Starting a side hustle with sublimation printing requires the right equipment. If you’re looking for high-quality, reliable printers that won’t break the bank, options like the Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank and Sawgrass SG500 stand out for their balance of quality and ease of use. The Pinckney model is perfect for large-format projects but comes with a higher upfront cost, while the Sawgrass offers professional-grade vibrancy in a compact design. For those on a tighter budget or space, the Epson F170 provides decent quality for small-scale printing, albeit with some connectivity limitations. Understanding these tradeoffs helps you choose based on your volume needs, space, and budget.
Key Takeaways
- The Pinckney Super-Tank stands out for large-format projects and multifunctionality but has a higher initial investment.
- The Sawgrass SG500 offers professional-grade vibrancy with user-friendly software, ideal for small businesses.
- The Brother SP-1 is a compact, budget-friendly option that suits hobbyists but has size and material limitations.
- The Epson F170 provides good quality in a space-saving design but lacks mobile connectivity.
- Choosing the right sublimation printer depends heavily on project size, budget, and desired print quality.
| Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink Bundle for Heat Transfers, Easy Fill, Built-in Scanner & Copier, Wide Format up to 13×19 Inches |  | Best Overall for Large Projects and Multifunctionality | Printer Type: Super-Tank All-in-One | Ink Type: Sublimation Ink | Maximum Print Size: 13 x 19 inches | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer with Full CMYK 47ml Ink Set, 10 Transfer Sheets & Artspira Software |  | Best for Small Businesses and Hobbyists | Ink Set: CMYK 47ml each | Sublimation Paper: 10 sheets, 8.5″ x 11″ | Connectivity: Wi-Fi & Ethernet | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Epson Workforce Pro WF-4830 Wireless Color All-in-One Inkjet Printer |  | Best for High-Resolution Small-Scale Printing | Print Resolution: 4800 x 2400 dpi | Color Print Speed: 12 ppm | Black/White Speed: 25 ppm | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer with 31 mL Ink and Paper Bundle |  | Best for Professional-Grade Sublimation in Compact Form | Inkset: SubliJet UHD | Media Size: up to 8.5″ x 14″ | Connectivity: Wi-Fi | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer |  | Best for High-Quality Textile and Mug Printing | Format: 8.5″ x 11″ | Media Support: Auto-feed tray, dust-resistant | Included Inks: Full set of OEM inks | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| sublimation printers for side hustle | Connectivity |
|---|---|
| Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super- | Wireless |
| Brother SP-1 Sublimation Print | Wi-Fi & Ethernet |
| Epson Workforce Pro WF-4830 Wi | USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Pri | Wi-Fi |
| Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Subli | MacOS & Windows |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink Bundle for Heat Transfers, Easy Fill, Built-in Scanner & Copier, Wide Format up to 13×19 Inches
This model excels in large-format printing and multifunctionality, making it ideal for side hustlers who want to produce a variety of products. Its high-capacity ink tanks eliminate the need for cartridges, reducing ongoing costs. The wide 13×19 inch print size allows for larger designs, which is a huge advantage for custom apparel and signage. However, it comes with a higher upfront price and may require extra effort to handle sublimation ink separately. Compared to smaller or simpler printers, this is a more involved setup but pays off in versatility and capacity.
Pros:- High-capacity ink tanks reduce costs and refill frequency
- Supports large projects up to 13×19 inches
- Built-in scanner and copier for multifunction use
Cons:- Higher initial investment
- Sublimation ink may be shipped separately, adding complexity
- Limited to sublimation printing, not versatile for other media
Best for: Side hustlers needing large-format printing and multifunction features
Not ideal for: Beginners or those with limited space and budget
- Printer Type:Super-Tank All-in-One
- Ink Type:Sublimation Ink
- Maximum Print Size:13 x 19 inches
- Paper Capacity:250 sheets
- Touchscreen:2.7-inch color
- Connectivity:Wireless
Our verdict“Best for entrepreneurs who need large-format printing and multifunctionality despite a higher upfront cost.”
Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer with Full CMYK 47ml Ink Set, 10 Transfer Sheets & Artspira Software
This compact printer makes sense for those starting out or running a small operation. It comes with a full set of CMYK inks and sublimation paper, enabling vibrant transfers on shirts, mugs, and coasters. Its Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity support multiple devices, making it easy to integrate into a home setup. However, it’s limited to sublimation only, and its small size means it’s not suited for larger projects. The need for additional materials for customization can also add to costs and complexity for beginners.
Pros:- Complete ink set included for immediate use
- Compact and space-efficient design
- Compatible with multiple devices and operating systems
Cons:- Limited to sublimation printing only
- Additional materials needed for full customization
- Not suitable for large or wide-format projects
Best for: Hobbyists and small-scale side hustlers
Not ideal for: Large-volume production or complex projects
- Ink Set:CMYK 47ml each
- Sublimation Paper:10 sheets, 8.5″ x 11″
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi & Ethernet
- Compatibility:Windows, Mac, App
Our verdict“Ideal for hobbyists or small businesses seeking a simple, reliable sublimation printer.”
Epson Workforce Pro WF-4830 Wireless Color All-in-One Inkjet Printer
While not a dedicated sublimation printer, the Epson Workforce Pro WF-4830 offers high-resolution output with 4800 x 2400 dpi, making it suitable for detailed designs on small items. Its fast speeds and multi-function features (copy, scan, fax) appeal to side hustlers who want an all-in-one device. However, its bulky size and complex setup may deter those with limited space or technical comfort. Although it supports various connectivity options, it’s not mobile device friendly, and ink replacement costs can be high, especially with frequent use.
Pros:- High print resolution for detailed images
- Fast black/white and color speeds
- Supports multiple connectivity options
Cons:- Bulky and space-consuming
- Complex setup process
- High cost of ink replacements
Best for: Small business owners needing high-resolution printing and multifunctionality
Not ideal for: Those seeking dedicated sublimation quality or mobile printing
- Print Resolution:4800 x 2400 dpi
- Color Print Speed:12 ppm
- Black/White Speed:25 ppm
- Duty Cycle:33000 pages
- Connectivity:USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Our verdict“A good multifunction device for detailed small projects but less suited for large sublimation tasks.”
Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer with 31 mL Ink and Paper Bundle
The Sawgrass SG500 makes a compelling choice for entrepreneurs seeking vibrant, high-definition sublimation prints. Its compact size fits well into a home office or small shop, and its user-friendly software streamlines design and color management. The SubliJet UHD inks deliver professional-quality results, especially on apparel and drinkware. On the downside, its media size is limited to 8.5×14 inches, which can be restrictive for larger projects. Its higher price point reflects its professional-grade capabilities, making it less attractive for those just testing the waters.
Pros:- Vibrant, high-definition sublimation prints
- Compact, desktop-friendly design
- Reliable Wi-Fi connectivity
Cons:- Limited media size
- Higher initial cost
- Requires compatible sublimation inks and paper
Best for: Small business owners focused on high-quality sublimation products
Not ideal for: Large-format projects or those on a tight budget
- Inkset:SubliJet UHD
- Media Size:up to 8.5″ x 14″
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi
- Included Ink Volume:31 mL
Our verdict“Best for small-scale entrepreneurs needing professional-quality sublimation output.”
Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer
The Epson SureColor F170 offers professional-quality dye sublimation with Epson’s renowned PrecisionCore printhead. Its compact and space-saving design makes it ideal for small workshops. It includes a full set of OEM sublimation inks and supports versatile media with an auto-feed tray holding 150 sheets, which helps streamline production. However, its lack of mobile device connectivity and non-returnable inks once loaded can be drawbacks for some entrepreneurs. It’s a solid choice for those focused on textiles and mugs who prioritize print quality over advanced connectivity features.
Pros:- High-quality, detailed prints
- Includes full OEM sublimation inks
- Space-efficient with auto-feed tray
Cons:- No mobile device connection
- Inks are non-returnable once loaded
- Limited to sublimation printing only
Best for: Textile and mug sublimation professionals with space constraints
Not ideal for: Mobile printing needs or larger media projects
- Format:8.5″ x 11″
- Media Support:Auto-feed tray, dust-resistant
- Included Inks:Full set of OEM inks
- Connectivity:MacOS & Windows
Our verdict“Excellent choice for high-quality textile and mug sublimation, especially in small spaces.”
