Giving all your friends and family customized mugs sounds like the perfect birthday and Christmas present. However, getting dozens of mugs printed is not only quite expensive, but it is also a time and energy-consuming job. The perfect alternative to this problem is getting a sublimation printer and printing every mug yourself.
Sublimation printers for mugs come with all the features and perks that you will need for printing vivid and bright images on mugs. I am sharing the 10 best sublimation printers for mugs in this article, so you do not have to waste hours searching highs and lows for a good printer.
Table of Contents:
10 Best Sublimation Printers For Mugs
- Epson WorkForce WF-7710
- Epson Stylus C88+
- Epson EcoTank ET-4700
- Epson EcoTank ET-7750
- Epson Expression ET-2650
- Epson WorkForce WF-7210
- Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16600
- Epson SureColor F170
- DNP DS-RX1HS Photo Printer
- Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500
- Technology: PrecisionCore Inkjet
- Print Speed: Color 10PPM
- Connectivity: Wireless, Ethernet, Wi-Fi direct, Hi-Speed USB, NFC
- Resolution: 4800 x 2400 dpi
- Sheet Capacity: 250
- Technology: Inkjet Technology
- Print Speed: Color 5PPM
- Connectivity: Wireless, Ethernet, Wi-Fi direct, Hi-Speed USB
- Resolution: 4800 x 2400 dpi
- Sheet Capacity: 100
1. Epson WorkForce WF-7710
Epson WF-7710 is what you need on your work table if you love printing colorful images on mugs. This sublimation printer can print images of various sizes, from 4 inches x 6 inches to 13 inches x 19 inches. Moreover, with the perk of auto-duplex, the print will automatically print on both sides of the sheet without needing to be flipped.
In addition to that, this printer has a very simple and easy-to-operate design. There is a 4.3 inches wide touch screen at the front, along with multiple keys. I easily operated the printer and gave it commands by using both. Moreover, the printer not only prints but can also scan, copy and fax documents.
Furthermore, this printer uses the advanced PrecisionCore technology for printing, so you can be sure that the quality of the images will be top-notch. The glossy finish of the images is what makes it the best sublimation printer for mugs. Moreover, the printing speed of this model is also notable, and it has a sheet capacity of 250 sheets.
- PrecisionCore technology
- 4.3 inches touch screen
- Auto-duplex
- 13 x 19 maximum print size
- Comes with ink cartridges
This is the perfect model for the folks who are stepping into the business of printing images for mugs. What makes this model the best dye-sublimation printer for mugs is that it uses PrecisionCore technology and high-quality inks for printing, which ensures amazing results.
2. Epson Stylus C88+
The Epson C88+ is one of the oldest sublimation printers, yet this model still has impressive performance that puts many new models to shame. It uses inkjet technology for printing striking images on a plain piece of paper. The design of the printer itself is very minimal and easy to operate.
In addition to that, this model comes with the DURABrite Ultra pigment ink cartridges. This ink will print vivid and bright images. My favorite perk of this ink cartridge is that it is smudge and water-resistant. So, your prints will last a long time on mugs.
Furthermore, another great feature of this printer is that it has high printing speed. It only takes a minute to print 23 black or 14 colored images. Moreover, the resolution of this printer, i.e., 5760 x 1440 dpi, makes it a good fit for printing mugs as the image quality will not deteriorate.
- Water and smudge-proof
- Simple design
- High printing speed
- High resolution
- Comparatively expensive
If you are looking for an old-school sublimation printer with a very simple design, you will not find a model better than the Epson C88+. This printer offers clear images printed at high speed, which is why it will be a perfect fit for a business owner who prints mugs all day.
3. Epson EcoTank ET-4700
The Epson EcoTank ET-4700 comes with a shiny white body that has been constructed from high-grade material and is still lightweight. This model has everything that you need for printing mugs. First of all, this printer comes with large ink tanks at the front instead of small cartridges.
