10 Best Sublimation Printers With Refillable Ink Tanks for 2026: Top Picks for Custom Projects

Written by: Editor In Chief
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Finding the right sublimation printer can make custom shirts, mugs, gifts, and small-batch orders easier to produce. Refillable-tank models can also reduce cartridge waste and simplify ongoing ink management.

We compared 10 options across dedicated sublimation printers, converted supertank models, all-in-one functionality, included supplies, and beginner-friendly features. Use the guide below to match the printer to your workspace, workload, and project goals.

Best 10 Sublimation Printer with Refillable Ink Tanks Picks for 2026

Best Dedicated Pick

Epson SureColor F170

Epson SureColor F170
  • Purpose-built dye-sublimation printer
  • Includes OEM ink and maintenance tank
  • Covered 150-sheet auto-feed tray

Best For: Dedicated home-studio and small-business sublimation

Best All-In-One Craft Bundle

Brother SP-1 Bundle

Brother SP-1 Bundle
  • Pairs sublimation printing with embroidery
  • Includes ink, paper, blanks, and tape
  • Offers Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and app compatibility

Best For: Multi-purpose crafting and small-business projects

Best for Everyday Home Printing

Epson EcoTank ET-1913

Epson EcoTank ET-1913
  • Refillable EcoFit ink tanks
  • Includes high-yield starter ink
  • Wireless home color printing

Best For: Documents and photos with low cartridge costs

Best Wide-Format Option

Pinckney ET-15000 Sublimation Bundle

Pinckney ET-15000 Sublimation Bundle
  • Prints up to 13 x 19 inches
  • Includes refillable sublimation ink tanks
  • Adds scanning, copying, and an ADF

Best For: Larger transfers and multifunction small-business work

Best Budget-Friendly Option

HP Smart Tank 5003

HP Smart Tank 5003
  • Includes ink rated for up to 6,000 pages
  • Cartridge-free, mess-resistant refilling
  • Prints, copies, scans, and connects wirelessly

Best For: High-volume everyday home printing

Best Dedicated Sublimation Bundle

Brother SP-1 Sublimation Bundle

Brother SP-1 Sublimation Bundle
  • Dedicated dye-sublimation printing
  • Includes full CMYK ink set and transfer supplies
  • Adds an SE2000 sewing and embroidery machine

Best For: Crafters and small businesses starting sublimation projects

Best All-in-One Tank Printer

Epson EcoTank ET-2985

Epson EcoTank ET-2985
  • Ink yield rated up to 8,500 black and 6,500 color pages
  • Automatic duplex printing and all-in-one functions
  • Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and mobile-app support

Best For: High-volume home-office document and color printing

Best Complete Crafting Bundle

Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Bundle

Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Bundle
  • Includes PE900 embroidery machine and accessory kit
  • Full CMYK ink set, paper, blanks, and heat tape included
  • Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Windows, Mac, and app compatibility

Best For: Crafters and small businesses building a complete workspace

Best for General Refillable Printing

Epson EcoTank ET-2903

Epson EcoTank ET-2903
  • Refillable EcoFit tanks reduce cartridge replacements
  • Included ink is rated for up to 6,500 color pages
  • Adds wireless printing, scanning, copying, and borderless output

Best For: Home users needing economical everyday color printing

Best Dedicated Tank Option

Pinckney Super-Tank Sublimation Printer

Pinckney Super-Tank Sublimation Printer
  • Includes high-capacity CMYK sublimation ink
  • 250-sheet tray, ADF, scanner, copier, and duplexing
  • Supports small media, legal paper, and banner-length sheets

Best For: Crafters and small shops doing recurring sublimation transfers

Best Dedicated Pick – Epson SureColor F170

The Epson SureColor F170 is a purpose-built sublimation printer with refillable ink tanks for crafters and small businesses focused on personalized products. It includes genuine Epson sublimation ink, a maintenance tank, and a covered 150-sheet auto-feed tray in a compact desktop design.

Best For: Dedicated sublimation printing for shirts, mugs, tumblers, gifts, and other compatible projects.

Pros:

  • Includes a full set of OEM Epson sublimation inks and a maintenance tank.
  • PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead supports precise droplet control and vibrant color.
  • Covered 150-sheet auto-feed tray helps streamline repeat printing.
  • Compact design works well in home studios and small workspaces.

Cons:

  • Maximum media size is A4.
  • Print-only design does not include scanning or copying.
  • Connectivity is listed as USB, and mobile devices are not supported.

