If you want to make your own custom T-shirts, masks, bags, mugs, plates, or aprons, you’ll probably need a heat transfer printer that can print your designs using a heat transfer or sublimation so you can stick them on and finish your project.
Some printers can handle heat transfer paper, which you can press onto your project.
You print pictures on heat transfer paper, which has a layer of wax that lets the ink move from the paper to the fabric when heated.
After you print your design or lettering on the heat transfer paper, you can use an iron or heat press to transfer it to the fabric.
Heat transfer paper for laser and inkjet printers differs, so make sure you buy the right kind.
People are also using sublimation ink more and more. Sublimation is the process by which a substance goes from being solid to being a gas without going through a liquid state first.
Most laser and inkjet printers can handle heat transfer paper, but not all can, and they don’t all work the same.
Read on to find out which heat transfer printers we like best.
| Image | Product | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 |
| Check Price |
 | Epson Workforce WF-2860 |
| Check Price |
 | Brother HL-L2320D |
| Check Price |
 | HP OfficeJet Pro 8035 |
| Check Price |
 | Epson WorkForce WF-7720 |
| Check Price |
 | Canon PIXMA IP |
| Check Price |
 | TUSY Heat Press Machine |
| Check Price |
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| Check Price |
8 Best Heat Transfer Printers 2024
Here we have concluded some of the finest heat transfer printers:
1. HP OfficeJet Pro 9015
HP OfficeJet Pro 9015
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 is a printer, copier, fax machine, and scanner all in one. It can handle all of your heat transfer needs from start to finish.
You can easily print your designs on inkjet heat transfer paper. After you finish your transfer project, you can scan it on 9015 and upload it to your computer to use on your website or in a business brochure.
With the HP Smart app, you can track how much ink is left in your printer and keep track of your business expenses and receipts.
The app also lets you print and scan from a distance, and it can turn photos into PDFs.
The scanner bed has easy-slide glass, automatic copying on both sides and the ability to scan, all in a compact design that won’t take up too much room.
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 reduces your carbon footprint because it is made from recycled plastic.
You’ll love the built-in security and self-regulating Wi-Fi, which will let you finish your heat-transfer projects without interruptions and save time and money.
On top of that, you can print from any mobile device you want.
2. Epson Workforce WF-2860
Epson Workforce WF-2860
Features
- Wi-Fi Direct and NFC
- Wireless Color Printer with Scanner
- 150-sheet paper capacity
- 30-page copy/scan auto document feeder
The Epson Workforce WF-2860 is small and saves space, but it can print quickly and has many features. With inkjet heat transfer paper and the WF-2860, you can print any design you want.
Your finished heat-transfer designs can be scanned and used in your business materials because it is an all-in-one printer.
The Epson Workforce WF-2860 uses Epson’s PrecisionCore technology, which lets it print like a laser even though it uses ink.
The automatic document feeder and high-capacity tray cut down on your work without taking up too much space in your office.
This printer can print wirelessly without a network, and it can print from all of your mobile devices. The Epson app can also be used to control the printer.
Like most Epson printers, this one works only with Epson-labeled ink. Refilled or off-label cartridges won’t work right with it.
Firmware updates could make ink cartridges not made by Epson stop working. Using ink that Epson doesn’t make will also make your warranty invalid.
3. Brother HL-L2320D
Brother HL-L2320D
Features
- Automatic Duplexing (two-sided printing)
- Electrophotographic Laser Technology
- 250-sheet capacity tray
- Print Speed: up to 30ppm; Mono
Even though the Brother HL-L2320D is black and white and there are other color options, we put it on the list because it is one of the best for working with large amounts of heat transfer paper.
This heat transfer printer can print more than 26 single-sided pages per minute and puts out high-quality black and white prints on heat transfer paper quickly.
Even though the lack of color may limit your print work, you can use colored heat transfer paper.
However, this heat transfer printer stands out because it prints large images well and how cheap it is to run over time.
