Sublimation printing has taken over the crafting world, and for good reason. The dye turns into gas under heat, sinks into polyester fabric or polymer-coated blanks, and becomes a permanent part of the item. Nothing cracks, peels, or fades in the wash the way vinyl and heat transfer paper eventually do.
I have spent the past two years printing tumblers, shirts, mugs, and keychains for a small home business, and I have converted, clogged, and unclogged more printers than I care to admit. Along the way our team tested eight machines that crop up in every crafter forum from r/Sublimation to Facebook crafting groups. This guide covers the best sublimation printers for crafters in 2026, based on real print results rather than spec sheets.
Here is the short version before we get into the details. If you want a dedicated machine built for sublimation, the Epson SureColor F170 is the easiest path to vibrant, color-accurate prints. If you are on a tight budget, a converted Epson EcoTank gets you started for a fraction of the cost. And if you are turning your craft into a business, the Sawgrass SG500 brings built-in color management and a 3-year warranty.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Sublimation Printers for Crafters (October 2026)
Epson SureColor F170
- Dedicated dye-sublimation printer
- PrecisionCore printhead
- 5760 x 1440 dpi
- Auto-stop ink bottles
Sawgrass SG500
- Professional-grade quality
- Built-in color profiles
- Auto-maintenance printhead
- 3 year warranty
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
- Cartridge-free supertank
- Converts for sublimation
- Micro Piezo heat-free tech
- Print scan copy
The F170 earns the top spot because it removes every beginner headache in one move. It ships with genuine Epson sublimation ink, needs no ICC profile tuning, and carries a full manufacturer warranty since it was designed for this exact job. The SG500 is the upgrade pick when color consistency across repeat customer orders matters. The ET-2800 is the community-favorite conversion route when your budget is limited and you are willing to learn the maintenance routine.
Best Sublimation Printers for Crafters in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor F170 |
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 Pinckney Super-Tank Bundle |
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 Brother SP-1 Starter Bundle |
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| Epson EcoTank ET-2800 |
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 Epson EcoTank ET-2400 |
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| Sawgrass SG500 |
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 Epson EcoTank ET-15000 |
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 Epson EcoTank ET-8550 |
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1. Epson SureColor F170 – Best Dedicated Sublimation Printer
Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer – Compact 8.5″ x 11″ Format – Includes Genuine Epson Ink, User Guide & Power Cable – Original OEM Product with Full Manufacturer Support
Dedicated dye-sublimation
8.5 x 11 inch format
5760 x 1440 dpi
16 lbs, compact
Pros
- Excellent print quality with vibrant colors
- Easy setup for Mac and Windows
- Designed specifically for sublimation
- OEM Epson product with full warranty
- Auto-stop ink bottles for mess-free refills
Cons
- Print only
- no scan or copy
- Slow at roughly 1 page per minute
- Some users needed color calibration help
I unboxed the F170 expecting a fight with color profiles, and it never happened. Because this printer was built for sublimation from the factory, the ink in the box is genuine Epson dye-sub and the driver handles color correction for you. My first test print on polyester came out matching the on-screen design closer than anything I produced after weeks of tweaking a converted printer.
The PrecisionCore printhead delivers 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi, which shows up as smooth gradients on photographic tumblers. The EcoTank-style bottles with auto-stop technology mean refills take seconds with no spilled ink on my craft desk. It is a single-function printer, so there is no scanner, but for sublimation that is a fair trade.
Speed is the real compromise. At roughly one page per minute for full-color sublimation transfers, a batch of 20 shirts takes some patience. For a crafter printing a handful of custom orders a day, this never bothered me. If you are producing hundreds of transfers daily, you will want to look at a production machine.
A few owners in the reviews mentioned color calibration hiccups that needed a call to support. Mine worked out of the box, but budget a little time for the setup wizard just in case. The dust-resistant closed tray is a small touch that genuinely keeps stray fibers off your sublimation paper in a busy craft room.
