Choosing the best sublimation printer for tumblers means balancing color quality, transfer size, ink costs, and the equipment needed to finish each project. The right setup can make personalized drinkware easier to produce consistently, whether you are crafting at home or fulfilling customer orders.
Our roundup includes dedicated dye-sublimation printers, converted-style supertank options, and Brother and Sawgrass bundles with paper, blanks, or pressing equipment. Use the guide below to narrow your choices by workflow, budget, and experience level.
Best 10 Sublimation Printer for Tumblers Picks for 2026
Best Overall
- PrecisionCore printhead for detailed output
- Includes genuine Epson sublimation ink
- 150-sheet enclosed auto-feed tray
Best For: Small businesses and serious crafters
Best Starter Bundle
- Includes full 47 ml CMYK ink set
- Adds 10 sublimation transfer sheets
- Includes Artspira and 100 designs
Best For: New entrepreneurs and crafters
Professional Pick
- 1200 x 1200 dpi color output with CMYK SubliJet UHD inks
- Supports standard sheets plus long bypass-tray media
- Includes design software, Wi-Fi, and a two-year warranty
Best For: Small businesses and serious home-based entrepreneurs
Best for Everyday Use
- Includes CMYK inks, paper, 50 blanks, tape, and designs
- Supports metal tumblers and other common sublimation blanks
- Offers Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Windows, Mac, and app compatibility
Best For: Beginners and crafters wanting supplies included
High-Capacity Value
- Includes large bottles of cartridge-free sublimation ink
- Provides up to 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution
- Adds scanning, copying, Wi-Fi, and long-media support
Best For: Home users seeking high ink capacity and multifunction features
Complete Starter Kit
- Full CMYK ink set and 160 transfer sheets
- Includes tumblers, mugs, blanks, tape, and designs
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Windows, Mac, and Artspira support
Best For: Beginners building a complete sublimation setup
Streamlined Printer Pick
Brother SP-1 Ink and Paper Bundle
- Includes extra color cartridges and 100 sheets
- Artspira offers designs and image importing
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity
Best For: Crafters supplying their own blanks and heat press
Press-and-Print Package
Brother SP-1 with 7-in-1 Press
- Includes a 7-in-1 tumbler, cup, and mug press
- Comes with 71 blanks, ink, paper, tape, and designs
- Supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Windows, Mac, and Artspira
Best For: New makers wanting printing and pressing equipment together
Best Overall – Epson SureColor F170
The Epson SureColor F170 is a strong choice for shoppers seeking a sublimation printer for tumblers, mugs, gifts, and other coated blanks. Its compact 8.5-inch format, included Epson ink, wireless connectivity, and 150-sheet enclosed tray make it well suited to organized home crafting or small customization businesses.
Best For: Small businesses and serious crafters who prioritize consistent color and a tidy, efficient workflow.
Pros:
- PrecisionCore printhead with Precision Droplet Control for detailed image output.
- Includes a full set of Epson sublimation ink, user guide, and power cable.
- 150-sheet dust-resistant auto-feed tray reduces frequent paper loading.
- Supports Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet connections with Windows and macOS software.
Cons:
- Maximum media size is limited to 8.5 inches wide.
- Designed for printing only, without scanning or copying functions.
- Direct email and camera printing are not supported.
For tumbler transfers and similar projects, the F170 combines a compact footprint with a purpose-built sublimation design. Its included supplies and closed paper tray add convenience, while the narrower media format may limit oversized transfer layouts.
Best for App-Based Crafting – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer
The Brother SP-1 is an approachable sublimation printer for tumblers and other DIY projects, especially if you prefer creating designs on a phone or tablet. Its Artspira app supports saved images and ready-made designs, while Wi-Fi connectivity keeps the setup flexible for craft rooms.
Best For: Beginners and mobile-first crafters making tumblers, mugs, shirts, bags, and hats.
Pros:
- Artspira provides more than 100 sublimation designs and image tools.
- Compatible with phones and tablets through the Artspira creative app.
- Includes Brother genuine black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink plus starter paper.
- Supports Wi-Fi and offers a two-year limited warranty.
Cons:
- A heat press is required and must be purchased separately.
- The supplied notes indicate the desktop version is still forthcoming.
