Best Sublimation Printer For Mugs

Imagine receiving a personalized mug from your best friend or loved ones? Of course, we all like receiving customized gifts. So, It’s time to invest in the best sublimation printer for mugs!

Nowadays, designing and personalizing special gift items for your customers with sublimation printing is incredibly popular. Printing on ceramics such as mugs, cups, and other drinkware can enhance ceramics and add value to them. If well designed with the right message like “World’s Best Mom, an everyday item such as a mug can quickly become cherished.

By utilizing dye-sublimation printers, you can start a profitable, on-demand personalization business. But, finding the best option can be tricky when you’re shopping online. As there are a variety of printers are available, with a variety of features.
We hope that after reading our list of the best sublimation printers for mugs, you will have an idea of which printer would best suit your needs and budget!

So without any further ado, here we go!

Editor’s Pick

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000

TOP PICK
Button to buy Epson xp-15000 Best Printer for mugs
4.2/5 Our Score

Specifications:

  • Print Resolution: 5760*1440 dpi
  • Printer Volumn: 8.5″ x 47.2″
  • Warrenty: 2 years

Among the Ecotank Series of sublimation printers, the Epson XP-15000 is currently the fastest and best-performing sublimation printer. Epson’s Ecotank ET line has just added this model. This sublimation printer is a great option for you to purchase for your next mug printing project because of its flexible paper handling capabilities.

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 VS Epson Stylus C88+ Inkjet Color Printer VS Canon Selphy CP1300

Epson XP-15000 Best sublimation Printer for mugs
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
4.2/5
  • Print Resolution: 5760*1440
  • Printing Speed: 9.2 ppm (black) 9.5 ppm (white)
  • Printer Volumn: 8.5″ x 47.2″.
  • Copy/Scan/Fax: Yes
Epson Stylus C88+ Best sublimation Printer for mugs
Epson Stylus C88+ Inkjet Printer Color
4.1/5
  • Print Resolution: 5760*1440
  • Printing Speed: Black: 23 ppm,Color: 14.5 ppm
  • Copy/Scan/Fax: NO
Canon Selphy CP1300 Best sublimation Printer for mugs
Canon Selphy CP1300 Compact Photo Printer
4.6/5
  • Printing Resolution: 300 x 300 dpi
  • Printing Speed: 47 sec
  • Printing volume: 148 x 100mm
  • Copy/Scan/Fax: Yes

List of top 4 Best Sublimation Printer for Mugs

Reviews of Best Sublimation Printer for Mugs

1. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000Wide-format Best Sublimation Printer or Mugs

Get stunning photos without any border with the Expression Photo HD XP-15000 wireless wide-format printer, which produces borderless photos of stunning quality. EPSON XP- 15000 sublimation printer is the ideal choice for mug printing because it permits you to complete print assignments promptly as well as cost-effectively. Among today’s best-selling sublimation printers is the Epson XP-15000. It is energy-efficient and waste-free.

Among the Ecotank Series of sublimation printers, the Epson XP-15000 is currently the fastest and best-performing sublimation printer. Epson’s Ecotank ET line has just added this model. This sublimation printer is a great option for you to purchase for your next mug printing project because of its flexible paper handling capabilities.

PrecisionCore technology ensures the Epson 15000 generates up to 40 million dots per second (DPS) with exceptional accuracy so you can print your designs with confidence.
Paper can be loaded into the XP-15000 from two sources: the front 200-sheet plain paper holder and the back 50-sheet picture wide-format paper feeder. Automatic page output is managed by a removable output tray, which can be repositioned as required. Furthermore, it comes with software for creating and printing tags, labels, and cases. As well as allowing borderless printing up to 13″ by 9″, it also features a digital photo frame.

This dye ink machine creates a variety of designs, such as a blend of 6-Claria dyes, which can give your print a dazzling appearance when applied skillfully. Additionally, it is capable of producing high output with minimal waste. When I tested my business charts and infographics, they looked beautiful when printed in other publications. I did not notice any visible bands or smearing on the fillings or shades. Hairlines were flawless, and colors were vivid.

Ink savings up to 90% and energy efficiency are just a few ways Epson XP-15000 can provide your business with a financial advantage.
Wireless printing together with hands-free, voice-activated printing combined with WiFi enables you to print anything that you need.

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Pros
  • Refills bottles of ink at a low cost
  • Reduces ink costs by 90 percent
  • Voice-activated, hands-free printing
  • Multiple connectivity options through WiFi/Ethernet
  • Automatically print on both sides
Cons
  • No digital display
  • Scanners and fax machines are not included

2. Epson Stylus C88+ Inkjet Printer Color

Epson c88 best subli printer for mugs

In this review, we’ll be taking a look at, the Stylus C88+, the top-of-the-line model from the Epson series. Epson’s C88+ Inkjet Printer is a great asset to any business, whether it is established or you are just starting out. The Stylus C88+ printer is a popular choice for home and office use due to its excellent design and affordable price.

The C88+ Inkjet Printer runs on the CISS system. Having printed several stacks of paper in only a few months, I have never experienced any difficulties.

