Choosing a sublimation printer for tumblers comes down to color accuracy, print size, and whether you want a simple starter setup or an all-in-one bundle. The right choice can save time, reduce waste, and make curved drinkware transfers much easier.
Below, we focus on practical options for home crafters, hobby sellers, and small businesses that want reliable results on tumblers, mugs, and similar blanks.
Best 10 Sublimation Printer for Tumblers Picks for 2026
Editor's Pick
Epson SureColor F170 Compact Sublimation Printer
- Genuine Epson ink and full manufacturer warranty
- PrecisionCore printhead for sharp, clean transfers
- Compact 8.5" x 11" design with 150-sheet tray
Best For: Crafters and small businesses wanting a compact, supported setup
Budget Ink Pick
OFFICENTER Sublimation Ink for Epson ET Printers
- Refill ink for many compatible Epson ET/ST models
- Auto-stop bottles help with cleaner filling
- Built for smooth printing with reduced clogging
Best For: Epson ET owners needing refill ink for craft projects
All-in-One Starter Bundle
Epson SureColor F170 Ready-to-Use Bundle
- Bundle includes Epson ink, guide, and power cable
- PrecisionCore printhead with 5760 x 1440 optimized DPI
- Works with Windows, macOS, and Epson iPrint
Best For: Users who want a ready-to-use Epson bundle for custom projects
Starter Bundle Pick
Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer
- Includes CMYK inks, paper, and Artspira software
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
- Works with tumblers, mugs, and other blanks
Best For: Beginners who want a ready-to-use bundle
Pro-Level Compact Option
Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer
- Includes SubliJet UHD inks and paper bundle
- Designed for vivid, professional-grade color
- Wi-Fi plus auto-maintenance for reliability
Best For: Small businesses focused on premium tumbler prints
Ready-to-Use Desktop Pick
Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Printer
- Includes OEM inks and maintenance tank
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray for cleaner batches
- Compact design with Mac and Windows support
Best For: Creators who want a simple Epson desktop setup
Starter Bundle with Supplies
Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Kit
- Printer plus CMYK inks, paper, tape, and blanks
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
- Good starter setup for tumblers and mugs
Best For: Beginners who want an all-in-one sublimation starter kit
Compact OEM Ink Bundle
Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Printer
- Genuine Epson ink bundle included
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray with closed paper path
- Compact option for home or small shop use
Best For: Users who want OEM ink and a clean, compact sublimation workflow
Press-Ready Tumbler Bundle
Brother SP-1 with 8-in-1 Heat Press
- Includes printer, inks, paper, and tumbler attachments
- 8-in-1 press supports mugs and conical tumblers
- Best one-box option for printing and pressing
Best For: Tumbler makers who want both the printer and press in one bundle
Editor's Pick – Epson SureColor F170 Compact Sublimation Printer
If you want a dependable sublimation printer for tumblers, the Epson SureColor F170 is built for clean, consistent transfers and simple day-to-day use. Its compact 8.5″ x 11″ format, PrecisionCore printhead, and included OEM ink make it a practical choice for hobbyists and small businesses that want reliable output without a lot of setup hassle.
Best For: Crafters and small business owners who want a compact, OEM-backed sublimation printer for tumblers and other small projects.
Pros:
- Includes genuine Epson sublimation ink and full manufacturer support.
- PrecisionCore printhead is designed for sharp image clarity and fine detail.
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray and closed, dust-resistant paper path help keep workflow efficient.
- Compact footprint fits smaller workspaces well.
Cons:
- Does not support mobile-device connection.
- Limited to an 8.5″ width, so it is not ideal for larger-format projects.
Overall, this is a straightforward, well-supported option if you want a compact sublimation printer for tumblers with a strong focus on print quality and ease of use.
Mobile Design Option – Brother SP1 with Artspira App Support
The Brother SP1 is a practical sublimation printer for tumblers if you like designing from your phone or tablet. It works through the Artspira app, which lets you import images, use included sublimation designs, and move quickly from concept to heat pressing with a simple DIY workflow.
Best For: Crafters who want a mobile-friendly sublimation printer for tumblers, mugs, shirts, and other personalized projects.
Pros:
- Artspira app support makes it easy to create and manage designs on the go.
- Includes Brother Genuine sublimation ink for vibrant, long-lasting results.
- Fast project workflow is suited to mugs, tumblers, shirts, bags, and hats.
- Comes with a display screen and touch controls for easier operation.
Cons:
- Heat press is required and sold separately.
- Requires the Artspira app to start using the printer.
- Designed for U.S. 120V use, which may limit compatibility elsewhere.
For makers who value app-based design tools and a simple creative process, the SP1 is a versatile pick that fits well into a home-crafting workflow.
Budget Ink Pick – OFFICENTER Sublimation Ink for Epson ET Printers
If you’re already using a compatible Epson ET printer, this OFFICENTER sublimation ink can be a cost-conscious way to print designs for tumblers and other DIY transfer projects. It is formulated for smooth printing with no clogging and is positioned as a refill option for a wide range of ET and ST series printers.