4. HP OfficeJet Pro 8035
HP OfficeJet Pro 8035
Features
- organize documents 50% faster
- Print remotely using the HP Smart app
- Fax & scan-to-USB capabilities
- Includes 8 Months of Ink
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8035 is a multifunction printer that copies, scans, faxes, and prints.
It has self-healing Wi-Fi that can detect problems and keep your printing stable and reliable, which is essential when working with heat transfer designs.
With the OfficeJet Pro 8035’s built-in security features, such as basic encryption, password protection, Wi-Fi security, and document protection, you can rest assured that your unique transfer designs are secure.
Innovative Tasks allows you to organize your receipts and business documents on your phone and sync them to Google Drive and QuickBooks if you’re running a small business with your heat transfers.
The HP Smart app also enables you to monitor your ink levels, remotely access your scanner and printer, and print, scan, and copy while on the go.
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8035 uses recycled plastic to protect the environment.
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5. Epson WorkForce WF-7720
Epson WorkForce WF-7720
Features
- Prints up to 13″ X 19″
- 500-sheet capacity
- 35-page auto document feeder
- Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet
Epson Workforce WF-7720 is capable of printing 18 pages per minute. In addition, to easily handle heat transfers, this all-in-one printer has a wide format that prints up to 13 x 19 inches and scans up to 11 x 17 inches.
It offers wired and wireless networking and features touch-screen navigation on a 4.3-inch display.
The Epson Workforce WF-7720 is intended for use with Epson ink and may not function properly with generic or refilled cartridges.
The primary difference between this model and the 7710 is that this one has two paper trays, requiring less frequent paper reloading.
In addition, the 7720 is three inches taller, presumably due to its increased paper capacity.
This model has a 3-year limited warranty, whereas the 7710 only has a 1-year limited warranty. It is essential to remember that if you use non-Epson ink, your warranty will be voided.
6. Canon PIXMA iP8720
Canon PIXMA IP
Features
- Print Documents & Web Pages Fast
- Six Individual Ink Tank System
- 9600 x 2400 Maximum Color DPI
- Built-In Wireless
The Canon Pixma iP8720 Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer has a 6-color ink system that includes black, gray, pigment black, magenta, cyan, and yellow.
This unit allows for printing borderless photos up to 13 by 19 inches with exceptional clarity. The Pixma iP8720 can also print from a smartphone or tablet, producing excellent heat-transfer prints.
The Canon PIXMA iP8720 has excellent heat transfer capabilities. The print quality is remarkable.
We appreciate that each color has its ink tank, allowing you to replace individual colors without having to do so simultaneously.
The wireless printing option is excellent, and printing from a tablet allows you to store app designs on your tablet and print them from there.
This unit is inexpensive, allows you to manage color output, and can print documents up to 13 by 19 inches, larger than most printers.
7. TUSY Heat Press Machine
TUSY Heat Press Machine
Features
- 15 x 15 IN HEAT PRESS MACHINE
- DIGITAL LCD CONTROL BOX
- UPGRADED OVERHEAT PROTECTION
- COMBINATION OF QUALITY & SAFETY
- TIMELY & SKILLFUL AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Unlike the heat transfer printer we reviewed yesterday, the TUSY Heat Press Machine is a press that copies your design and completes your project.
The TUSY measures 30 by 19 by 17 inches and weighs 50 pounds, making it a sturdy machine.
It has rubber feet for stability, but some users remove them and bolt the machine down for maximum stability
. The TUSY can be used to transfer designs to pillows, T-shirts, tote bags, and mousepads, and it is compatible with vinyl, fabric, and cotton.
The Tusy is incredibly simple to use. It has a large surface area but is small enough not to consume the entire room.
It prints T-shirts exceptionally well, and the decals do not peel off after washing and wearing. We appreciate the automatic shutoff and adjustable pressure settings.