- Intended for sale in the United States at 120 volts.
The SP-1 is appealing when convenience and guided design creation matter more than advanced desktop control. It can handle the design-to-transfer workflow for coated tumblers, but buyers should budget for a heat press and consider whether app-based creation fits their setup.
Best Budget Alternative – Epson EcoTank ET-2803
The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is a general-purpose inkjet rather than a dedicated sublimation printer for tumblers. Its refillable tanks, wireless printing, and all-in-one design may appeal to shoppers seeking a versatile home printer, but the supplied specifications do not identify sublimation ink compatibility.
Best For: Home, school, or office printing where scanning and copying are more important than dedicated sublimation work.
Pros:
- Cartridge-free refillable ink tank system is designed for long-term use.
- Includes printing, scanning, and copying in one compact unit.
- Supports Wi-Fi, USB, AirPrint, voice-activated printing, and the Epson Smart Panel app.
- Includes ink supply intended to support up to two years under stated usage assumptions.
Cons:
- It is an inkjet printer, not a dedicated dye-sublimation model.
- Supplied notes specify plain paper and do not confirm sublimation ink support.
- Its general-purpose design may require additional verification before tumbler-transfer use.
The ET-2803 offers strong everyday versatility and potentially low running costs, but it should not be treated as a ready-to-use sublimation solution based on the supplied information. Choose it only if standard home printing is the priority and you have confirmed the required sublimation setup independently.
Best Starter Bundle – Brother SP-1 Full CMYK Bundle
This Brother SP-1 bundle gives shoppers a practical starting point for using a sublimation printer for tumblers and other personalized products. Along with the printer, it includes full-size 47 ml CMYK ink bottles, transfer paper, and Artspira design software, helping reduce the number of initial supplies to purchase.
Best For: New entrepreneurs and crafters who want a bundled setup for tumblers, mugs, apparel, and gifts.
Pros:
- Includes 47 ml bottles of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow sublimation ink.
- Comes with 10 sheets of 8.5-by-11-inch sublimation paper.
- Includes Artspira software with 100 sublimation designs.
- Supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet, with Windows, Mac, and app compatibility.
Cons:
- The included paper starter pack contains only 10 sheets.
- Maximum listed paper sizes are 8.5 by 11 and 8.5 by 14 inches.
- A separate heat press and compatible tumbler blanks are still needed.
As a package, this SP-1 version is convenient for getting started quickly because it combines the printer, ink, paper, and design software. Its 8.5-inch width suits many transfer layouts, though larger tumbler designs may require careful sizing and a compatible finishing setup.
Professional Pick – Sawgrass SG500
The Sawgrass SG500 is a strong choice for shoppers seeking a professional sublimation printer for tumblers and other hard or soft substrates. Its 1200 x 1200 dpi output, CMYK SubliJet UHD inks, Wi-Fi connectivity, and included design software suit home businesses and growing customization operations.
Best For: Small businesses and serious home-based entrepreneurs who want vivid, consistent prints and room to scale.
Pros:
- Professional-grade color output with included CMYK sublimation inks.
- Prints media up to 8.5 x 14 inches, with bypass-tray support for prints up to 8.5 x 51 inches.
- Includes MySawgrass design tools and Sawgrass Print Utility for workflow and color control.
- Offers Wi-Fi, automatic printhead maintenance, and a two-year manufacturer warranty.
Cons:
- Its standard media size may require careful layout planning for larger tumbler transfers.
- Designed for 110/120V US and North American outlets.
The SG500 is the most business-oriented option in this group. It costs more than a basic converted printer, but its dedicated ecosystem, maintenance features, and longer warranty can be valuable for regular production.
Best for Everyday Use – Brother SP-1
The Brother SP-1 is a convenient sublimation printer for tumblers if you want supplies and blanks included from the start. Along with the printer and full CMYK ink set, this bundle includes transfer paper, 50 sublimation blanks, heat-resistant tape, designs, and access to Artspira software.
Best For: Beginners, crafters, and small businesses that want an all-in-one setup for testing multiple sublimation projects.
Pros:
- Bundle includes CMYK inks, 160 total sheets of sublimation paper, 50 blanks, and heat-resistant tape.
