So you’re going to print your own t-shirt using a photo iron on transfer. That’s awesome! But why would you choose one printer, when another could save you time and money? This article will walk through the comparison of six different image printers. Hopefully it will guide you in making a buying decision.Let’s take a look at what the above looks like.
When you need to print out your image or photo onto light transfers, it may seem complicated. But in fact, if you have the right printer, it is quite simple. Image printer transfer is used a lot in the apparel business, promotional products and events. If you know how to use it, and utilize its features, this can be a very helpful thing.
When you’re searching for an image printer, it can be hard to know where to start. You just want a printer that’s going to do the job; so how do you know which one that is? The thing is there are so many choices and each printer is different. I don’t know about yourself but I don’t have time to sift through a billion reviews trying to figure out which one is best.
Best Printer For Image Transfer
Whether you’re printing off photos to save in your scrapbook or want to have some glossy prints of your best pictures handy, a good photo printer can make a huge difference when you’re saving those important images. While most printers can print images, the best printers for pictures can accurately and vividly reproduce colors while still retaining detail from your original photo. Inkjet printers also tend to be better suited for printing photos, and some inkjets even include special photo cartridges to give you an even better color reproduction.
We’ve tested over 120 printers, and below are our recommendations for the best photo printers you can buy. For other options, check out our picks for the best home printers, the best inkjet printers, and the best all-in-one printers.
#1 Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Printer for Heat Transfers
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Our #1 Pick is the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Printer for Heat Transfers
1,319 Reviews
Our #1 Pick is the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Printer for Heat Transfers
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Our top pick creates fabulous color prints from its Individual 6-color Claria Photo HD Inks and precision nozzles. You’ll be able to create heat transfers with as much detail and color range as you want.
Pros
Large scale reproductions up to 13 x 19-inchesRed and gray inks for broader color rangeUp to 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi resolution
Cons
Initial setup can take a long time
Printing vibrant heat transfers for your t-shirts is easy with this Epson Expression printer. The six ink cartridges produce an unparalleled color quality that makes it the best color printer for heat transfers. These high-definition cartridges feature color ranges that other printers can’t because of the inclusion of red and gray ink cartridges.
The Claria ink is also long-lasting and won’t fade after transferring your print to the fabric. Additionally, this Epson supports production on a wide variety of paper sizes, including a wide format. This heat transfer printer has an impressively precise printhead that can apply ink droplets as small as 1.5 picoliters (a picoliter is one trillionth of a liter, so very tiny). Compare this inkjet printer’s ink to the best ink-efficient printer which has an Ink Save Mode you can switch on to ration your ink use.
#2 Epson WF7710 WorkForce Wireless Printer for Heat Transfers
Our #2 Pick is the Epson WF7710 WorkForce Wireless Printer for Heat Transfers
2,845 Reviews
Our #2 Pick is the Epson WF7710 WorkForce Wireless Printer for Heat Transfers
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This Epson uses smudge, fade, and water-resistant ink that can last up to 84 years, which is the kind of durability you want for heat transfers. Its PrecisionCore 2S printhead achieves excellent color vibrancy and resolution.
Pros
High 4800 x 2400 dpi resolutionRear paper feed for specialty paperUp to 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi resolution
Cons
Scanner can be difficult to use
The Epson WF7710 Workforce Wireless Printer is a workhorse machine that’s designed for mixed media. Its rear paper tray is specifically designed for specialty paper and is perfect for heat transfer paper. With four individual ink cartridges, you have a wide color palette at your fingertips and can get up to 4800 x 2400 dpi on your prints. Though it’s considered a great wireless printer, this isn’t as great for travel as the best portable printer.
The PrecisionCore 2S printhead is excellent at applying the ink true to the image you’re working from. One of the best features of the printer is the fact that it uses DURABrite Ultra pigment ink which, as its name implies, is super durable. Not only will you have great color depth on your prints, but you can also rest easy knowing that the colors won’t fade easily when applied to the fabric. Feel free to compare this printer with the best printer for crafting that uses Claria Photo HD Ink, which is vibrant and long-lasting.
#3 Epson Artisan 1430 Printer for Heat Transfers
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Our #3 Pick is the Epson Artisan 1430 Printer for Heat Transfers
870 Reviews
Our #3 Pick is the Epson Artisan 1430 Printer for Heat Transfers
Award: BEST FOR LARGE REPRODUCTIONS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Work big with your designs with this wide-format printer that allows borderless printing up to 13 x 19 size media. Achieve photographic-like prints with resolution up to 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi.
Pros
Six-cartridge Claria ink produces in high-definitionSupports over 60 media types and sizesPrint from smartphone, iPhone, tablet, and mobile devices
Cons
Uses a lot of ink
Don’t limit yourself in size. The Epson Artisan 1430 color inkjet printer is one of the most versatile printers when it comes to accommodating media types. This transfer printer can work with any size heat transfer up to 13 x 19-inches. The color inkjet printer also offers quick borderless printing in several preset sizes. This heat transfer printer prints beautifully on a variety of media, including heat transfer paper.
