9 Best Printers For Heat Transfer Paper And Buying Guide For 2024
wedetso chirhah poulami nag vaswati chatterjee Vaswati holds a master’s degree in English Literature from Rabindra Bharati University. She was an academic researcher before stepping into the web content world, where she has covered subjects including linguistics, administrative and international law, and human resources.
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In This Article
If you are a graphic designer or an illustrator, you might want to flaunt your designs and reach a wider audience. You would also want to rev up your design process and monetize your work by choosing the best printer for heat transfer paper.
Check out the printers for heat transfer paper on this list that are ergonomically designed to help you print your masterpieces on mugs, t-shirts, and more. Designing can be a challenging task, but if you have a handy device in the form of a printer for heat transfer paper, you are sorted. So, pick one of these time-tested devices for a hassle-free printing experience.
Top Picks
Types Of Printers For Heat Transfer
- Laser printers
This kind of printer already uses heat in its technology, which results in super-easy usage. It also holds a large capacity for papers, making laser printers an expensive investment that lasts for a long time.
- Inkjet printers
These are regular printers that can support heat transfers and are quite affordable. Inkjets use dye or pigment-based inks in the form of cartridges, which can be expensive in the longer run.
- Dye sublimation printers
Quite rare in the market, these printers print directly on fabrics and textiles without requiring paper in the middle. These are heavy-duty and more suitable for commercial use.
9 Best Printers For Heat Transfer Paper In 2024
1. Best With Auto Power:Canon Pixma TR4520 Wireless Office All-In-One Printer
Canon’s tried-and-tested Pixma heat transfer printing machine offers wireless connectivity and can be used through your smartphone or tablet’s Canon Print app. Features such as AirPrint can also be used in conjunction with your Apple devices, while the Mopria Print Service works with Android. For detailed photos and documents, the transfer paper printer’s unique Hybrid Ink System works seamlessly with Wi-Fi. You can even print out borderless photos and save paper costs with the Auto Two-Sided (Duplex) printing in this wireless inkjet printer. Take a look at this review video to learn about the merits and demerits of the product.
Pros
- ADF for scanning and faxing
- Document removal reminder
- Auto power on/off function
- USB-compatible
- Works on all kinds of paper
- Supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- May be slightly noisy
- Colors may not be highly vibrant
"The Wi-Fi connectivity and print quality of this printer are pretty impressive. Setting it up took me a while, but the convenience it offers makes it worth the time and effort. Also, l wish the color accuracy were better. Anyway, I would recommend this for basic printing needs."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 2,360 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
2. Best Cartridge-Free:Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless Printer With Scanner And Copier
Designed to cater to the varied printing needs of the family, this printer is an innovative creation that offers a cartridge-free solution. This high-capacity, color inkjet printer is equipped with easy-to-refill ink tanks. Further, it comes with a flatbed scanner and a copier. It even supports printing from smartphones and tablets for greater convenience. This printer features an easy color display and uses Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology to produce crisp and vibrant text, graphics, and color photo prints on most types of paper.
Pros
- Offers high-quality resolution
- Convenient to set up
- Compact design
- Features voice-activated and wireless printing
Cons
- Print heads may require regular cleaning
- May have jamming issues
"I give this printer a thumbs up for its economical ink usage and compatibility with multiple devices. It lack an automatic double-sided printing feature, but its reliable performance overrides its shortcomings."
Do rememberWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 1,057 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
3. Best Versatile:Epson WorkForce WF-7720 Wide-Format All-In-One Printer
Epson’s versatile inkjet printer for heat transfer is powered by Precision Core to give you high-quality borderless prints and scans. With a 500-sheet capacity, this user-tested and trusted heat transfer inkjet printer features dual trays and a rear feed for special sheets of paper. It allows you to seamlessly make two-sided prints and copies, and a 35-page auto document feeder helps reduce workload. It is both a fax and wide-format heat transfer printer, offering various printing options. The wide-format printer features a touchscreen display for quick navigation. It also allows you to choose between cable or wireless connectivity.