Best For: Owners of compatible Epson ET printers who need refill ink for tumbler and craft sublimation projects.
Pros:
- Compatible with a long list of Epson ET and ST printer models.
- Auto-stop bottles are designed for easier, cleaner refills.
- Multi-layer filtration is intended to help reduce clogging.
- ISO-9001 and MSDS certified, with 24-hour technical support.
Cons:
- Ink only; you must already own a compatible printer.
- Sublimation works best on low-cotton materials and coated items.
- Compatibility should be checked carefully before buying.
This is a solid replacement-ink choice for users who want to keep an existing compatible setup running smoothly without buying a dedicated printer.
All-in-One Starter Bundle – Epson SureColor F170 Ready-to-Use Bundle
The Epson SureColor F170 Bundle is a strong choice if you want a ready-to-go sublimation printer for tumblers and other personalized products. It pairs Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead with genuine sublimation ink, a closed 150-sheet tray, and software support for Windows, macOS, and mobile sending through the Epson iPrint app.
Best For: Small businesses and hobbyists who want a bundled Epson sublimation printer for tumblers with broad device support.
Pros:
- Includes Epson ink, user guide, and AC power cable in the bundle.
- PrecisionCore printhead is designed for sharp image clarity.
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray and dust-resistant closed tray support cleaner transfers.
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Epson iPrint for Android or iOS.
Cons:
- Not compatible with direct email printing or camera connections.
- Limited to an 8.5″ width for media.
- Still a print-only device, so it does not add scanning or copying functions.
As a bundled package, this model keeps the setup simple while giving you the Epson consumables and workflow support needed for consistent tumbler projects.
Starter Bundle Pick – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer
If you want a sublimation printer for tumblers that gets you started with the basics included, the Brother SP-1 bundle is a practical pick. It comes with CMYK inks, sublimation paper, and Artspira software, so you can begin designing and printing without piecing together every accessory separately.
Best For: Beginners, hobby crafters, and small sellers who want an all-in-one starter bundle for tumblers and other personalized items.
Pros:
- Includes full CMYK 47ml ink set and 10 sheets of Brother sublimation paper
- Supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity for flexible setup
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and the Artspira app
- Designed for a range of projects, including metal tumblers, mugs, and tote bags
Cons:
- Only includes 10 sublimation sheets in the bundle
- Print-only device with no multifunction features
- Best suited to smaller-format media up to legal size
Overall, the SP-1 is appealing if you want a compact entry into sublimation with helpful extras in the box. It is especially attractive for tumbler projects where convenience, color output, and simple connectivity matter more than high-volume production.
Pro-Level Compact Option – Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer
The Sawgrass SG500 is a strong sublimation printer for tumblers if you want a compact machine built around color consistency and small-business use. It includes SubliJet UHD inks and paper, plus access to MySawgrass and Sawgrass Print Utility for design and color control.
Best For: Small businesses and home entrepreneurs who want reliable, vivid sublimation prints for drinkware, apparel, and promotional items.
Pros:
- Includes a full CMYK SubliJet UHD inkset and paper bundle
- Professional-grade print quality with vivid, high-definition output
- Compact desktop design with media support up to 8.5 x 14 inches
- Wi-Fi connectivity and print head auto-maintenance for easier use
Cons:
- Standard print size is limited to 8.5 x 14 inches without bypass tray use
- More focused on print quality than speed or high-volume throughput
- Requires Sawgrass software workflow for best results
For tumbler makers who care about sharp, vivid output and dependable day-to-day use, the SG500 is a polished option. It fits neatly in a desktop setup while still offering the color control and support small businesses need.
Ready-to-Use Desktop Pick – Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Printer
The Epson SureColor F170 is a compact sublimation printer for tumblers that comes ready for desktop use with genuine Epson inks and a maintenance tank included. Its PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead and 150-sheet auto-feed tray make it a sensible choice for clean, consistent transfers on mugs, tumblers, and other DIY blanks.
Best For: Home studios and small businesses that want an Epson-made sublimation printer with simple setup and dependable print quality.
Pros:
- Includes OEM Epson sublimation inks and maintenance tank
- PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead supports vibrant, accurate color
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray helps reduce paper prep and keeps things cleaner
- Compact desktop design with Mac and Windows compatibility
Cons:
- USB-only connectivity with no wireless option listed
- Not compatible with mobile devices
- Built for smaller-format work rather than large production runs
If you want a straightforward sublimation setup with genuine Epson supplies included, the F170 is an easy model to consider. It is especially useful for tumbler projects where clean refills, dependable feeding, and consistent output matter.
Starter Bundle with Supplies – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Kit
If you want a sublimation printer for tumblers and other craft blanks, this Brother SP-1 starter bundle gives you the printer plus a large supply package to get moving fast. It includes full CMYK inks, 160 sheets of sublimation paper, 50 blanks, heat-resistant tape, and design resources, so you can begin testing tumbler designs without having to piece together every accessory separately.
