Best Printer for Heat Transfer Paper: Reviews, Buying Guide, and FAQs 2023

by Karen Jones

Printers are some of the best machines you will find in a home studio or office workspace. They are essential machines that help people with their printing projects. If you love craft designs, you will be interested in getting quality printers that will bring your arts and crafts to life in the best possible way. A good way is by printing your crafts designs on heat transfer papers.

The process of printing crafts and image designs on transfer papers involves a heat press and not all printers can perform this task. The need for heat transfer is for art lovers to transfer their crafts and artwork designs on items like mugs, t-shirts, leather bags, and many other materials. The good thing about this medium of printing is that it is fast, safe, and affordable.

You need high-performance printers if you consistently perform heat press projects at home or in the office. These printers will help bring your creative designs to life on heat transfer papers. They offer print versatility and provides you with the needed flexibility to print several projects.

The primary function of printers is centered around printing text documents but advancement in printer technology has since pushed them to a whole new performance level. Printers are not only used for printing texts documents anymore; you can now use them to print photos and image designs. They are also used for the cutting of index cards, graphic designs, brochures, posters, and banners, etc. Printers are also used to print on glossy, matte, and transfer papers.

If you are into professional artwork designs, it is important to choose the right printers for heat transfer papers. So, if your current printer can not perform heat transfer, you need to upgrade it by purchasing one of the best heat transfer printers. This is a necessary thing to do.

There are hundreds of printers out there, so you need to carry out detailed research on their specifications to figure out the perfect one for heat transfer paper projects.

In this guide, we will review some of the best printers for heat transfer papers.

Top 5 Best Printer for Heat Transfer Paper: Reviews in 2023

Here are five of the best printers for heat transfer papers reviewed in 2023

Top 5 Best Printers for Heat Transfer Papers
Top 5 Best Printers for Heat Transfer Papers

1. Epson Workforce 1100 Wide-Format Color Inkjet Printer - Link

Epson WorkForce 1100 Wide-Format Color Inkjet Printer (C11CA58201)
Epson WorkForce 1100 Wide-Format Color Inkjet Printer (C11CA58201)

One of the best printers for heat transfer papers is the "Epson Workforce 1100 Wide-Format Color Inkjet Printer". This is a printer specially engineered for everyday projects and business-related printings because the final prints are fade, smudge, and water-resistant. This means users can conveniently print their everyday projects and distribute them for use immediately.

The item weighs 26.3 pounds and has a size dimension of 18.2 x 27.8 x 12.5 inches. The unique quality of this printing machine is the speed at which it delivers projects. This is due to a laser quality speed of "13.0ppm-black and 5.5ppm-color", and a maximum speed of "30.0ppm-black and 17.0ppm-color". The laser quality text-up speed is twice faster than leading inkjet printers.

It can be used to print brochures and create spreadsheets up to 13 x 19 inches. This excellent Epson Workforce Wide-Format Printer has all it takes to produce quality printings because it is engineered to offer speed and efficiency. So, we can assure you that this high-performance printer will help you print quality projects on a large scale without any kind of compromise.

Basic Features

  • Weight: 26.3 lb
  • Smart Ink System
  • Wide-Format Prints
  • Dual Black-Ink Cartridges
  • Advanced Print Head Technology
  • 5 Instant-Dry DURABrite Ultra Ink Cartridges

The Pros (Benefits)

  • It can be used for speed printing through critical documents
  • It offers wide-format prints and accommodates largescale printing
  • You can print more and share documents immediately after printing
  • It offers two-sided printing to help save energy and a 50% paper supply
  • It provides high-capacity cyan, black, yellow, and magenta ink cartridges
  • The dual cartridges feature ensures that you don't get to change cartridges often
  • It is safe for use when printing confidential documents because it offers protection
  • Aside from printing regular files, it can be used to print index cards and spreadsheets

The Cons (Limitations)

  • The print head can be slightly difficult to remove and clean

2. HP LaserJet Pro M452dw Wireless Color Printer - Link

HP Laserjet Pro M452dw Wireless Color Printer, (CF394A)
HP Laserjet Pro M452dw Wireless Color Printer, (CF394A)

The next printer on our list is the "HP LaserJet Pro M452dw Wireless Color Printer" designed for printing proposals, brochures, and other standard-size documents with sharp text and quality professional color. This printer is ideal for high-quality printing performance and offers robust protection for how you love to carry out printing projects. This is a top-class HP LaserJet Printer.

