Last Updated on January 21, 2024 by Fredrick Miller
Sublimation printers are not only becoming a basic need for printing and publications business but also for other businesses as well.
So before starting any such business, whether it is a small one such as the home office or some high scale businesses, you will need a brand new sublimation printer.
Now you must be worried about which will be an ideal choice for you as you are a beginner in this field.
On top of that, there are also several options available in the market today, so choosing one from all of them must be difficult for you.
But there is nothing to worry about as I have got you back. I have spent a lot of time researching and finding below below-mentioned Best Sublimation Printer for Beginners to help you.
Also check: Best Sublimation Printer For Mugs
Table of Contents
List of 8 Best Sublimation Printers for Beginners in 2024
Image | Product | Details | Price |
---|---|---|---|
WorkForce WF-7710 | Paper capacity: 250 sheets Paper Size: 13-inch x 19-inch Printing Resolution: 4800 x 2400 DPI (maximum) |
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Epson EcoTank ET-15000 | Paper capacity: 250 sheets Printing Resolution: 4800 x 1200 DPI (maximum) Paper Size: 13-inch x 19-inch |
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Epson EcoTank ET-2720 | Paper capacity: 100 sheets Paper Size: 13-inch x 19-inch Printing Resolution: 5760 x 1440 DPI (maximum) |
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HP OfficeJet Pro 9025 | Paper capacity: 500 sheets Paper Size: 8.5-inches x 14-inches Printing Resolution: 4800 x 1200 DPI (maximum) |
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Epson EcoTank ET-4760 | Paper capacity: 250 sheets Paper Size: 8.5-inches x 14-inches Printing Resolution: 4800 x 2400 DPI (maximum) |
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Canon SELPHY CP1300 | Paper capacity: 18 sheets Paper Size: 3.50-inches x 4.69-inches Printing Resolution: 300 x 300 DPI (maximum) |
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Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 | Paper capacity: 50 sheets Paper Size: 13-inch x 19-inch Printing Resolution: 5760 x 1440 DPI (maximum) |
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Epson WorkForce WF-3640 | Paper capacity: 500 sheets Paper Size: 8.5-inches x 47.2-inches Printing Resolution: 4800 x 2400 DPI (maximum) |
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1- WorkForce WF-7710 Wireless Printer
Key Features
WorkForce WF-7710 is my top pick product, especially if you are looking for best sublimation printer for office use because it provides excellent wide format printing to your official documents.
This 7710 of Epson will help you to keep doing your office work day and night because of its 250 sheets and a rear feed, and you will also get 125 sheets for output stray.
With Epson’s revolutionary core technology, you will get high printing quality as it produces beautiful colors and provides detail to all your files.
Giving it priority while buying best beginner sublimation printer will also save you by consuming 80% less power unlikely to colored laser printer.
Getting your documents printed with this printer will enable you to print 18 pages per minute Black and 10 pages per minute colored prints.
It will also make changing of ink less inconvenient for you as you have to change it less often thanks to extra-large cartridges of Epson.
It comes with a tool kit that includes automatic two-sided printing, which will be plus for you as you can save your papers.
You can also do scanning, copying, and faxing with its integrated auto document feeder allowing you to do more.
You will find it easy to operate because of its initiative 4.3 inches color touch screen. By which you can easily navigate its all features, including its wired and wireless connectivity.
Pros
Cons
2- Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Incredible Ecotank Printer
Key Features
Epson EcoTank ET-15000 comes with a 250 sheets paper capacity and also includes one front tray and a rear feed.
One great thing I find in our research is that if you use best sublimation ink then you don’t have to face any waste of ink cartridges because its high-yielding bottles.
The Epson 15000 features a 2.7-inches touchscreen and also voice-activated printing, so you can get used to it easily.
It also enables you to connect your printer with the internet, which will also be a great thing for you.
Although it allows you to connect it with the internet, but it will take hours to get it connected, and then it is also difficult to keep it connected to its weak antenna.
You can only make it connect to your wireless device until all bars of wireless signals come to it.
Its manufacturers didn’t make any compromises on its quality as it provides vivid details and bright colors to your printed images.
You will get unprecedented color accuracy because of its high-density print with 40 million dots per second.
This sublimation printer is considered an affordable sublimation printer because of its low budget, which has refillable cartridges and low-cost replacement, unlike expensive ink bottles.
Pros
Cons
3- Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless Color All-in-One Printer:
Key Features:
The EcoTank ET-2720 is a well-known sublimation printer that comes with exceptional speed and provides ease if you know how to use sublimation printer.
It is also a budget-friendly machine which is a plus for beginners.
ET-2720 comes equipped with high-capacity and easy-to-fill ink tanks and also includes flatbed scanner and copier having higher resolution.