In addition to that, Epson has added a sheet tray in this model that can hold 100 sheets simultaneously. Therefore, you will not run low on sheets after a few prints. Moreover, this printer has both an LCD screen and navigation keys at a tilting panel, which makes operating the printer an easy task.
Furthermore, if you are someone who does not like the hassle of wires, then you will be delighted to know that this model comes with both wired and wireless connectivity options. Moreover, the maximum printing size of this printer is 8.5 inches x 14 inches.
- 100 sheet tray
- Wired and wireless connectivity
- Large ink bottles
- 8.5 x 14 inches print media size
- No auto-duplex printing
The best sublimation printer for mugs you can find has to be the Epson EcoTank ET 4700. This model comes at a low price and yet is still packed with some high-quality perks. It has large ink tanks, so you will certainly not run low on ink very soon.
4. Epson EcoTank ET-7750 Wide Format Printer
The Epson EcoTank ET-7750 is the best mug sublimation printer for many reasons. First of all, this sublimation printer comes with specialized ink cartridges, the Sublijet HD inks. These inks are known to work the best and give stunning results on mugs and other ceramics.
In addition to that, this printer also comes with 110 specialized sublimation sheets added in the package. A good feature is that this printer can print images of 11 inches x 17 inches size, which is not only ideal for mugs and cups but for wide sublimation tasks. Moreover, the resolution of the printed image is 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi.
Furthermore, all of these features and nifty specifications are packed in a sturdy and robust body. The body of this printer is also comparatively lightweight, which makes placement and moving around easier. Moreover, EcoTank et-7750 has made the design of this printer very simple and easy to use. It comes with a small screen at the front with some navigation keys.
- Simple design
- 100 sheets
- 1-year warranty
- Printing media size 11 x 17 inches
- Hefty price
The Epson EcoTank ET-7750 is the ideal sublimation printer for the folks who need a good quality printer for mugs. This model comes with specialized inks that work the best on mugs, hence a mug printed with this model will have a stunning and striking look.
5. Epson Expression ET-2650
This sublimation printer is the best in the game of sublimation printing. It is ideal for professionals and novice users, thanks to its easy-to-operate design. The Epson Expression ET 2650 comes with both wired and wireless connectivity options, which is the first perk of this model. Moreover, there is also an SD card slot, so you can use that means of connectivity too.
In addition to that, this model is a multi-functional printer, meaning you can use it for more than just printing images. It can also scan and copy. Moreover, there is 1.44 inches widescreen on a panel at the front. Along with the screen, there are also some keys that can be used to give commands to the printer.
This model comes with large ink bottles, so your printer will not run low on ink after a couple of uses. The maximum printing size of this model is 8.5 inches x 11 inches. In addition to that, this model has a really good speed of printing images. It can print 10 black and 4.5 colored pages per minute.
- Large ink tanks
- Multi-functional printer
- Has many options of connectivity
- Good printing speed
- No auto-duplex printing
If you are someone who is looking for a sublimation printer that can handle heavy tasks, then the Epson Expression ET 2650 is the model you should go for. This model brings many perks to the table, a few of them include multi-functionality, large e ink bottles, and multiple means of connectivity.
6. Epson WorkForce WF-7210
This model comes with some of the best and nifty perks that have earned it a spot on the list of the 10 best sublimation printers for mugs. First of all, Epson has not compromised on the design and the construction of this model, which is why this model will remain loyal to you even after years of being used.
In addition to that, this sublimation printer offers a wide range of print sizes, which is the main feature that makes it the perfect fit for printing mugs. This model can handle everything from 3.5 inches x 5 inches to 13 inches x 19 inches, which makes it the best sublimation printer for tumblers. Moreover, it also brings the perk of automatic double-sided printing to the table.
Furthermore, the presence of dual sheet trays that can each store up to 250 sheets simultaneously is another great feature of this model. In addition to that, I was delighted to find out that this model uses PrecisionCore technology, which prints images of unbeatable quality.