- Works with items including metal tumblers, ceramic mugs, shirts, tote bags, and coasters.
- Supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and the Artspira app.
- Accepts paper sizes up to legal, including 8.5 x 14-inch media.
Cons:
- Its 600 x 600 dpi resolution is lower than the Sawgrass and Pinckney options listed here.
- The bundle’s large assortment may be more than needed if you already have blanks or supplies.
The SP-1 stands out for upfront convenience rather than advanced specifications. Its included materials can help new users begin making tumbler transfers without purchasing every accessory separately.
High-Capacity Value – Pinckney Super-Tank Printer
The Pinckney Super-Tank printer is a practical sublimation printer for tumblers and heat-transfer projects when low-maintenance ink filling and multifunction features matter. Its cartridge-free tanks, included sublimation ink, scanner, copier, and wireless connectivity make it versatile for home crafting.
Best For: Home users who want a cartridge-free all-in-one printer with large included ink quantities.
Pros:
- Includes high-capacity sublimation ink bottles: 127 mL black and 85 mL each of cyan, magenta, and yellow.
- Auto-fill nozzles are designed to simplify refilling without syringes or squeezing.
- Offers up to 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution and supports several paper sizes, including long media up to 8.5 x 47.2 inches.
- Combines printing with scanning and copying, plus Wi-Fi and app control.
Cons:
- Its listed maximum media size is 8.5 x 11 inches, despite support for certain long-format media.
- The product carries a one-year limited warranty, shorter than the Sawgrass warranty.
- It is a converted ET-2800 or ET-2803 platform, so setup and maintenance may require more hands-on attention.
The Pinckney is appealing for users who prioritize ink capacity and multifunction convenience. Keep in mind that sublimation prints can look dull on paper and become vivid after heat transfer, as noted in the product guidance.
Complete Starter Kit – Brother SP-1 Deluxe Bundle
If you want a ready-to-use sublimation printer for tumblers, the Brother SP-1 Deluxe Starter Bundle is built to reduce the number of separate purchases. Along with the printer, it includes a full CMYK ink set, transfer paper, sublimation blanks, heat-resistant tape, and design resources.
Best For: Beginners, hobbyists, and small-business crafters who want a broad supply bundle for starting sublimation projects.
Pros:
- Includes the Brother SP-1 printer and a full set of 47 ml cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks.
- Comes with 160 sublimation sheets, 50 blanks, two 20-ounce tumblers, two wine tumblers, and two mugs.
- Offers Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity plus Windows, Mac, and Artspira compatibility.
- Includes multiple tape widths and 100 sublimation designs.
Cons:
- The bundle includes supplies and blanks that may not be necessary if you already have a stocked workspace.
- A separate heat press is still needed to transfer designs onto tumblers and other blanks.
This is a practical all-in-one choice when you want the printer, consumables, sample blanks, and design materials together. Its included tumblers make it especially useful for testing projects soon after setup.
Streamlined Printer Pick – Brother SP-1 Ink and Paper Bundle
Brother Sublimation Printer, Color Ink Cartridge Set and 100 Sheets Sublimation Paper
Check Price On AmazonFor shoppers comparing a straightforward sublimation printer for tumblers, this Brother SP-1 bundle focuses on the printer and essential consumables. It includes an additional color ink set and 100 letter-size sublimation sheets, while Artspira supports design importing and creation.
Best For: Crafters who want a focused printer bundle and already own, or plan to choose separately, their tumblers and heat press.
Pros:
- Includes the Brother SP-1 dye-sublimation printer, an extra cyan, magenta, and yellow cartridge set, and 100 sheets of paper.
- Prints a sheet in up to 45 seconds according to the supplied product information.
- Artspira provides access to more than 100 sublimation designs and supports importing images.
- Offers Wi-Fi connectivity and Ethernet and USB hardware interfaces.
Cons:
- The bundle does not include tumbler blanks, a heat press, or heat-resistant tape.
- Only 8.5-by-11-inch paper is specified, which may limit larger-format projects.
- A heat press is required and must be purchased separately.
This option keeps the package centered on printing rather than accessories. It makes sense when you want Brother’s compact SP-1 platform and extra color supplies without paying for a large collection of blanks and pressing equipment.