One best thing about this printer is you can save 90% of your money. You will also not have any cartridge waste.
This sublimation printer features a unique heat-free technology. You will get an amazing quality of printing images, and your prints will also have vibrant colors.
For connectivity, you will get various options, such as you can connect your devices with it through Ethernet, USB, and Wi-Fi.
Its Wi-Fi connectivity is not that strong, but you can use other options such as USB to have a more stable connection.
The only thing which I don’t quite understand in this model is its paper feeder is not enclosed. You can only load the paper outside and upright feeder through its back.
It’s best home printer for Sublimation as if you are going to buy it for home use then it will be perfect choice for you. As it is easy to operable and you can also afford it within minimum budget.
Pros
Cons
4- HP OfficeJet Pro 9025 All-in-One Wireless Printer:
Key Features:
I have found this HP OfficeJet Pro 9025 one of the best beginner sublimation printer because it features advanced technology but still has simple and easy-to-use design.
However it includes a classical, traditional design, but still, it has many unique features, which is much more for any traditional printer.
HP Pro 9025 comes equipped with an ink tracking system, which indicates to its user whenever the printer is running low on ink.
This model also includes HP high yield cartridges and two sheet trays which is a plus in it. With these trays, you will get to add 250 sheets to each tray at once.
So overall, it can take a maximum of 500 sheets at same time.
As compared to its previous model, its scanning is two times faster. Its classic white and black design will make it a perfect blend for your home decor.
Some main advantages of buying this printer include an easy to control and operable touch screen.
You will also get multiple connectivity options to connect to this printer, such as you can easily connect it to your tablet, phone, or PC via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB.
Furthermore, you will be able to control the printer by downloading HP smart app on your device.
Pros
Cons
5- Epson EcoTank ET-4760 Supertank Printer
Key Features
Epson EcoTank ET-4760 is a dream printer for those who want to buy sublimation printers having feasibility of cartridge-free printing.
So they can have their money from spending on the replacement of ink.
Additionally, this printer also comes with a built-in scanner as well as a copier which will increase your convenience.
Its touch screen is comfortable to operate with easy to touch sensors.
The thing I found most interesting is that it has two-sided printing; you can check it in the box from your device when you are going to print.
You just have to select it for one time, and then it will select on its own for other times.
It is the best sublimation printer for business as its compact and easy-to-use features enable you to rely on it for day and night performance of your business to run smoothly.
You will be able to save your time and space with its built-in scanner and copier, which is also a plus for your business.
Pros
Cons
6- Canon® SELPHY™ CP1300 Wireless Compact Photo Printer
Key Features
We all know canon for its world-class manufacturing cameras, but that’s not all as they also have great quality sublimation printers.
Canon Selphy CP1300 is considered as one of those highest quality sublimation printers which are available in the market.
Canon is undoubtedly the most trusted brand you can choose, especially when you are a beginner.
There are also some great things about canon products as they are not only water-resistant but also have great built quality.
You will have feasibility to connect your tablets and smartphone through the Wi-Fi Direct, Canon PRINT App, AirPrint, Memory Card Support, Mopria Device Printing, and USB Flash Memory to print your file.
You can create color prints of up to 256 levels per color resolution.
The operating temperature required to print your documents lies within the range of 5-40 degrees Celsius. You can easily navigate and control your printer with its 3.2″ LCD screen.
I found it as the best mini portable printer as it is a handy device that is not only easy to use but also compact and portable as well.
It will provide you the feasibility to print a nice quality image whenever you want.
Pros
Cons
7- Epson Expression XP-15000 Printer
Key Features
Just like other Epson models, this one is no different in terms of durability and quality.
What makes it one of the best Epson sublimation printer is its unique and easy-to-use features. It comes features a sleek and attractive matte black exterior.
The structure of this printer has also been made large, which makes it an ideal option as a desk printer. With Epson XP-15000, you will get high-quality images because of its cartridges.
Furthermore, as we already know, that Epson cartridge lasts for a longer time, so you wouldn’t need to refill it after every few usages.
In this model, my favorite is its incorporated Auto Duplex feature which will enable you to print double-sided images and documents.
But one thing which can be improved in this is the capacity of its paper tray as it takes only 50 maximum sheets at one time.
You will find a small touch screen at the front side of your printer along with some buttons which are present to its side.
Among these buttons, you will find a power button to switch on and off your device. And you will also get the feasibility to operate your printer either through the buttons or screen.
Pros
Cons
8- Epson WorkForce WF-3640 Printer
Key Features
Epson WorkForce WF-3640 Wireless is also one of the best models Epson has manufactured so far.
It comes equipped with exceptionally amazing features along with several benefits which will enable you to make your job much easier.
This 3640 comes with multiple connectivity options and again uses Precision Core technology to print images.
