When it comes to transferring your printed design to sublimation mugs and tumblers, you’ll need a heat source. This Sublimation Mug and Tumbler Press Buyers Guide will help you find the right one for you.
Choosing one from the hundreds of available options can be overwhelming. Our comprehensive guide for choosing the right sublimation mug and skinny tumbler press will go over some tips to consider when buying your heat press.
We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of each style and feature so you can be better informed when you’re ready to hit that buy button.
Why You Need Heat For Mug and Tumbler Sublimation
A heat source for sublimating mugs and tumblers is an essential tool. They are different from the standard Heat Press used for items with flat sublimation surfaces. You can either use a mug and tumbler press that has a cylindrical heating element, a convection oven, or an air fryer.
After you print your design using a sublimation printer, you need a way to transfer that design to your blank drinkware. Heat and pressure allows you to make that design transfer through the scientific way of sublimation.
By applying the high temperatures, about 350 to 400°F, from your mug and tumbler press, you are turning the ink from your printed sublimation design into gas. That gas is permanently transferred to your mugs and tumblers then transforms into a solid ink again in the form of your design.
Besides the high heat, you also need constant pressure ranging from 40 to 80psi while pressing your design. If there are any changes in pressure or have an uneven pressure, then you will encounter two of the most common problems in sublimation: ghosting and blank spots.
Avoid those problems so you don’t waste the expensive sublimation tumblers and mugs. Get the right mug and tumbler press using this useful Mug and Tumbler Press Buyers Guide.
There are a variety of heat presses you can use for mug and tumbler sublimation. They include:
- Mug Press
- Tumbler Press
- Convection Oven
- 3D Vacuum Press
6 Tips When Buying A Mug and Tumbler Press
1. Do your research
The first step to buying a sublimation heat press is to do your research. There are a variety of mug and tumbler heat presses and convection ovens in the market, and it’s important to find one that will fit your specific needs.
Consider what sizes mugs and tumblers you’re sublimating, the amount you need to sublimate, what extra accessories you need, and any other extra features that may be important to you.
2. Make sure you have the right power supply
Sublimation heat presses can require a large wattage in order for it to function correctly.
Avoid potential disasters – make sure to use your electrical circuit is powerful enough for your mug and tumbler press. Overloading the system can cause major electrical issues and be dangerous, so always opt for circuits that supply more wattage than you need!
For example, if your tumbler press demands
So if your heat press demands 300 watts of electricity, then you can’t plug it into the same circuit where your washer and dryer is plugged in. Most household circuits are 15 to 20 amps, which is 1800 to 2400 watts at 120V.
Calculate what your circuit can handle using a watts to amps converter to double check if it can handle the heat press you’re planning on purchasing.
3. Consider the time you have.
Using the convection oven for mug and tumbler sublimation has a few extra steps than using the mug and tumbler press.
If you are in or planning on making mugs and tumblers as a business, then shortening that preparation time and increasing the amount you produce will make your business more profitable.
When pressing mugs and tumblers using a convection oven, you will have to wrap them in either a shrink wrap or a silicone wrap first. If you’re using a mug/tumbler press, you just have to wrap the sublimation transfer and a butcher paper over it.
Prepping a mug and tumbler for the convection oven may take a few extra minutes and it takes 4-6 minutes to heat but it can produce 4-6 mugs and tumblers at the same time.
On the other hand, you just have to wrap the design over the mug and tumbler then press. This is quicker but you only produce 1 mug and tumbler at a time.
So consider which heating process would be more efficient for your time.
4. Set a budget
After you’ve done your research and identified what type of mug and tumbler press or convection oven you would like, it’s important to set a budget that fits within your price range.
Also consider the extra accessories and supplies you need when choosing a convection oven for mug and tumbler sublimation. You may be able to sublimate more than one mug and tumbler at a time but at an added cost.
Tumbler presses and convection ovens have a large number of options in differing prices. Starter models are great for the hobby sublimator while a commercial quality is needed for someone who is in the sublimation business. It’s important to choose a mug and tumbler press that’s tailored specifically for the user’s needs.
