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Updated Jun 16, 20,22 12:36 P.M.
It can be difficult to find the right t-shirt printing machine, with so many available. But if you know what to look for, you’ll be able to choose a printing machine made specifically for your application. Modern t-shirt printers can be compact and fast. They also produce many colors, so you can create unique designs.
Print your photos on a shirt, or create t-shirts that you can customize for companies or sports teams. Let us help you choose by comparing the best t-shirt printers. These are the top t-shirt printers in 2022.
Whether you’re getting a t-shirt printer for commercial or personal use, the quality of the prints will depend on the machine you get. And while it’s important to read reviews and product descriptions, your individual needs should determine the printer you choose. These are some of the factors to consider when searching for the best T-shirt Printer.
Printing needs
Are you planning to print t-shirts for a hobby or business? Are you looking to test small-scale printing before you launch a t-shirt-printing business? What number of shirts will you print each month? If you intend on printing less than 500 t-shirts per calendar year, a small sublimation printer will suffice. If you go above that figure, you’ll want to invest in a Direct to Garment (DTG) printer.
Method of printing
There are many printing options for t-shirt printing. Each method has its pros and cons. The printer sprays a thin layer ink onto the fabric, which results in a soft print. These printers are ideal for intricate designs that require smooth transitions between different colors such as photos. They are very similar to traditional inkjet printers and can be used for switching between designs with no complicated setup. But, DTG printers are expensive, so it’s probably more than you need unless you are printing high-volume orders.
Screen printing is one of the most common–and oldest–methods of printing on shirts. The process involves ink being pushed through a stencil (the screen), onto fabric. A different screen is needed for each color. It produces vibrant, durable designs that can be used in a variety of colors. This is why screen printing is so popular with artists. It is great for bulk orders but isn’t ideal for highly detailed designs.
T-shirts printed with dye sublimation are a great choice. It uses a unique color vaporizing method that creates soft, breathable prints. Sublimation works only on synthetic fabrics such as polyester, and is therefore expensive.
If you are just starting out and want to try your hand at creating designs from scratch, heat press printing might be the right choice. A design can be printed on special transfer paper using an inkjet printer or laser printer. Then heat and pressure are used to press it onto the shirt. It won’t hold up as well to washing as other methods but is more beginner-friendly.
Material costs
The printer’s cost is an important factor in choosing the right t-shirt printer. However, heat press printing is the most affordable. You can use any standard inkjet printer you have, and then get transfer paper and a heating press.
Screen printing can be affordable but will cost more when you add many colors to your designs. Small orders are not as efficient due to the labor involved in setting up screens.
DTG printing is not cheap as it requires an expensive printer to get started, but it’s ideal for small orders or switching between designs frequently.
Maintenance
When looking for a machine to print t-shirts, it is important that you consider maintenance. A printer that can be automated cleaned and has low maintenance costs is a good choice. You’ll also want something with minimal manual maintenance time. Some printers will alert you when they need cleaning, so you don’t have to keep track of when you last cleaned it.
Our picks for 2022’s best tshirt printers
Overall: F2C 5-in-1 Pro Heat Press Machine
It made it to the final cut: Even beginners can use this 5-in-1 printer. This printer is perfect for personal or commercial use, and it works well in small printing shops.
Specs:
- Method of printing: Heat press
- Dimensions20.6 x 19.6×20.2 inches
- Printing area: 12×15 inches
- Weight: 55.8 pounds
Pros:
- For durability, a sturdy body
- 360-degree rotation for high accuracy
- Adjustment knob for full-range pressure adjustment
- Alarm and intelligent timer
- It is simple to use
Cons:
- It takes 1200W heating elements a long time to heat up to the desired temperature
- Can’t print on extra-large t-shirts
F2C 5-in-1 Pro Heat Press Machine perfectly combines function and form. It can withstand the daily use of both beginners and professionals. This heat press has many useful features—a non-stick surface, swing-away 360-degree rotation, and a full-range pressure-adjustment knob. Despite its industrial-grade metallic body, it’s portable and can be used on small working surfaces, making it ideal for someone who doesn’t have a dedicated workspace.
