The best sublimation printers for mugs, drinkware, and small custom gifts is the Epson SureColor F170. It prints up to 8.5 x 14 inch transfer sheets, runs factory-backed OEM sublimation ink straight out of the box, and produces clean transfers for ceramic mugs, glass tumblers, and coasters without voiding a warranty or requiring manual tank conversions.
Still, one machine does not fit every shop. A desktop printer that handles coffee mugs easily will struggle if you scale up to wide-format apparel panels. A converted office printer can lock you into software headaches or color shifts. And the first roll of transfer paper you ruin with dull blacks will cost more than the dedicated color profile software you skipped using.
So this list is sorted by business scale and budget, not by brand. It is built from the manufacturers’ spec pages, current retailer listings, and recurring owner maintenance feedback. Nobody here claims to have printed ten thousand mugs on all nine, and you won’t find a made-up test lab. Each pick names the one thing that might send you elsewhere.
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Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Pick | Print Engine / Ink Type | Max Media Width | Price Range | Deciding Factor |
| Best Overall: Epson SureColor F170 | OEM Dye-Sublimation | 8.5 in | $399 – $450 | Factory OEM dye-sublimation ink & official warranty support |
| Best Dedicated Desktop: Sawgrass SG500 | Sawgrass SubliJet HD | 8.5 in | $600 – $680 | Built-in color management & SPM design software suite |
| Best Budget Conversion: Epson EcoTank ET-2800 | Converted Tank (4-color) | 8.5 in | $200 – $250 | Lowest entry price for DIY converted sublimation setups |
| Best Medium Format (13″ Bed): Sawgrass SG1000 | Sawgrass SubliJet HD | 11.0 in (13″ w/ tray) | $1,500 – $1,700 | Fits full-wrap mug gangs, tray mats, and large apparel panels |
| Best Value 13″ Desktop: Epson EcoTank ET-15000 | Converted Tank (4-color) | 13 in | $600 – $700 | 13×19 inch capability for printing wide gang sheets on a budget |
| Best Small Business Pro: Epson SureColor F570 Pro | OEM Dye-Sublimation | 24 in | $2,400 – $2,800 | 24-inch roll feed with automatic cutter for bulk transfer production |
| Best Compact Desktop: Epson EcoTank ET-2400 | Converted Tank (4-color) | 8.5 in | $180 – $220 | Space-saving footprint for small crafts and occasional mug runs |
| Best High-Speed Desktop: Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer | OEM Sublimation | 8.5 in | $399 – $450 | Wireless mobile app integration and quick first-page output |
| Best High-Capacity Supertank: Epson EcoTank ET-4800 | Converted Tank (4-color) | 8.5 in | $280 – $320 | Includes ADF feeder for scanning multi-page custom mug designs |
What to Check Before You Buy a Sublimation Printer for Mugs
Three things cause most of the regret: media size limits, color management profiles, and warranty coverage for sublimation ink. Engine speed comes fourth.
Start with the print bed size. A standard 11 oz or 15 oz mug wrap requires a transfer strip roughly 8.5 x 3.5 to 9 x 4 inches. An 8.5-inch wide desktop printer easily handles two mug wraps per sheet.
However, if you plan to wrap 20 oz or 30 oz skinny tumblers or large serving trays, stepping up to a 13-inch wide printer allows you to fit multiple tall wraps side-by-side without wasting paper.
Next, ink and color profiles (ICC profiles). Genuine OEM sublimation printers (like the Epson SureColor F170 or Sawgrass SG500) include factory-tuned color drivers so black prints true black, not washed-out brown or green. Converted EcoTank printers require downloading third-party ICC profiles tailored to your specific ink brand and sublimation paper.
Last, heat press requirements. Sublimation ink must be heat-activated on polyester-coated blanks at 380°F to 400°F. If you don’t already own a mug press or tumbler press, factor that cost into your setup.
Dedicated Sublimation vs. Converted EcoTank: Which Path Fits You?
| Feature | Dedicated OEM Sublimation Printer | Converted Inkjet Supertank |
| Factory Warranty | Covered (Includes sublimation use) | Voided as soon as third-party sublimation ink is added |
| Color Profiles | Factory ICC profiles built into the print driver | Requires custom ICC profile installation per ink brand |
| Upfront Cost | $400 – $1,700 | $180 – $650 |
| Ink Bottling | Auto-stop OEM bottles or sealed cartridges | Manual refill using third-party bottles |
| Print Head Longevity | High (Engineered for high-viscosity dye-sub inks) | Moderate (Requires frequent nozzle checks to avoid clogs) |
If you are running a shop selling custom drinkware on Etsy, an OEM machine like the Epson F170 or Sawgrass SG500 saves hours of color troubleshooting. If you are a hobbyist testing the market on a tight budget, converting an Epson EcoTank ET-2800 provides the lowest entry cost.
