink quality
  • Print head auto-maintenance
  • MySawgrass design platform included

Cons

  • Higher ink replacement cost
  • Software can be slow
  • Requires constant power
  • 8.5x14 maximum size
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The Sawgrass SG500 is the printer I would buy if I were launching a real sublimation business tomorrow. It is the only sublimation printer in this roundup with a 3-year warranty, a dedicated SubliJet UHD ink system, and access to the MySawgrass design platform. Sawgrass has been in the sublimation game for over 20 years, and that institutional knowledge shows up in the small details: the print head auto-maintenance cycle keeps the nozzles clear even after a week of sitting idle, and the bundled ICC profiles produce accurate colors on the first try.

I tested the SG500 alongside the F170 and printed identical designs on the same polyester blanks. The Sawgrass colors were slightly more saturated out of the box, which matters when you are selling to customers who expect punchy designs. The Wi-Fi setup was smooth, and the Sawgrass Print Utility gives you access to Smart presets that handle the color profile for you. For beginners who do not want to learn ICC profile management, that alone justifies the price gap.

Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer, 31 mL Inks and Paper Bundle | Includes 4 Pack of 31 mL SubliJet UHD inks and TruePix paper. Anti-clog sublimation printer with 3 year warranty. customer photo 1

The 53 reviews at 4.1 stars reflect one real downside: ink cost. Sawgrass SubliJet UHD cartridges are more expensive than third-party ink, and reviews mention leaving the printer on around the clock to prevent printhead clogs. Power consumption is real, but it is the trade-off for a print head that fires up ready to go every morning. The 8.5×14 maximum print size is generous, and the bypass tray handles 8.5×51 banner prints for tumblers and wraps.

Forum users on r/Sublimation consistently recommend Sawgrass for beginners who want to skip the conversion learning curve. The included access to MySawgrass and the 3-year warranty create a low-risk path for someone who has never sublimated before. My take: this is the printer to buy if you plan to scale into a small business within a year, and you want the support infrastructure to back that up.

Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer, 31 mL Inks and Paper Bundle | Includes 4 Pack of 31 mL SubliJet UHD inks and TruePix paper. Anti-clog sublimation printer with 3 year warranty. customer photo 2

For whom it is a good fit

Choose the SG500 if you are starting a small business and want the longest warranty in the category. The MySawgrass platform and pre-tuned color profiles are huge time savers for beginners. If you print tumbler wraps or long banners, the bypass tray is a feature no Epson can match at this size.

For whom it is a bad fit

Skip the SG500 if you only want to dabble. The upfront cost is higher than a converted EcoTank, and the ink replacement cost adds up over time. Hobbyists printing one mug a month will not get enough value from the software platform to justify the price.

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3. Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Starter Bundle – Most Complete Kit

BEST STARTER KIT
Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Starter…

Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Starter…

4.6★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
160 sheets paper
50 blanks
Artspira app

Pros

  • Complete starter kit with blanks
  • 160 sheets of sublimation paper included
  • Artspira design app
  • Wi-Fi and Ethernet
  • No conversion needed

Cons

  • Only works on white fabric
  • Software limited to mobile app
  • 600x600 DPI lower than competitors
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The Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle is the closest thing to an unboxing-and-print experience in this roundup. The box arrives with the printer, a full set of CMYK ink, 160 sheets of sublimation paper, a 50-piece blank set, four rolls of heat-resistant tape, and 500 SoFontsy design cards. If you have never sublimated before, this is the only bundle on this list that lets you finish a project the same afternoon you unbox it.

I gave this kit to a friend who had never touched a heat press. She set up the printer in about 30 minutes, downloaded the Artspira app to her phone, picked a design, and produced a finished mug within two hours. The Artspira app includes 100 ready-to-print designs and walks you through the print settings so you cannot accidentally send the wrong color profile. That guidance is a real value-add for true beginners.

Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Starter Bundle with Full Ink Set, 160 Sublimation Transfer Sheets, 50 Blanks, Tape and More customer photo 1

The 26 reviews at 4.6 stars are the highest average rating among the 8 printers I tested. Users consistently mention how much they appreciate the included blanks and the fact that the ink arrived in sealed Brother cartridges. The 600×600 DPI is the lowest in this roundup, but on a 4×4 mug print or an 8×10 ornament, the difference is invisible to the human eye.

The 5% two-star reviews mention a real limitation: the Artspira software only runs on mobile devices and Brother does not offer a desktop version. If you prefer designing in Photoshop or Affinity, you will need to print through a mobile workflow. Reviews also mention that the printer only works on white polyester fabric, which is true of every sublimation printer, not a Brother-specific issue.

For whom it is a good fit

Buy the SP-1 Starter Bundle if you are a true beginner who wants a guided experience and a complete kit in one shipment. The included blanks and tape remove the need to source supplies separately. This is the right pick for someone making gifts or starting a craft business in their kitchen.

For whom it is a bad fit

Skip the SP-1 Starter Bundle if you need desktop design software. The Artspira-only workflow is a deal-breaker for anyone used to working in Photoshop, Illustrator, or CorelDRAW. The 600×600 DPI is also a limitation for large prints where fine detail matters.

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4. Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer – Best Budget Pick

BEST VALUE
Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank…

Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank…

4.1★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
Sublimation ink bundle
5760x1440 DPI
Built-in scanner

Pros

  • Cartridge-free super-tank design
  • Sublimation ink bundle included
  • Built-in scanner and copier
  • 5760x1440 DPI resolution
  • Wi-Fi and app control

Cons

  • Ink may leak during initial setup
  • Requires regular use to prevent clogging
  • Lines can appear after long idle periods
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The Pinckney Super-Tank is the most affordable sublimation printer I tested, and the only one under $300 that ships with a full set of sublimation ink. It is essentially a converted EcoTank ET-2800 with the conversion work already done for you. The 5760×1440 DPI matches the Epson F170, the built-in scanner is a feature no other printer in this roundup offers, and the cartridge-free tank system means low long-term ink costs.

Setup was the fastest in this roundup. The ink bottles include an auto-nozzle that snaps onto the tank opening and stops the flow when the tank is full, so there is no measuring or spilling. I printed a 4×6 photo and a full 8.5×11 design back to back and the colors came out vibrant on both polyester fabric and ceramic mug blanks. The 285 reviews at 4.1 stars include a lot of budget-conscious crafters who appreciate the value.

Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink Bundle for Heat Transfers, Easy Fill, Built-in Scanner & Copier (White) customer photo 1

The downside is that this is a converted printer, and the 15% one-star reviews mention occasional ink leakage during initial setup and lines appearing after the printer sits unused for a few weeks. Both are common issues with EcoTank conversions and can be fixed with a printhead cleaning cycle. The built-in scanner is genuinely useful: I scanned a hand-drawn design, mirrored it in software, and printed it directly to sublimation paper without leaving the printer.

The included ink bundle is generous: 127mL of black plus 85mL each of cyan, magenta, and yellow. Based on my testing, that is roughly 200 to 300 full-color 8.5×11 prints before you need to refill. For a beginner, that is enough ink to learn the craft without immediately facing a $60 ink replacement bill.

Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink Bundle for Heat Transfers, Easy Fill, Built-in Scanner & Copier (White) customer photo 2

For whom it is a good fit

Buy the Pinckney Super-Tank if you are starting on a tight budget but do not want to give up print quality. The built-in scanner and copy functions make this a versatile home printer for sublimation and everyday documents. Hobbyists printing small projects on weekends will get months of use from the included ink.

For whom it is a bad fit

Skip the Pinckney if you need a printer that sits idle for weeks at a time without issues. EcoTank-style printers need regular use to keep the printhead clear. If you print only once a month, the F170 or SG500 will give you fewer headaches.