Best For: Beginners and small makers who want an all-in-one starter package for tumblers, mugs, and other sublimation projects.
Pros:
- Includes the Brother SP-1 printer with a full CMYK ink set.
- Comes with 160 sheets of sublimation paper and heat-resistant tape.
- Bundle adds 50 blanks plus design software and reference materials.
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity support flexible setup.
Cons:
- Print-only design means you still need a separate press for finished transfers.
- Resolution is listed at 600 x 600, which is more practical than premium.
- Maximum media size is legal, so it is not built for larger-format work.
Overall, this bundle is a strong pick if you want a single purchase that covers the printer and most starter essentials. For tumbler makers, the included supplies and design extras make it easier to start producing right away.
Compact OEM Ink Bundle – Epson SureColor F170 Sublimation Printer
The Epson SureColor F170 is a compact sublimation printer for tumblers and other small-format items when print quality and clean handling matter most. This bundle includes OEM Epson ink, starter paper, thermal tape, and the printer’s 150-sheet auto-feed tray, making it a practical option for organized, repeatable transfer work.
Best For: Crafters and small businesses that want a compact Epson setup with genuine ink and a cleaner paper path.
Pros:
- Includes a full set of genuine Epson sublimation inks.
- PrecisionCore printhead is designed for strong image clarity.
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray and closed tray help reduce prep.
- Compact design suits home and small workspace setups.
Cons:
- Mobile device connection is not supported.
- Print speed is listed at 1 page per minute.
- Best suited to 8.5-inch-width media, so it is not a large-format choice.
For buyers who care about a tidy workflow and OEM supplies, the F170 is a dependable pick. It is especially appealing if you want a compact sublimation printer for tumblers and other smaller projects with less setup hassle.
Press-Ready Tumbler Bundle – Brother SP-1 with 8-in-1 Heat Press
This Brother SP-1 bundle is built for buyers who want a sublimation printer for tumblers plus the pressing equipment to finish jobs in one package. Along with the printer, inks, paper, and blanks, it adds an 8-in-1 swing-away heat press with both large and small mug press attachments and tall and short conical tumbler attachments, which makes it especially relevant for tumbler work.
Best For: Makers who want to print and press tumblers in the same bundle without sourcing a separate heat press.
Pros:
- Includes the Brother SP-1 printer with CMYK inks and paper.
- Comes with an 8-in-1 swing-away heat press.
- Includes tall and short conical tumbler attachments for drinkware.
- Also adds mug press attachments, blanks, tape, and design resources.
Cons:
- The bundle is larger and more equipment-heavy than printer-only kits.
- Print-only printer still requires the heat press for completed transfers.
- Maximum sheet capacity is listed at 100, so it is less paper-heavy than some supply bundles.
If your priority is tumblers, this is the most complete setup in the group because it pairs the printer with press attachments made for conical drinkware. It is a solid choice for people who want a bundled path from design to finished tumbler.
How We Picked These Sublimation Printer for Tumblers Options
We prioritized models and bundles that make tumbler printing more practical from day one: dependable brand support, included ink or starter supplies, and setups suited to small-format transfer work. We also favored products that reduce guesswork for beginners while still giving experienced users a workable path for repeatable output.
Quick Comparison
In this roundup, the Epson SureColor F170 options lean toward compact, straightforward printing with a small footprint. Brother SP-1 bundles stand out for creators who want more included accessories, while the Sawgrass SG500 appeals to buyers who value a more established dye-sublimation ecosystem. If you want the least complicated path, a bundle with ink, paper, and tape can be more useful than the printer alone.
Key Buying Factors for a Sublimation Printer for Tumblers
Print Size and Media Handling
Tumblers usually need narrow wraps rather than large sheets, so a compact printer can be enough. Still, check the maximum paper size and whether it handles the layout style you use most often.
Ink System and Starter Supply Value
A Sublimation Printer for Tumblers is only as convenient as the supplies included with it. Full ink sets, transfer sheets, maintenance items, and design software can significantly improve the value of a bundle.
Workflow and Ease of Setup
Beginners should look for clear documentation, bundled accessories, and a low-friction setup process. If you plan to produce regularly, consistency matters more than flashy extras.
Project Type and Production Volume
For occasional personalized gifts, a basic printer or small starter bundle may be enough. For frequent orders or a growing side business, choose a package that supports faster repeat workflows and fewer supply interruptions.
Who Should Buy Which Sublimation Printer for Tumblers?
Choose a compact Epson or Brother option if you want a simple entry point and plan to print mainly tumblers and mugs. Pick a fuller Brother or Epson bundle if you want more supplies included and prefer a more complete launch kit. Consider the Sawgrass SG500 if you want a more specialized sublimation ecosystem and are willing to pay for that level of focus.
For most buyers, the best choice is the one that matches your actual workflow: plain printer if you already have supplies, starter bundle if you want convenience, and larger kit if you want to start producing right away.