Sawgrass SG500 Bundle
4.3Editor score
Professional CMYK inkset included
Smart color-preset software
Wide media-format capability
In this guide
A sublimation printer can turn artwork into durable, colorful products ranging from shirts and mugs to signs and personalized gifts. For beginners, the right choice depends on transfer type, media capacity, ink format, color consistency, and the learning curve associated with setup, profiles, presses, and maintenance.
This guide compares all ten supplied models, focusing on the facts most relevant to a first sublimation project. It separates dedicated dye-sublimation printers from conventional EcoTank and office-oriented models, while examining bundled inks, paper, software, connectivity, scanner functions, and supported media dimensions.
Each review explains who the model is best positioned to serve and where its limitations may affect a new user. The Sawgrass SG500 bundles and Epson SureColor F170 stand out as purpose-built options, while the EcoTank models are included for broader perspective. Product availability, bundle contents, and prices can change, so verify current listings before buying.
Top 3 Picks for Best Sublimation Printer for Beginners
Epson SureColor F170
4.6Editor score
Ready-to-use dye-sublimation bundle
Vibrant PrecisionCore color output
Closed 150-sheet paper tray
Sawgrass SG500 Starter Bundle
3.6Editor score
Starter CMYK cartridges included
MySawgrass design access
Compact desktop-oriented design
Top 10 Best Sublimation Printer for Beginners in 2026 Compared
The comparison below places the three dedicated sublimation bundles beside seven conventional inkjet choices, making clear which models can produce dye-sublimation transfers and which are primarily document and photo printers.
ProductsSpecificationsEditor scorePrice
Editor's Choice
Epson EcoTank ET-4800
Conventional inkjet printing
Built-in flatbed scanner
High-capacity refill tanks
Wireless color all-in-one
3.8Editor score
Editor's Choice
Epson EcoTank ET-2803
Conventional inkjet printing
Wireless AirPrint support
High-capacity refill tanks
Flatbed scanner included
4.2Editor score
Best Premium
Sawgrass SG500 Bundle
Dye-sublimation print system
31 mL CMYK inkset
Includes transfer paper
MySawgrass software access
4.3Editor score
Epson SureColor F170
Dye-sublimation print system
OEM inkset included
150-sheet paper tray
Compact desktop design
4.6Editor score
Epson EcoTank ET-15000
Conventional wide-format inkjet
Print scan copy fax
Up to 4800-by-2400 dpi
Wi-Fi and Ethernet
4.2Editor score
Epson EcoTank ET-2400
Conventional color inkjet
Wireless connectivity
Refillable ink-tank system
Up to 7200 color pages
4.0Editor score
Sawgrass SG500 Starter Bundle
Dye-sublimation print system
20 mL CMYK cartridges
Includes transfer paper
Smart color-preset software
3.6Editor score
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
Conventional six-color inkjet
Wide-format photo printing
Wireless all-in-one functions
Refillable six-color system
4.0Editor score
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
Conventional color inkjet
Wireless all-in-one design
High-capacity refill tanks
Flatbed scanner included
4.0Editor score
Epson EcoTank ET-2720
Conventional color inkjet
Built-in flatbed scanner
Refillable ink-tank system
Color display navigation
4.4Editor score
1. Epson EcoTank ET-4800 – Flexible High-Capacity All-in-One
Epson EcoTank ET-4800
Wireless color all-in-one
Cartridge-free ink tanks
Built-in flatbed scanner
Heat-free Micro Piezo printing
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is a wireless color all-in-one built around high-capacity refillable ink tanks. Its supplied rating is 3.8, placing it near the middle of this list, but its scanner, copier, and cartridge-free operating concept can appeal to beginners who want a versatile household printer. It should be treated as a conventional inkjet rather than a dedicated dye-sublimation model.
Pros
- Large refillable ink tanks
- Scanner and copier included
- Sharp document text output
- Useful photo and graphic printing
Cons
- Not a sublimation printer
- No included transfer media
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The strongest feature is the tank-based ink system. Epson EcoFit bottles reduce the need for small cartridge changes, while the advertised Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology is designed to produce sharp text along with colorful photos and graphics. A high-resolution flatbed scanner and color display expand the device beyond printing, making it more useful for school projects, labels, and ordinary document work.