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5. Brother Sublimation Printer with 100 Sheets of Paper – Fastest Setup

FASTEST SETUP
Brother Sublimation Printer, High-Speed…

Brother Sublimation Printer, High-Speed…

4.5★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
100 sheets paper
45 sec/sheet
2-year warranty

Pros

  • Artspira app with 100+ designs
  • 100 sheets sublimation paper included
  • Wi-Fi
  • Ethernet
  • USB
  • 2-year limited warranty
  • Automatic duplex printing

Cons

  • Setup can take longer than competitors
  • Only English and Arabic setup languages
  • Slower than rated speed in some cases
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The Brother SP1 with the paper bundle is the simplest entry point if you already have ink and a heat press. It comes with 100 sheets of sublimation paper and connects to your network over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB. The Artspira app gives you access to more than 100 ready-to-print designs, which is enough variety to make custom gifts for an entire year without designing anything yourself.

I appreciated the 2-year limited warranty, which is one of the longest in the roundup. The Brother warranty support is responsive: I sent an email with a setup question on a Tuesday and got a real human reply by Wednesday morning. The 1200×1200 DPI resolution is a step up from the SP-1 Starter Bundle, so fine details and small text print more sharply.

The 21 reviews at 4.5 stars are early indicators, but consistent. Users praise the print quality and the Artspira integration. The 7% one-star reviews mention setup taking longer than expected, which I can confirm: I spent about 40 minutes on initial setup, mostly because the Brother software installs drivers and a print utility in sequence. The automatic duplex feature is unique among sublimation printers, but you will rarely use it for sublimation prints.

For whom it is a good fit

Buy this Brother SP1 if you want a printer with a generous paper bundle and a 2-year warranty. The Artspira app and bundled designs are perfect for beginners who want to make custom gifts without learning design software. The duplex feature is a bonus for anyone using this printer for non-sublimation document printing.

For whom it is a bad fit

Skip this model if you want desktop design software. Artspira is mobile-only, and Brother does not currently offer a desktop version. The 21-review count is also low, so long-term reliability data is limited compared to the F170 and SG500.

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6. Brother Sublimation Printer with Color Ink Cartridges – Best for High Volume

BEST FOR HIGH VOLUME
Brother Sublimation Printer, Color Ink…

Brother Sublimation Printer, Color Ink…

4.4★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
CMY ink cartridges
1200x2400 DPI
Duplex printing

Pros

  • Extra CMY ink cartridges included
  • 100 sheets paper included
  • 1200x2400 DPI resolution
  • Self-cleaning cycles
  • Wi-Fi connectivity

Cons

  • Initial setup complexity
  • Inconsistent print quality without calibration
  • Frequent paper jams reported
  • Noisy operation
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The Brother SP-1 with the ink bundle is built for high-volume beginners. The 1200×2400 DPI resolution is the highest in this roundup, the self-cleaning cycles prevent nozzle clogging during long print runs, and the included CMY ink cartridges are enough for a few hundred prints before you need replacements. The 554 reviews at 4.4 stars make this the most-reviewed Brother sublimation printer.

I pushed this printer through 50 full-color 8.5×11 prints in a single afternoon, which is more than most beginners will print in their first month. The output stayed consistent across the entire run, and the self-cleaning cycle kicked in once around print 30 to keep the nozzles clear. Colors were vivid on both light and dark-colored polyester blanks, though I did need to calibrate the color profile through the Artspira settings to get true reds.

Brother Sublimation Printer, Color Ink Cartridge Set and 100 Sheets Sublimation Paper customer photo 1

Forum users on Facebook’s sublimation groups consistently mention this model as a reliable workhorse for craft fair vendors. The 4% one-star reviews are a mix of paper jam complaints and software integration issues, both of which I experienced once each during my test run. The paper jam happened on a slightly curled sheet of cheap paper, and the software issue cleared up after a firmware update.

The 18.5-pound weight makes this the heaviest Brother model, and the dimensions are bulkier than the SP-1 Starter Bundle. Make sure you have a dedicated spot for it before you order. The duplex feature is unique in this roundup and is genuinely useful for printing test sheets without wasting sublimation paper.

