Given the wide range of alternatives available, choosing the finest t-shirt printer might be challenging. However, if you know what to look for, you can buy a printing device that is tailored particularly to your needs. The good news is that contemporary t-shirt printers allow you to make iconic designs because they are small, quick, and output a wide range of colors.
Are you looking for something that can print one of your favorite pictures on a shirt or let you design t-shirts for businesses and sports teams? To assist you in making a decision, we analyze your alternatives and contrast the best t-shirt printing models. The top t-shirt printers for 2023 are shown below.
Contents
5 Of The Best T-shirt Printers on Amazon.com in 2023
#1 Machine F2C 5-in-1 Pro Heat Press
Specs:
- Heat press is a printing technique.
- 20.6 x 19.6 x 20.2 inches in size
- Size of printing: 12 x 15 inches
- Weight: 55.8 lbs.
Pros:
- Durable physique thanks to its strength
- high-precision rotation at 360 degrees
- pressure-adjustment knob with a wide range
- intelligent alarm and timer
- Simple to use
Cons:
- It takes a while for the 1200W heating element to reach the proper temperature.
- No extra-large t-shirts can be printed on.
Form and function are flawlessly matched in the F2C 5-in-1 pro heat press machine. Both beginners and experts can use it without breaking down. A non-stick surface, a swing-away 360-degree rotation, and a full-range pressure-adjustment knob are just a few of the many practical features of this heat press. Despite having a metallic body of industrial standard, it is portable and can be used on small work surfaces, making it the perfect choice for someone without a dedicated workspace.
But what makes this the top t-shirt printing device? To begin with, it is fairly simple to use. With the adjustable pressure knob, temperature control, and timer, you can effortlessly alter the settings. Large designs may be printed on the 12 x 15-inch plate thanks to the built-in structural support, which also helps to preserve flatness for an even distribution of heat and pressure.
Second, with all of its capabilities, this machine exceeds its rivals. For instance, it has add-ons that let you print on things like clothing, mugs, plates, and headgear. Additionally, because it can spin 360 degrees, it enables the application of pressure and heat to various locations.
It’s ironic that the machine’s adaptability is also its downfall. Its attachments are difficult to replace and weigh a lot. Additionally, it cannot support extra-large prints because it is not a machine specifically designed to print t-shirts. Additionally, it takes some time for the 1200 W heating element to reach the desired temperature.
#2 Wireless Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Printer
Specs:
- Utilizing sublimation for printing
- 13.7 x 14.8 x 8.7 inches are the size.
- Size of printing: 8.5 by 14 inches
- Weight: 11.88 lbs.
Pros:
- top-notch prints
- a low cost of operation
- Affordable
- supports printing wirelessly and via Wi-Fi direct.
- capable of serving as a sublimation printer
- has a scanner and a copy machine built in
Cons:
- less rapid printing
- only allows for printing up to 8.5 x 14 inches
The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 is the greatest device for sublimation t-shirt printing, so look no further. It is one of the most cost-effective sublimation printers on the market and provides excellent value. You will need to convert it, though, as the EcoTank isn’t a specifically designed sublimation printer. You should perform this with a brand-new printer for the best and simplest results, but be warned that it will violate the warranty and you can only use it going forward as a sublimation printer.
Inject sublimation ink into the ink tanks to turn it from a conventional printer into a dye-sublimation printer. The device competes favorably with the top specialized dye-sublimation printers despite the conversion process. It can print at a maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440 DPI, producing prints that are incredibly detailed and ideal for printing pictures on clothing.
Depending on your usage, the ink in Epson’s EcoTank printers could last for months. The ET-2720, like the majority of entry-level inkjet printers, has a number of shortcomings. The major drawback is that it works best with little t-shirts due to its 8.5 x 14-inch printing space.
#3 5-in-1 Heat Press by SURPCOS
Specs:
- Heat press is a printing technique.
- 15 x 12 x 18 inches in size
- Size of printing: 12 x 15 inches
- Weight: 40.6 lbs.
Pros:
- rotatable in all directions swing arm
- Extremely hot—up to 4500 F
- Integrated timer
- 5-in-1 versatility
Cons:
- confusing user guide
- There is no beginner-friendly timing setting.
The greatest shirt-making machine will save you time but not necessarily money. And if you’re fortunate, a device like the SURPCOS Heat Press 5-in-1 printer can help you save time and money. It provides the finest value without sacrificing quality. It has five attachments and can print on various materials, including clothing, glass, and wood.
You can quickly set the desired time and temperature thanks to the digital time and temperature controls. Additionally, the fabric thickness and necessary pressure are matched by the adjustable pressure knob. The removable bottom platform’s attachments can be changed out with the simple use of a Phillips screwdriver. The heating element also has a 360-degree rotational capability to avoid accidental contact.
The huge 12 x 15-inch heating plate of this SURPCOS heat press features a special design that makes it simple to assemble and disassemble. But there are disadvantages as well. Its user manual is complicated and contains language that has been inadequately translated from Chinese to English. You’ll also need to allot time to learn how to customize the timer.