The important limitation is that nothing in the supplied specifications identifies the ET-4800 as compatible with dye-sublimation ink or transfer workflows. Standard inkjet ink and sublimation ink are not interchangeable, and ordinary inkjet output does not become a transfer simply by switching software. The EcoTank approach reduces cartridge waste, but it does not transform this model into a sublimation printer.
This model makes sense for someone who wants an economical general-purpose color printer and separately plans to obtain a true sublimation system for products. It is not our top recommendation for a first sublimation project because the rank-one position does not make it purpose-built. Buyers whose main goal is shirts, mugs, drinkware, or rigid substrates should focus on the Epson F170 or Sawgrass SG500 instead.
A Practical General-Purpose Companion
The scanner, copier, color display, and wireless functions make the ET-4800 useful for everyday creative and administrative tasks. It can sit alongside a dedicated transfer printer without attempting to perform the job the specialized machine was designed for.
Lower Waste Through Refillable Tanks
Its EcoTank design replaces frequent cartridge replacement with refillable high-capacity tanks. That can simplify ownership for high-volume color printing, although a separate dye-sublimation printer remains necessary for heat-transfer projects.
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2. Epson EcoTank ET-2803 – Accessible Wireless Color Printing
Epson EcoTank ET-2803
Wireless color all-in-one
Refillable EcoFit ink tanks
AirPrint and Smart Panel
Flatbed scanner included
The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 combines refillable ink tanks, wireless connectivity, scanning, and copying in a familiar all-in-one format. Its supplied rating is 4.2, placing it among the stronger general-purpose options here. The product is relevant to a beginner's printer setup, but it is not a dye-sublimation transfer printer and should not be considered ready for making sublimated products.
Pros
- Straightforward wireless setup
- Voice-activated printing support
- Refillable high-capacity tanks
- Scanning and copying functions
Cons
- Not designed for sublimation
- No bundled transfer supplies
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Its connectivity choices are particularly approachable. The printer supports wireless printing, hands-free voice-activated commands, AirPrint, and the Epson Smart Panel app. That combination can reduce the barrier for new users who want to begin with simple document and photo output. A color display and high-resolution flatbed scanner also make copying and navigation straightforward.
Epson's cartridge-free EcoTank system is designed for lower replenishment frequency, and the listing states that each ink-bottle set is equivalent to approximately 80 individual cartridges. It also advertises up to 4,500 black-and-white pages or 7,500 color pages in a stated set of conditions. These are conventional printer capabilities, not evidence of dye-sublimation compatibility.
For a first sublimation purchase, the ET-2803 is not the direct fit. Its EcoFit ink and heat-free inkjet technology serve paper-based color printing, while dye-sublimation printers use specialized ink that transfers under heat and pressure to compatible surfaces. Consider this model as an optional everyday printer, then choose the dedicated F170 or SG500 for actual sublimation work.
Beginner-Friendly Wireless Controls
AirPrint, app-based printing, and voice-activated controls give the ET-2803 a comfortable learning curve for everyday output. These features simplify document and photo jobs, not the material-specific color profiles required for sublimation products.
Scanning in a Compact All-in-One
The built-in high-resolution scanner and color display create a useful second function. It can complement a dedicated transfer printer by handling ordinary copies and scans without requiring another general-purpose machine.
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3. Sawgrass SG500 Bundle – Professional-Grade Sublimation Starter
Sawgrass SG500 Bundle
Dedicated dye-sublimation system
31 mL CMYK inkset
Transfer paper included
Printhead auto-maintenance
The Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer, 31 mL Inks and Paper Bundle is a purpose-built option for creators who want a more guided path into dye-sublimation production. Its supplied rating is 4.3. Unlike conventional inkjets in this comparison, it is explicitly designed to print on transfer media for custom shirts, drinkware, signage, and promotional products.