Can You Sublimation Print on Any Mug?
No. Sublimation ink only bonds with polyester fibers or specially formulated poly-coated hard surfaces. You cannot sublimate on a standard ceramic coffee mug bought from a dollar store.
To make custom mugs, you must purchase sublimation blank mugs pre-treated with a clear poly-coating. When heated to 380°F–400°F in a mug press, the dye turns into a gas, opens the pores of the polymer coating, and permanently locks the image inside the mug surface.
The 9 Best Sublimation Printers for Mugs and Drinkware
1. Epson SureColor F170 – Best Overall
| Feature | Specification Details |
| Physical Dimensions | 14.8 x 19.8 x 7.4 in (W x D x H); 10.2 lb |
| Max Print Width | 8.5 in (Up to 8.5 x 14 in sheet size) |
| Warranty Length | 1-Year Limited Warranty (Includes printhead) |
| Box Contents | SureColor F170 Printer, full set of OEM Sublimation Inks (140 mL each), power cord, driver software |
The SureColor F170 is Epson’s purpose-built entry-level dye-sublimation printer. It uses a PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead designed specifically for dye-sub inks, preventing the frequent clogging seen in converted paper printers.
Because it uses auto-stop bottle filling, filling the ink tanks is spill-free. Out of the box, its driver includes color profiles tailored for both rigid substrates (mugs, aluminum panels) and soft textile substrates (tote bags, shirts).
The honest tradeoff: It lacks a manual rear bypass feed, so long custom banner rolls are off the table. Maximum sheet length caps at 14 inches.
- Buy This If: You want a plug-and-play, factory-warranted dye-sublimation printer specifically for mugs and small crafts.
- Skip This If: You need to print wide transfers over 8.5 inches or want to run continuous media rolls.
2. Sawgrass SG500 – Best Dedicated Desktop
| Feature | Specification Details |
| Physical Dimensions | 15.75 x 17.25 x 8.5 in (W x D x H); 15.7 lb |
| Max Print Width | 8.5 in (Up to 8.5 x 51 in with optional bypass tray) |
| Warranty Length | 2-Year Factory Warranty |
| Box Contents | Sawgrass SG500 printer, starter SubliJet HD ink cartridges, Sawgrass Print Manager, CreativeStudio software |
The Sawgrass SG500 is engineered from the ground up strictly for product decoration. It features automated self-maintenance cycles that run when the printer is left powered on, preventing dried ink from ruining the printhead channels.
It includes access to Sawgrass Print Manager (SPM) and CreativeStudio, an online design software pre-loaded with exact mug wrap templates, stock artwork, and profile presets for ceramic blanks.
The honest tradeoff: Sawgrass OEM ink cartridges cost significantly more per milliliter than Epson tank-based bottles.
- Buy This If: You want an all-in-one software and hardware ecosystem designed explicitly for mug production.
- Skip This If: You want the lowest ongoing consumable costs per print.
3. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Best Budget Conversion
| Feature | Specification Details |
| Physical Dimensions | 14.8 x 22.8 x 10.0 in (Printing W x D x H); 8.8 lb |
| Max Print Width | 8.5 in (Up to 8.5 x 14 in sheet format) |
| Warranty Length | Voided upon adding third-party sublimation ink |
| Box Contents | ET-2800 printer, power cable, setup guide (discard factory OEM dye ink) |
The EcoTank ET-2800 is the most popular starting point for DIY crafters converting an inkjet printer to sublimation. Because it utilizes a keyless Supertank mechanism, you can fill the empty tanks directly with third-party sublimation ink instead of standard inkjet ink.
Its MicroPiezo heat-free printhead utilizes pressure rather than heat to eject liquid, making it compatible with heat-sensitive sublimation dyes.
The honest tradeoff: Loading third-party ink instantly voids Epson’s manufacturer warranty. You will need to manually download and apply third-party ICC profiles to match mug colors correctly.
- Buy This If: You are on a strict budget and comfortable managing color settings manually.
- Skip This If: You want dedicated technical support and a guaranteed factory warranty.