For buyers who specifically want a ready-to-use sublimation machine rather than a general-purpose printer conversion, the F170 is the most focused option here. Its included OEM ink and dedicated workflow make it especially practical for consistent small-batch work.

Best All-In-One Craft Bundle – Brother SP-1 Bundle

The Brother SP-1 bundle combines a sublimation printer with a SE700 sewing and embroidery machine, making it a broad crafting package for buyers who want supplies and equipment together. It includes a full CMYK ink set, transfer paper, blanks, heat-resistant tape, designs, and Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity.

Best For: Crafters and entrepreneurs who want sublimation equipment plus sewing, embroidery, blanks, and starter supplies in one bundle.

Pros:

  • Includes the Brother SP-1 and SE700 sewing and embroidery machine.
  • Comes with full 47 ml black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink bottles.
  • Includes 160 sublimation paper sheets, 50 blanks, and four tape rolls.
  • Supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Windows, Mac, and app compatibility.

Cons:

  • The bundle may be more equipment than needed for buyers seeking only a printer.
  • The supplied notes do not specify the printer’s tank capacity or sheet-tray capacity.
  • It includes many separate components, which may require more setup space.

This is less a standalone printer purchase than a complete creative-workstation bundle. It makes the most sense when the included embroidery machine and starter materials are valuable to your projects, rather than when you only need refillable-tank sublimation printing.

Best for Everyday Home Printing – Epson EcoTank ET-1913

The Epson EcoTank ET-1913 is a general-purpose color printer with refillable ink tanks, but the supplied specifications identify it for plain paper, document, and photo printing rather than dedicated sublimation. Its keyed EcoFit bottles, wireless connectivity, and included ink make it convenient for routine home use.

Best For: Home users who want low-cartridge-cost document and photo printing alongside refillable-tank convenience.

Pros:

  • Refillable tanks and keyed bottles are designed for simple, low-mess filling.
  • Includes enough ink for up to 3,600 black or 6,500 color pages according to the supplied notes.
  • Wireless printing supports flexible placement around the home.
  • Prints at up to 11 black-and-white or 6 color ISO pages per minute.

Cons:

  • The supplied notes do not list sublimation ink or dye-sublimation media support.
  • It is designed for plain paper, documents, and photos rather than dedicated heat-transfer work.
  • Its 100-sheet tray is smaller than the capacity of some other options here.

Although it fits the refillable-ink-tank portion of the search, this model should not be treated as a dedicated sublimation printer based on the supplied information. Choose it for economical everyday printing, not as the primary machine for sublimation transfers.

Best Wide-Format Option – Pinckney ET-15000 Sublimation Bundle

The Pinckney ET-15000 bundle is a wide-format sublimation printer with refillable tanks, a scanner, and a copier. It includes sublimation ink with an easy-fill nozzle system and supports media up to 13 x 19 inches, giving makers more room for larger heat-transfer projects.

Best For: Small businesses and serious crafters who need wide-format sublimation printing plus scanning and copying.

Pros:

  • Supports wide-format printing up to 13 x 19 inches.
  • Includes black, magenta, cyan, and yellow sublimation ink.
  • Auto-fill nozzles are designed to reduce spills without syringes or squeezing.
  • Combines printing, scanning, and copying with an automatic document feeder.

Cons:

  • At 22 pounds and 20 x 14 x 10 inches, it requires more workspace than compact models.
  • It uses simplex printing rather than automatic duplexing.
  • Ink may ship separately, according to the supplied notes.

This is the strongest fit for buyers who need more than a compact desktop sublimation printer. Its wide media support and multifunction design add flexibility, while the larger footprint and added features make it better suited to an established workspace.

Best Budget-Friendly Option – HP Smart Tank 5003

The HP Smart Tank 5003 is a practical choice for shoppers comparing a sublimation printer with refillable ink tanks, although its supplied specifications describe it as a standard thermal inkjet rather than a dedicated dye-sublimation printer. It combines printing, copying, and scanning with wireless connectivity and a cartridge-free refill system.

Best For: Home users who need high-volume everyday color printing, scanning, and copying with low refill frequency.

Pros:

  • Includes up to three years of HP ink, rated for up to 6,000 black or color pages.
  • Mess-free, cartridge-free ink tank refilling system.
  • All-in-one functionality with wireless and mobile printing.
  • Supports borderless printing and up to 4,800 x 1,200 optimized dpi color resolution.

Cons:

  • It is a thermal inkjet printer, not a dedicated dye-sublimation printer.
  • Color printing is rated at up to 5 pages per minute.
  • Duplex printing is manual.