- Auto-duplex
- 500 sheet capacity
- Wide print size range
- Wireless connectivity
- Comes with ink cartridges
This is the perfect sublimation printer for the folks who need to print mugs of different sizes. This model has a wide range of print sizes, along with auto-duplex printing and dual sheet trays making it a good investment for business owners that are going to be using it day and night.
7. Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16600
The first notable feature of the Epson EcoTank Pro ET 16600 is that this model uses DURABrite pigment inks. It comes with large ink bottles added to the front. The replacement of ink cartridges with ink bottles makes the usage of the printer easier, as you will not need to refill after a couple of uses.
The result of the Epson inks is exceptional, which results in striking and vivid prints on mugs. As this printer is capable of faxing, scanning, and printing, you can also use it for other jobs. There is a wide touch screen added to the front of the printer.
The feature that I loved was that this model can print images of 13 inches 19 inches, so if you have large mugs laying around, grab them and start printing. With the addition of 500 sheet capacity, along with PrecisionCore technology, the quality of this sublimation printer skyrockets.
- Cartridge free design
- PrecisionCore technology
- Print media size 13 inches x 19 inches
- DURABrite pigment inks
- Very expensive cost
Whether you want sublimation on a coffee cup or a mug, you can easily do it with the Epson EcoTank Pro ET 16600. This model is laden with features that will make printing mugs seem like a piece of cake. The PrecisionCore printing technology will make sure that your print quality is exceptional.
8. Epson SureColor F170
The Epson SureColor F170 is what I would call the whole deal, as this model comes bearing a wide number of perks at an affordable price. First of all, this model comes with high-yield ink bottles that contain genuine Epson dye-sublimation inks, which will leave a striking print on the sheets. Moreover, the print will be smudge-proof.
In addition to that, this model uses PrecisionCore technology for printing which further enhances the quality of the prints. Moreover, in order to connect this printer to a device, you can use the USB, ethernet, or the wireless option and start working.
Furthermore, this model has a maximum capacity of 150 sublimation sheets, which is quite good if the printer is going to be used only for mugs. To make usage more convenient, Epson added a touch screen and navigation buttons to this model, so the printing commands can be given easily. Read more.
- High yield ink bottles
- PrecisionCore technology
- 150 sheet capacity
- Multiple connectivity options
- Does not come with sheets
This sublimation printer is the best option for people who are looking for an affordable printer that can print mugs. It uses PrecisionCore technology and genuine Epson dye-sublimation inks, so you can rest assured that the quality of the prints is going to be exceptional.
9. DNP DS-RX1HS Photo Printer
This sublimation printer is a must-have for the folks who like owning a printer with an old-school design. However, the simple design of the printer does not affect its functionality. The DNP DS-RX1HS is the ideal Sublimation mug printer as this model can handle heavy printing tasks.
In addition to that, to get the printer up and running, you will need to connect it to a computer via a USB. Once connected, press the power buttons, and that’s all. Moving towards other perks of this model, what I really liked is that this printer can print 290 4 x 6 images in just an hour.
Furthermore, this model comes with paper rolls of two sizes, hence the printer can print images from 4 inches x 6 inches to 6 inches x 8 inches. The glossy finish of the printed images is the main reason I opted for this printer for my mugs.
- High printing speed
- Simple design
- Glossy finish
- Only USB connectivity
Get your hands on this sublimation printer if you like owning models that are simple and easy to operate. This model does not have any complicated keys and buttons, simply press the power button, and you will be good to go. Moreover, the printing speed is what sets it apart from its competitors.
10. Sawgrass SG-500
For printing mugs, Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500 has to be the best model. This sublimation printer will take printing to the next level with its easy to operate, minimalistic design, and high-quality performance. First of all, it comes with the options of WiFi and USB, so you can easily connect it to any device of your liking.
In addition to that, this sublimation printer uses Sublijet UHD ink, which provides stunning results on all kinds of surfaces. Moreover, the feature that I loved about this printer is that it is compatible with the accessories of its predecessor, the SG400.