4. Sawgrass SG1000 – Best Medium Format (13″ Bed)
| Feature | Specification Details |
| Physical Dimensions | 20.8 x 20.0 x 14.2 in (W x D x H); ~31.3 lb |
| Max Print Width | 11.0 in standard (Up to 13 x 19 in with optional bypass tray) |
| Warranty Length | 2-Year Factory Warranty |
| Box Contents | SG1000 printer, starter SubliJet HD ink set, Sawgrass Print Manager, CreativeStudio |
The SG1000 offers the same dedicated ecosystem as the SG500, but upgrades the print engine to handle larger media formats. With the optional bypass tray, it handles up to 13 x 19 inch paper.
For mug production, a 13-inch wide sheet allows you to tile 4 to 6 full mug wrap designs per page, dramatically speeding up batch production runs for event giveaways or online shop restocks.
The honest tradeoff: High initial hardware cost and higher cartridge replacement expenses compared to tank systems.
- Buy This If: You produce bulk runs of custom mugs, plates, and large apparel transfers.
- Skip This If: You only make one-off individual mug designs in a small room.
5. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Best Value 13″ Desktop
| Feature | Specification Details |
| Physical Dimensions | 20.3 x 29.6 x 14.3 in (Printing W x D x H); 26.9 lb |
| Max Print Width | 13 in (Rear feed accepts up to 13 x 19 in media) |
| Warranty Length | Voided upon adding third-party sublimation ink |
| Box Contents | ET-15000 printer, power cord, software CD (discard factory ink) |
The EcoTank ET-15000 is the top-tier converted option for crafters wanting wide-format flexibility without commercial printer pricing. Its rear feed slot takes 13 x 19 inch paper, allowing you to gang multiple mug graphics, tumbler wraps, and mousepads onto single sheets.
Its high-capacity front tanks lower running costs to pennies per sheet when filled with bulk third-party sublimation bottles.
The honest tradeoff: High demand makes stock scarce, and modifying the unit voids official Epson support.
- Buy This If: You want a 13-inch wide sublimation workhorse for gang sheets at a lower hardware price.
- Skip This If: You want an out-of-the-box system with official warranty coverage.
6. Epson SureColor F570 Pro – Best Small Business Pro
| Feature | Specification Details |
| Physical Dimensions | 38.2 x 27.7 x 15.5 in (W x D x H); 64 lb |
| Max Print Width | 24 in continuous roll or cut-sheet media |
| Warranty Length | 1-Year Limited Warranty (On-site service) |
| Box Contents | F570 Printer, two full sets of high-capacity inks, auto-cutter, Edge Print RIP software |
The SureColor F570 Pro is a 24-inch wide commercial dye-sublimation printer built for growing gift and apparel production shops. It uses 24-inch wide roll media and incorporates a built-in high-speed rotary cutter to automatically trim prints as they finish.
If your main business involves printing dozens of gang sheets for mugs, tumblers, and apparel daily, the F570 cuts job prep time down significantly.
The honest tradeoff: Requires a dedicated wide work table or stand, along with a significantly higher initial investment.
- Buy This If: You run a commercial printing business fulfilling high-volume custom product orders.
- Skip This If: You operate out of a home craft room with limited space.
7. Epson EcoTank ET-2400 – Best Compact Desktop
| Feature | Specification Details |
| Physical Dimensions | 14.8 x 22.8 x 10.0 in (Printing W x D x H); 8.6 lb |
| Max Print Width | 8.5 in (Up to 8.5 x 14 in sheet format) |
| Warranty Length | Voided upon adding third-party sublimation ink |
| Box Contents | ET-2400 printer, power cable, setup manual (discard factory ink) |
The EcoTank ET-2400 is an entry-level supertank unit that shares the same internal MicroPiezo printhead structure as the ET-2800. It omits the color display screen in favor of basic physical control buttons, bringing down hardware costs slightly further.
It holds enough ink in its internal tanks to print hundreds of mug wrap transfers before needing a refill.
The honest tradeoff: Lacks a built-in LCD screen, making manual Wi-Fi network setup slightly more tedious.
- Buy This If: You want the absolute lowest initial cost for a brand-new supertank printer to convert.
- Skip This If: You prefer an on-printer display screen for status updates and nozzle checks.
8. Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer – Best High-Speed Desktop
| Feature | Specification Details |
| Physical Dimensions | 17.1 x 13.5 x 9.5 in (W x D x H); 15.4 lb |
| Max Print Width | 8.5 in (Up to 8.5 x 14 in sheet media) |
| Warranty Length | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
| Box Contents | Brother SP-1 Printer, starter set of 4-color sublimation cartridges, Artspira app access |
Brother’s entry into sublimation caters specifically to modern crafters who prefer mobile workflow controls. Using Brother’s Artspira mobile app, users can edit mug graphics, resize designs, and send jobs wirelessly to the printer directly from a phone or tablet.
It features fast first-page output speeds and dedicated sublimation ink cartridges designed for bright transfers on coated ceramics and polyesters.
The honest tradeoff: Uses proprietary ink cartridges rather than fillable tanks, raising long-term operating costs.
- Buy This If: You prefer editing and printing custom gifts directly from a smartphone or tablet app.
- Skip This If: You want a high-capacity tank system for bulk ink savings.
9. Epson EcoTank ET-4800 – Best High-Capacity Supertank
| Feature | Specification Details |
| Physical Dimensions | 14.8 x 22.8 x 10.0 in (Printing W x D x H); 11.0 lb |
| Max Print Width | 8.5 in (Up to 8.5 x 14 in sheet format) |
| Warranty Length | Voided upon adding third-party sublimation ink |
| Box Contents | ET-4800 printer, power cable, quick start guide (discard factory ink) |
The EcoTank ET-4800 adds a 30-sheet Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) and Ethernet connectivity to the standard EcoTank desktop frame. For sublimation crafters who like to scan physical hand-drawn artwork, calligraphy, or custom paper sketches to transfer onto ceramic mugs, the built-in ADF scanner speeds up digitizing.
Once filled with third-party sublimation ink, it operates with the same reliable tank performance as Epson’s other EcoTank models.
The honest tradeoff: You pay extra for fax and phone line capabilities that most sublimation shops will never use.
- Buy This If: You frequently scan physical hand-drawn artwork or physical templates to turn into mug wraps.
- Skip This If: You only work with digital artwork files created on a computer.
What Does It Cost to Make Each Custom Mug?
Blank ceramic mugs are relatively inexpensive, making custom drinkware one of the highest-margin crafts you can produce.
- Coated Sublimation Mug Blank: ~$1.50 to $2.50 per unit (bought in case quantities).
- Sublimation Ink Cost: ~$0.05 to $0.15 per mug wrap (depending on whether you use bottle tanks or cartridges).
- Sublimation Paper Sheet: ~$0.10 to $0.20 per sheet (fitting 2 mug wraps per sheet).
- Heat Tape & Protective Wrap: ~$0.05 per mug.
Total production cost per mug averages $1.80 to $2.90. Personalized custom mugs typically sell on platforms like Etsy or at craft fairs for $15.00 to $22.00, yielding a healthy profit margin per piece.
If you ship your completed mugs to online customers, keeping shipping labels organized is crucial. Our guide to the best Bluetooth thermal label printers for shipping covers the top label printers for order fulfillment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Do I need a special mug heat press to make sublimation mugs?
Yes. A printer only places dye onto sublimation paper. To transfer that dye into the ceramic mug’s poly-coating, you need a dedicated mug heat press, tumbler press, or a convection sublimation oven paired with silicone mug wraps set to 380°F–400°F.
2) Can I convert a printer back to normal printing after putting sublimation ink in it?
No. Once sublimation ink flows through internal lines and printhead micro-nozzles, residue remains inside. Attempting to convert back to standard document ink will cause severe color contamination and ruin paper prints.
3) Why do my sublimation prints look dull when they come out of the printer?
Sublimation ink always looks muted, dull, or slightly off-color on paper. The chemical dye only activates and reveals its true vibrant color once exposed to 380°F–400°F heat and pressure during the pressing process.
4) Can I print white sublimation ink onto black mugs?
No. Sublimation printers do not use white ink. Sublimation dyes are translucent and blend into the background color of the item. For graphics to show accurately, you must press onto white or light-colored coated blanks.
Conclusion
Buy the Epson SureColor F170 if you want a reliable, factory-warranted dye-sublimation printer with pre-configured color profiles straight out of the box.
Choose the Sawgrass SG500 if you want a complete hardware and software package pre-loaded with mug design templates.
And opt for a budget supertank like the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 if you want the lowest startup cost and don’t mind converting the machine yourself.
Check current seller stock and ink bundle offers before ordering. Then grab a case of poly-coated mug blanks, wrap your first design with heat tape, and run a test press to fine-tune your heat press timing!