The HP Smart Tank 5003 stands out for economical, routine printing rather than sublimation projects. Its generous included ink supply and simple refill design make it appealing for households that print frequently.

Best Dedicated Sublimation Bundle – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Bundle

The Brother SP-1 bundle is the most directly aligned option for shoppers seeking a sublimation printer with refillable ink tanks. It includes a dedicated dye-sublimation printer, a full CMYK ink set, transfer paper, blanks, heat-resistant tape, and a sewing and embroidery machine.

Best For: Crafters, designers, and small-business users who want a ready-made sublimation and embroidery starter package.

Pros:

  • Dedicated dye-sublimation printer for full-color designs.
  • Includes 47 ml black, cyan, magenta, and yellow sublimation inks.
  • Bundle includes 160 sublimation transfer sheets, 50 blanks, and heat-resistant tape.
  • Supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity and works with Windows, Mac, and the Artspira app.

Cons:

  • Print-only functionality; it does not include scanning or copying.
  • The bundle may be more equipment than needed for shoppers seeking only a printer.
  • Maximum listed resolution is 600 dpi or higher, below the resolution listed for the HP and Epson models.

With dedicated sublimation hardware and a substantial set of consumables, the SP-1 bundle offers the clearest starting point for apparel, mugs, tumblers, coasters, and other sublimation crafts. Its included SE2000 machine further broadens its crafting capabilities.

Best All-in-One Tank Printer – Epson EcoTank ET-2985

The Epson EcoTank ET-2985 is another strong contender for shoppers comparing a sublimation printer with refillable ink tanks, but its supplied details identify it as a conventional inkjet rather than a dedicated sublimation model. It focuses on efficient everyday printing with refillable tanks, automatic duplexing, copying, scanning, and mobile connectivity.

Best For: Home offices that prioritize high ink yield, faster everyday printing, and automatic two-sided documents.

Pros:

  • Included bottles are rated for up to 8,500 black pages and 6,500 color pages.
  • Front-facing keyed tanks help make refilling easier and reduce incorrect-color installation.
  • Automatic two-sided printing, copying, scanning, and a 1.44-inch color display.
  • Prints up to 15 black-and-white or 8 color ISO pages per minute.

Cons:

  • It is a standard inkjet printer, not a dedicated dye-sublimation printer.
  • The supplied media specification lists plain paper rather than sublimation materials.
  • Warranty information is not specified in the supplied product details.

The ET-2985 is better suited to efficient home-office and general color printing than to sublimation work. Its high stated ink yield, auto-duplex printing, and compact all-in-one design make it the most productivity-focused conventional tank printer in this group.

Best Complete Crafting Bundle – Brother SP-1 Sublimation Printer Bundle

If you want a sublimation printer with refillable ink tanks and a ready-to-use crafting setup, this Brother SP-1 bundle is unusually comprehensive. Alongside the dye-sublimation printer, it includes a PE900 embroidery machine, CMYK ink, sublimation paper, blanks, heat-resistant tape, designs, and connectivity options for Windows, Mac, and mobile use.

Best For: Crafters and small businesses wanting a printer, embroidery machine, supplies, and blanks in one package.

Pros:

  • Includes a full set of 47 ml black, cyan, magenta, and yellow sublimation inks.
  • Supplies include 160 sheets of sublimation paper, 50 blanks, and four rolls of heat-resistant tape.
  • Supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet, with Windows, Mac, and app compatibility.
  • Includes the Brother PE900 embroidery machine and Artspira design software.

Cons:

  • The large bundle may be more than needed if you only want a sublimation printer.
  • Its maximum print resolution is listed as 600 x 600 dpi.

This is a strong all-in-one option for launching a sublimation or embroidery workspace. Its value comes from the included equipment and consumables, rather than from the printer alone.

Best for General Refillable Printing – Epson EcoTank ET-2903

The Epson EcoTank ET-2903 fits the refillable-tank side of the sublimation printer with refillable ink tanks category, but its supplied specifications identify it as a standard color inkjet for plain paper rather than a dedicated sublimation printer. Its supersized tanks, scanner, wireless printing, and included ink make it practical for everyday home printing.

Best For: Home users who prioritize low-cartridge-waste color printing, scanning, and simple tank refills.

Pros:

  • Refillable EcoFit tanks are designed for simple, keyed ink-bottle refilling.
  • Includes ink rated for up to 3,600 black or 6,500 color pages.
  • Combines printing, copying, scanning, wireless connectivity, and a 1.44-inch color display.
  • Offers borderless printing and a listed resolution of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi.

