5 Best Inkjet Sublimation Printers In 2023

Want to set up a sublimation printing station for a hobby or business? Then, you must have a sublimation printer.

Most people start by converting an inkjet printer for the purpose.

But here’s the deal: You can’t convert all inkjet printers for sublimation printing. Don’t worry, though! We rolled up our sleeves and did the digging for you.

In this post, we review the 6 best inkjet sublimation printers you can use to start your printing project from today.

The 5 best inkjet sublimation printers are:

• Epson EcoTank ET-15000
• Epson WorkForce WF-7720
• Epson SureColor T3170
• Canon G7020
• Epson EcoTank ET-2720

Printer:	Best For:
Epson EcoTank ET-15000	External Ink Tank Efficiency
Epson WorkForce WF-7720	Dual Paper Trays
Epson SureColor T3170	Larger Print Format
Canon G7020	Unique Fill System
Epson EcoTank ET-2720	Beginners

We will describe the pros and cons of each of these printers, as well as answer some common questions you may have about sublimation printing.

Best Inkjet Sublimation Printers

Printer	Features
Epson EcoTank ET-15000	Ink tanks make ink management easier Multifunctional – print, scan, copy, fax Wireless connectivity Large paper tray – up to 250 sheets Color LCD screen display	Check Prices
Epson WorkForce WF-7720	Multifunctional – print, scan, copy, fax Wireless connectivity Two-sided printing 4.3-inch (11CM) touchscreen Large paper tray – up to 500 sheets Connects to Alexa	Check Prices
Epson SureColor T3170	Multifunctional – print, scan, copy Print as large as A1 size paper Wireless connectivity 4.3-inch (11CM) touchscreen	Check Prices
Canon G7020	Ink tanks make ink management easier Multifunctional – print, scan, copy, fax Wireless connectivity Large paper tray – up to 350 sheets	Check Prices
Epson EcoTank ET-2720	Ink tanks make ink management easier Multifunctional – print, scan, copy Wireless connectivity Color LCD display	Check Prices

1. Epson EcoTank ET-15000-Best External Tank Choice

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What We Like:	What We Don’t Like:
External ink tanks for efficient ink usage	More expensive compared to other inkjet sublimation printers
No overfilling concerns with ink tanks
Digital and physical ink level indicators
Multifunctional: print, copy, scan, and fax
Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet connectivity
High-density print chip for precision printing
Produced by a reputable brand (Epson)

Epson is a Japanese electronics maker known for making excellent printers. They have been around since 1942 and made their name by making precision electronics such as projectors, computers, and even automatic watches.

The ET-15000 is a strong contender for the best inkjet sublimation printer list for one huge reason – its external ink tanks.

External tanks work significantly better than traditional cartridges, which become useless if they sit unused and run out of ink after only making a few prints.

In addition, you won’t have to worry about overfilling them or filling them when there is no requirement to do so. The digital indicator and a physical indicator (you can see the ink levels directly) make knowing when to refill easy. When ink is low, simply top up with sublimation inks. Just make sure to add the right color.

In addition to the external tank advantage, the ET-15000 functions as your all-in-one home office printer. This model can print, copy, scan, and fax when you’re not using it for sublimation printing.

You can also connect it to your devices over Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet. The printer uses a high-density print chip, making it capable of producing up to 40 million precise dots in a single second. This model may be more expensive than many other best inkjet sublimation printers listed here.

The higher cost reflects the exceptional printing efficiency and precision offered by the Epson ET-15000.

For those new to the world of printing and looking for a deeper dive into the process, understanding sublimation printing is essential. Explore the intricacies of sublimation printing to better grasp this innovative technique.

2. Epson WorkForce WF-7720- Best Choice for Two-Trays

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What We Like:	What We Don’t Like:
All-in-one (fax, scan, copy, print)	Can’t print directly on non-paper materials
Wireless connectivity with NFC and Wi-Fi
It can be used as an inkjet sublimation printer
Dual paper tray system for versatile printing needs
High paper holding capacity (up to 500 sheets)
Fast printing speed
Suitable for home and small office use

The WF7720 is another all-in-one printer suitable for home and small office use. You can perform various tasks with this printer, such as faxing, scanning, copying, and printing in color. It also comes equipped with wireless connectivity, allowing you to print using Near Field Communication (NFC) and Wi-Fi.