5. Read reviews and recommendations
With so many different mug and tumbler heat presses out there, it can be overwhelming to make the right decision for your needs.
To make sure you pick a machine that is reliable and meets all of your requirements, take advantage of user reviews from a variety of sources such as online forums, product blogs or the online market’s feedback.
It’s also worth asking friends and family who have used similar machines themselves – this way you get an unbiased perspective on how various models perform in real life scenarios!
With these insights into quality and performance at hand, making an informed purchasing decision will become much easier.
6. Purchase from a reputable brand
Don’t decide on which heat press to purchase based on their price alone. Get one that comes from a reputable dealer with a reliable brand.
Those companies stand behind their products with excellent customer service, tech support, and will honor the warranty. When you spend hundreds of dollars, you deserve to have the support for it.
When making a heat press purchase, it is best to avoid third-party sellers on online marketplaces who do not have an established longevity record. Sure, they may offer the lowest price but will they be there when you run into a problem with your mug and tumbler press?
The recommendations in this Mug and Tumbler Press Buyers Guide come from some major players in the industry and provide reliable quality with a full customer service and support system.
Buy from someone trustworthy and you know they’ll be there when you need them to honor their warranty or call them for tech support!
It’s in your best interest to purchase from a company that is endorsed by manufacturers so you can be sure the product will last and that the warranty is valid. Buy from a brand that you trust to stand behind their products when needed.
The recommended heat presses we mention here come from some major players in the industry and provide reliable quality with a full customer service and support system.
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Mug Press Buyers Guide
A mug press for sublimation lets you add your sublimation designs on ceramic coffee mugs and stainless steel camp mugs.
It’s a relatively small machine with a circular heating element, spring-loaded lever arm, and digital temperature display. The heating element wraps around the sides of the mug and holds it in place until you press the lever arm, at which point heat is applied from both sides via adjustable pressure.
And if you’re in the sublimation business, these machines travel well. They are lightweight and can be taken to your trade shows or handmade markets so you can personalize mugs on the spot for the buyers.
Pros of A Mug Press
- Sublimation using a mug press is faster than using a convection oven.
- Affordable price
- Small footprint so it won’t take up a lot of room.
Cons of A Mug Press
- It can only do mugs…not for shirts or anything flat.
- You can only sub 1 or 2 mugs at a time.
Recommended Mug Presses
Mpress Mug Press
- Entry level mug press for both 11 and 15 oz ceramic mugs
- Digital temperature and time display
- Power Rating: 300 watts, 2.8 amps
- Lifetime tech support from Heat Press Nation
- 1 year parts and service warranty with an option to purchase an extended warranty
HPN Signature Series Fully Automatic Mug PRess
- Fully automatic that it closes when you’re ready to press and opens when the set time is done without the need for an air compressor
- Includes heating coil that’s thicker than industry standard for an even temperature distribution and longer heating element lifespan
- Presses 11 oz ceramic sublimation mugs
- Dual display for the temperature and timer
- Emergency release button
- Power Rating: 300 watts, 3.6 amps
- Lifetime tech support from Heat Press Nation
- 1 year parts and service warranty with an option to purchase an extended warranty
Cricut Mug Press
- Affordable mug press for 11 to 16 oz sublimation mugs
- Includes Auto-off safety feature
- Cons: it does not have an actual numerical temperature control. You can lower or increase the temperature by pressing the power button for 10 seconds then controlling the temp from that. The only settings available are cooler, normal, or warmer.
- Power Rating: 500 watts, 4 amps
- 1 year warranty
Tumbler Press Buyers Guide
Sublimation tumbler presses are essential for those tall stainless steel tumblers. They are similar to the mug press except they are longer to accommodate the height of the tumblers. They also close (almost) completely around the tumbler so you can get a wrap around heat
When buying a tumbler press, the most important thing to know is if it will fit your tumbler. There are straight and tapered tumblers so make sure the tumbler press can fit the type of tumbler you’re sublimating.