It offers 120-sheets of input capacity with a single tray and is compatible with free sublimation paper ink. In addition, DURABrite pigment inks are included, providing vibrant color on any surface.

Using The C88+ Inkjet Printer, you can easily switch from an inkjet to a sublimation printer by simply swapping the ink. Moreover, This budget-friendly sublimation printer automatically handles various types of media. Your productivity will triple thanks to its outstanding efficiency.

This printer has been used by several professional photographers throughout their careers. Sublimation printing, it offers excellent color consistency.

Pros
  • Supports all types of media.
  • Paper handling and printing automated.
  • The Paper tray holds 120 sheets.
  • The set includes DURABrite Ultra Pigment ink cartridges.
  • Anti-Smudge
  • Mac and Windows compatibility.
  • Speedy printing.
Cons
  • Running Costs are likely to be high.
  • It doesn’t print larger images.
  • No Advanced Features.

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 VS Epson Stylus C88

Why it is on our list:

  • The Epson XP-15000 is the best sublimation printer on the market. Through this printer, I could have outstanding printouts that helped me to do my sublimation work. If you are planning to get a printer that is loaded with multiple features then this printer is for you.
  • The Epson Stylus c88+ provides high-speed quality printouts with 120 sheets of input capacity with a single tray. You can use this printer for both home and office. It also supports all kinds of media and can be used by Mac and Windows operating systems.

Improvements:

  • The Epson XP-15000 does not have scanners and fax machines that should be included.
  • The Epson Stylus c88+ printer can not print the larger images that you might need. It should be improved.

3. Canon Selphy CP1300- Best Compact sublimation printer for mugs printing

cp 1300 best printer for mugs sublimation

Customize your mug with Canon Selphy CP1300, the successor to Canon CP1200. In comparison with its predecessor, the CP1200, it retains mobility, connectivity diversity, and high print quality. Utilizing the thermal sublimation method, it can print photos with unique colors within one minute. It offers the capability of correcting ID photos – such as passport photos – as well.

In this printer, there is a 3.2″ LCD monitor that shows the menu and samples. Unfortunately, the LCD doesn’t have touch technology, so it can’t be used to interact with the menu.
Also, Canon Selphy CP1300 applications enable wireless printing from smartphones in a simple and fast manner. As well as iOS, and Android users can take advantage of Mopria Print Services. Both wireless and wired connections are possible to PCs and suitable cameras. Almost all options are available with this printer. It comes with a 12-month warranty and an InstantExchange program.

In addition to the multiple layouts, the CP1300 offers borderless and bordered printing options. Make your photos more memorable by adding dates to them. Further, you can crop, smooth skin, adjust brightness/contrast/color, and correct red-eye if needed through the CP1300. If you do not like the appearance of the smooth surface, a surface pattern can be added to make the appearance less glittery.
This Selphy Canon CP1300 is an excellent value for the money. It is a compact digital printer, but it is a powerful machine that performs like a professional printer.

Pros
  • Printing of very high quality
  • A variety of layouts are available
  • A variety of ways to connect
  • Low printing costs
Cons
  • Touch screen not available
  • Batteries are required for proper portability
  • Does not include a USB cord

Check Out More:

4. Lexmark MC3224dwe Color Multifunction Laser Printer

Lexmark-MC3224dwe best sublimation printer for mugs

Lexmark MC3224 is a low-cost laser printer that offers customizable printing options for small businesses. The security features of this printer protect data across the document, on the device, over the network, and on the cloud. It is small, lightweight, easily transportable, establishable, and movable.

Lexmark’s MC3224dwe is a capable multifunction laser printer tailored for low-volume printing and copying. The steel construction of the MC3224dwe provides stability and durability, and the image components are designed to last a lifetime. We selected this printer for its remarkably high resolution of 600 x 600 dpi, as well as its fast performance, which makes it one of the best sublimation printer for mugs printing.

Moreover, It’s simple and quick to set up. A test printout of the first page took 11 seconds in both color and black. The printer is capable of printing one-sided documents at a rate of 24ppm and two-sided documents at a rate of 13ppm. By default, the Lexmark MC3224dwe comes with two-sided printing, helping you save money by reducing paper consumption.

Incredibly, when color toner runs out, the high-capacity toner cartridges let you print in black and white. Lexmark MC3224dwe has a compact color with a tray capacity of 250 sheets of the input tray and 100 sheets of the output tray. With a single-sheet feeder, this printer is small enough to fit most settings. Its monthly duty cycle is 30000 pages.

Additionally, it features a 7.2cm LCD touch screen. Wireless setup is even more straightforward with Lexmark printers. Printing from mobile devices is simple thanks to standard Wi-Fi. There’s also a USB that can be used to print, scan, and copy. Lexmark mobile print app, Mopria, Air Print, and Google Cloud Print are all available for mobile printing.

Pros
  • Print quality is above average.
  • Multiple connectivity options including Wifi
  • LCD touch screen
Cons
  • There is no automatic document feeder(ADF).
  • It is expensive to use.
  • No Advanced Features

Buying Guide: Choose the right sublimation printer for mugs printing

It is essential to understand the factors you need to consider before purchasing the right sublimation printer. You might be confused by all of this, so let us suggest a solution.