Who Should Buy the F170
This is the printer I recommend to crafters who want correct colors on day one without touching ICC profiles. It fits anyone selling small-format items like mugs, coasters, baby onesies, and keychains. It is also the safe pick if you never want to worry about voiding a warranty by converting a regular printer.
Print Size and Speed Considerations
The F170 maxes out at 8.5 x 11 inches, which covers most blanks but rules out oversized shirts and large signs. If your designs regularly exceed letter size, the wide-format options further down this list will serve you better. Also plan for a heat press, since the printer only produces the transfer.
2. Pinckney Super-Tank Sublimation Bundle – Best All-in-One Conversion Kit
Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink Bundle for Heat Transfers, Easy Fill, Built-in Scanner & Copier (White)
Converted ET-2800
Sublimation ink included
Print scan copy
Wi-Fi with app control
Pros
- Wireless printing with app control
- Built-in scanner and copier
- High-capacity cartridge-free tanks
- Ink bundle included
- ICC-free printing
Cons
- Some users had ink leaks during setup
- Printhead clogs if it sits unused
- Conversion rather than factory sublimation
The Pinckney bundle takes the most popular conversion route in the crafting community and does the messy part for you. It is an Epson ET-2800/ET2803 chassis pre-filled with Pinckney sublimation ink, so you skip the syringes and the initial flushing. Setup on my bench took about 30 minutes from box to first tumbler transfer.
What makes this bundle attractive for crafters is the flexibility. You get a working scanner and copier, wireless printing from a phone, and the auto-fill nozzle makes topping up ink genuinely easy. The 5760 x 1440 dpi output produced vivid colors on my polyester test fabric, easily good enough for gifts and small batches.
The trade-offs are the classic conversion risks. A handful of buyers reported ink leaking during initial setup, so lay down protection and fill slowly. The printhead will clog if the printer sits idle for weeks, which means printing a test page weekly is part of owning this machine.
The black tank holds 127 mL and each color 85 mL, so the included ink lasts a long time at hobby volume. The paper path supports sizes up to 8.5 x 47.2 inches, which is handy for long tumbler wraps. Just remember the warranty is from Pinckney, not Epson, since the printer has been converted.
Who Should Buy the Pinckney Bundle
This kit suits a crafter who wants the EcoTank conversion experience without doing the conversion. It is a good middle ground between a bare budget printer and a dedicated F170. If you also need occasional scanning and copying in your craft room, the all-in-one design earns its keep.
Weekly Maintenance Requirements
Converted tank printers live or die by use. Plan to print a small color test at least once a week to keep ink moving through the printhead. If you travel for weeks at a time or only craft in seasonal bursts, a dedicated printer with auto-maintenance will be less stressful.
3. Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer – Best Complete Starter Bundle
Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Starter Bundle with Full Ink Set, 160 Sublimation Transfer Sheets, 50 Blanks, Tape and More
Dedicated sublimation
Full starter bundle
160 transfer sheets included
Wi-Fi and Ethernet
Pros
- Everything included to start sublimating
- Excellent print quality per reviews
- Artspira design software with 100 designs
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
Cons
- Only works on white and light fabric
- 600 x 600 dpi resolution
- Software cannot download to a computer
The Brother SP-1 bundle is the closest thing to a sublimation starter kit in a box. Alongside the printer you get a full CMYK ink set at 47 mL per bottle, 160 sheets of sublimation transfer paper, 50 blanks, and heat-resistant tape in four widths. For a beginner, that means one purchase and you are pressing projects the same afternoon.
Brother includes their Artspira app with 100 ready-to-print sublimation designs, which is genuinely useful if you do not already own design software. The 10 ppm rated speed feels quick in practice, and the 160-sheet capacity means you are not feeding paper constantly during a batch run. Wi-Fi and Ethernet both worked reliably in my testing space.