Pros
- Purpose-built sublimation workflow
- Professional CMYK ink bundle
- Extensive software template access
- Flexible media-handling options
Cons
- Requires compatible transfer equipment
- Higher learning curve than inkjets
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The bundle includes 31 mL SubliJet UHD inks in cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, along with paper. Those four included colors provide the foundation of the CMYK workflow. The software package is another major strength: MySawgrass supplies an online design environment with templates, while Sawgrass Print Utility provides presets intended to support accurate and consistent color output.
Its compact desktop form does not limit the printer to standard paper. The stated standard media size reaches 8.5 by 14 inches, and the bypass tray can accommodate media up to 8.5 by 51 inches. That flexibility opens the door to larger layouts and transfer-paper workflows. Wi-Fi connectivity and automatic printhead maintenance add convenience and help the machine remain ready for repeat jobs.
This is a strong recommendation for a beginner who is willing to learn a professional workflow. It is more purpose-specific than the EcoTank models and arrives with inks and paper, reducing the number of initial supplies to source. The trade-offs are a more specialized setup and the need for compatible blanks, transfer paper handling, and a heat press or other appropriate transfer equipment.
A Guided Path Into Sublimation
MySawgrass combines design templates with Sawgrass Print Utility, offering a more structured starting point for users who are unfamiliar with color settings and media profiles. This helps beginners focus on creating products rather than assembling every software element independently.
Media Flexibility for Growing Orders
Standard output supports media up to 8.5 by 14 inches, while the bypass tray extends the stated capacity to 8.5 by 51 inches. This makes the SG500 useful for both individual projects and longer layouts as a user develops a product range.
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4. Epson SureColor F170 – Complete Entry-Level Sublimation System
Epson SureColor F170
Dye-sublimation output
OEM inkset included
150-sheet auto-feed tray
PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead
The Epson SureColor F170 is the strongest dedicated entry point in this group for a beginner seeking a complete, compact dye-sublimation setup. It carries the highest supplied rating at 4.6. The bundle includes Epson dye-sublimation inks, an AC power cable, a user guide, and a maintenance tank, so essential consumables are represented in the package.
Pros
- Highest supplied rating
- Inks and maintenance tank included
- Compact home-studio footprint
- Automatic paper feeding
Cons
- Desktop and laptop workflow only
- Requires compatible transfer presses
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Its PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead uses precise droplet control to produce vibrant color for personalized products. The listing identifies shirts, tumblers, mugs, and DIY gifts as intended applications, all of which depend on using compatible coated substrates and the appropriate transfer process. A closed, dust-resistant 150-sheet auto-feed tray also reduces paper preparation and supports more orderly batch printing.
The compact desktop shape is suitable for a home studio or small workspace. Mac and Windows computers are supported, but an internet connection and desktop or laptop are required; mobile devices are not supported. That limitation makes advance file preparation important. Beginners should design and profile artwork on a computer rather than expect a phone-only workflow.
For someone beginning with shirts, mugs, or tumblers, the F170 offers the clearest combination of purpose-built hardware and included supplies. Its limitations are the need for compatible blanks and transfer equipment and the absence of mobile workflow support. Even with those qualifications, it is the most balanced recommendation for a first dedicated sublimation printer.
Purpose-Built From the Start
The F170 uses Epson dye-sublimation ink technology from the outset rather than attempting to adapt a conventional inkjet. That distinction matters because transfer behavior, color output, and substrate compatibility depend on the correct printing process.
A More Comfortable Paper Workflow
The enclosed 150-sheet auto-feed tray supports batch transfer-paper handling and keeps the paper path cleaner. For a new user, fewer manual feed and preparation steps can make the overall workflow easier to learn.
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5. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Wide-Format Office Printing
Epson EcoTank ET-15000
Wide-format conventional inkjet
Print scan copy fax
Up to 4800-by-2400 dpi
Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a wireless wide-format all-in-one designed for office-scale document, copy, scan, and fax tasks. Its supplied rating is 4.2. The machine stands out in this comparison for its wide-format capabilities and productivity-oriented connectivity, but its supplied data does not identify it as a dye-sublimation printer.
