Is the Sawgrass Printer worth it?

Yes, for most beginners and small shops a Sawgrass Printer is worth it. You get a purpose built sublimation printer with color management software, automatic maintenance, and strong support. That mix makes day one setup simpler and helps you get repeatable results faster. Sawgrass printers are designed for sublimation from the ground up, they include WiFi and efficiency updates in the current SG500 and SG1000 models, and they work with matched inks and paper for clean transfers on polyester and coated hard goods. If you want reliability, help when you need it, and fewer variables to chase, Sawgrass is a smart buy. If your only goal is the lowest possible entry price and you enjoy tinkering, a different path might fit, but plan for more trial and error.  

What you actually get with a Sawgrass Printer

Purpose built design
Sawgrass designs the SG500 and SG1000 for sublimation only, which means the hardware, firmware, and inks are tuned to work together. You are not converting a general office printer, you are using a system meant for gas dye. That usually means fewer clogs and more predictable color.  

Current model upgrades
The SG500 and SG1000 add WiFi, higher resolution, and better energy use compared with past models. Those small improvements show up as easier placement, cleaner gradients, and a simpler home or studio setup.  

Right sized options
Choose SG500 for compact prints up to legal length, or SG1000 if you want larger designs. SG1000 also supports the older SG800 bypass tray, which lets you print up to about 13 by 51 inches for panels and wider shirt graphics.  

Matched inks and paper
SubliJet UHD inks are made for the SG500 and SG1000. Cartridges come in starter and standard sizes, with an extended option for SG1000. When you pair the ink with recommended paper, you get vibrant color on polyester and coated blanks.  

Support and warranty
Craft Express highlights lifetime tech support, automatic self-maintenance cycles, color correction tools, and a two year warranty for Sawgrass printers. For a first setup, these safety nets matter.  

Is a Sawgrass Printer worth it for you

Yes, if you value reliability over tinkering

If you prefer clear setup steps, tested ink profiles, and fast help when things go sideways, Sawgrass is a strong choice. The ecosystem lowers the number of variables so you can learn pressing technique and move into simple production.  

Yes, if you plan to sell or gift often

Steady color and fewer misprints save money. Sawgrass software and auto maintenance are built to keep prints consistent, which helps when you start filling orders for mugs, tumblers, coasters, and light polyester shirts.  

Maybe, if your budget is ultra tight

There are cheaper ways to try sublimation, but you trade time and predictability. If you enjoy testing and do not mind dialing in profiles yourself, you might accept the extra work. If you want smooth sailing, the Sawgrass path pays off in less waste and shorter learning curves.

Sawgrass Printer pros and cons

Pros

• Built for sublimation, not converted

• WiFi, higher resolution, and efficient operation in current models

• Matched SubliJet UHD ink sets and recommended papers

• Automatic maintenance and color tools, plus lifetime tech support and two year warranty

• Upgrade path from SG500 to SG1000 if you need larger prints later Cons

• Higher upfront cost than some DIY routes

• You are committed to the ink family you choose at setup

• Max print size is desktop scale, very large projects need wider format gear 

• Total value, beyond the price tag

Fewer reprints
Color matched inks, profiles, and software reduce trial and error. That means you waste fewer blanks and pages while you dial in settings.  

Faster onboarding
Clear setup, help articles, and live support shorten the time from unboxing to your first saleable print. If you are new, that time is worth money.  

Room to grow
Start with the SG500 for mugs, ornaments, coasters, and shirt fronts. Move to the SG1000 plus bypass tray when you want larger panels and bigger graphics in the same workflow.  

What about inks and running costs

Sawgrass offers starter and standard 31 ml cartridges for both SG500 and SG1000, with an extended 70 ml option for SG1000. Plan your costs by coverage, not by time, since full bleed photos use more ink than logos. Keeping a simple print log helps you estimate real usage for your products. 

Practical buying checklist

• Decide on print size now. If you want bigger than letter or legal, look at SG1000.  

• Pick your ink path once and stick with it for the life of the printer. 

• Budget for a heat press, sublimation paper, heat tape, and blanks. The printer is one piece of the puzzle.

• Plan a test routine. Press small samples, note time, temperature, and pressure that work for each blank.

Quick answers about the Sawgrass Printer

Does Sawgrass include design or print software
Yes. Sawgrass provides print management and color tools tailored to its printers and inks, which helps you hit consistent color faster.  

Can the SG1000 print longer panels
Yes, with the compatible bypass tray from the SG800 you can print up to about 13 by 51 inches. Great for photo panels and larger shirt graphics.  

What blanks work best
Polyester apparel in white or very light colors and polymer coated hard goods like mugs, tumblers, coasters, and panels. Pair SubliJet UHD with a recommended sublimation paper for the cleanest results.  

How beginner friendly is it
Very. Automatic maintenance, color correction, and active support lower the learning curve. You still need to learn good pressing habits, but the print side is straightforward.  

Internal Links

• Craft Express sublimation printers

• Craft Express sublimation paper

• Craft Express heat presses

Closing

If you want a dependable sublimation setup that helps you learn faster and waste less, the Sawgrass Printer is worth it. Choose the size that fits your projects, pair it with good paper and a solid press, and start with a simple mug or a white polyester tee. Save the settings that work, repeat them, and grow with confidence.