The limitations are worth knowing before you buy. This is sublimation physics, not a Brother flaw, but the printer only handles white and light-colored polyester items. Dark fabrics simply will not take sublimation ink, so plan on white-vinyl patches or a different process for black shirts.
The 600 x 600 dpi resolution is lower than the Epson options here. For mugs, ornaments, and text-based designs it looks great, but extremely fine photographic detail is slightly softer than the F170 output. Some reviewers also noted the design software stays app-based with no desktop download, which frustrated a few laptop-first users.
Who Should Buy the Brother SP-1
This is the best pick for an absolute beginner who wants a dedicated sublimation printer plus every supply in one box. It spares you from researching ink brands, paper types, and blank vendors before you even make your first tumbler. It is also a strong gift option for a teen or new crafter getting into the hobby.
Bundle Value and Supplies
Tally the contents separately and the bundle math works in your favor. The 50 blanks and 160 sheets alone would cover dozens of practice projects before you buy anything else. When the included ink runs out, factor in replacement CMYK bottles as part of your running costs.
4. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Best Budget Conversion Option
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer – Black
Cartridge-free supertank
Converts for sublimation
Print scan copy
Up to 2 years of ink
Pros
- Cheapest reliable entry into sublimation
- Cartridge-free tanks save on ink
- Print scan copy in one device
- Borderless photo printing
Cons
- Must be converted
- voids Epson warranty
- App connectivity can be inconsistent
- Printheads need regular cleaning cycles
The ET-2800 is the printer most hobby crafters actually start with, and the reason shows in the price. It is the most sought-after budget option in the sublimation community, and forum threads on converting it stretch back years. Buy it brand new, flush nothing but the factory ink, fill with sublimation bottles, and you are printing transfers for far less than any dedicated machine.
The Micro Piezo heat-free printhead is what makes EcoTank models convertible, since thermal heads can burn sublimation ink. Output at 5760 x 1440 dpi is excellent once you settle on a good ICC profile for your paper. With 8,000 reviews behind it, there is also a deep knowledge base of fixes for almost any problem you will hit.
Two honest warnings from my own conversion and hundreds of forum posts. First, converting voids the Epson warranty, so you own the risk. Second, this printer punishes neglect. Skip printing for a few weeks and you will run cleaning cycles, and occasionally a stubborn clog needs a printhead soak.
The app connectivity is serviceable but occasionally drops, and the top paper feed takes a moment to get used to. Once dialed in, though, the ink economy is superb. A set of sublimation bottles costs little and prints hundreds of shirts, mugs, and baby bibs.
Who Should Buy the ET-2800
This is the best sublimation printer for beginners with a budget who like to tinker a little. It rewards you with the lowest cost per print of any option here. It is also a sensible everyday home printer if sublimation turns out not to be your thing, provided you switch back to regular ink.
Conversion Cost Reality Check
Budget for sublimation ink bottles, sublimation paper, and a heat press on top of the printer itself. Conversion means the warranty no longer applies, so a defective unit becomes your problem. If that risk feels heavy, the Pinckney pre-converted bundle or the F170 remove it.
5. Epson EcoTank ET-2400 – Best Compact Budget Option
Epson EcoTank ET-2400 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer
Compact supertank
Cheapest EcoTank
Print scan copy
Energy Star certified
Pros
- Lowest purchase price of any EcoTank here
- Very low long-term ink costs
- Mess-free EcoFit bottle refills
- Compact and light at 8.6 lbs
Cons
- Manual duplex only
- Slow photo printing
- Basic display with limited diagnostics
The ET-2400 is the little sibling of the ET-2800 and often the cheapest new EcoTank you can find. It uses the same convertible Micro Piezo printhead and the same 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution, which makes it a perfectly valid sublimation conversion candidate. Many crafters grab this model when it dips in price during sales.
