Cheap hardware can work, but colour profiles, ink choice and support become your problem and warranty coverage may disappear.
COMMON · EQUIPMENT GUIDE
Sublimation printers
Print artwork with dye-sublimation inks so a heat press can permanently transfer it into compatible garments, mugs, bags, panels and coated blanks.
T-shirts and sportswearMugs and tumblersBags and cushionsPhoto giftsCoated hard blanks
FEATURED MULTI-REVIEWEDSureColor SC-F100 / F170£395 excl. VAT / £474 incl. VAT
THE QUESTIONDo you need a dedicated supported sublimation printer, a cheaper converted inkjet, or a larger-format system for apparel and production work?
LISTED OPTIONS2
MULTI-REVIEWED1
What changes as the budget rises
Purpose-built Epson and Sawgrass systems reduce setup uncertainty and are easier to support.
Larger printers make sense when garment graphics and production volume repeatedly exceed A4 or letter-size output.
COMPARE THE ACTUAL OPTIONS
Compare models and tools
Manufacturer claims, independent reviews and owner evidence stay separate. Current products are kept apart from discontinued equipment and used-market references.
Compare the same job, not just the price.
Read each model in the same order: price and scope, best use, limitations, then the assessment. Match your material, working size and required output first. Include accessories, consumables, software and workspace needs before deciding.
MULTI-REVIEWEDEpson · mid-range
SureColor SC-F100 / F170
£395 excl. VAT / £474 incl. VATDedicated A4 dye-sublimation printer sold as SC-F100 in Europe and F170 in North America, designed for apparel, mugs, gifts and other heat-transfer blanks.
BEST FOR
Beginners and small studios who want a purpose-built sublimation printer with refillable Epson ink, warranty support and a compact desktop footprint.
WATCHA4 width ceiling · No borderless printing in independent testing
CAIBIA strong dedicated entry point when you want sublimation to behave like a supported printing system rather than a converted inkjet project.Open assessment →
PROVISIONALSawgrass · premium
SG500
£379 excl. VAT / £454.80 incl. VATCompact purpose-built sublimation printer centred on Sawgrass ink, colour management and software rather than a refill-tank workflow.
BEST FOR
Small personalisation businesses that value guided colour workflow and vendor support more than the lowest ink cost or an open consumables ecosystem.
WATCHCartridge ink costs more than refill-tank systems · Smaller format ceiling than SG1000 and wide-format alternatives
CAIBIThe guided-system alternative to Epson tank sublimation: easier to keep inside one supported workflow, but more expensive and less open over time.Open assessment →