You can rely on the printers with such technology that they will provide you with vivid and crisp printed images and documents.
Also, its automatic dual-sided printing feature will prevent you from manual selection every time whenever you want to print on both sides.
On top of that, it also comes featured with an automatic document feed, so you will be able to feed your papers into the printer with more feasibility.
The most attractive thing in this sublimation printer is the Amazon Dash Replenishment technology which helps you to keep track of your printer’s ink and will order more whenever it is needed.
This is one of the best small business sublimation printer as it may doesn’t have super high-quality photo printing, but you can use it for color printing and will do a great job for that.
Pros
Cons
What is the Best Sublimation Printer?
Sublimation printing is one of the forms of digital printing which uses specialized paper to print images or documents.
And the best sublimation printer, whether it is for home use or for office use, is the one that has a faster speed, delivers high printing quality.
But if you are going to buy a sublimation printer for a beginner, then it will be a plus if you can get your first one at low price and also has lower maintenance cost.
Buying Guide for Best Beginner Sublimation Printers
If you want your business to reach at higher levels, then purchasing a sublimation printer will be a great investment for you.
But before buying your desired sublimation printer, you have to set your budget by keeping in mind and you require a sublimation printer beginner guide.
Therefore, to make your work easier, I have mentioned all the factors which will be important for you to know before selecting any printer.
Multiple Connectivity Options
Before buying a sublimation printer for beginners, the first thing you have to check-in it is its connectivity options.
It is one of the most important elements which has a direct impact on the usage of the sublimation printer.
It means your printer must have the ability to get connecting with other devices easily.
If your desirable printer has such availability, then it will be easier for you to use, especially when you are using this for the first time.
Connectivity sure seems like a simple task, but if you have not done it before, then it may also become a headache for you.
Therefore, if you are a beginner, then I would like you to go with the model, which has multiple options when it comes to connectivity.
One thing that you have to make sure of regarding this is your printer must allow wired and wireless connectivity as it will be much easier for you to use such sublimation printers.
Printer, which can only be connected via wire or USB, such as traditional models of printers, doesn’t only cause cord hassle for you but also restricts the device’s type that you can connect to the printer.
Whereas newly launched models with more advanced technologies allow you to connect through USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet.
Ethernet will help you connect your printer directly with the router without having you connect it with Wi-Fi.
While USB ports will be helpful for you when you want to print images from another device.
Furthermore, these models also enable you to control your sublimation printer via Alexa, which will easily process your voice commands.
Sheet Size Range
Sheet Size is another important factor as sizes of printing images vary with different models of printers.
There are some models that enable you to print up to 13 inches x 19 inches size images, whereas there are some others that can only print the images of size 4 inches x 6 inches.
Therefore, whenever you are looking for a sublimation printer to buy for yourself, always look for a model which allows you to print a large sheet size range so you can easily print as many different sizes of images as you want.
If you are not into much larger or much smaller image sizes, then you can also go with the models, including standard sizes of 8.5 inches x 14 inches.
Sheet Capacity of the Printer
When it comes to the sheet capacity of printer, you have to choose wisely. It is considered as one of the most critical factors for sublimation printers.
Because when you need to do printing all day, you definitely wouldn’t want to waste your time restocking sheets again and again.
Therefore, if you feel like you will need your printer to do continuous printing for you, then it should have a minimum capacity of at least 150 sheets.
But if you are not going to use it frequently, then you can also go with the printers having lower sheet capacity than this.
Speed of Printer
Just like other factors, printing speed also plays an important role when you are in search of finding a sublimation printer.
Speed is crucial because when people don’t consider this factor while purchasing a printer, then they have to face time difficulties. Such as, they have to wait for a longer time to get their printing image.
Speed of the printer is a time interval from when you press ok present on the print box to paper landing in an output tray.
Printing speed is taken in Print Per Page (PPM), explaining how many a number of prints a printer prints per minute.
Speed may vary with different components such as printing types (colored or black), the design’s size, or image that you are going to print.
I would recommend you to go with a sublimation printer that has the capability to print 15-20 black pages/minute and 8-10 colored pages/minute.
You must ensure that whoever printer you are selecting must have a maximum speed to print images.
Quality of Printed document
Checking the quality of printed documents is also something that can’t be ignored, especially when you are a beginner and looking forward to purchase a sublimation printer.
You can check the quality of document by its resolution as the more resolution will be the higher quality you will get.
When you are entering into the customization business you have to come across many competitors so to rule in them it is important for you to keep your quality higher.
For such case I would like you to go with the printers having resolution of 2400 dpi.
And coming to color accuracy you can check it with the system of printer’s ink. If ink cartridges of the printer can utilize more ink, then the color accuracy will be way better.