This wireless color printer is capable of executing projects faster and delivers comprehensive security to guard against threats. An exceptional feature of this HP printer is the JetIntelligence attached to the HP Toner Cartridges that allows users to produce several pages of images and texts documents. It has an Auto 2-Sided Printing feature that allows fast and efficient printing.

It can be used to print projects in quality professional colors. Printing tasks carried out on the HP LaserJet Pro M452dw Wireless Color Printer can be managed on the go with the HP Smart Mobile App. You can breeze through multipage documents with its 2-Sided printing that is way faster than leading competitors. It is the ideal printer for heat transfer papers.

Basic Features

  • 2-Sided Printing
  • Colored Printing
  • HP Toner Cartridges
  • Wireless Connection
  • Mobile Device Compatible
  • 3.0" Color Touchscreen Display

The Pros (Benefits)

  • It offers fast printing and strong file protection
  • You are guaranteed authentic HP quality print for jobs
  • Easily manage print jobs directly on the printer touchscreen
  • It allows you easily print documents with smartphones and tablets
  • You can print large page volumes while still enjoying high-performance
  • It protects information and controls access to confidential print projects
  • It allows printing MS Word and PowerPoint files through a USB drive connection

It keeps data protected with strong security designed to help detect and stop attacks

The Cons (Limitations)

  • Once the drivers are corrupted, it struggles to connect to a wireless network

3. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-1500 Wireless Color Printer - Link

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Color Wide-Format Printer, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Color Wide-Format Printer, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready

The "Epson Expression Photo HD XP-1500 Wireless Color Printer" is a Wide-Format printer with 6-color Ultra HD Inks for printing stunning photos. This printer will take your photo printings to a whole new level and it delivers pro-quality borderless prints up to 13.0 x 19.0 inches. It offers enhanced colored (red and grey inks) photo printing including white-and-black photo printing.

Epson Expression Photo HD Printer is specially designed with a front print tray that can take 200-sheets and a rear large tray that can take 50-sheets which is highly useful for executing professional printing projects. This printer offers auto 2-sided printing and convenient wireless connectivity that allows users to print jobs on the go. It also works with Epson Cartridges only.

This printer weighs 18.7 pounds and has a size dimension of 30.9 x 18.7 x 16.2 inches. It is the perfect printer you need for printing stacks of documents in your home or office. Furthermore, it comes with a product warranty and support which makes it reliable and safe for use.

Basic Features

  • Ultra HD Photo Inks
  • Wireless Connectivity
  • Wide-Format A3+ Prints
  • Power Cord and Cleaning Sheets
  • 4x Claria Photo HD Ink Cartridges
  • 2x Claria Photo HD Ink Cartridges
  • Individual 6-Color Claria Photo HD Ink

The Pros (Benefits)

  • It easily fits on desktops and offers fast printing
  • It comes with a CD-ROM for easy product setup
  • You will get a brilliant borderless print for professional projects
  • It supports auto 2-sided document printing in the most convenient way
  • The rear 50-sheet tray can take in varieties of paper finishes like cardstock
  • It is a compact printer that is smaller in size and weight than its predecessor
  • It offers simple setup and navigation with a moderate sound pressure level
  • It features a Dash Replenishment that tracks Ink Usage and order for a replacement

The Cons (Limitations)

  • It limits the use of varieties of cartridges because it doesn't allow third-party cartridges

4. Silhouette Cameo 4 Bluetooth Printer - Link

Silhouette Cameo 4 with Bluetooth, 12x12 Cutting Mat, Autoblade 2, 100 Designs and Silhouette Studio Software - White Edition
Silhouette Cameo 4 with Bluetooth, 12x12 Cutting Mat, Autoblade 2, 100 Designs and Silhouette Studio Software - White Edition

The next product to review on our list of best printers for heat transfer papers is the specially designed "Silhouette Cameo 4 Bluetooth Printer". The white edition Cameo printer has a built-in roll feeder that allows users to easily load vinyl and heat transfer papers for pro printing jobs.

This desktop cutting and printing machine come with hundreds of designs in its design library, 12 x 12 Cutting Mat, Autoblade 2, Bluetooth Technology, and Silhouette Studio Software. You can cut rolled printer materials with ease and trim heat transfer papers right from the roll with the built-in cross cutter. It also offers wireless cutting through Bluetooth connectivity. Silhouette Cameo 4 offers Print and Cut registration capability and is PixScan compatible.