In addition, it can also function as an inkjet sublimation printer, meaning you simply need to switch to sublimation ink.

Once you switch, you can print on sublimation paper and then transfer the design to your substrate. You can’t use it, however, to print directly on non-paper materials.

We have it on the best inkjet sublimation printers list because of its dual paper tray system. With two trays, you can separate the different paper types according to your requirements.

Simply put regular copier paper in tray one for when you need to perform regular printing and sublimation paper in tray two for sublimation printing.

The WF-7720 is also known for its printing speed and paper-holding capacity. It can hold up to 500 pieces of paper and print a sheet out every few seconds. This can save plenty of time, especially if you print frequently.

PRO TIP: To use as a sublimation printer it is best to purchase new and use only dye sublimation inks. Once you switch to dye sublimation ink you cannot switch back and it is best to use as a dedicated sublimation printer.

3. Epson SureColor T3170- Best for Larger Print Format

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What We Like:	What We Don’t Like:
Can print large format up to 24 inches (A1, A2, A3)	Consumes more space (38 inches in length)
Wireless and USB connectivity	Cartridge system instead of tanks
Fast printing (A1 in <40 seconds)	Might require a special stand for setup
Straightforward cartridge refill with sublimation inks

You may wonder why there is another Epson printer on our best inkjet sublimation printers list, so here’s why we added it- it can print on large sheets of paper.

We’re talking about 24 inches (61CM) here, significantly larger than your average A4 size printer. This printer can print paper sizes such as A3, A2, and A1.

This means you can print out larger designs for your sublimation project without printing them out on multiple papers and fitting them together before sublimating.

The printer comes with wireless connectivity, allowing you to print via Wi-Fi. If you prefer a stable and more reliable connection, revert to the classic USB cable. The printer also prints fast, completing an A1-sized print job in less than 40 seconds.

The printer uses a cartridge system to refill instead of tanks. You simply refill the cartridge with sublimation inks and place them back into the printer.

The downside for the printer involves space consumption. The T3170 needs to be a little wider to accommodate its larger paper printing ability. It measures 38 inches (97CM) in length, which may be space-consuming. You can, however, purchase a special printer stand from Epson for this printer.

4. Canon G7020 Best for Unique Fill System

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What We Like:	What We Don’t Like:
All-in-one (print, scan, copy, fax)	Some Canon models use thermal printheads (unsuitable for sublimation)
Unique automatic ink refilling system
External tanks for easy conversion & refilling
Wireless and USB connectivity
Avoids overfilling with auto-stop

Canon, another Japanese company that made its name in imaging technology, especially cameras, is also a giant in printers.

They make our best inkjet printers for the sublimation list because they produce some of the best, high-quality printers your money can buy.

Although many Canon inkjet printers use thermal print heads, making them unsuitable for sublimation printing, the G7020 doesn’t.

Thermal print heads heat up inks as they work, which while fine for regular ink, doesn’t work for sublimation. Sublimation inks are sensitive to heat and may not perform well with such print heads.

If you’re still on the fence about the distinctions between sublimation printers and regular inkjet printers, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental differences. Learn more about the nuances between a sublimation printer and a standard inkjet printer to decide which one is right for your needs.

The Canon G7020 printer, with all-in-one functionality, prints, scans, copies, and faxes. It also comes with external tanks that simplify the conversion and refilling process.

However, the refilling system is also unique because you simply place the ink bottle on top of the tank opening with the nozzle down.

The refilling system stops automatically when the tank is full, saving you time and avoiding overfilling.

It also comes with wireless connectivity. Simply connect any device of your choice to the printer to print wirelessly – desktop, laptop, or mobile devices. If you like a physical connection, connect via a USB cable.

5. Epson EcoTank ET-2720- Best Inkjet Sublimation Printer for Beginners

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What We Like:	What We Don’t Like:
Cost-effective (ideal for beginners)	Prints slower compared to some models (like ET-15000)
Easy conversion to sublimation printing	Feels less robust
Wireless and USB connectivity	Lacks sheetfed scanner
All-in-one (print, scan, copy, fax)
Visible external ink tanks for easy monitoring

This may be the best inkjet sublimation printer for beginners on this list. For an inkjet printer with external tanks out there, the cost is low.

That makes it exceptionally suitable for conversion for sublimation printing. If you buy it new, simply unbox the printer, and fill the tanks with sublimation ink instead of the ones in the box. Then feed the paper tray with sublimation paper, and you are set to start printing.