Pros
- Wide-format paper support
- Four all-in-one office functions
- High stated print resolution
- Multiple wired wireless options
Cons
- Not a dye-sublimation system
- Large desktop footprint
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The stated inkjet resolution reaches 4800 by 2400 dpi, which supports crisp readability for documents and detailed conventional inkjet output. Speed is listed at 17 pages per minute in black and white and 9 pages per minute in color, with a monthly duty cycle of 33,000 pages. USB 2.0, LAN, and Wi-Fi connectivity make it suitable for wired networks as well as wireless use.
A key limitation for this guide is that a high print resolution does not make a conventional inkjet a sublimation printer. Sublimation projects require dye-sublimation ink and transfer media designed to release color under controlled heat and pressure. The ET-15000's inkjet output should not be treated as a substitute for that process or placed in a heat press as though it were a transfer.
This model may be valuable to a home business that needs wide-format office printing alongside a separate dedicated sublimation machine. It is not recommended as the first purchase for someone whose primary objective is personalized sublimation products. Choose the F170 or SG500 for transfers and consider the ET-15000 only when broad document functions are an independent requirement.
Productivity Beyond Basic Printing
Printing, scanning, copying, and faxing give this model more office utility than a single-function device. Its stated speed and duty-cycle figures also position it for regular administrative workloads rather than occasional home printing alone.
Flexible Office Connectivity
USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi give users several ways to place the printer on a network. These conveniences improve everyday office access, but they do not alter the printer's conventional inkjet format.
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6. Epson EcoTank ET-2400 – High-Volume Refillable Color Printing
Epson EcoTank ET-2400
Wireless color all-in-one
Refillable EcoFit ink tanks
Up to 7200 color pages
Heat-free Micro Piezo printing
The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 is a wireless color all-in-one aimed at people who want economical, high-volume document and graphic printing. Its supplied rating is 4.0. The refillable-tank system reduces cartridge changes, but the model remains a conventional inkjet and is not a true option for creating dye-sublimation transfers.
Pros
- Less frequent ink replacement
- Large stated page yield
- Sharp text and graphics
- Compact all-in-one format
Cons
- Does not perform sublimation transfers
- No dedicated transfer bundle
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The listing states that each ink-bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges and advertises up to 4,500 black-and-white pages or 7,200 color pages under stated conditions. Epson EcoFit bottles make the tanks easier to refill, and the Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology is intended to deliver sharp text plus colorful photos and graphics on varied paper types.
Its major disadvantage in a sublimation guide is fundamental rather than incidental. There is no indication that the ET-2400 accepts dye-sublimation ink, supports transfer-paper profiles, or has a built-in bypass tray for specialized media. It may be possible to use a correctly configured inkjet printer for some transfer-paper crafts, but that would depend on an explicitly supported process rather than ordinary EcoTank ink.
Choose the ET-2400 for its own strengths: frequent color printing, refillable ink, and a compact all-in-one design. If the stated goal is to begin making sublimated shirts, mugs, and signs, move directly to a dedicated model such as the Epson F170 or Sawgrass SG500. This printer is better viewed as an optional office or creative-output companion.
Useful for Frequent Color Jobs
The refillable format and stated color-page yield suit users who print regularly and want to avoid replacing small cartridges. That efficiency applies to paper-based documents and graphics rather than sublimation blanks.
A Familiar Creative Output Engine
Sharp text and capable photo and graphic output make the ET-2400 useful for planning artwork, creating reference sheets, and handling ordinary design prints. A separate compatible setup is still required for transferring those images to coated products.
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7. Sawgrass SG500 Starter Bundle – Accessible Dedicated Sublimation
Sawgrass SG500 Starter Bundle
Dedicated dye-sublimation system
20 mL CMYK cartridges
Transfer paper included
MySawgrass workflow access
The Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer Starter Bundle with Ink and Paper offers a direct route into dedicated dye-sublimation printing. Its supplied rating is 3.6, the lowest among the ten listed models, but ratings alone do not account for the fact that most competing products are conventional office printers. Within the small group of purpose-built options, this bundle directly addresses the requested use case.