The following overview will tell you what you need to think about when choosing a printer with sublimation technology.

  1. Use of a Printer

Although you probably know what a sublimation printer is, you might be unaware of all the different types of work they can do.
Commercial Sublimation printers offer a wide range of features and can handle any project. It is pretty costly to buy these printers. These printers are primarily used in digital laboratories, kiosks, and print centers. Also, they are exact and accurate.

Commercial printers are the most durable and ideal for sublimation printing or mug printing businesses as they regularly print in large quantities. However, Mitsubishi CP-D70DW, Ricoma R550, Workforce WF-7720, and Epson HD XP-15000 Printer are the top in this category.
Next, we’ll take a look at consumer models. Hobbyists, craft specialists, or the general public may use these affordable models of printers. While they may not be of high quality, they are adequate for printing photos. These are often dependent on specific ink and printing materials, as well as having WiFi access. Their dye is more expensive, so they require more money to operate.

  1. Print resolution

Whether a photograph is sharp, bright, and precise is determined by DPI. The printer’s resolution is usually measured in dots per inch (DPI); the dot density refers to the number of dots per inch in a picture. Resolution determines how sharp an image is. However, It does not mean that you cannot use a printer with a resolution of 1200 dpi. If you want to sublimate products like mugs and glassware, It is highly recommended that customers use a 300dpi printer. Almost all high-end and consumer models are available in this size. A 600 dpi resolution is also recommended if more clarity is desired to get picture prints similar to those in a gallery. A 1200 dpi printer is considered the king. So you will first need to decide what type of media you will use and what you will print before settling on a dpi number.

  1. Print Speed

Having fast printing speeds is crucial to your productivity. By using a high-speed sublimation printer, you’ll be able to complete a large number of orders in a short time. The best printer to get the most value for your money in such a situation may cost a little more.

The print resolution also affects the printer’s speed. High-resolution photos severely slow down the printing speed.

Therefore, prior to making a decision, try to balance the printer’s speed with its resolution. To the average user, the printer’s resolution is more important than speed.

  1. Print Volume

A dye-sublimation printer’s speed, as well as its volume, plays a crucial role in the success of your business.
Almost all sublimation printers cannot handle the same amount of work at the same time. In some cases, sublimation printers are capable of printing tens of thousands of images per job, while in others, limits are set to a few thousand. Ultimately, printing speed and volume are all about your needs.

  1. Print Media

Some printers do not support large-format printing. If you go through our evaluations of the best sublimation printer for mugs, you have noticed that our recommended sublimation printers support a variety of media sizes.

You need to choose one large enough to satisfy your needs. So, when choosing a printer, consider your size requirements and compare them with the printer’s capabilities.

  1. Connectivity

All the top sublimation printers support the most current operating systems, including Windows and Mac. PCs, laptops, MAC devices, or USB ports can all be used to connect a sublimation printer. Our list includes only printers that are compatible with today’s most widely used gadgets. You can also send photos via email or regular mail. But these are the most common methods. Using memory cards to print your photos is also an excellent solution. Furthermore, some sublimation printers also support iOS and Android via Bluetooth or WiFi. Therefore, be cautious while choosing the sublimation printer that meets your requirements and stands out as the best.

Most Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)

The inks used in sublimation have a long shelf life. As a result, clogging, banding, and color-shifting are likely to occur if the printer is left idle for an extended period. Although high-quality sublimation inks generally do not permanently discolor, you can use them beyond their expiration date. Consequently, it’s advised to use the ink within six months after installation.

Dye sublimation printers are available in various qualities and capacities that allow you to print many different designs for various sublimation products, such as mugs, drinkware, t-shirts, bags, decorations, and such.

Sublimation printing is most commonly conducted using HP and Sawgrass printers. The downside is that they are often quite costly since they are designed specifically for sublimation print heads.

Sublimation printing should work just fine for ceramic mugs/cups that are coated with a glaze. Time frame and temperature levels should be specified on the sublimation paper.

Even a novice can make high-quality mug items with brilliant colors and long-lasting ink using only a CP-D70DW printer and a heat transfer machine.

Sublimation ink can be used with printers having piezo technology for sublimation. Epson EcoTank series printers are the best for sublimation printing.

A polymer coating is required on any subject for sublimation. But No polymer coating is necessary to sublimate regular mugs and cups; A heat press and special types of transfer paper are still needed.

The answer is Yes, you are free to sublimate the mug twice. It won’t break the mug or cup, but keep in mind that the picture will fade when it’s warmed. If you are sublimating the mug for test printing effects or practice sublimation printing, it’s ideal.

Also see: How To Sublimate A Sublimation Mug Blank and How Long To Sublimate It?

Final Words

I truly hope this article would be helpful for you to select the best sublimation printer for mugs printing based on your demands and budget.!

It is important to choose the right printer, especially when you are sublimating a mug or glassware because the low-quality printer may print faded pictures that may spoil your sublimation.
However, I would recommend Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 and Epson Stylus C88+ Inkjet Printer Color printers to the majority of sublimation business owners. It provides both cost-effective and high-quality printouts.

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