Furthermore, this printer comes with an install kit, so you can pick a size of ink cartridges that suits your needs. Moreover, this printer comes with free software to the creative studio online, so you can easily make designs of your own and print them, all through this model.
- WiFi and USB connectivity
- Sublijet UHD inks
- Compatible with SG400 parts
- 2 years warranty
- High cost
If you want to make a mark in the field of printing mugs without spending a ton of money, get the Sawgrass Virtuoso SG500. This model is the definition of amazing performance in a simplistic design. It uses high-quality inks, which will ensure vivid prints on mugs.
Buying Guide
Printing mugs has never been this easy. Sublimation printers are a really good investment if you own a printing business. For mugs, all you need is a good quality sublimation printer, a heat press, and voila. However, you can not just use any sublimation printer for mugs.
To make sure that you can print mugs to your heart’s content and the printer will still keep working the same, you need to get the best model. There are a few factors that will help you identify the best models of sublimation printers in the market.
Size Of The Print
This factor is really important if you wish to properly benefit from the perks of your sublimation printer. Before you purchase a model, you need to know the printing size range that the model offers. Every sublimation printer has a different print size range. Some models only print images of 8 inches x 14 inches, while some can print from 4 inches x 6 inches to 13 inches x 19 inches. Therefore, you need to make sure whether the size range of the printer is good for you or not. Knowing the size of mugs that you will be printing on helps in figuring out this factor.
Quality Of The Print
Whether you want to print a t-shirt or a mug, the quality of the print is the most crucial feature that you need to check before purchasing a printer. As mugs have hard surfaces, many prints lose their colors and quality when transferred to a mug. You need to make sure that the printer you opt for has high print quality.
The print quality of a model can be judged through the resolution of the printed image. The higher the resolution will be, the better the image quality will be. Moreover, there are a few models that use advanced printing technology, the PrecisionCore technology, which prints 40 million dots per second, delivering a high-quality image.
Printing Speed Of The Printer
This factor may not affect many people, however, we can not ignore its importance, especially for business owners. If you are using the printer for recreational purposes, then the printing speed may not affect you. However, if you are a business owner who prints mugs for a living, then going for a model with a higher printing speed will be the best option for you.
Ink Types And Refilling
There are two types of inks, ink bottles or ink cartridges. Ink cartridges contain a smaller amount of ink and need to be replaced after a couple of uses. On the other hand, ink bottles contain a large amount of ink and do not need to be refilled as frequently.
Moreover, the placement of ink bottles is usually at the front, which makes refilling an easy job. Along with the placement and the type of ink, the quality of ink should also be checked on a mug before the final purchase.
Sheet Capacity
Every model of sublimation printer comes with a different sheet capacity. Some models can store up to 500 sheets, while others can only handle 100 sheets at a time. This factor depends on the personal use of the printer, if you are going to print mugs all day, then going for a model with a higher sheet capacity will be best for you.
FAQs
How long to sublimate a mug?
The amount of time required to sublimate a mug depends on the type and the construction of the mug. The average time for sublimating mugs ranges between 5 minutes to 12 minutes. The average temperature for sublimation ranges between 375°F to 400°F.
How to do sublimation on mugs with Cricut?
To do sublimation on mugs with a Cricut press, you need Cricut mugs that are made specifically for the Cricut press. Take the printed image, tape it to the mug, and wrap it in some butcher paper. Put the mug in the Cricut press, shut the lid, and the Cricut press will transfer the image to the mug.
Conclusion
I have shared every model of sublimation printer that is best for mugs in this article. The in-depth reviews will not help you find a good model but will also answer the lingering question in some reader’s minds, i.e. what is a sublimation mug? I am also sharing my top 3 recommendations so you can easily make a decision.
- Epson WorkForce WF-7710 comes with PrecisionCore technology, auto-duplex, and prints 13 x 19 inches images.
- Epson EcoTank ET-4700 has large ink bottles, multiple means of connectivity, and a maximum 8.5 x 14 print size.
- Epson WorkForce WF-7210 comes with a 1-year warranty, 500 sheet capacity.
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