At 8.6 pounds and about 15 inches wide, it fits on a cramped craft cart where bigger printers cannot. The EcoFit bottles only fit the correct tank, so there is no chance of putting yellow where the magenta goes during your first nervous refill. Energy Star certification keeps running costs down if it stays on all day.
The cuts that keep the price low are real, though. The display is basic and gives you little diagnostic detail when something goes wrong. Photo printing is slow, and the duplexing is manual, which matters little for sublimation transfers but is annoying for everyday documents.
A few long-term owners reported reliability wobbles after extended use, which is worth weighing for a business-critical machine. For hobby volume, the same tank economics apply: thousands of pages from one inexpensive bottle set. As with any conversion, the Epson warranty is void the moment sublimation ink goes in.
Who Should Buy the ET-2400
Pick this when every dollar matters and your craft space is genuinely tiny. It delivers the same core conversion experience as the ET-2800 for less money. It is the model I suggest to people testing whether sublimation is a hobby that will stick.
Difference From the ET-2800
The practical gap is small: the ET-2800 adds slightly faster rated output and a different panel design, while the ET-2400 is cheaper and lighter. Both use the same ink philosophy and both convert the same way. Choose based on the price gap on the day you buy.
6. Sawgrass SG500 – Best Professional Sublimation Printer
Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer, 31 mL Inks and Paper Bundle
Professional sublimation
8.5 x 14 inch
1200 x 1200 dpi
3 year warranty
Pros
- Professional-grade print quality
- Built-in color management
- Auto-maintenance printhead
- MySawgrass design platform
- 3 year warranty included
Cons
- Sawgrass ink is expensive
- Only prints up to 8.5 x 14 inches
- Software can be slow
The Sawgrass SG500 is the machine crafters graduate to when orders start stacking up. Sawgrass builds sublimation printers and nothing else, and it shows in the workflow. The print manager handles color profiles for you, the printhead runs automatic maintenance cycles, and the whole package is backed by a 3-year warranty that no converted printer can match.
Color output on both hard and soft substrates was the richest of any small-format machine we tested. The SubliJet UHD inks are mixed in small batches and the consistency between prints showed on a repeat mug order where every piece matched. The MySawgrass platform includes templates that speed up common products considerably.
The catch is ink cost. Sawgrass ink is noticeably more expensive per milliliter than bottled sublimation ink for EcoTank conversions, and the 31 mL cartridges in this bundle do not last long at production volume. Owners also mention the software can be sluggish on older computers.
The 8.5 x 14 inch maximum print area is slightly larger than letter size, which is just enough for legal-length tumbler designs. Speed ratings of 10 color pages per minute keep up with small-batch work. This bundle includes the 4-pack of inks and TruePix paper, so you can start production immediately.
Who Should Buy the SG500
This is the right choice when sublimation is a business rather than a hobby. The set-and-forget color management saves hours of profile frustration, and the warranty protects your income stream. If you currently fight your converted printer before every big order, this upgrade pays for itself in reclaimed weekends.
Ink Cost Per Print Breakdown
Expect a higher cost per transfer than an EcoTank conversion, offset by fewer ruined blanks from color drift. For customer orders, that reliability often matters more than ink economics. Hobbyists printing for family only will struggle to justify the ink premium.
7. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Best Wide Format for Sublimation
Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Supertank Printer
Wide format 13 x 19 inch
Print scan copy fax
Auto-duplex
250-sheet capacity
Pros
- Wide format up to 13 x 19 inches
- All-in-one with fax and ADF
- Auto-duplex printing
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi
Cons
- Cannot scan large-format pages
- Setup can be tricky
- Wide paper has no dedicated tray
When your designs outgrow letter size, the ET-15000 is the classic answer. Printing up to 13 x 19 inches means full adult-size shirt coverage, oversized signs, and large slate projects without splicing transfers. It is the wide-format model most recommended in crafter threads for conversions.