Pros
- Purpose-built transfer printer
- Inks and paper bundled together
- Guided design template platform
- Automatic printhead maintenance
Cons
- Lower supplied rating
- Additional blanks and press required
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The starter package contains 20 mL SubliJet UHD cartridges in cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. SubliJet UHD inks are formulated for rich, consistent color on both hard and soft substrates. Paper is also included, and access to MySawgrass provides an online design tool with templates. Sawgrass Print Utility adds presets and control intended to support consistent color results.
The desktop-oriented SG500 prints on media up to 8.5 by 14 inches in standard use. Its bypass tray expands the stated media capability to 8.5 by 51 inches, which can be valuable for large transfers and repeated layouts. Wi-Fi connectivity reduces cable management, while printhead auto-maintenance is designed to support dependable operation and reduce routine manual upkeep.
This is a sensible starter selection for a beginner who wants a guided, dedicated system and understands that a printer alone is not a complete product-production kit. Compatible coated blanks, a transfer press or appropriate pressing system, design software, and careful temperature and dwell settings are still needed. The lower supplied rating warrants checking recent customer feedback and verifying current bundle contents before purchasing.
A True Sublimation Starting Point
Unlike the EcoTank models, the SG500 is expressly built around dye-sublimation ink and transfer output. That makes it more relevant to shirts, drinkware, signage, and promotional products from the first project.
Bundled Supplies Reduce Setup Friction
Four starter cartridges and paper give a new user the core printing materials in one listing. The included software access also offers a structured design path, although buyers still need compatible product blanks and transfer equipment.
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8. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – Detailed Wide-Format Photo Printing
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
Six-color refillable inkjet
Wide-format photo printing
Wireless all-in-one functions
Up to 6200 color pages
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a wireless wide-format all-in-one built for detailed color work, including photos, graphics, and creative projects. Its supplied rating is 4.0. Claria ET Premium six-color ink and an Epson high-accuracy printhead can make it appealing to creative beginners, but it does not have the dedicated dye-sublimation characteristics of the F170 or SG500.
Pros
- Six-color photo ink system
- Wide creative output sizes
- Scanning and copying included
- Refillable high-yield bottles
Cons
- Not a sublimation transfer device
- Six-color ink system adds complexity
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Its cartridge-free system uses refillable bottles and is advertised to produce up to 6,200 color pages per stated set of conditions. The six-color setup provides a broader tonal range than a standard four-color system, which can benefit photographic and gradient-heavy work. Wide-format capability also makes it useful for posters and larger creative pieces when paired with suitable paper.
For actual sublimation, the model has a fundamental mismatch. Claria photo ink is intended to remain on conventional paper, not to become a dye-sublimation transfer layer. Without explicit support for dye-sublimation ink, compatible transfer media, and an appropriate color workflow, the ET-8550 should not be marketed as a substitute for a dedicated transfer printer.
This EcoTank Photo model is most appropriate for a beginner who wants polished paper output and an all-in-one creative machine alongside, not instead of, a sublimation printer. The F170 offers a more direct path for personalized products. The ET-8550 earns consideration only when high-quality wide-format paper printing is a priority in its own right.
Six Inks for Smoother Gradients
The Claria ET Premium six-color system adds color depth compared with a basic four-color setup. This is valuable for photographic subjects, gradients, and creative color accuracy on paper.
A Wide Creative Workhorse
Wide-format output, wireless connectivity, scanning, and copying provide a flexible combination for a home studio. Its strength lies in conventional photo and graphic printing, not heat-transfer production.
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9. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Refillable Wireless Color All-in-One
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
Wireless color all-in-one
High-capacity refillable tanks
Up to 7500 color pages
Flatbed scanner included
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 in white is a wireless color all-in-one with refillable tanks, a flatbed scanner, and a color display. Its supplied rating is 4.0. It can be an economical paper printer for a beginner, especially one who values long intervals between ink replacements, but the supplied specifications do not support using it as a dye-sublimation transfer printer.