This product has a size dimension of 22.44 x 7.68 x 6.69 inches and weighs 10.0 pounds. The max cutting area covers 12.0 x 24.0 inches mat and 12.0 x 10.0 inches roll. The max media thickness is 3.0mm and the max cutting force is 5.0kg. This sleek printer has a compact design with a sliding lid and feather-light backlit touch panel that makes it the ideal printer for all jobs.

Basic Features

  • AutoBlade 2
  • 12 x 12 Cutting Mat
  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • Compact Design Sliding Lid
  • Silhouette Studio Software
  • Feather-Light Backlit Touch Panel
  • Built-In Crosscutter and Roll Feeder

The Pros (Benefits)

  • It has a 3.0mm clearance to accommodate thicker materials
  • It has a tool sensor technology that allows tool-type detection
  • It offers matless cutting capabilities unlike other leading printers
  • It offers more speed and power than any other Silhouette printing machine
  • You can easily load, cut, and trim heat transfer papers directly from the roll
  • The Silhouette Studio provides users with limitless design options to customize jobs
  • Cutting is carried out in different styles because of the rotary blade and kraft blade style

The Cons (Limitations)

  • It is not designed for cutting all types of printing materials

5. Epson Artisan 1430 Wireless Color Wide-Format Inkjet Printer - Link

Epson Artisan 1430 Wireless Color Wide-Format Inkjet Printer (C11CB53201)
Epson Artisan 1430 Wireless Color Wide-Format Inkjet Printer (C11CB53201)

The final printer on our best printers for heat transfer papers is the "Epson Artisan 1430 Wireless Color Wide-Format Inkjet Printer". This printer is designed to print borderless high-definition photos up to 13.0" x 19.0". It is one of the best printers for heat transfer papers because it offers HD photo printing and is compatible with standard size documents printing.

Epson Artisan 1430 Inkjet Printer comes with a wireless connectivity technology that allows users to print their projects in color wide-format. So, all you need to do is to connect your printer to Wi-Fi and set it up from your personal or business printings. There's an option for CD/DVD printing explained in the user manual that comes with the Epson Artisan package.

It has a size dimension of 27.8 x 17.3 x 12.5 inches and weighs 35.3 pounds. It offers one of the best wireless printing performances. This product is perfect for you if you want to take your printing projects to the next level. You can even allow people to join your Epson Artisan 1430 network so they can have access to large size gallery-worthy prints.

Basic Features

  • Weight: 35.3 Pounds
  • Wireless Connectivity
  • Wide-Format Color Prints
  • Individual Ink Cartridges
  • Ultra Hi-Definition Prints
  • 6-Color Claria High-Definition Ink

The Pros (Benefits)

  • It offers high-speed documents and photo printing
  • It is the perfect product for professional photographers
  • It delivers documents and photo prints in high definition
  • It allows wide-format and Hi-Def wireless printing performance
  • It provides smudge, fade, and water-resistant prints for different projects
  • The ink cartridge swapping helps users to save more money on printing costs
  • You can easily share your Artisan 1430 with others through wireless networking
  • It provides advanced color and lighting correction and added creativity to your photos

The Cons (Limitations)

  • It does not have an automatic document feeder like some printers

Buying Guide for Best Printer for Heat Transfer Papers

Heat transfer papers are mostly used for printing photos and art designs. This means not every printer can carry out printings on heat transfer papers. In fact, most old-fashioned printers can perform this operation. Hence, this brings us to the importance of identifying the best printers for heat transfer papers. We have reviewed 5 top-quality printers for this purpose in the guide.

However, it is also important to keep certain factors in mind before purchasing printers for your heat transfer paper projects. You might manage to use certain printers for heat transfer paper projects but expect a poor result if they are not specifically designed for heat transfer papers.

So, here are factors to consider if you're looking to purchase printers for heat transfer papers;

Consider the Type of Printer

If you want to perform heat press designs on heat transfer papers, it is important to consider the type of printer at your disposal. There are three major types of printers designed for heat transfer papers, they include; Laser Printers, Inkjet Printers, and Dye-Sublimation Printers.

All these printers a capable of heat transfer printing projects but we recommend that you give more priority to inkjet printers. They offer more image and graphics quality than other printers.