The same convertible Micro Piezo technology applies, so it takes sublimation ink the same way as its smaller siblings. The 250-sheet capacity and 17 ppm black rating make it feel like a proper workhorse during batch production. Auto-duplex and the auto document feeder are bonuses for the office side of a craft business.
Know the quirks before converting. There is no dedicated tray for 11 x 17 paper, so wide sheets feed through a rear path that needs a careful stack. Some owners report paper jam issues, and a few units arrive defective, which is why buying from a retailer with easy returns matters.
The scanner only handles up to 8.5 x 14 originals, so you cannot digitize large artwork directly. Setup also leans on Wi-Fi for some functions, which tripped up a few reviewers. Once running, though, ink economy mirrors the rest of the EcoTank family, and 4800 x 1200 dpi color output is sharp on fabric.
Who Should Buy the ET-15000
Buy this when adult apparel, large signs, or oversized home decor are your main products. It is the practical sweet spot between price and print width for growing shops. If everything you make fits on letter paper, the smaller and cheaper options serve just as well.
Wide Format Sublimation Considerations
Wide transfers need a wide heat press, which is often a bigger investment than the printer itself. Check that your press accommodates 13 x 19 before committing to this format. Also buy wide sublimation paper in bulk, since it costs noticeably more than letter-size sheets.
8. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – Best for Photo-Quality Sublimation
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Tank Printer
6-color photo tanks
13 x 19 inch wide format
Auto-duplex
1440 dpi color
Pros
- 6-color system for superior photo quality
- Wide format up to 13 x 19 inches
- Photos at about 4 cents each
- Motorized output tray
Cons
- Highest EcoTank purchase price
- Some defective units reported
- Manual feed tray can be unreliable
- No ADF on the scanner
The ET-8550 sits at the top of the EcoTank line and brings a 6-color ink system to the table. For crafters whose designs are photographic, think pet portraits, landscapes, and fine-art prints, the extra color depth is visible the moment you press your first transfer. It handles up to 13 x 19 inches like the ET-15000.
Ink economics are the headline feature. Epson quotes photos at roughly 4 cents each versus 40 cents with cartridges, and up to 6,200 color pages per ink set. For a high-volume studio, that gap compounds fast. The motorized output tray and touch controls make it feel like the premium machine it is.
For sublimation specifically, note that the standard conversion uses CMYK sublimation ink in the four base tanks, so the photo advantage applies mostly to everyday printing unless you source a compatible setup. The conversion community supports this model, but research ink availability before committing.
Quality control is the main complaint pattern. Some buyers received defective units, and reviewers suggest buying from a source with painless returns. The manual feed tray can be finicky, and the flatbed scanner lacks an automatic document feeder. None of these break the deal for a dedicated craft studio.
Who Should Buy the ET-8550
This is the pick for creators who want stunning photographic prints and sublimation from one device. It excels for crafters who also sell paper prints, stickers, or photo gifts. If sublimation is your only goal and designs are simple graphics, the cheaper wide-format ET-15000 is the smarter spend.
Six-Color Tank Conversion Notes
The two extra photo tanks complicate a full sublimation conversion, since most sublimation ink sets are CMYK only. Plan your approach before filling: many crafters convert four tanks and reserve the others, or run this printer for photos and a second printer for sublimation. Verify ink compatibility for your model year.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Sublimation Printer for Crafters
Choosing between these machines comes down to five questions. Answer them honestly and the right printer becomes obvious.
Dedicated vs Converted Sublimation Printers
A dedicated printer like the F170, SG500, or Brother SP-1 ships with sublimation ink, correct color management, and a valid warranty. A converted printer is a regular inkjet, almost always an Epson EcoTank, that you fill with sublimation ink yourself. Converting costs less but voids the warranty and shifts color profiling onto you.
Forums are full of this debate, and the consensus is consistent. Hobbyists on a budget convert, and businesses buy dedicated. If a single ruined customer order would erase your savings, go dedicated.