The printer also has wireless connectivity, allowing Wi-Fi connection from desktop, laptop, or mobile devices. This makes printing more straightforward, as you do not have to grapple with wires. However, you can still use USB cables with this printer if you prefer that.

On top of that, this printer is also an all-in-one, meaning you can scan, print, fax, and copy. The external ink tanks are visible, meaning you can quickly check if the inks are running low and require top-ups.

However, the lower cost comes at a price, especially compared to its better cousin, the EcoTankn ET-15000. It prints slower, feels less well built (although still sturdy), and does not have a sheetfed scanner. The ET-15000 also has an ethernet port and can print tabloid-size paper.

In short, The ET-2720 offers a cost-effective entry into sublimation printing, especially for beginners, but does come with a few trade-offs in features compared to more advanced models.

When considering the purchase of a sublimation printer, one of the primary concerns is often the cost. You might be wondering about the typical price range for these machines. Get a comprehensive breakdown of how much a sublimation printer costs to plan your investment better.

What To Consider When Buying Inkjet Sublimation Printer

When buying an inkjet printer for sublimation printing, you must consider issues such as brand, ink management, printhead technology, and inter-convertibility. Understanding each of these areas will help you make the best purchase and avoid disappointments.

Brand

It goes without saying that good brands provide good products, support, and user experience. The same applies for printers.

A printer that has been made by a well-known brand will likely be much superior to a printer that has been manufactured by a lesser-known brand.

You are also more likely to get better customer support if you have questions and more available spare parts if the printer breaks down.

Therefore, you should always choose a printer that comes from a well-known brand. Although they are likely to be more costly than other available choices, the ultimate result will be well worth every penny you invest.

Printhead Technology

Inkjet printers, in general, use two types of technology to deliver ink to the print surface – piezoelectric or thermal. In short, piezoelectric technology uses vibration to move and deliver ink, while thermal uses heat.

For regular printing, both technologies work just fine. However, you want to use only an inkjet printer with a piezoelectric printhead for sublimation printing.

This is because thermal printheads use heat, which may be fine for regular ink but may cause print quality issues with sublimation ink. Sublimation ink is more sensitive to heat as it has a different chemical makeup.

All printers on our best inkjet sublimation printer use piezoelectric printhead technology. It is essential to check with your salesperson when buying your printer to confirm what technology the printhead uses to avoid disappointment.

Read here to learn more about Printhead Technology

Ink Management

In general, when you convert an inkjet printer for sublimation printing, you have three ways to manage your ink – cartridge replacement, cartridge refill, or ink tank refill.

All three ink management systems have their own strengths and weaknesses. Cartridge replacement may be the most expensive option.

With this option, you are likely to also replace the ink delivery system inside the cartridge. This way, you can be more confident that the ink delivery to the printhead will be smooth.

With cartridge refill, the upside is you save more since cartridge refill is usually cheaper than replacing the entire cartridge. The printer also usually looks better since you do not see the printer ink tank.

External ink tank refill may be the easiest method since you only refill the ink when the tank is low and don’t touch the cartridges. The downside is that your printer may be less mobile since it may hold lots of liquid inks.

Moving the printer around may slosh the ink around, introducing air bubbles into the tubes, and influencing print results.

Once you’ve got your sublimation printing sorted, the next step is transferring those prints onto your desired medium, and that’s where heat presses come into play. To complement your printer, discover the best heat presses available in the market.

Inter-Convertibility

Another point to think about is the inter-convertibility of the printer. Consider how easily you can convert between regular and sublimation printing.

This might matter to those who also regularly print stuff at their home or home office, meaning they need to have a printer that can do both. Sure, you can always have a dedicated printer for regular printing and another for sublimation. Still, space and budget considerations may force some of us to only have one.

If interconvertibility is your concern, you may need to consider using a laser printer.

While inkjet printers are commonly discussed in the context of sublimation, it’s also worth noting the role of laser printers. If you’re curious about whether a laser printer can fit the bill, read about the potential of using a laser printer for sublimation.

A laser printer can easily change between regular and sublimation printing by simply swapping the toners. Use sublimation toners when you need to perform sublimation printing and vice versa.

With inkjet printers, it may be more challenging as even if you can swap out the cartridges, there may be residual ink in the printhead and tubings, resulting in print quality issues when switching inks.

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