Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The Sawgrass SG500 suits buyers who want a dedicated desktop sublimation printer and are ready to check ink and firmware compatibility before buying. Compare it with the Epson F170 if you prefer an alternative workflow and ink system.
On this page (7 sections)
- Is the Sawgrass SG500 a good fit for your projects?
- What should you check before choosing SG500 ink?
- How does the SG500 compare with desktop alternatives?
- How do paper size and the bypass tray affect your choice?
- What ownership details should you plan for?
- How do you get started with an SG500?
- Who should choose the Sawgrass SG500?
The Sawgrass SG500 suits buyers who want a dedicated desktop sublimation printer and are ready to check ink compatibility, paper sizes and the transfer process before buying. If you're comparing it with another desktop option, focus on the workflow and supplies each one requires.
This review considers the SG500 as a buying decision, with compatible ink and alternatives for nearby needs. First-time buyers can compare sublimation printers for beginners.
Is the Sawgrass SG500 a good fit for your projects?
The SG500 suits buyers who want a desktop printer dedicated to sublimation transfers. It's a focused choice for that workflow.
Plan around the items you want to decorate. If mugs are on your list, compare sublimation printers for mugs.
Paper size, blank dimensions, heat press capacity and how often you'll print all affect whether a desktop workflow fits your workspace.
If you're new to sublimation, first understand what a sublimation printer does and how its ink transfers to compatible blanks. Our guide to what printer you need for sublimation explains the difference between a dedicated system and changing an ordinary inkjet printer.
Consider the SG500 when its materials and workflow fit your projects. It may not suit you if you need larger print areas or general-purpose office printing.
What should you check before choosing SG500 ink?
Check your printer's version and firmware before buying cartridges. Third-party compatibility can be version-specific, so a cartridge that fits one supported setup may not work with a later or untested one.
ChemU 4.0.3 SG500 SG1000 Sublimation Ink Cartridges: Best for compatible prior versions
- Black, cyan, magenta and yellow cartridges
- 35 ml per cartridge
- Compatibility includes Version 4.06 and earlier supported versions
A compatible four-color cartridge set for supported SG500 versions. Check your printer version before ordering, since future or untested firmware compatibility isn't guaranteed.
Pros
- Full four-color replacement set
- 35 ml in each cartridge
- Compatibility guidance calls out supported versions
Cons
- Not affiliated with or endorsed by Sawgrass
- Future or untested firmware compatibility isn't guaranteed
ChemU's compatible set includes black, cyan, magenta and yellow cartridges, with 35 ml in each. ChemU identifies Version 4.06 and earlier supported versions, and says future or untested versions aren't guaranteed.
ChemU is an independent third-party brand and isn't affiliated with or endorsed by Sawgrass. Review the printer manufacturer's applicable warranty terms before using third-party consumables.
For more detail on fit and version checks, see which Sawgrass sublimation ink cartridges fit the SG500 and SG1000. If your printer is an older SG400, the SG400 sublimation ink guide covers that separate model.
How does the SG500 compare with desktop alternatives?
The SG500 is a dedicated transfer printer, while the Epson F170 and Liene PixCut S1 suit different preferences and output tasks. Compare the alternatives by their ink system, media and intended use.
| Option | Best suited to | Details to weigh |
|---|---|---|
| Sawgrass SG500 | Desktop sublimation transfers | Check compatible ink, firmware and paper path for your setup |
| Epson SureColor F170 | Epson desktop sublimation workflow | Includes genuine Epson ink and a 150-sheet auto-feed tray |
| Liene PixCut S1 Inspire Kit | Small stickers, labels and photos | Combines thermal dye-sublimation printing and cutting, up to 4 x 7 in media |
Johnson Plastics Plus Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer.: Best for an Epson desktop alternative
- Genuine Epson sublimation ink included
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray
- Windows and macOS setup
An Epson dye-sublimation printer bundle with genuine Epson ink, paper, thermal tape and starter supplies. Consider it if you want a desktop alternative with an enclosed paper tray and bottle-based ink.
Pros
- Includes a full set of genuine Epson sublimation inks
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray
- Starter supplies are included
Cons
- Mobile device connection isn't supported
- Uses a different ink system from the SG500
The Johnson Plastics Plus bundle includes an Epson SureColor F170, genuine Epson sublimation ink, a user guide, AC power cable, starter supplies, thermal tape, and 8.5 x 11 in and 8.5 x 14 in paper. Its 150-sheet tray is dust resistant and enclosed, and it supports Windows and macOS setup.