Size of Printer
If you are a beginner or buying it for someone who is going to use it for the first time, then the size of printer will also have some basic importance for you.
Such as if you are buying it for office use then your sublimation printer must be larger in size.
Whereas for home use you must look for printers who are much compact and smaller in size.
Other than that your laptop must also be portable and light weight so you can carry it around with you.
Cost of Printer
Sublimation printers usually are not available in the market for low prices.
But still as you are a beginner so you might have wanted to buy a low budget printer or you might have a tight budget but it’s all right.
There is nothing to worry about, In the above article I have mentioned some low budget products for you which you can buy easily without giving them any second thoughts.
Although if you can buy a high end sublimation printer then you can also find one from other above mentioned products.
Type of Ink
You must be thinking that type of ink might not be an essential factor when you are choosing your desired printer but that is not the case.
Sublimation printers includes two types of inks such as large capacity ink bottles and ink cartridges.
Ink cartridges comparatively to larger capacity ink bottles have lower quantity to keep ink which you will have to replace after some uses.
But as the name suggests large capacity ink bottles have the capacity to store large amounts of ink which you don’t have to replace more often.
So if you think that you will need to print your documents every day and night I will recommend you to go with the printer having larger capacity ink bottles.
Easy Ink Replacement
Each sublimation printer has its own brand of ink cartridge which comes with its own ink bottles.
You just have to make sure that if you are buying a printer with ink cartridge system then the bottles should be in a place where you can easily replace them.
As a beginner, knowing everything about machines is definitely difficult.
On top of that if you also have to locate the position of ink bottles for replacement of ink then it will become more frustrating for you.
That’s why to choose the one whose ink bottles are easy to locate.
Ink Budget
The thing which will surprise the beginners of sublimation printer the most will be the cost required for buying and replacement of ink.
Therefore, before buying your printer it is necessary to check the brand of ink the printer is using. And then check whether you can afford to purchase that ink or not.
Apart from that you should priories the printers that come with refillable ink tanks so you can save your money.
Easy to Operate
While purchasing a sublimation printer it is also necessary to check whether the design of your print is easy to operate or not.
There are some printers available in the market that have excellent features but are bit difficult for beginners to operate.
So always look for printers whose design is easy enough even for a novice to operate. On top of that if you can get the sublimation printer with touch keys then it will plus for you.
Warranty
As I have mentioned above to buy sublimation printers you must have a larger amount of money.
Therefore, you have to make sure that the machine you are going to buy must have a warranty so you can claim it whenever it is required.
It will help you to prevent yourself from wasting your money. These days mostly every brand includes 1 to 3 years’ warranty.
FAQs Section
What is a Cheap but Good Sublimation Printer?
An affordable printer but with high printing quality such as Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is considered as a Cheap but Good Sublimation Printer.
What is a Good Sublimation Printer for Home Use?
Epson Workforce WF-7710 can be your good sublimation printer for home use as it has easy to locate refills with high quality images.
Does It Matter What Printer You Use for Sublimation?
Sublimation inks are basically designed for traditional inkjet printers so it doesn’t matter which model you are using for Sublimation.
Can I Convert Any Printer to Sublimation?
You can only convert your printer into a sublimation printer if it is being used for the first time and is not filled with any other ink except sublimation ink.
Are Sublimation Printers Worth It?
Sublimation printers are worthy as these prints have outstanding fine lines and are detailed images so it is considered as one of the best methods way to print your images or document.
Can any printer be used for sublimation?
No, not any printer can be used for sublimation, it requires specific sublimation ink and a heat press to transfer the ink onto the desired substrate. Regular inkjet or laser printers won’t work for sublimation printing.
What is the cheapest printer that can be converted to sublimation?
The cheapest alternative would be to buy a specific sublimation printer; prices vary based on the brand and features. It is not advised to convert a conventional printer to sublimation.
What is the best sublimation printer for a small business?
The ideal sublimation printer for a small business will depend on its particular requirements, spending limit, and printing volume. Popular choices for small businesses include the Ricoh SG 7100DN, Sawgrass Virtuoso SG400, and Epson SureColor F570.
Final Words
In the above article I have mentioned all the best sublimation printer for beginner that I could find so far.
And I also include all the necessary details one might need to know before buying the best sublimation printer for beginner.
However, among all these best beginner sublimation printers the one I like the most is WorkForce WF-7710.
Also Check: 15 Sublimation Project Ideas for Beginners
Fredrik Miller is the Founder of PrinterLake.com, a platform dedicated to providing information on sublimation printing. With a Master’s degree in Information Technology from Reputed University, Fredrik brings a wealth of technical knowledge and expertise to the site.
He leads a team of writers who are experts in the field and strive to deliver the best and most comprehensive information on sublimation printers, inks, and paper.