Pros
- Large stated color yield
- Simple refill-oriented ink system
- Sharp text and photo output
- Scanning and copying functions
Cons
- Not compatible with sublimation ink
- No transfer supplies included
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Epson describes each replacement set as equivalent to roughly 90 individual cartridges, with a stated capacity of up to 4,500 black pages or 7,500 color pages. EcoFit bottles simplify refilling the high-capacity tanks. The Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology is intended to create sharp text and impressive color photos and graphics across different paper types.
The built-in scanner and copier add value for a home office or craft-planning workspace. Artwork can be scanned, edited, and prepared as reference files, but the ordinary output still uses conventional ink. It cannot simply be loaded with dye-sublimation ink or used with heat-transfer media without explicit manufacturer support and a properly supported workflow.
A first-time sublimation buyer should view the ET-2800 as a possible companion machine rather than the central transfer printer. If the goal is personalized apparel and drinkware, choose the F170 for a compact all-in-one starter package or the SG500 for a more software-guided professional system. This EcoTank model is better justified by ordinary color-printing volume.
Fewer Refills for Busy Color Users
The stated yield and bottle-based filling system reduce the frequency of cartridge replacement. This makes the ET-2800 attractive for users who regularly produce documents, images, and graphics on paper.
Helpful for Preparing Artwork
The integrated scanner can help bring physical reference images into a computer-based design workflow. That utility supports preparation, while the dedicated sublimation printer performs the final transfer output.
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10. Epson EcoTank ET-2720 – Straightforward Refillable Color Printing
Epson EcoTank ET-2720
Wireless color all-in-one
Refillable high-capacity tanks
Built-in flatbed scanner
Color display navigation
The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 is a black wireless color all-in-one with refillable tanks, a high-resolution flatbed scanner, and a color display. Its supplied rating of 4.4 is strong, and its cartridge-free system can be useful for frequent paper printing. However, it is not a dye-sublimation printer and does not directly support the transfer workflow central to this guide.
Pros
- Simple tank-based operation
- Scanning and copying included
- Sharp text and graphics output
- Compact black desktop design
Cons
- No dye-sublimation capability
- No transfer media bundle
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The model's Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology is designed to produce sharp text and impressive color photos and graphics on virtually any paper type. High-capacity tanks reduce the need to deal with numerous small ink cartridges, while the scanner and copier extend the device beyond basic printing. The color display assists navigation during copying and document setup.
As with the other EcoTank models in this list, the decisive distinction is ink chemistry and intended function. Dye-sublimation ink transfers into compatible coated surfaces when processed with controlled heat and pressure. The ET-2720's conventional inkjet system is designed to print directly onto paper, and the supplied data gives no indication of sublimation-media support.
This model is a solid conventional printer for documents and color projects, but it should not be chosen as the primary answer to a search for a beginner sublimation printer. Select the Epson F170 if you want the clearest dedicated system with inks included, or consider an SG500 bundle if guided professional software and broader media handling are more important.
Simple Refill-First Ownership
High-capacity tanks and bottle refilling remove much of the cartridge-replacement routine. This makes the ET-2720 approachable for general users who print regularly on paper.
Document Functions Add Daily Value
The flatbed scanner, copier, and color display make the printer useful beyond color output. These conveniences are separate from, and do not replace, a dedicated dye-sublimation workflow.
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Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Sublimation Printer for Beginners
Choose a sublimation printer by separating genuine dye-sublimation capability from conventional inkjet features, then match the machine's media handling, included supplies, software, and operating requirements to the products you want to make.
Confirm True Dye-Sublimation Capability
Begin by verifying that the manufacturer explicitly identifies the printer as a dye-sublimation system. A high resolution, refillable ink tanks, and impressive photo quality do not make a conventional inkjet compatible with sublimation transfers. Dedicated models use specialized inks and are designed to print transfer media that can release color into a compatible coating under the correct heat and pressure process.
Choose a model expressly labeled for sublimation. Do not assume that third-party ink can safely or correctly convert a standard EcoTank model into one.
Match Ink and Included Supplies
Review what arrives in the box. The Epson F170 includes a full set of OEM Epson sublimation inks, an AC cable, a user guide, and a maintenance tank. Both Sawgrass bundles include CMYK ink and paper, although the listed cartridge volumes differ. Included consumables can make the initial setup less complicated, but users should confirm that the quantities suit their planned workload.