Cons:

  • It is specified as an inkjet printer for plain paper, not a dedicated sublimation model.
  • The listed paper capacity is 100 sheets, and color ISO speed is 6 pages per minute.
  • Epson recommends using genuine Epson ink.

Choose this model for economical everyday printing and scanning, not as a direct substitute for a purpose-built sublimation printer. Its refillable tanks are a convenience, but the supplied notes do not confirm sublimation-ink support.

Best Dedicated Tank Option – Pinckney Super-Tank Sublimation Printer

For shoppers specifically seeking a sublimation printer with refillable ink tanks, this renewed Pinckney super-tank model is configured for sublimation printing and heat transfers. It includes dedicated Pinckney sublimation ink, large tank volumes, a 250-sheet tray, automatic document feeder, scanner, copier, and Ethernet connectivity.

Best For: Home crafters and small shops that need high-capacity sublimation ink tanks plus multifunction features.

Pros:

  • Includes sublimation ink with 127 ml black and 85 ml each of cyan, magenta, and yellow.
  • Auto-fill nozzles are designed to make refilling easier without a syringe or squeezing.
  • Offers a 250-sheet tray, ADF, automatic duplexing, scanner, and copier.
  • Supports paper sizes from small photo formats through legal size and banner media up to 8.5 x 47.2 inches.

Cons:

  • This is a renewed product, so buyers should consider its renewed condition and limited warranty.
  • The printer is relatively large at 19.8 x 16.4 x 10 inches.
  • Wireless connectivity is not listed in the supplied details; Ethernet is specified.

This is the most directly aligned choice for sublimation work among the three products. Its high-capacity tanks and included sublimation ink are practical for repeated transfers, while the renewed condition and wired connectivity deserve attention before buying.

How We Picked the Best Sublimation Printer with Refillable Ink Tanks

We focused on the features that matter most for heat-transfer work: sublimation compatibility, refillable or cartridge-free ink systems, wireless connectivity, media handling, maintenance requirements, and included accessories. We also considered whether each model is better suited to beginners, home crafters, classrooms, or sellers producing repeated orders.

Dedicated options such as the Epson SureColor F170 and Brother SP-1 are designed specifically for sublimation. Other selections are supertank printers that may require compatible sublimation ink and careful setup. Always verify the manufacturer’s instructions and warranty terms before converting a standard inkjet printer.

Quick Comparison

  • Best for dedicated sublimation: Epson SureColor F170 or Brother SP-1.
  • Best for bundled starter supplies: Brother SP-1 packages with embroidery machines, blanks, paper, and tape.
  • Best for general home printing: Epson EcoTank and HP Smart Tank all-in-one models.
  • Best for heat-transfer experimentation: Pinckney cartridge-free bundles that include sublimation ink.
  • Best for scanning and copying: The all-in-one EcoTank, HP, and Pinckney models with those functions.

Key Buying Factors for a Sublimation Printer with Refillable Ink Tanks

Dedicated or Converted Setup

A dedicated sublimation printer is usually the simplest choice because its ink system and print settings are intended for transfer printing. A refillable-tank office printer can offer more flexibility, but conversion procedures, color profiles, and warranty limitations deserve close attention.

Ink Capacity and Maintenance

Large tanks can lower the cost per print and reduce interruptions during busy projects. Look for clear fill windows, easy access to the reservoirs, and maintenance features such as a replaceable maintenance tank. Sublimation ink should not be allowed to sit unused for long periods without following the care instructions.

Paper Size, Connectivity, and Workflow

Check the supported paper sizes and rear-feed design before buying. Wi-Fi is convenient for home workspaces, while USB connectivity can provide a dependable option for a dedicated computer. If you also need copies or scans, an all-in-one model may save space, but those extra functions do not automatically improve sublimation output.

Included Supplies and Total Cost

Bundles with transfer paper, heat-tape, blanks, or extra ink can be valuable for beginners, but compare the core printer price and replacement-supply costs separately. You will also need a compatible heat press, suitable blank products, and protective paper for a complete workflow.

Who Should Buy Which Sublimation Printer with Refillable Ink Tanks?

Choose the Epson SureColor F170 or Brother SP-1 if you want a purpose-built sublimation printer and prefer a more straightforward setup. Choose a Brother bundle if included blanks, transfer sheets, or an embroidery-machine pairing fit your planned projects.

Choose an Epson EcoTank or HP Smart Tank if you want a refillable home printer that can handle everyday documents as well as selected transfer projects. Choose a Pinckney bundle if included sublimation ink and an accessible starter package matter more than choosing a mainstream printer brand.