How We Picked
Our selection process focused on printers that cater specifically to side hustles, emphasizing affordability, ease of use, print quality, and versatility. We compared models based on specs like media size, ink capacity, connectivity options, and user reviews. Priority was given to printers offering reliable sublimation performance with minimal hassle, especially for small-scale or home-based entrepreneurs. We also balanced high-end features with budget-conscious options, ensuring there’s a good fit for different levels of experience and business scope.
| sublimation printers for side hustle | Connectivity |
|---|---|
| Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super- | Wireless |
| Brother SP-1 Sublimation Print | Wi-Fi & Ethernet |
| Epson Workforce Pro WF-4830 Wi | USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Pri | Wi-Fi |
| Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Subli | MacOS & Windows |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Sublimation Printers For Side Hustles
Choosing the right sublimation printer for your side hustle depends on understanding your project scope, workspace, and budget. The key factors include print size, ink capacity, connectivity options, and ease of use. Whether you’re aiming for large-format printing, high-quality small items, or a budget-friendly starter, knowing what features matter most helps narrow your options.
Size and Volume Needs
If you plan to produce large items or high volumes, a wide-format, high-capacity model like the Pinckney Super-Tank makes sense despite its higher price. For smaller projects or occasional use, compact models like the Brother SP-1 or Sawgrass SG500 will suffice, saving space and money.
Print Quality and Color Fidelity
For vibrant, professional-looking results, especially on apparel and promotional products, models with dedicated sublimation inks like Sawgrass SG500 or Epson F170 excel. Standard inkjet printers lacking specialized inks won’t deliver the same color depth or durability for sublimation.
Connectivity and Ease of Use
Wi-Fi-enabled printers like Sawgrass SG500 and Brother SP-1 simplify workflows, especially if you work wirelessly or from multiple devices. Models that require complex setup or do not support mobile devices are less practical for quick, on-the-go printing.
Budget Considerations
Entry-level options like the Epson F170 or Brother SP-1 are budget-friendly but may lack some professional features. Higher-end models like the Pinckney or Sawgrass come with better print quality and capacity but require a bigger initial investment. Balancing upfront costs with ongoing expenses like inks and materials is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular inkjet printers for sublimation?
No, regular inkjet printers are not suitable for sublimation because they use different ink formulations. Sublimation requires specialized sublimation inks that convert into gas when heated, bonding permanently with polyester fabrics or coated surfaces. Using standard inkjet inks will result in poor transfer quality and durability.
What’s the difference between a dedicated sublimation printer and a regular inkjet?
A dedicated sublimation printer is designed specifically for sublimation inks, offering optimized printheads, media handling, and software. These printers typically support professional-quality, vibrant, and durable transfers. Regular inkjets can’t produce the same quality or durability with sublimation inks, and using them often leads to subpar results.
Is sublimation printing suitable for small home-based businesses?
Yes, sublimation printing is well-suited for small businesses, especially when using compact printers like the Sawgrass SG500 or Epson F170. These models offer good quality, decent capacity, and space-efficient operation, allowing entrepreneurs to create personalized products without requiring extensive space or investment.
What should I consider before buying a sublimation printer?
Key considerations include the maximum media size, print resolution, ink capacity, connectivity options, and whether the printer supports your intended products. Additionally, consider ongoing costs like inks and paper, as well as your workspace size and volume needs. Balancing these factors ensures you select a printer that suits your specific side hustle goals.
Can I print on materials other than polyester with sublimation printers?
Sublimation printers work best with polyester fabrics or specially coated surfaces. They cannot print effectively on natural fibers like cotton without special treatments. If your projects involve a variety of materials, ensure your chosen printer and substrates align with sublimation’s requirements to achieve durable, vibrant results.
Conclusion
For entrepreneurs just starting or with limited space and budget, the Brother SP-1 offers a straightforward, affordable option for small-scale sublimation. Those aiming for larger projects or professional quality should consider the Pinckney Super-Tank or Sawgrass SG500, which provide larger formats and higher fidelity. Small business owners focused on textiles and mugs will find the Epson F170 a space-efficient choice, while those with a focus on detailed, high-resolution prints will appreciate the Epson Workforce Pro. Ultimately, your choice depends on your project size, desired print quality, and budget constraints.