8. Epson Expression Premium XP-6100
Features
- Superior photo quality with 5-color inks
- 4″ X 6″ Photos as Fast as 15 sec
- Voice-activated printing
- Affordable individual ink cartridges
The wireless Epson Expression Premium XP-6100 Small-in-One printers are incredibly powerful, slim, and quick, producing four-by-six-inch prints in as little as fifteen seconds.
The Expression has five ink colors and can print photos up to 8 by 10 inches for your heat transfer projects.
This model supports voice-activated, hands-free printing, and printing from a smartphone or tablet is also possible.
And yes, it is compatible with Apple and Android. In addition to a memory card slot and USB port, the Expression has a 2.4-inch color LCD.
Remember that Epson printers are designed to work only with Epson cartridges, so non-Epson cartridges may not function properly.
We appreciate the ability to print from our phone or tablet, which enables printing from art apps on your preferred tablet.
No longer are we required to send our iPad or Android tablet photos to a desktop or laptop computer to be printed.
The Epson Expression is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and ideal for small spaces.
The print quality is flawless, and the cartridges are color-specific, so you only need to replace the color that has run out rather than all of them at once.
Points to look for before buying a Heat Transfer printer
1. Look for a printer that has high print quality
The print quality of a heat transfer printer is important because it will determine how your finished product looks.
If you use your printer to create products you sell, you will want to ensure the print quality is as high as possible.
A few different factors can affect the print quality of a heat transfer printer, so be sure to do some research before making your purchase.
2. Make sure the printer is easy to use
Another important factor to consider before buying a heat transfer printer is its easy use. You don’t want to end up with a printer that is difficult to operate, which can lead to frustration and wasted time.
Be sure to read online reviews of heat transfer printers before purchasing, as this can give you an idea of which models are the easiest to use.
3. Consider the size of the printer
You will also want to consider the size of the heat transfer printer. You will want to choose a smaller model if you have limited space in your office or home.
However, if you have plenty of space, you may want to opt for a larger model to print larger items.
4. Choose a printer that fits your budget
Heat transfer printers can vary significantly in price, so choose one that fits your budget. You don’t want to spend more money than you have to, so set a budget before beginning your search.
Once you have set a budget, you can narrow your options and choose the best heat transfer printer for your needs and budget.
5. Compare features between different models
When looking at different heat transfer printers, be sure to compare the features of each model. Some printers may offer more features than others, so be sure to find one with all the features you need.
You may also want to consider future needs when choosing a heat transfer printer, as this can help you get all the features you may need down the road.
Quick Links:
- Top 5 Best Thermal Label Printers
- 8 Best Printers For Art Prints
- 10 Best Printers for Cardstock
- Top 7 Best Large 3D Printers
- 5 Best Sublimation Printers
- 5+ Best 3D Printers For Miniature
- Top 5 Best Sublimation Printers
Final Verdict: Best Heat Transfer Printers 2024
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 is our top choice for a Heat Transfer Printer. Since it is an all-in-one printer (print, copy, fax, scan), it can accommodate your business or project needs from production to distribution.
You can print your design using sublimation ink or heat transfer paper and then scan it to your computer or mobile device for marketing, website, or inventory purposes.
And with the HP Smart app, you can manage the finances and documents of your business and upload them to Google Drive and QuickBooks.
In addition to remote printing, copying, and scanning, the HP Smart app monitors your ink supply. The powerful HP Smart App also enables you to create PDFs from photos.
This business printer can also be used for home and schoolwork, a feature we appreciate. This model’s scanner bed has easy-slide glass and can scan on both sides, yet it is compact and requires little space.
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 is also constructed from recycled plastic, making you feel good about your environmental impact.
Additionally, we appreciate that you can wirelessly print from your smartphone and tablet, and the 22-page-per-minute print speed is a bonus.
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 is an excellent choice if you want to produce high-quality heat transfers as a hobby or for a business.
Despite the multiple requests to purchase additional HP products during the setup process and the Instant Ink subscription service not being everyone’s cup of tea.