Consider Wide-Format Compatibility

A good way to know if a particular printer is good for heat transfer papers is to check if they are compatible with wide-format prints. Printers with wide-format compatibility are computer-controlled printers that support a maximum print roll of width up to 100 inches. They are used for printing wallpapers, banners, graphic cards, brochures, and posters on heat transfer papers.

Consider the Type of Ink Cartridge

The type of cartridge matters in printers because it determines the type of ink and toner used for printing projects. Some printers have multicolor ink cartridges that allow the printing of craft designs in different colors. This will make your designs more beautiful and well-polished.

Consider Print Quality

The quality of your print matters a lot when it comes to heat transfer projects. If you use printers with low print quality to cut out your craft designs, you will have your designs ruined. So, ensure you get high-performance inkjet printers when looking for printers to purchase.

Overall, make sure you analyze the type of heat transfer project you want to do before deciding which type of printer to get. Heat transfer medium can be quite different for specific projects.

What Is Heat Transfer Paper and What Are Its Uses ?

Heat transfer paper is a special type of paper that is used for transferring images or designs onto other surfaces. It is most commonly used for T-shirt transfers, but can also be used for other items such as tote bags, aprons, and more.

The process of using heat transfer paper is simple: you first print your desired design onto the paper using an inkjet printer, then place the paper onto the surface you want to apply it to and use a heat press to apply heat and pressure. This causes the image to transfer from the paper to the surface.

There are a number of reasons why heat transfer paper can be a great option for transferring images. First, it is very easy to use - anyone can do it! Second, the quality of the transferred image is very good, and it will last for a long time. Third, it is a great way to personalize items - you can create your own designs and put them on anything you like. Finally, it is a cost-effective way to get custom T-shirts and other items.

So if you are looking for a simple and easy way to transfer images onto other surfaces, heat transfer paper is a great option to consider.

How Does a Printer Work With Heat Transfer Paper ?

A printer works with heat transfer paper by heating up the paper with a thermal head and then transferring the image to the paper. The thermal head is a small device that scans back and forth across the paper, heating it up as it goes. Once the image is transferred, the printer cools down the paper so that it can be printed on. This process is repeated for each page that needs to be printed.

The Different Types of Printers for Heat Transfer Paper

There are a few different types of printers that can be used for heat transfer paper. Some people prefer to use an inkjet printer, while others find that a laser printer works better. There are pros and cons to both options, so it's important to consider what's most important to you before making a decision.

Inkjet printers

Inkjet printers are relatively affordable and can produce high-quality prints. They also tend to be smaller in size, which can be helpful if you have limited space. However, they can require more maintenance than other types of printers and may not be as durable.

Laser printers

Laser printers are typically more expensive than inkjet printers, but they offer many advantages. They tend to be more reliable and have a longer lifespan than inkjet printers. They also produce sharper prints, which can be important if you plan to use your heat transfer paper for professional purposes. However, they can be larger in size than inkjet printers and require more power to operate.

Ultimately, the best type of printer for heat transfer paper depends on your needs and preferences. Consider the factors mentioned above and decide which option is right for you. Ultimately, the best type of printer for heat transfer paper depends on your needs and preferences. Consider the factors mentioned above and decide which option is right for you.

Expert Tips on Using a Printer With Heat Transfer Paper

When it comes to heat transfer paper, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to get the best results. Here are some expert tips on using a printer with heat transfer paper:

  1. Make sure that your printer is set to the highest quality setting. This will ensure that the image on your heat transfer paper is clear and sharp.
  2. Use a heavier weight paper for your heat transfer projects. Heavier weight papers will hold up better under heat and pressure.
  3. Always test your project on a piece of scrap fabric before printing it onto your final fabric project. This will help you to make any necessary adjustments to the image or design before printing it.
  4. Keep your heat transfer paper in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use it. Heat transfer paper can become damaged if it is stored in a hot, humid environment.
  5. Be sure to use a pressing cloth when transferring your image onto your fabric project. This will help to protect the fabric from the heat and pressure of the iron.
  6. When ironing your project, be sure to apply even pressure and keep the iron moving. This will help to ensure that the image is properly transferred to the fabric.
  7. Allow your project to cool completely before washing or drying it. This will help to prevent any damage to the image.