What makes it the best machine to print t-shirts? The machine is simple to use. The adjustable pressure knob, temperature control and timer allow you to easily adjust the settings. The plate measures 12 x 15 inches and allows you to print large designs. Built-in structural support maintains flatness, which ensures even pressure distribution.
This machine is second in its class because of its many features. You can print on apparel, plates, cups, and hats with the attachments included. It can also rotate 360 degrees so you can apply heat or pressure to different areas.
Interestingly, the machine’s versatility is also its undoing. The attachments are heavy and difficult to replace. And because it’s not a dedicated t-shirt printing machine, it doesn’t accommodate extra-large prints. It takes some time for the 1200 W heating element to reach the desired temperature.
Best sublimation printer Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless printer
It made it to the topThe Epson EcoTank ET-2720 wireless print printer is easy to use and offers exceptional quality.
Specs:
- Method of printing: Sublimation
- Dimensions: 13.7×14.8×8.7 inches
- Printing area: 8.5×14 inches
- Weight: 11.88 pounds
Pros:
- Prints of high quality
- Low operating expenses
- Affordable
- Supports wireless printing and WiFi-direct printing
- Can be used as a Sublimation Printer
- It has a built in scanner and copier
Cons:
- Slower printing speed
- Can only print up to 8.5 x 14 inches
If you’re looking for the best machine for sublimation t-shirt printing, look no further than the Epson EcoTank ET-2720. This printer is the best value for money and one of the top sublimation printers. However, since the EcoTank isn’t a dedicated sublimation printer, you will need to convert it. For best–and easiest–results, you should do this with a brand new printer, but be aware that it does void the warranty, and you can only use it as a sublimation printer moving forward.
Inject sublimation ink in the ink tanks to convert the printer from a regular printer to a dyesublimation printer. Although it will need to be converted, the machine still holds its own against dedicated dye-sublimation printing machines. The maximum print resolution is 5760×1440 DPI. This allows for high-quality prints that are perfect for printing photos on shirts.
Epson’s EcoTank printers hold plenty of ink, so your ink may last for months, based on your usage. However, the ET-2720 does have a few drawbacks like many entry-level inkjet printers. The biggest one is its small printing area, 8.5 x 14 inches, so it’s best suited to small t-shirts.
Best value: SURPCOS 5-in-1 Heat Press
It made it to the topThe SURPCOS Heatpress machine features all the standard features of 5-in-1 heat presses, but is much more affordable than many.
Specs:
- Method of printing: Heat press
- Dimensions: 15 x12 x 18 inches
- Printing area: 12×15 inches
- Weight: 40.6 pounds
Pros:
- 360-degree rotational swing arm
- High-temperature—up to 4500 F
- Built-in timer
- 5-in-1 functionality
Cons:
- Unclear user manual
- The timer setting for beginners is not user-friendly
Although the best shirt-making machine won’t save you any money, it will help you save time. And if you’re lucky, you can get a machine that saves you both time and money, like the SURPCOS Heat Press 5-in-1 printer. It is the most affordable printer without sacrificing quality. It can print on clothing, glass, and other materials with five attachments.
You can easily set the desired temperature and time with the digital temperature and time controls. The adjustable pressure knob adjusts the pressure to match fabric thickness. The detachable lower plate can be swapped easily with a Phillips wrench. The heating element can be rotated 360 degrees to prevent accidental contact.
The SURPCOS heat presses have a large heating plate measuring 12 x 15 inches and an innovative design that allows for quick assembly and disassembly. However, it does not come without its problems. Its manual has confusing English-Chinese translations and is difficult to understand. Also, you’ll need to set aside time to learn how to configure the timer.
Screen printing is best: VEVOR Screen Printing Machine
It made it to the topThe VEVOR screen printer machine is small and easy to assemble. You can print on both simple and complex materials with four different ink colors.
Specs:
- Method of printing: Screenprint
- Dimensions55 x 7.9x 32 inches
- Printing area: 21.7 x 17,7 inches
- Weight: 43.2 pounds
Pros:
- It’s easy to assemble
- Prints of high quality
- Sturdy build
- Large printing area
- Desktop design saves space
Cons:
- Not great for mass production
- It’s hard to line up the holes during assembly
VEVOR is a custom shirt printing machine that’s ideal for a variety of materials. The machine can print on fabric, metal, paper, wood, glass, and other materials. It will print your designs on almost any flat surface that accepts screen printing ink.