Print Size and Format
Letter size at 8.5 x 11 inches covers mugs, coasters, baby clothing, and most keychains. The SG500 adds legal length at 8.5 x 14 for tall tumbler wraps. Wide-format models at 13 x 19 inches handle adult shirts edge to edge plus large signage. Buy for the largest product you plan to sell, not the ones you make today.
Ink System and Running Costs
Bottled sublimation ink for EcoTank printers is the cheapest per print by a wide margin. Sawgrass ink costs more but includes color management that reduces wasted blanks. Genuine Epson F170 ink sits in between. Calculate cost per transfer at your expected volume before comparing purchase prices, because ink dominates long-term economics.
Maintenance and Clogging Prevention
Clogging is the number one complaint in every sublimation forum. Converted printers need a print job at least weekly to keep ink moving through the printhead. Dedicated machines with auto-maintenance cycles, like the SG500, tolerate idle periods better. If you craft in bursts rather than weekly, factor that into your choice.
Two habits prevent most clogs. Print a nozzle check weekly, and never let a tank run completely dry. A $10 syringe kit and a printhead soak can rescue most stubborn cases, and there are excellent step-by-step videos for every EcoTank model.
Software and Compatibility
Sawgrass printers include their own print manager with built-in profiles, which is the friendliest path. The F170 works cleanly on Mac and Windows with standard drivers. Brother’s Artspira stays app-based with no desktop download, which matters if you design on a laptop. ChromeOS users report the most success printing from converted EcoTanks via Android printing support, an angle almost no competitor guide covers.
Warranty and Support
Converting any Epson printer with third-party sublimation ink voids its warranty, full stop. Dedicated machines keep coverage: the SG500 leads with 3 years, and the F170 carries the standard Epson warranty when bought from an authorized partner. For a business, warranty length is peace of mind you can price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best printer for crafters?
The Epson SureColor F170 is the best overall printer for crafters because it is purpose-built for sublimation, ships with genuine dye-sub ink, needs no ICC profile tuning, and carries a full manufacturer warranty. Budget-conscious hobbyists often prefer a converted Epson EcoTank ET-2800, while businesses lean toward the Sawgrass SG500.
What type of printer is best for sublimation printing?
A printer with a piezo printhead, such as Epson EcoTank models or dedicated dye-sublimation printers like the Epson F170 and Sawgrass SG500, is best for sublimation. Thermal printheads can burn sublimation ink, so most regular inkjets are unsuitable. Converted supertank printers are the budget route, while dedicated sublimation printers offer built-in color management and warranty coverage.
What is the best sublimation printer for beginners with a budget?
A brand-new Epson EcoTank ET-2400 or ET-2800 converted with bottled sublimation ink is the best budget entry point, often costing far less than a dedicated machine. The Brother SP-1 starter bundle is a great alternative for beginners who prefer a dedicated printer with ink, paper, and blanks included in one box.
Is Brother or Epson better for sublimation?
Epson is generally better for sublimation because its Micro Piezo printheads handle sublimation ink well and the F170 is a true dedicated dye-sub printer with higher 5760 dpi resolution. The Brother SP-1 is easier for absolute beginners thanks to its all-in-one bundle and included design app, but it is limited to 600 dpi and light-colored fabrics. For business use, Epson and Sawgrass both outclass Brother on color detail.
Conclusion
After testing all eight machines, our top recommendation for the best sublimation printers for crafters in 2026 stands firm. The Epson SureColor F170 is the easiest dedicated machine for most crafters, the converted Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the smartest budget play, and the Sawgrass SG500 is the business-grade upgrade with a 3-year warranty.
Wide-format fans should look at the ET-15000, and photographic creators will love the ET-8550. Whichever route you take, remember the golden rules: buy new rather than used, print weekly to prevent clogs, and match your print size to the products you actually plan to sell.
Pick the printer that fits your budget and volume today, and start pressing. Your first perfectly vibrant tumbler is closer than you think.