Most people prefer sublimating straight sided tumblers because it’s easier to create a design that fits on its straight edge. Because of that, most tumbler heat presses can also be used for mug presses…so you will often find a combination mug and tumbler heat press.
Pros of Using Tumbler Heat Presses
- Faster than using a convection oven
- You won’t have to buy extra accessories such as shrink wrap.
Cons of Using Tumbler Heat Presses
- Can only press one tumbler at a time
- It can only do tumblers, not flat items such as shirts, ornaments, mouse pads.
Recommended Tumbler Presses
CraftPro Combo Mug and Tumbler Heat Press
- Designed to press 20 and 30 oz straight skinny tumblers as well as 11-15 oz mugs using the included attachments.
- HPN”s TruePrint heating element is designed to give you a complete wrap-around and top-to-bottom coverage for an accurate even heating.
- Digital gauge for an accurate time and temperature selection and display.
- Compact and lightweight enough to take to your trade shows or markets.
- Comes in 3 colors: Mint, Pink, and White
- Power Rating: 300 watts, 3 amps
- Lifetime tech support from Heat Press Nation.
- 1 year parts and service warranty with an option to purchase an extended warranty
HPN Signature Series 4-in-1 Automated Mug and Tumbler Press
- Includes 4 interchangeable elements for the 11-15 oz mugs, 16-30 oz tumblers, 17 oz latte mug, and a water bottles
- HPN”s TruePrint heating element is designed to give you a complete wrap-around and top-to-bottom coverage for an accurate even heating.
- Silicon padded shovel handle design
- Expand your sublimation capabilities by purchasing the available elements to make mini mugs and shot glasses.
- Power Rating: 300 watts, 2.5 amps
- Lifetime tech support from Heat Press Nation.
- 1 year parts and service warranty with an option to purchase an extended warranty
Convection Oven for Sublimation Mugs and Tumbler
Convection ovens circulate hot air throughout the inside of the oven. The circulation helps spread the heat evenly and can be used to sublimate ceramic mugs, 20oz tumblers, 30oz tumblers, and camp mugs.
You would need a shrink wrap or silicone wrap to keep the printed design transfer pressed tightly against the sublimation blank. Sublimating without those will result in a blurry design and even blank spots since there will be zero pressure.
Pros of using a convection oven for sublimation
- Cost is lower than buying a mug or tumbler press.
- You can sublimate several mugs and tumblers at the same time as long as they are not touching each other. You will have to increase the time you heat them based on the number of items you have in there.
- Can be purchased from your local retail store.
Cons of using a convection oven for sublimation
- You cannot use it for food after you use it for sublimation. The gasses that sublimation emits during the heating process can be ingrained on the sides of the oven. Once you reheat it, it is released again and this is something you don’t want on food.
- You need extra accessories and supplies when using a convection oven for mug and tumbler sublimation.
- Wrapping your sublimation mugs and tumblers with a shrink wrap or silicone wrap is an extra step.
- A lot of the shrink wraps brands can melt with the high heat that sublimation requires so it’s important that you purchase quality wraps.
Recommended Convection Ovens for Sublimation
Elite Gourmet French Door Convection Oven
- French door for easy opening
- Can fit many tumblers and mugs inside the extra large interior
- Dual temperature control knob for top and bottom heating element for a more precise heat control for sublimation.
- Removable bottom rack to fit the skinny tumblers
- 1 year warranty
Hamilton Beach Extra Large Countertop Convection Oven
- Small footprint so it won’t take up a lot of room from your craft area.
- Can fit about 4-6 tumblers inside.
- 2 hour auto shut off
- Contoured knobs for easy maneuverability
- 1 year warranty
In our sublimation business, we have the Hamilton Beach XL Convection Oven, Model 31108.
It has been discontinued but grab it if you see it out in the marketplace. It works well for sublimating 9 tall skinny tumblers at a time!
~ Jennifer, Sublimation Business Owner, SublimakersAcademy ~
Necessary Accessories When Using A Convection Oven for Sublimation
When using a convection oven for sublimation, you also need a few extra accessories in order to sublimate tumblers and mugs.