The patented DX5 MicroPiezo print head prints largely with incredible resolution from six high-definition ink cartridges. This color inkjet printer excels at printing smooth gradients and true-to-life colors. You won’t have to worry about grainy prints or smudging, as the ink is smudge, faded, and waterproof. That kind of ink is ideal when you get to the actual heat transfer process. Compare that to the best printer ink which gets you unrivaled quality every single time. Make sure the device you choose is compatible with your computer, like one of the best printers for Mac would be if you have regularly used a Mac.
#4 Epson WorkForce 1100 Printer for Heat Transfers
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Our #4 Pick is the Epson WorkForce 1100 Printer for Heat Transfers
145 Reviews
Our #4 Pick is the Epson WorkForce 1100 Printer for Heat Transfers
Award: BEST FOR BUSINESS USERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re screen printing for business use, the Epson WorkForce 1100 functions like a speedy office laser printer at up to 30 pages per minute while maintaining fabulous color depth and detail.
Pros
MicroPiezo head with variable size nozzlesDual black ink cartridges and high capacity cartridge availableGreat controls for quality and speed
Cons
Small capacity cartridges run out quickly
When you need to get down to business, the WorkForce 1100 offers great controls for quality, volume, and speed. It can achieve as high as 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi resolution or print up to 30 pages per minute, which is as fast as a laser printer.
This isn’t a laser printer though, as it uses four high-definition ink cartridges that apply durable, long-lasting ink to your heat transfers. It produces crisp-edge lettering and smooth color gradients. Even though it has one feeding tray, you can adjust it to print onto sizes as large as 13-inches wide. The print head nozzles can adjust to as many as five different sizes, giving you great control over ink usage. The machine is also ENERGY STAR qualified, which means it uses around 70 percent less power than office laser printers. Compare this to the best printer for small businesses that promises very efficient running costs and less frequent maintenance.
#5 Canon PIXMA TR4520 Printer for Heat Transfers
Our #5 Pick is the Canon PIXMA TR4520 Printer for Heat Transfers
14,030 Reviews
Our #5 Pick is the Canon PIXMA TR4520 Printer for Heat Transfers
Award: BEST CONNECTIVITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: T-shirt designs can come from anywhere, and with connectivity options like AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, Wireless Connect, and the Canon print app, this printer allows you to print them from anywhere with ease.
Pros
AirPrint and Google Cloud integrationCopy, scan, print, and fax all-in-oneWide range of paper compatibility
Cons
Max print size is 8.5 x 11-inches
The connectivity options on the Canon PIXMA TR4520 are super responsive. Its auto power on/off function allows you to start a print job wirelessly from another room without even touching the machine. If you ever do need to use the printer’s controls, it has a full dot matrix LCD screen and intuitive buttons as well.
You can print, scan, and even fax from nearly any device by connecting via WiFi or through Canon’s print app. Color print quality is good and clear, up to 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution, and it handles heat transfer paper well. While it only takes two ink cartridges (one black and a second dye-based ink), our research found that it can achieve photo-quality prints nonetheless from the 1,280 total nozzles it uses to apply the ink. This is the best Canon for heat transfer jobs. And if you’re a student, you will want to invest in the best printer for students that offers convenient management of printing functions and monitors ink levels.
#6 Epson EcoTank ET-2750 Printer for Heat Transfers
Our #6 Pick is the Epson EcoTank ET-2750 Printer for Heat Transfers
11,506 Reviews
Our #6 Pick is the Epson EcoTank ET-2750 Printer for Heat Transfers
Award: BEST ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Epson EcoTank replaces traditional ink cartridges with refillable ink tanks that hold more ink and reduce the waste of throwing out empty cartridges. You’ll also save up to 80 percent on ink over the lifetime of the printer.
Pros
Innovative refillable ink bottles5760 x 1440 optimized dpi print resolutionUp to two years of ink included
Cons
Small 1.44-inch LCD screen
There are several reasons why the Epson EcoTank ET-2750 is the best eco-friendly printer for heat transfers. Most notably is because of its unique ink system, which uses four EcoTank Ink Bottles instead of traditional cartridges. Right out of the box, the printer includes enough ink to print up to 5,200 color pages, which would be about 30 regular ink cartridges. Additionally, the unit itself is recyclable and Energy Star qualified.
You don’t sacrifice print quality either, with a high resolution of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi and three variable nozzle sizes for great color detail. It can handle borderless printing and paper widths up to 14-inches. While the 1.44-inch LCD screen on the unit is a bit small, the extensive mobile printing options and controls make it so that doesn’t really matter. Consider comparing this printer to the best laser printer that has a large 4.3” color touchscreen.