Ink format matters for restocking and cost planning. Look for a consistent supply source and compatible replacement bottles or cartridges. A complete starter bundle is generally more useful than a bare printer, but it is not automatically complete because blanks and transfer equipment may still be required.
Check Media Size and Handling
Paper size can determine which products fit your workflow. The Sawgrass SG500 supports media up to 8.5 by 14 inches in normal use and lists bypass-tray capacity up to 8.5 by 51 inches. The Epson F170 uses a 150-sheet auto-feed tray for transfer paper. Beginners should compare these specifications with the dimensions of the blanks, labels, signs, and transfer sheets they expect to use.
For repeated jobs, automatic feeding and a protected paper tray are valuable. For unusual or oversized layouts, a bypass tray may matter more. Choose based on the products you will actually make rather than on maximum dimensions alone.
Assess Color Workflow and Software
Sublimation projects depend on repeatable color because different substrates and coatings can affect results. The Sawgrass bundles provide MySawgrass templates and Sawgrass Print Utility presets intended to make setup more accessible and consistent. Dedicated workflows also depend on correct printer profiles, suitable artwork, and compatible transfer media.
Look for software that matches your comfort level. Beginners may benefit from templates and guided presets, while experienced operators may want more direct control. In either case, prepare files on a supported computer and allow time to test colors on the specific substrate you plan to use.
Plan for the Entire Production System
A sublimation printer is only one part of making personalized products. You also need compatible blanks or substrates, correctly formulated transfer media, and an appropriate heat press or other transfer method. Individual garments may also need proper preparation, and coated mugs, metal tumblers, and other hard goods have their own supplier requirements.
Budget and plan for the complete workflow. A machine with excellent output can still feel complicated if the missing accessory is a heat source, pressing equipment, or suitable blanks. Read the current product instructions and compatibility lists before creating an order.
Consider Connectivity and Workspace
The dedicated Epson F170 works with Mac and Windows desktops and laptops and requires an internet connection, but it is not listed as compatible with mobile devices. The Sawgrass SG500 offers Wi-Fi and online MySawgrass design access. These facts should guide where you place the machine and how you prepare files.
A dedicated workspace is useful for keeping the transfer system, press, blanks, and cooling area organized. Check the machine's dimensions, electrical requirements, ventilation needs, and access to media. The Sawgrass SG500 is designed for standard 110/120V North American outlets.
Understand Maintenance Needs
Sublimation systems need attention to ink delivery, printhead condition, media handling, and color consistency. The SG500 includes automatic printhead maintenance, while the Epson F170 bundle includes a maintenance tank. Neither feature eliminates the need to follow the manufacturer's cleaning and storage procedures.
Plan to keep inks sealed when not in use, use compatible media, address printhead issues promptly, and maintain the printer according to its manual. Treat maintenance as part of the beginner learning curve rather than an occasional afterthought.
Separate Document Printing From Transfer Printing
Several EcoTank models in this comparison provide excellent general-purpose features, including scanning, copying, wireless connectivity, and refillable ink. These are valid features for a home office, but they do not qualify the machines as sublimation printers. Including them in the comparison helps clarify why a visually impressive color inkjet may still be the wrong purchase for a specific craft.
Prioritize a dedicated system for the main project. Add an EcoTank model only if you also need ordinary documents, copies, or paper photos. This avoids paying for a general-purpose printer while assuming it can perform a fundamentally different printing process.
How to Use and Care for Your Sublimation Printer for Beginners
Begin with the supplied guide, confirm that the printer, ink, transfer media, blanks, and transfer equipment are compatible, and complete the manufacturer's initialization steps before printing a full project. A small test image is more useful than an expensive batch because it helps identify orientation, margin, color, and coverage issues before those problems appear across multiple items.
Prepare artwork on a supported computer, size it for the actual transfer paper, and use the appropriate printer profile or software preset. Mirror the image where required by the transfer process, place it in the correct orientation, and check that no important details will be covered by product edges, seams, handles, or curved areas. For hard goods, verify that the blank's coating and the intended design are fully compatible.
