Sublimation Oven vs Heat Press: Which Is Better for Tumblers?

If you’re familiar with using sublimation printing to customize tumblers, you’re likely aware that some crafters use sublimation ovens rather than tumbler heat presses. With these sublimation products available, it’s common for crafters to wonder: Do I need a sublimation oven, or is a heat press better for sublimating tumblers?

The truth is, both sublimation ovens and heat presses can create stunning, professional-looking designs, and each has its own advantages. A convection oven for sublimation works by circulating hot air around your blank, while a tumbler press applies direct heat and pressure. Both methods can transfer vibrant ink designs onto sublimation blanks with specially coated surfaces.

In this article, we’ll break down how each sublimation printing method works, the pros and cons of both, and which option makes the most sense for your crafting business. By the end, you’ll know whether to stick to a tumbler press or consider experimenting with a sublimation oven. We’ll also unpack some of the best sublimation ovens on the market. 

Introduction to Sublimation

Sublimation is a popular and proven method for customizing a wide range of items, from tumblers and mugs to non-drinkware sublimation blanks, like coasters, t-shirts, and keychains. This process works by transforming sublimation ink from a solid directly into a gas using heat, allowing the ink to bond permanently with the polyester-coated surface of your blank. The result is a vibrant, durable design that won’t peel or fade over time.

To achieve the best sublimation results, you’ll need the right equipment. A dedicated sublimation oven or heat press machine will enable you to sublimate polymer-coated tumblers, but the process and results will differ based on which machine you use. 

What Is a Sublimation Oven?

A sublimation oven is a specialized piece of equipment designed to transfer printed designs onto blanks. Unlike a traditional oven, a sublimation convection oven is built to circulate heat evenly around a sublimatable item so the entire surface receives consistent exposure.

To get started with sublimating in a convection oven, you’ll need other equipment as well as supplies. In addition to a dedicated oven, you’ll need a sublimation printer, which allows you to transfer a design onto sublimation paper. Once you print your design, you then tape it onto a tumbler. Achieving a high-quality sublimation print requires tight contact between the print and the blank. Sublimation ovens also require shrink wrap or silicone sleeves to apply even pressure along the tumbler’s surface.

The sublimation oven works by using heating tubes or elements to ensure fast and even heat distribution. Once heated, the sublimation ink turns into a gas and permanently bonds with the specially coated tumbler surface.

What Is a Heat Press?

Using a tumbler heat press is the most common method for sublimating drinkware. Like with a sublimation oven, you’ll need a sublimation printer and paper to get started. After printing your sublimation design and using heat-resistant tape to secure it to your tumbler, you’ll use your press.

Instead of circulating hot air, a tumbler press applies direct heat and pressure to the transfer. This close contact makes it easy to achieve crisp, vibrant results without extra steps or accessories, making it a smart choice for both beginners and experienced crafters.

For crafters working with stainless steel tumblers, a press is often the simplest way to produce professional sublimation results. Heat presses also take up less counter space, making it easy to fit one in a small workspace.

Sublimation Oven vs Heat Press

Both a convection oven for sublimation and a heat press machine can create beautiful designs on tumblers, but they work in very different ways.

As we’ve discussed, sublimation in oven setups requires shrink wrap or silicone wrap sleeves to effectively customize tumblers. Crafters also often use heat guns to shrink wrap sleeves in order to achieve a wrinkle-free finish.

A heat press machine, on the other hand, applies direct heat and pressure to the tumbler without the need for wraps, sleeves, or a heat gun. The heat press itself ensures the bond will be even across the surface, and the results are more consistent from tumbler to tumbler compared to sublimation ovens. This reliability makes a heat press ideal for everyday production, especially when working with standard tumbler sizes, like a 20oz or 30oz tumbler.

While the heat press is the clear winner for achieving consistent results, the sublimation oven still has its benefits. Crafters can use sublimation ovens to customize heavily tapered shapes and large-capacity sublimation blanks. Many heat presses cannot sublimate sizes greater than 40oz tumblers, so a sublimation oven makes it possible to sublimate oversized blanks.

For most small businesses and home crafters, a heat press is likely the best choice, as it requires fewer steps and delivers predictable, professional-looking results every time. While a sublimation oven has its place for specialty shapes or large tumblers, the simplicity and consistency of a heat press machine make it the preferred choice for most tumbler customization workflows.

What Is the Best Sublimation Oven for Tumblers in 2025?

If you’re interested in giving a sublimation oven a try, you can find many solid options, including the PYD Life Sublimation Oven, MarkerFlo Sublimation Oven, and Craft Express Sublimation Oven. Let’s explore these quality models. 