Mobile device connection isn't supported with this printer. Its bottle-based ink system differs from the SG500 cartridge workflow, so consider which supplies and setup instructions you'd rather manage.
Liene PixCut S1 Inspire Kit: Best for printed stickers and labels
- Thermal dye-sublimation printing
- 300 dpi
- Print and cut workflow
- Includes photo and sticker paper
A separate option for shoppers whose main goal is creating small printed stickers and labels. It combines thermal dye-sublimation printing and cutting, so it serves a different task from a desktop transfer printer.
Pros
- Prints and cuts in one device
- Bluetooth connection to supported devices
- Includes photo and sticker paper
Cons
- Maximum media size is 4 x 7 inches
- Designed for stickers, labels and photos rather than a general SG500 replacement
The Liene PixCut S1 is designed for small photos, stickers and labels. It prints and cuts in one device, connects to supported devices over Bluetooth and includes 4 x 6 in photo paper and 4 x 7 in sticker paper.
That makes it a poor substitute if your goal is making larger heat transfers for apparel or blanks. Pick it when its print-and-cut workflow matches the finished item you want to create.
How do paper size and the bypass tray affect your choice?
Paper handling affects the design area you can plan for, so check the printer's supported sizes and tray setup before buying paper. A larger sheet helps only when the printer path, design and press can all handle it.
The SG500 bypass tray may matter if your intended paper size or feed method calls for it. Check the model fit and printer guidance in our guide to the Sawgrass bypass tray.
Compare the maximum printable area with the blank's transfer area. For a larger sheet option, see 13 x 19 sublimation printers.
Leave space for margins and alignment, and avoid buying paper in bulk until you've confirmed the size and feed method.
Also plan for the heat press. The printer produces an image, but the transfer still depends on suitable sublimation blanks, even pressure and the correct pressing process for the material.
What ownership details should you plan for?
Plan for ink replacement, printer maintenance and a reliable way to confirm supplies before a deadline. These practical details matter when you expect to print regularly.
Third-party cartridges can offer an alternative, but compatibility and warranty terms deserve attention. Keep your printer version information handy and confirm that the cartridge set supports it before ordering.
Some Sawgrass maintenance parts are model-specific. If you need to understand maintenance supplies, see which waste collection unit fits the SG500 and SG1000 and the guide to the SG500 refillable ink cartridge question.
If your printer uses a waste tank, confirm the correct replacement and procedure for your model. The Sawgrass SG1000 waste tank guide covers a related maintenance question for SG500 and SG1000 owners.
How do you get started with an SG500?
Start by confirming the printer model, supported ink and paper path, then follow the setup instructions for your device. This helps prevent buying supplies that don't match your printer version or intended transfer size.
Our step-by-step guide explains how to use a Sawgrass SG500 printer, including setup considerations before printing. Keep the printer instructions nearby when installing ink and preparing your first transfer.
Before ordering blanks, check that they're made for sublimation and match your press. A printer cannot make an unsuitable surface accept a lasting sublimation transfer.
Who should choose the Sawgrass SG500?
Choose the SG500 if your goal is regular desktop sublimation transfers and you're willing to verify ink and paper compatibility. For other equipment options, see printers for sublimation and heat transfer.
Compare the Epson F170 if its genuine Epson ink bundle and enclosed tray better match your preferences.
Pick the Liene PixCut S1 for small stickers and labels. Your best fit depends on what you plan to make and the supplies you want to manage.
The SG500 suits a dedicated desktop workflow. Check your printer version and media plan before buying, and see whether the Sawgrass bypass tray fits your model and project.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sawgrass SG500 a sublimation printer?
The SG500 is a dedicated desktop sublimation printer for people making sublimation transfers. Before buying, confirm the materials and finished item sizes you plan to print, then check current printer and ink guidance for your setup.
Which ink cartridges fit the Sawgrass SG500?
Cartridge compatibility depends on the printer version and firmware. ChemU's compatible SG500 and SG1000 set supports Version 4.06 and earlier supported versions; check your printer version and the manufacturer's applicable warranty terms before choosing third-party ink.
Can the Sawgrass SG500 print larger sheets?
Check the exact tray fit and printer guidance before planning larger transfers. Confirm the finished design dimensions and paper path before buying supplies.
Should I choose an SG500 or an Epson F170?
Choose based on the printer ecosystem and ink system you want to use. The Epson F170 bundle includes genuine Epson sublimation ink and a 150-sheet auto-feed tray, while SG500 buyers should check compatible cartridge and firmware details for their setup.