#4 Screen printing device VEVOR
Specs:
- Use of a screen to print
- 55 x 7.9 x 32 inches in size
- Area of printing: 21.7 x 17.7 inches
- Weight: 43.2 lbs.
Pros:
- Easily put together
- top-notch prints
- robust construction
- a big print area
- Desktop layout conserves space.
Cons:
- Ineffective for mass manufacture
It’s challenging to align the holes during assembly.
The custom shirt printing device VEVOR is excellent for a variety of materials. You can use this machine to print your patterns on nearly anything flat that will take screen printing ink, including fabrics, metal, wood, paper, glass, and other materials.
Multi-color designs may be printed more quickly thanks to the four-color one-station screen printing machine. Attach your several screens, then rotate them to print as necessary.
The VEVOR Screen Printing Machine is simple to assemble, simple to operate, and its design makes it compact. It’s perfect for folks who don’t have much room or rarely print.
The greatest t-shirt printing device for small enterprises or independent artists is the VEVOR screen printer, although it has certain drawbacks. We do not advise it for busy settings because it is not the best for mass manufacturing. Additionally, it could be challenging to align the holes when assembling.
#5 DTF Transfer Printer PUNEHOD
Specs:
- Direct to film is the printing technique.
- 12.99 x 5.87 x 5.12 inches in size
- Area for printing:
- Weight: 61.6 lbs.
Pros:
- able to print on a range of surfaces
- needs no prior treatment
- less white ink is used than with a DTG printer.
- produces long-lasting, top-notch prints
- three-year guarantee
Cons:
- Setup is not user-friendly for beginners.
- sluggish print rate
A distinctive printing method called direct to film (DTF) printing involves printing designs on particular films before transferring them to clothing. You can be confident that your printed shirts will hold up over time because DTF prints can endure just as long as conventional silkscreen prints. One of the greatest clothing printers available, this PUNEHOOD model will be a terrific addition to your t-shirt printing set-up. This device can print flawlessly on cotton, leather, nylon, and fabric blends, in contrast to a DTG printer, which performs best on 100% cotton materials.
The best thing about DTF technology is that after printing your images on the PET film, you don’t need to pre-treat materials. Film prints might be used right once or saved for a later time. And compared to DTG printers, you use a lot less ink when using DTF printers.
It’s important to note that beginners might find the installation process for this printer to be challenging. The manufacturer, fortunately, has an excellent customer care group that can remotely assist you with the installation process. Sadly, the printer’s printing performance is likewise lacking, and it becomes much slower as image size and resolution are increased. We suggest printing your preferred designs in advance and storing them for later use.
Factors to take into account when looking for the best t-shirt printers
The machine you purchase will determine the print quality, regardless of whether you’re purchasing a t-shirt printer for business or personal usage. While it’s crucial to study customer evaluations and product details, the printer you purchase should suit your particular demands. The following factors should be taken into account while looking for the best t-shirt printer.
You require printing
Are you planning to print t-shirts for a hobby or a company? Or do you prefer to test out small-scale printing before starting a t-shirt printing company? How many shirts will you be printing each month? If you intend to print fewer than 500 t-shirts annually, a modest sublimation machine will do. You should get a Direct to Garment (DTG) printer if you exceed that amount.
printing technique
T-shirt printing can be done using a variety of techniques, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. Printers spray a small coating of ink onto the fabric, which somewhat soaks in and produces a softer print. They work well for intricate designs that call for seamless color transitions, like photographs. You may switch between designs without having to make any challenging configuration changes because they operate similarly to a conventional inkjet printer. However, DTG printers are pricey, so unless you are printing large quantities of orders, it’s definitely more than you need.
One of the most popular and traditional techniques for printing on shirts is screen printing. It basically entails applying ink to cloth by putting it through a stencil (the screen), with a separate screen required for each color. Many artists use screen printing because it produces exceptionally brilliant, long-lasting artwork with practically infinite color options. It is excellent for large orders but not for intricate designs.
The best method for printing on t-shirts is dye sublimation. It uses a unique color vaporizing technology that yields prints that are supple and permeable. However, sublimation is pricey and only functions on synthetic textiles like polyester.
For people who wish to experiment with their own ideas and are just starting started, heat press printing is the perfect option. You can use heat and pressure to press a design onto a shirt after printing it on a special transfer paper with your inkjet or laser printer. Although less durable than other procedures, it is easier for beginners to use.
Materials prices
You should consider the prices of the materials and operation in addition to the printer’s price when choosing a t-shirt printer.
Heat press printing is the least expensive method of printing t-shirts because it only requires transfer paper, a heat press, and a regular inkjet printer, which you may already own.
While screen printing is likewise fairly priced, the price will increase as your patterns become more intricate and have more colors. The printing procedure is especially inefficient for small orders due to the work needed to set up screens.
Although DTG printing is more expensive initially since it requires an expensive printer, it is perfect for small orders or regularly swapping between designs.
Maintenance
When looking for a t-shirt printing machine, maintenance should be your first priority. Select a printer with automated cleaning features and low maintenance expenses for less hassle. Additionally, you need something that requires little manual labor. You don’t have to keep track of when you last cleaned a printer because certain printers automatically notify you when they require cleaning.