PYD Life Sublimation Oven

The PYD Life Sublimation Oven is a versatile option for a variety of tumbler projects. It comes in multiple sizes, including 12L and 25L, and provides unique air heat circulation for consistent results. The PYD sublimation oven’s temperature and timer controls are easy to adjust, which makes it suitable for beginners or small businesses testing different blanks. Many crafters consider it one of the best convection ovens for sublimation because it reliably handles standard sizes, such as 20 oz or 30 oz tumblers, as well as larger sizes.

MakerFlo Sublimation Oven

The MakerFlo Sublimation Oven stands out for its 40L capacity, making it one of the few ovens that can accommodate multiple large tumblers at once. This Makerflo Sublimation Oven features six heating tubes to ensure even heat distribution across each blank. It is a solid choice for makers who handle bulk orders or want to speed up production.

Craft Express Sublimation Oven

The Craft Express Sublimation Oven balances size and usability. This 25L countertop convection oven provides enough space for a variety of tumbler sizes without taking up excessive room. It is considered among the best sublimation ovens for small-scale operations and provides great flexibility for crafters and small businesses. 

If you are shopping for a sublimation oven, these models cover a range of capacities, features, and budgets. Choosing the right one depends on whether you prioritize batch size, versatility, or ease of use. Just remember that while sublimation ovens can be useful for large or tapered tumblers, many crafters find that heat presses deliver more consistent results for everyday sublimation projects.

Sublimation Oven Time & Temperature Settings for Tumblers

When using a sublimation oven for tumblers, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for both time and temperature. Each sublimation oven model heats slightly differently, and ignoring the guidelines can result in uneven transfers or damaged blanks. Always check your oven’s manual before starting a project, and make sure to maintain the set temperature for the entire time of the sublimation process to avoid fluctuations that can affect transfer quality.

A good starting time and temp for a sublimation tumbler in a convection oven is around 350–400°F for anywhere from 5 to 12 minutes. Timing depends on the size: 20oz tumblers usually take 5–7 minutes, 30oz tumblers need about 7–9 minutes, and 40oz tumblers may require 10–12 minutes.

For the best results, place the tumbler in the oven upright if possible. For larger tumblers, use heat-resistant gloves to rotate them when they’re halfway through the sublimation process. 

These settings provide a reliable baseline, but you may need to make adjustments depending on the specific sublimation in oven setup and the coating of your tumbler.

Sublimation Oven FAQ

Can You Sublimate in a Regular Oven?

NO, you should never sublimate in the same oven you use to cook food. The sublimation process can release fumes and chemical residue that contaminate the oven, making it unsafe for meal preparation. 

A regular oven also does not provide the consistent heat or airflow needed for successful tumbler transfers. Attempting to sublimate a tumbler using a conventional kitchen oven or toaster oven can lead to uneven designs, ghosting, or ruined blanks. You need to use a sublimation oven for tumblers or a heat press to achieve quality, professional results. 

Is a Sublimation Oven or Tumbler Heat Press Easier for Beginners?

Most beginners find a tumbler heat press easier to learn and use than a sublimation oven. A heat press applies direct heat and pressure to the tumbler, so you don’t need shrink wrap, silicone sleeves, or a heat gun. Sublimation ovens are versatile and can handle large or tapered tumblers, but the extra steps make them more challenging for those just starting with sublimation.

How Do You Clean a Sublimation Oven?

Cleaning your sublimation oven for tumblers is important for preventing ink buildup that could affect future transfers. Before cleaning your device, make sure the oven is completely cool and unplugged.

Use a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and warm water to wipe down the interior. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the oven surface. For stubborn ink spots, a gentle baking soda paste or specialized oven-safe cleaner may help.

Regular maintenance ensures your sublimation oven continues to heat evenly and produce consistent results. Wiping down shelves, trays, and the interior after each batch also helps prevent color cross-contamination and keeps your workspace safe and tidy.

Get High-Quality Mugs, Tumblers, and Other Sublimation Supplies at The Stainless Depot Company

When it comes to customizing tumblers, both sublimation ovens and heat press machines can get the job done, but many crafters and small businesses prefer the consistency and simplicity of a heat press. As we’ve seen, sublimation ovens can be helpful for larger or tapered tumblers, but presses deliver more reliable results without the extra steps.

At The Stainless Depot Company, we make it easy to get started with crafting by offering all the sublimation supplies and equipment you need. Our selection includes sublimation printers and ink, heat press machines, sublimation paper, and high-quality tumblers that are perfect for customizing.

We also offer helpful guides and resources to support you every step of the way, whether you’re a beginner or growing a small tumbler business. If you’re interested in comparing some of the leading heat presses and sublimation printers, visit our buyer’s guides "What Is the Best Heat Press Machine?" and "Best Sublimation Printer for Beginners." You can also learn about the entire sublimation printing process with our guide “What Is Sublimation Printing?”

With the right equipment, blanks, and know-how, you can create vibrant, professional-quality tumblers that delight your customers and make your sublimation crafts a success. Explore our products and guides today to start crafting with confidence.