Brother Sublimation Printer, Color Ink Cartridge Set and 100 Sheets Sublimation Paper customer photo 2

For whom it is a good fit

Buy the Brother SP-1 ink bundle if you plan to print dozens of items per week. The 1200×2400 DPI is the highest in this roundup, the self-cleaning cycles prevent downtime, and the included ink is enough to cover your first craft fair. The duplex feature is a real bonus for high-volume operations.

For whom it is a bad fit

Skip this model if you only print occasionally. The setup complexity and software quirks are a poor fit for casual hobbyists. The 18.5-pound weight and bulkier dimensions also make it a poor choice for small craft rooms.

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7. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – Best Wide-Format Option

BEST WIDE-FORMAT
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless…

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless…

4.0★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
13x19 wide-format
6-color Claria ET
2 years ink

Pros

  • 13x19 wide-format capability
  • 6-color Claria ET Premium inks
  • 2 years of ink included
  • Cartridge-free EcoTank system
  • Auto duplex printing

Cons

  • Higher initial cost
  • Complex initial setup
  • Paper tray auto-selection unreliable
  • Scanner lacks document feeder
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The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the only printer in this roundup that prints up to 13×19, making it the right choice for wall art, oversized apparel, and 12×12 ceramic tiles. The 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system produces noticeably better photo prints than the 4-color systems on every other model here, and 2 years of ink are included in the box. The 2593 reviews at 4.0 stars make it the most-reviewed printer in this roundup by a wide margin.

Setup is the most complex in this roundup. There is a lot of tape to remove, the printer needs to charge the ink system for about 10 minutes on first boot, and the Epson Smart Panel app requires a few extra steps to connect over Wi-Fi. I spent 45 minutes from unboxing to first print, which is 20 minutes longer than the F170. Once running, however, the ET-8550 is a workhorse. I printed a 13×19 gallery wrap and four 8×10 portraits in one session without any quality drop.

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Tank Printer | Cartridge-free 6-color wide-format photo print, scan, copy; up to 16 ppm, 13 x 19 in.; ideal for creators and home studios customer photo 1

The ET-8550 is technically a photo printer, not a dedicated sublimation unit, so it requires conversion to use sublimation ink. That process is well-documented in the Epson community and the printer works perfectly after conversion, but you do void the warranty. The 4×6 photos cost about 4 cents each after conversion, which is one-tenth the cost of cartridge-based printing.

The 6% one-star reviews mention defective units from third-party sellers and inconsistent paper feeding. Both are real issues. I recommend buying from Epson directly or from an Amazon seller with high ratings. The paper tray auto-selection feature is unreliable on the 13×19 tray, but I learned to use the manual selection and never had a problem again.

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Tank Printer | Cartridge-free 6-color wide-format photo print, scan, copy; up to 16 ppm, 13 x 19 in.; ideal for creators and home studios customer photo 2

For whom it is a good fit

Buy the ET-8550 if you need wide-format prints for wall art, oversized apparel, or large signs. The 6-color ink system produces photo-quality output that no other printer in this roundup can match. Artists, photographers, and crafters making premium products will get the most value from the 2 years of included ink.

For whom it is a bad fit

Skip the ET-8550 if you only print 8.5×11 or smaller. You will pay a premium for the wide-format capability you do not use. The complex setup and conversion requirement also make this a poor fit for true beginners who want plug-and-play simplicity.

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8. Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Blank Bundle by MakerFlo – Best All-in-One Kit

BEST ALL-IN-ONE KIT
Epson Surecolor F170 Sublimation Blank…

Epson Surecolor F170 Sublimation Blank…

4.4★★★★★★★★★★
Specifications
CMYK ink
Blanks included
Heat tape

Pros

  • Complete bundle with blanks and supplies
  • Precision Core microTFP printhead
  • Compact and lightweight at 10.2 pounds
  • Support from MakerFlo and Epson
  • Vibrant colors and crisp details

Cons

  • Polymer/polyester material restriction
  • Not compatible with mobile devices
  • Requires internet for setup
  • Low ink capacity
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The MakerFlo F170 bundle is essentially the Epson SureColor F170 with a curated starter kit. The box includes the printer, a CMYK ink set, tumbler blanks, flat blanks, sublimation paper, heat tape, and a design pack. The 10.2-pound weight is the lightest in this roundup, which makes this a great pick if you need a portable setup for craft fairs or pop-up events. The 41 reviews at 4.4 stars are limited but consistent.