Pros
- Works with computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets
- Offers fax and wide-format print options
- Uses 80% less power compared to laser printers
- Has a 125-sheet output tray
- Networking includes Wi-Fi Direct, NFC, and Ethernet
Cons
- May be noisy while printing
- Interface may not be user-friendly
"This all-in-one printer is ideal for my home office setup. Though the papers get jammed occasionally, its wireless connectivity and printing quality outweigh its minor inconveniences. I also like the fact that it accommodates different paper sizes,"
Canon Pixma TR4520 Wireless Office All-In-One Printer Best With Auto Power | Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless Printer With Scanner And Copier Best Cartridge-Free | Epson WorkForce WF-7720 Wide-Format All-In-One Printer Best Versatile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Black | White | Black |
| Wattage | 172 watts | 13 watts | - |
| Weight | 13 pounds | 12.17 pounds | - |
| Dimensions | 11.7 x 17.2 x 7.5 inches. | 13.7 x 14.8 x 8.7 inches. | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,360 | 1,057 | 644 |
| Price | $158.99 | $305 | $1480.78 |
4. Best With LCD Display:HP Neverstop Laser MFP 1202W Multifunction Printer
HP’s mono laser printer for transfer papers can be used to scan and print up to 5,000 pages virtually anywhere. Easy to use, the screen print transfer printer also has a two-sided automatic document feeder coupled with an easy-slide glass. The fast print speed teams up with the intuitive control panel so all your projects can be completed in no time. And what’s more, HP’s reloadable toner system offers excellent print quality and keeps the whole process mess-free. You can check out a tester’s experience in this review video to learn more about the compact printer.
Pros
- LCD display and flatbed scanner
- Compatible with tablets and smartphones
- Can print at 21ppm
- Works with Wi-Fi Direct and wireless connections
- Has a toner level indicator
Cons
- Interface may not be highly user-friendly
- May be a bit slow
"Setting up this printer is a simple task, and it does an effective job of wireless printing. It would have been great if its toner was more budget-friendly; however, its low-maintenance requirements make it a worthwhile investment."
Trivia5. Best Voice-Activated:Epson Expression Premium XP-6100 Small All-In-One Printer
Slim yet ultra-powerful, Epson’s multi-color heat transfer printer uses five-color inks to deliver photos of superior quality and sharp text. This all-in-one small printer for transfer papers also has photo and DVD trays and is powered by the unique Micro Piezo technology for heat-free prints. The auto two-sided printing and built-in memory card and USB slot make any endeavor successful, from everyday to-do lists to lengthy class assignments.
Pros
- Hands-free voice-activated wireless inkjet printer
- Prints photos in about 15 seconds
- Individual ink cartridges
- Supports smartphones and tablets
- Color touchscreen LCD display
- Enhanced photo tools such as red-eye removal
- Supports recycled paper
Cons
- May not be easy to replace the inks
- May not hold many sheets of paper
"This model by Epson is a remarkable addition to any home setup, as it is excellent for sporadic use. Also, it delivers quality photo printouts while doubling as a scanner and copier. A touch screen could have elevated the printer’s user-friendliness."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 1,361 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
6. Best Graphics Quality:Brother HL-L2320D Mono Laser Printer
Brother’s laser printer for heat transfer is compact for both office and personal use with a 250-sheet capacity. The automatic two-sided printing, commonly known as duplex printing not only helps you save paper but is super fast so you can also save time. A manual feed slot coupled with the rear paper exit make for a straight-through paper path that keeps your prints crisp at all times. If you happen to have less critical documents, you can also opt for the Toner Saver option on Brother’s heat transfer machine.
Pros
- Can print at 30ppm
- Simple connectivity via USB
- Compatible with laptops and PCs
- Available in two styles
Cons
- May not be easy to set up
- No wireless connectivity option
"This monochromatic printer is a dependable option with its noteworthy performance and efficiency. It may not be a wireless model, but its automatic duplex printing function makes the process streamlined and hassle-free."