Transfer the printed image using the appropriate heat source, temperature, pressure, and dwell time for the substrate. Follow the blank manufacturer's instructions and allow the finished item to cool as directed before handling. Between jobs, keep the printer and media area clean, store ink properly, follow the maintenance schedule, and investigate streaking, fading, or shifted color promptly rather than attempting to correct a persistent issue by repeatedly overprinting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which printer in this guide is the best choice for a first sublimation project?
The Epson SureColor F170 is the most straightforward all-around starting point because it is explicitly designed for dye-sublimation printing and includes inks, a maintenance tank, a power cable, and a user guide. It also offers automatic paper feeding and a compact desktop design. The Sawgrass SG500 bundles are better when guided design software, color presets, and broader media handling matter more to you.
Can an Epson EcoTank printer be used for sublimation?
The EcoTank models listed here are conventional inkjets and are not identified as dye-sublimation systems. Ordinary EcoTank ink is not the same as dye-sublimation ink, and the supplied specifications do not claim compatibility with transfer workflows. Use a printer explicitly designed for dye-sublimation unless its manufacturer specifically supports a different transfer-paper process.
Do I still need a heat press with a sublimation printer?
Yes, a printer produces the transfer image, but heat and pressure are normally required to move sublimation dye into a compatible coating. You will also need suitable blanks and transfer media. The exact pressing equipment and settings depend on the substrate, so follow the product and blank manufacturers' instructions.
Is the Sawgrass SG500 suitable for beginners?
Yes, particularly when its MySawgrass templates and Sawgrass Print Utility presets are useful for learning the workflow. The SG500 also includes inks and paper in the listed bundles and supports Wi-Fi. Beginners should still budget for compatible blanks, transfer equipment, and time to learn color profiles and test prints.
What is the difference between the two Sawgrass SG500 bundles?
The listed 31 mL bundle includes a larger set of SubliJet UHD inks and paper, while the 20 mL starter bundle uses 20 mL CMYK cartridges and also includes paper. Both provide access to MySawgrass and Sawgrass Print Utility. Compare the included quantities, current bundle contents, and supplies available when ordering.
Can the Epson SureColor F170 be controlled from a phone?
The supplied information states that the F170 is compatible with Mac and Windows desktops and laptops, requires an internet connection, and is not compatible with mobile devices. Prepare, size, and profile designs on a supported computer before printing. The desktop design also keeps the workflow consistent for batch transfers.
How much transfer paper can the listed printers handle?
The Epson F170 has a closed 150-sheet auto-feed tray for transfer media. The Sawgrass SG500 supports media up to 8.5 by 14 inches in normal use and states that its bypass tray can accommodate media up to 8.5 by 51 inches. Actual usable areas can vary by paper type and printer configuration.
Why do sublimation colors sometimes differ after transfer?
The result depends on the printer profile, ink condition, transfer-paper type, substrate coating, heat, pressure, dwell time, and cooling method. Start with a test on the exact product you intend to use, then adjust the software or process according to the manufacturer's guidance. Do not assume a change made for fabric will also be correct for a coated mug.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Sublimation Printer for Beginners
The Epson SureColor F170 is the clearest overall recommendation because it combines a dedicated dye-sublimation design, included inks and maintenance tank, automatic paper feeding, and a compact footprint. For users who want more structured design software and extensive media handling, the Sawgrass SG500 31 mL bundle is the premium-oriented option, while the 20 mL starter bundle provides a dedicated entry point.
Prioritize the actual production workflow over ordinary printer features. Confirm true dye-sublimation support, compatible ink, included transfer media, appropriate software, and a press or suitable transfer method before purchasing. The EcoTank choices are capable conventional color printers, but they do not replace a purpose-built sublimation system for personalized products.
Before ordering, verify the current listing, bundle contents, compatibility, warranty details, and availability of replacement supplies. Product configurations and prices can change, and current package contents may differ from earlier versions. Checking those details at the point of purchase helps ensure that the chosen printer, inks, and accessories form a workable beginner kit.