This four-color one station screen printing machine makes multi-color design printing more efficient. Attach the screens and rotate the printer to produce as necessary.
The VEVOR Screen Printing Machine is easy to assemble, easy to use, and its design ensures it doesn’t take up much space. It’s ideal for people with limited space or those who only print occasionally.
VEVOR screen printing is the best machine to print t-shirts for small businesses and artists. But it does have some downsides. It is not ideal for mass production, so we don’t recommend it for busy settings. It can also be difficult to line up the holes during assembly.
Ideal for fabric printing PUNEHOD DTF Transfer printer
It made it to the final cut: It produces high-quality prints on all fabrics, and it is simple to use. It’s also more affordable than DTG machines.
Specs:
- Method of printing: Direct to Film
- Dimensions: 12.99×5.87×5.12 inches
- Printing area:
- Weight: 61.6 pounds
Pros:
- Print on a variety materials
- Requires no pre-treatment
- White ink is used less than DTG printers
- Prints high-quality, durable prints
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- The setup process is not for beginners
- Slow printing speed
Direct to Film (DTF) printing, which involves printing on special film and then applying them to garments, is an innovative technique. DTF prints are as durable as traditional silkscreen prints so your printed shirts will last for years. This PUNEHOOD model, one of the most popular clothing printers on market, will be a great addition in your t-shirt printing set up. This printer can print flawlessly on both cotton and leather fabrics.
The best thing about DTF technology is that you don’t need to pre-treat fabrics after you print your designs on the PET film. . Film prints can be stored or used immediately. DTF printers are much more efficient than DTG when it comes down to ink consumption.
It’s worth mentioning that this printer isn’t easy to set up, and beginners may find the process quite hard. The manufacturer offers excellent customer support that can assist you remotely during the installation process. Unfortunately, the machine’s printing speed is also wanting, and it gets even slower with increased image size and resolution. We recommend that you print your favorite designs before printing and that they be stored for future use.
FAQ
Q: What does it cost to print a tshirt?
A t-shirt maker can run between $100 and $30,000. The retail price largely depends on the printer’s technology, features, and usage. For personal or small-scale business use, small printers are less expensive than industrial printers. DTG printers and screen printers are more expensive, but they are the most affordable.
Q: What is your most efficient method for printing t-shirts?
Screen printing is the best method for t-shirt printing. A single gallon can produce up to 500 shirts depending on the design, ink quality, mesh count, and other factors. Screen printing machines make it easy to print designs, even if you have multiple colors.
Q: What is the best heat transfer method?
Inkjet for heat transfers is superior to laser because it is easier to find the print paper and is easy to use. Inkjet printers however, are slower. Laser printers are faster if speed is important. Laser printers can be used with self-weeding heat transfers papers that transfer only the printed image.
Q: Is it safe for me to print t-shirts at home?
Yes, it’s safe to use a t-shirt printing machine at home. Many t-shirt printers have safety features that protect you from injuries or accidents. However, it’s important to practice safety when printing on t-shirts at home. Make sure to use your printer in a well ventilated area.
Q: Is there a portable model of a t-shirt printing machine?
Yes, you can find portable models of tshirt printers. Portability is a key feature if you are looking for a printer that you can use in many settings. Some printers for t-shirts, such as heat presses can be disassembled and assembled easily for transport. Keep in mind, however, that heat presses require prints from a laser or inkjet printer. This could make it difficult to transport if you own both.
Q: Which technology is most economic?
Screen printing is the most cost-effective method of printing t-shirts. The technique is also known as silk screen printing and can print hundreds or thousands of t-shirts quickly and cheaply—depending on the machine you get.
Methodology
This product roundup compares t-shirt printing machines from different manufacturers. We look at features like build quality, functionality, portability and printing area. To get a fair verdict, we compared the printers based on their printing technology. We also analyzed buyers’ reviews on major e-commerce sites like Amazon and eBay.
Last Thoughts
Printing t-shirts can be fun and rewarding, no matter if you do it as a hobby. For the best results, make sure you find a tshirt printer that can produce the print you need and is compatible with your designs.