7. Best Pre-Assembled:Sawgrass UHD SG500 Sublimation Color Printer
Featuring dye sublimation technology, this printer for transfer papers by Sawgrass offers superior printing quality with its starter ink pack providing over 200 full-coverage prints. This high-resolution heat transfer printer provides high-quality prints of 4880 x 1200 dpi. It comes pre-assembled and includes 20ml of every shade of starter ink, 100 sublimation papers, four heat transfer tapes, and five design cards. The device instantly connects to a PC, supports prints up to 8.5 x 14in, and is suitable for home as well as office use. It can also be used to print on various products made of polyester fabric and polymer-coated rigid media.
Pros
- No assembly required
- Includes printing accessories
- Features an automatic maintenance cycle
- Offers a print resolution of 4880 x 1200dpi
- Comes with a two-year warranty
Cons
- Some might face Wi-Fi connectivity issues
- Some may find it difficult to operate
"The spectacular color output gives this printer an edge over its contemporaries. Moreover, its sublimation printing technology helps me churn out refined and personalized creative designs from the comfort of my home."
Did you know?8. Best Temperature-Resistant:Furgle 3D Sublimation Heat Press Machine
Furgle’s printer for transfer paper has a wide range of applications. It works well with regular paper, and the machine can also transform cups, phone cases, and plates. The heat press printer warms up in a jiffy and distributes temperature evenly for crisp picture quality. For both everyday printing and commercial use, this digital heat transfer printer for t-shirts is a joy to use.
Pros
- Infrared heating technology
- Includes conical and cylindrical mug clamps
- Pair of temperature-resistant gloves included
- Comes with an LCD control panel display
- Has sealing strips, hose, and rubber mats
- Two levels for cups and flat items
Cons
- Temperature settings may not be in Fahrenheit
"So far, this heat press machine has proven to be a satisfactory complement to my existing sublimation equipment. The additional clothes and the mug press are a bonus, allowing me to take my 3D printing experiments to further creative heights."
9. Best Efficient:Punehod A3 DTF Transfer Printer
Punehod’s printers for transfer papers feature a built-in heater-enhanced printing area. This helps with ink adhesion and prevents bleeding in case of low temperature. It works well on all kinds of textiles, including dark fabrics, as it boldly prints on both light- and dark-colored backgrounds. The built-in white ink agitator circulates the liquid randomly for more even prints, while the reel bracket reduces paper jams, improving print speed and efficiency.
Pros
- Include a quality roll feeder
- Alarm timer function
- Insulated handle
- Dries in less than three minutes
- Temperature regulation display
- Supports Windows OS
Cons
- May not be easy to set up
- May be a bit slow
"It might take a few attempts to get used to the nuances of this printer, but once you get the hang of it, you are bound to reap the benefits of your efforts. The printouts boast vibrant colors, good details, and notable sharpness."
Now that we’ve gone over some of the best transfer paper printers available on the market, let’s learn how you can choose the best one for your needs.
How To Choose The Right Transfer Paper Printer?
- Printer type
You have mainly two options to choose from: inkjet and laser. The choice depends on your printing needs. Inkjet printers simply work with traditional ink cartridges and inkjet technology that sprays micro-drops on paper. While this type is less expensive compared to laser printers, you will still need to regularly replace the cartridges, with each lasting around 350 pages.
Laser printers print relatively more pages, with one toner ranging anywhere from 1500 to 5000 sheets. As it uses laser-based technology, there are no ink micro-scratches and the printing quality is more precise. If you need to print a lot of papers on the regular, this is the best option for you. The only drawback of this kind is that it already uses heat, which can also cause the machine to heat up.
- Ink type
Inkjet printers use sublimation, dye, and pigment inks, of which dye is the most affordable. However, it can also fade easily over time or when exposed to the UV rays of the sun. But if you happen to be on a tight budget, dye-based inks are a good bet. Sublimation inks are anti-fade but can be challenging to use. However, you can do some research and follow the user manual before trying them out. While pigment-based inks cost more, they also won’t fade or run.
Instead of ink, laser printers use toners. But you need to be careful in getting the right toner that is compatible with your printer or else you might run into issues later on.
- Consumption of ink
This is an important feature to consider as replacement cartridges cost a lot of money. Before you finalize a cheap printer, ensure that you won’t have to spend double the amount refilling the ink.