These supplies are needed in order to keep your printed sublimation design tight against your blank sublimation tumblers.
Convection Oven Thermometer
The temperature dials are not always accurate so it’s important that you keep an eye on the thermometer inside your convection oven during the “cooking” process.
Shrink Wrap Sleeves
- Available in a variety of sizes to fit tumblers, shot glasses, glass
- It keeps your printed sublimation design pressed tightly on your sublimation tumblers
- You have to use a new shrink wrap sleeve for each blank you sublimate
Heat Gun
- Used to melt your shrink wrap around your sublimation tumblers
- A regular hair dryer will not work as it does not get hot enough
Silicone Bands
- Easier to use compared to the silicone wraps
- These only work for sublimation tumblers and not mugs
Butcher Paper
- Use this in between your printed sublimation transfer and your silicone wraps or bands.
- It prevents your sublimation designs from getting transferred to your reusable wraps and bands.
- Use a new one each time you sublimate a different tumbler
- Don’t throw these away…you can use them for packing material if you sell and ship your sublimated products.
Air Fryer for Sublimation Tumblers and Mugs
Air fryers for sublimation work the same way as a convection oven. The only difference is that the air fryer is smaller and has a more closed in design. This means it keeps the circulating heat better.
There are air fryers that are similar to the design and shape of a regular convection oven too so these will allow you to sublimate taller items such as the 20 and 30 oz tumblers.
When using air fryers for sublimation, you still need the extra accessories such as: shrink wrap sleeves, heat gun, butcher paper, silicone bands or silicone wraps.
A note about Air Fryers
Air fryers are generally more expensive than the standard convection ovens. So it is not economically smart to use them instead of convection ovens.
Most air fryers do not have enough room for the tall skinny tumbler’s height. So they are mostly for mugs.
Recommended Air Fryers For Sublimation
Instant Vortex 4qt Air Fryers
- Small and affordable
- Tall enough for shot glasses and mugs
- Not big enough for skinny tumblers
Cosori 10qt Air Fryer
- Smart Control app so you can monitor the cooking process remotely
- Power Rating: 1800 watts
3D Vacuum Press
The 3D vacuum press for sublimation is an older method of getting your designs on sublimation blanks that are curved. So they are for mugs and shot glasses.
Just like the convection ovens, you also need silicone wraps to keep your sublimation transfers pressed tightly on your blanks.
With convection ovens and air fryers, the use of 3d vacuum presses are becoming obsolete. They are large so they take up a lot of room.
They are also expensive, around $700 and up for a new one. So the high prices of these 3D vacuum presses make them not a good alternative to the standard tumbler and heat presses.
3d HEat Vacuum Press
- Pros: Sublimate multiple mugs at a time.
- Cons: Very expensive ($700+) compared to the regular mug and tumbler presses.
Overall Best Mug and Tumbler Press
Out of all the many mug and tumbler heat presses mentioned, which one is the overall winner when it comes to performance and cost-effectiveness?
The best mug and tumbler press is the CraftPro Mug and Tumbler Press Combo from Heat Press Nation. Because of its low price, versatility to press both mugs and tumblers, available tech support from the USA, and manufacturer’s warranty, you can’t go wrong with this equipment investment for your sublimation journey.
Ways to save MOney on Mug and Tumbler Presses
Heat Press Nation has a refurbished outlet section with discounted sublimation equipment. Even though they’re refurbished, they still have the 1 year warranty!
So don’t be afraid to save money on buying refurbished.
Choosing the right heat press for your sublimation mugs and tumblers just got easier! This comprehensive Mug and Tumbler Heat Press Buyers Guide outlines a selection of top-quality presses along with their pros/cons. You can now make an informed decision regarding your sublimation project’s specific needs.
Now that you have your heat press picked out, grab one of these free sublimation designs for mugs and tumblers so you can get started on your first sublimation project.
Comment below if you have any questions about choosing the right mug and tumbler press.
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