Press-and-Print Package – Brother SP-1 with 7-in-1 Press
If you need both printing and pressing equipment, this bundle pairs the Brother SP-1 sublimation printer for tumblers with a turquoise 7-in-1 tumbler, cup, and mug heat press. It also includes inks, paper, blanks, tape, and design resources for a broader project setup.
Best For: New makers and small businesses that want a printer, multi-attachment press, and starter blanks in one package.
Pros:
- Combines the Brother SP-1 printer with a 7-in-1 press and attachments for tumblers, cups, mugs, shot glasses, and other vessel sizes.
- Includes a full 47 ml CMYK ink set, 160 sheets of sublimation paper, and four rolls of heat-resistant tape.
- Provides 71 listed sublimation blanks, including six 20-ounce tumblers, three wine tumblers, and 12 mugs.
- Includes Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, Artspira access, and 100 sublimation designs.
Cons:
- The larger bundle may be more equipment and inventory than occasional crafters need.
- The supplied printer specifications list a 600-by-600 resolution, lower than the 1200-by-1200 figure listed for the other deluxe bundle.
This is the most comprehensive option of the three for producing pressed drinkware. The included multi-attachment press and assortment of blanks make it a strong fit for anyone planning varied tumbler, mug, and cup projects rather than printer-only work.
How We Picked the Best Sublimation Printer for Tumblers
We compared these options by looking at their intended sublimation workflow, print format, included ink, connectivity, setup requirements, and bundle value. Dedicated models such as the Epson SureColor F170, Brother SP-1, and Sawgrass SG500 are designed specifically for dye-sublimation transfers, while all-in-one or supertank printers may appeal to shoppers who also need scanning and copying features.
We also considered what is included in each package. Paper, replacement ink, blanks, heat-resistant tape, design software, and a tumbler press can significantly change the total cost of getting started.
Quick Comparison
- Best for a compact dedicated setup: Epson SureColor F170
- Best for guided beginner workflows: Brother SP-1
- Best for an established sublimation ecosystem: Sawgrass SG500
- Best for all-in-one home use: Epson EcoTank ET-2803
- Best for maximum starter value: Brother SP-1 bundles with blanks and pressing accessories
Key Buying Factors for a Sublimation Printer for Tumblers
Dedicated Sublimation Support
A purpose-built sublimation printer generally offers a simpler setup and a more predictable color workflow. Confirm that the printer supports sublimation ink and that compatible transfer paper and software are available. Standard inkjet printers are not automatically suitable for sublimation, even when they use refillable tanks.
Print Size and Tumbler Coverage
Check the maximum paper size and the usable image area before buying. Wraparound tumbler designs often require a wide transfer, while smaller formats may work for logos, names, and partial graphics. The printer creates the transfer; a compatible tumbler press or heating method is still required to apply it.
Ink, Paper, and Operating Costs
Compare the included ink volume and the price of replacement cartridges or bottles. Bundles with paper and blanks can reduce initial spending, but recurring supply costs matter more if you plan to produce frequently. Look for reliable color management and a straightforward refill or cartridge process.
Software and Connectivity
Wireless printing, mobile apps, bundled design tools, and color profiles can make production easier. Beginners may benefit from a guided software ecosystem, while experienced users may prioritize broad compatibility with their preferred design program.
Bundle Contents and Workspace
Starter kits can include useful extras, but verify the blank sizes, press type, and accessory quality. A complete bundle is worthwhile only if its included equipment matches your tumbler projects and available workspace.
Who Should Buy Which Sublimation Printer for Tumblers?
Choose the Epson SureColor F170 or Brother SP-1 if you want a dedicated, relatively focused sublimation setup. The Sawgrass SG500 is a strong fit for shoppers who value an established brand ecosystem and dependable workflow support. An Epson EcoTank or Pinckney supertank model may suit buyers who want multifunction features, but confirm the exact sublimation configuration before purchase.
For beginners building a small craft business, a Brother SP-1 starter or deluxe bundle can be convenient because it combines supplies with the printer. Buyers who already own a press should favor a printer-and-ink package, while anyone starting from scratch may save time with a bundle that includes blanks, transfer paper, tape, and pressing equipment.