Generally, printers use three-color inks (yellow, cyan, and magenta) for vibrant color printouts. Some also use an independent black cartridge or four-color CMYK ones for high-contrast prints. You need to find out whether a cartridge can be replaced individually or if you have to replace the whole thing if even a single color runs out. For people who print black text a lot, the remaining cartridge can be used with no issues. If you use more color prints, look out for printers that use individual cartridges and cost-effective ink.
CISS or Continuous Ink Supply System compatibility can also be installed on your printer so you don’t run out in the middle of an important transfer. As this saves you both time and money, you can also choose printers that come pre-installed with CISS.
- Printing speed
Expressed in pages per minute (ppm) or copies per minute (cpm), this gives you an estimate of how quickly the printer gets the job done. This depends on how many pages you need to print on a daily basis.
- Memory card reader
With slots that allow SD, MMC, or MS Duo cards, you can print images directly from these sources. If you want to print something without a computer on hand, this feature is especially helpful.
- WiFi
If you find USB cables too much of a hassle, look for printers with a WiFi connectivity option so you can print your stuff from another room. However, a bit of configuration is needed for this as you have to install drivers and connect the printer to the network.
- Connectivity by applications
If you need printouts on the go, being able to print directly from an app can be a useful feature. A lot of applications these days are compatible with various printers. Some of them even notify you when the printer’s ink levels are low so you can purchase cartridges in advance without wasting any time.
- Touchscreen
Menu navigation and configuring your most-used printing options can be simplified with a handy touchscreen function. It also helps you choose the size of the paper you want to use and punch in the number of copies you need. Some also ask you for an email address so you can directly send the printed document.
- Self-weeding heat transfer
Self-weeding paper is used with laser printers and is ideal when you only want to transfer the image without needing to cut anything out. For large-scale projects or commercial use, this is a handy feature to have in a printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a special kind of ink to do heat transfers?
Inkjet printers and inks are all you need for heat transfers, as they can transfer personalized images of any kind.
2. Can any printer use transfer paper?
Transfer papers can be used with inkjet and laser printers.
3. Is inkjet or laser better for heat transfers?
Inkjet printers can provide you with more high-quality prints than laser printers. However, laser printers help you make thousands of transfers at a time. Laser printers also enable self-weeding, which Inkjet printers cannot.
4. What kind of printer do I need to print T-shirts?
You may use inkjet printers as they come with DTG technology, which is used for color, photo, and design transfers on T-shirts. It also offers customized printing.
5. How do I design my own heat transfers?
You can design and customize your own heat transfers by using transfer paper. This paper is available in different sizes and is washable.
6. How do I print on transfer paper for T-shirts?
Use your regular printers, such as inkjet or laser. Ensure you use high-quality ink to transfer the design onto the transfer paper.
7. Is transfer paper the same as sublimation paper?
Sublimation paper and heat transfer paper are similar, but they slightly differ in the image transfer process. Sublimation printing is ideal for light garments. Sublimation transfers dyes on the fabric, which is not suitable for dark-colored garments.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah is a product writer and reviewer whose attention to detail and in-depth analysis of products make it easy to find what you are looking for. With his specialty in writing articles on electronics and household products, he has compiled a list of the best printers for heat transfer paper for your convenience. He also added the specific features of each product and a buying guide to help you choose the right product.
The Bottom Line
Gone are the days when doing heat transfers was tricky. With the variety of tried-and-tested printer options, you can create stunning designs at incredible speed. A good expert-approved transfer paper printer consumes less ink, delivers crisp results, and offers additional features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, a memory card reader, and app connectivity. The options we have listed here come with these features and more, so you can find a suitable fit for your home or office. Moreover, they are compatible with most devices. We like the Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless Printer With Scanner And Copier, which has a compact design and easy-to-refill tanks, and the Canon Pixma TR4520 Wireless Office All-In-One Printer, which works on all paper types and supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Infographic: Buying Tips For Printers For Heat Transfer Paper
From printing children’s school projects to your important documents, having a printer at home is a good investment. A professional photographer, illustrator, or graphic designer requiring heat transfer paper prints would need a good-quality printer. Check out the infographic below for essential tips for choosing a printer.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
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