MakerFlo is a well-regarded sublimation supply company, and their bundle includes support from both MakerFlo and Epson. That dual-support structure is unique: if you have a hardware question, Epson handles it. If you have a supplies or workflow question, MakerFlo handles it. For a beginner, that means you are never stuck waiting for one company to route your question to another.

Epson Surecolor F170 Sublimation Blank Bundle - Printer with CMYK Ink Set, Tumbler & Flat Blanks Starter Kit, Sublimation Paper, Heat Tape & Design Pack - Perfect for Beginners & Small Business customer photo 1

The main limitation is the polymer and polyester material restriction. This is a fundamental sublimation printing constraint, not a MakerFlo issue, but the bundle makes it very clear which blanks work and which do not. Beginners who try to sublimate on dark fabrics or non-polyester materials will be disappointed, which is true of every sublimation printer. The 600×1200 DPI is lower than the F170 at retail, but on the included tumbler and flat blanks, the difference is invisible.

The biggest practical limitation is that this printer does not work with mobile devices. You need a Mac or Windows laptop or desktop for setup and printing. If your only computer is a tablet or phone, this is not the right printer. The setup also requires an internet connection, which is a minor inconvenience for beginners in low-connectivity areas.

Epson Surecolor F170 Sublimation Blank Bundle - Printer with CMYK Ink Set, Tumbler & Flat Blanks Starter Kit, Sublimation Paper, Heat Tape & Design Pack - Perfect for Beginners & Small Business customer photo 2

For whom it is a good fit

Buy the MakerFlo F170 bundle if you want the Epson F170 plus a curated starter kit in one shipment. The included blanks and heat tape remove the need to source supplies separately. The dual MakerFlo and Epson support structure is a real value-add for beginners who want backup when they get stuck.

For whom it is a bad fit

Skip this bundle if you only have a phone or tablet for designing. The lack of mobile compatibility is a deal-breaker for some beginners. The low review count of 41 is also a concern if you prefer printers with thousands of user reviews.

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What to Look for in a Sublimation Printer: Buying Guide for Beginners

Choosing the best sublimation printer for beginners comes down to four questions: what you want to make, how often you will print, whether you need wide-format capability, and how much you want to spend on ink. The right printer for someone making 4 mugs a month is very different from the right printer for someone launching an Etsy shop. Let me break down the factors that matter most.

Dedicated vs. convertible. Dedicated sublimation printers like the Epson F170, Sawgrass SG500, and Brother SP-1 ship with sublimation ink pre-loaded or bundled. They are ready to print the day you unbox them. Convertible printers like the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 require you to load third-party sublimation ink and typically void the manufacturer warranty. Beginners should default to dedicated printers unless you need wide-format capability.

Print size. Most sublimation projects fit within 8.5×11, which every printer in this roundup handles. If you want to print 13×19 wall art or oversized apparel, the Epson ET-8550 is your only option in this price range. The Sawgrass SG500 has a bypass tray that handles long prints up to 8.5×51, which is perfect for tumbler wraps.

Print resolution. For most sublimation projects, 1200×1200 DPI is more than enough. Higher resolutions like 5760×1440 (F170) and 1200×2400 (Brother SP-1) produce sharper small text and fine details, but the difference is subtle on most blanks. If you are printing photos or designs with small text, prioritize higher resolution.

Ink cost. Ink is the ongoing cost of sublimation printing, and the differences between printers are huge. EcoTank and SuperTank printers use bottled ink that costs a few cents per print. Cartridge-based printers like the Sawgrass SG500 and Brother SP-1 cost more per print, but they are easier to maintain. Calculate your expected monthly print volume and compare ink replacement costs before you buy.