Following these tips will help you to get the best results with your heat transfer projects. Happy crafting!

FAQs about Printers for Heat Transfer Papers

Here are frequently asked questions that might be of help;

Which type of printer is best for heat transfer papers?

There are three major types of printers designed for heat transfer projects; they include laser, inkjet, and dye-sublimation printers. But the best one for heat transfer projects is the inkjet printer. This is because inkjet printers offer versatility and a wide selection of units. They can be used to execute most printing projects that involve heat transfer on papers.


How can I get detailed user manuals for printers designed for heat transfer papers?

Most of these printers only come with a starter guide that directs new buyers on how to set up the printer. But if you need a detailed user manual that explains all the functions available; you will have to visit the brand's website to download the complete detailed user manual in PDF format. Whether it's an Epson or HP printer, all you need do is to visit their official website.

What is the limitation associated with using dye-sublimation ink for my printing projects?

Using dye-sublimation ink for your printings will save you some money because they are cheap but the drawbacks associated with it are centered around low-quality print. Dye-sublimation ink designs are highly likely to fade over time if the design is exposed to sunlight or UV light. So, we recommend using pigment-based inks instead. They cost more money but they are suitable for heat transfer printing projects because they are high-quality, water-resistant, and won't fade.

What is the difference between toner and ink?

Toner is a dry carbon powder particle used for printing in Laser printers, while ink comes in liquid form and is mainly used in inkjet printers. Both are good for most printing projects but it is advisable to use ink for heat transfer projects because they bring out better quality.


What are the benefits of double-sided printing?

Printers that can perform double-sided printing are very valuable. They make the printing process a lot more convenient and faster. They help to reduce the number of papers used in printing and it works well for large volume documents or photo printing. It offers great benefits.


What are the factors to consider before buying heat transfer papers?


There are several factors to consider before buying heat transfer papers. First, you must have either a laser or inkjet printer because they are the printers that can print on heat transfer papers. You should consider the materials you want to transfer your designs on because the background matters. The type and style of artwork design matter too before choosing heat transfer papers.

What is the benefit of using heat transfer papers for artwork design printings?

There are several types of heat transfer papers and they offer amazing benefits. They are affordable and can be used to transfer designs on any type of material. They are better than screen printing because the designs are clean and offer lower transfer costs. They are great for graphic designers and hobbyists.

Buy on Walmart, Etsy, eBay (limited quantity)

HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 All-in-One Wireless Printer, with Smart Home Office Productivity, - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Epson Workforce WF-2860 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer with Scanner, Copier, Fax, - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

HP Neverstop Laser MFP 1202w Wireless Monochrome All-in-One Printer with cartridge-free - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

HP OfficeJet Pro 8035 All-in-One Wireless Printer - Includes 8 Months of Ink, HP Instant - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

WorkForce WF-7710 Wireless Wide-format Color Inkjet Printer with Copy, Scan, Fax, Wi-Fi - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Epson WorkForce WF-7720 Wireless Wide-format Color Inkjet Printer with Copy, Scan, Fax, - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Canon IP8720 Wireless Printer, AirPrint and Cloud Compatible, Black, 6.3" x 23.3" x 13.1" - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

TUSY Heat Press Machine 15x15 inch Digital Industrial Sublimation Printer Press Heat - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Epson Expression Premium XP-6100 Wireless Color Photo Printer with Scanner and Copier, - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Conclusion for Heat-Transfer Paper Printer Buyers

Printing your craft designs on heat transfer papers will make your craft designs come to life. That said, you need to get quality and high-performance printers if you want those designs to look unique. Popular printers like laser and inkjet printers can perform heat transfer printings but it is necessary to purchase the best models that will match your planned projects.

We have carefully reviewed five of the best printers for heat transfer papers. If you want to perform heat transfer projects, ensure your printer is capable of printing on your transfer paper. The benefits of printing on transfer papers are that you can transfer your designs on different items. So, ensure you choose the right printer for your heat transfer papers.

Kindly share your thoughts in the comment section.

About Karen Jones

Karen Jones has always been a writer at heart. As a freelance writer and social media marketing consultant for the last decade, she's honed her skills in crafting catchy and interesting articles that reel in readers. She also enjoys traveling, which is where she gets most of her ideas for her writing. In fact, if you can't find Karen around her friends and family, it's likely because she's holed up in her home office working on refining her writing composition and printing press!

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