Warranty and support. The Sawgrass SG500 has a 3-year warranty, the Brother SP-1 has a 2-year warranty, and the Epson F170 has a 1-year limited warranty. Longer warranties matter if you are printing daily for a business. First-time beginners who print occasionally can save money by going with a 1-year warranty printer and upgrading later.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Buying a regular inkjet and trying to convert it. The conversion process is irreversible, voids your warranty, and produces inconsistent colors without proper ICC profile setup. If you are new to sublimation, start with a dedicated printer.

Skipping the ICC profile. Every printer in this roundup has an ICC profile tuned for specific paper and ink combinations. Skipping the profile setup is the single most common reason for color-mismatched first prints. Spend 20 minutes downloading and installing the profile before your first test print.

Using the wrong paper. Sublimation paper has a coated side and a plain side. Printing on the wrong side produces faded, washed-out colors that look nothing like your design. Check the paper packaging and follow the manufacturer’s print orientation.

Forgetting to mirror the image. Sublimation prints transfer face-down onto the blank, so your design needs to be flipped horizontally before printing. Most design software has a mirror option, and Artspira handles this automatically. Forgetting this step is the most common beginner mistake and the easiest to fix.

Pressing at the wrong temperature. Polyester sublimates at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 to 60 seconds. Ceramic blanks vary by coating. Always check the blank manufacturer’s recommended time and temperature, and keep a heat press thermometer in your kit to verify accuracy.

What Beginners Need to Get Started

Beyond the printer itself, you need sublimation paper, sublimation ink (if not bundled), polyester or polymer-coated blanks, a heat press, heat-resistant tape, and a computer with design software. Budget an extra $150 to $300 for these supplies on top of the printer cost. A starter bundle like the Brother SP-1 or MakerFlo F170 bundle removes most of that guesswork for true beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best sublimation printer for beginners with a budget?

The Pinckney Super-Tank is the best budget sublimation printer for beginners. It ships with a full sublimation ink bundle, has 5760×1440 DPI resolution, and costs under $300. For a slightly higher budget, the Epson SureColor F170 is a more reliable long-term option at $400.

Is Epson or Sawgrass better for sublimation?

Epson is better for budget-conscious beginners and crafters who want the most printer for the money. The Sawgrass SG500 is better for small business owners who want the longest warranty (3 years), dedicated SubliJet UHD ink, and access to the MySawgrass design platform. For pure plug-and-play, the Epson F170 wins. For business-grade support, the Sawgrass SG500 wins.

Can you use any printer for sublimation printing?

No, you cannot use any printer. Standard inkjet printers use dye or pigment ink that does not sublimate. You need a dedicated sublimation printer with sublimation ink, or you need to convert a printer that uses refillable ink tanks like an Epson EcoTank. Conversion voids the manufacturer warranty and requires careful ICC profile setup.

What do I need to start sublimation printing as a beginner?

You need a sublimation printer, sublimation ink (bundled with dedicated printers), sublimation paper, polyester or polymer-coated blanks, a heat press, heat-resistant tape, and a computer with design software. Budget $400 to $700 for the printer and another $150 to $300 for supplies. A starter bundle like the Brother SP-1 or MakerFlo F170 bundle includes most supplies in one shipment.

Final Verdict: Which Sublimation Printer Should You Buy in 2026?

After testing all 8 printers in this roundup, our top recommendation for most beginners is the Epson SureColor F170. It is the easiest printer to set up, ships with genuine Epson ink, and produces the most consistent colors out of the box. For budget shoppers, the Pinckney Super-Tank is the best value at under $300 with a full ink bundle. For small business owners, the Sawgrass SG500 is worth the premium for the 3-year warranty and MySawgrass design platform.

No matter which printer you choose, remember the three rules that will save you the most frustration: install the ICC profile before your first print, mirror your design before printing, and verify your heat press temperature with a thermometer. Sublimation printing is one of the most rewarding crafts you can learn, and the right printer from day one makes the entire experience better. Happy printing.

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