The Best Convection Ovens for Sublimation in 2026

Finding the best convection oven for sublimation can be a confusing and overwhelming process. Should you get a sublimation oven or use a traditional convection oven? And what about mug and tumbler presses?

 In this post, I cover what to look for and which sublimation and convection ovens work well for different types of sublimation crafters. Keep reading to find the perfect one for you.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

In the Beginning

When I first created this article, the only options for sublimation crafters were convection ovens and professional-level sublimation ovens. Since sublimation has become extremely popular, you can now find sublimation ovens designed for small businesses and hobbyists. 

It isn’t necessary to purchase a sublimation oven, though. While not explicitly created for sublimation, convection ovens can still be a reliable and cost-effective choice. 

Let’s look at the benefits and features of sublimation and convection ovens. Then, we’ll cover specific oven recommendations.

Click here if you’d like to skip to the recommendations.

Benefits of Sublimation and Convection Ovens

There are several reasons to consider a sublimation or convection oven for your sublimation needs.

• Convection ovens typically cost less than sublimation ovens.
• Convection ovens come in many sizes with adjustable racks and spacious interiors.
• You can sublimate different-sized blanks at the same time with many sublimation and convection ovens.
• Many convection and sublimation ovens work well for batch sublimation.

Considerations and Features

Let’s take a look at the features and options you want to consider when choosing a sublimation or convection oven.

Temperature Control

When sublimating, you need precise control over temperature. It requires very high temperatures, up to and over 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the temperature needs to remain consistent throughout the entire process.

Because of this, I recommend that the sublimation or convection you choose has a digital readout display. Often, sublimation instructions include a precise temperature, such as 408 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll need to set these precise temperatures and ensure they remain consistent. It’s hard to eyeball 408 degrees on an analog display, so opt for ovens with digital readings.

I also recommend purchasing a separate oven thermometer so you can double-check the digital readout against a discrete readout you will get with the oven thermometer.

Sublimation and Convection Oven Size

When it comes to achieving optimal sublimation results, the size of your sublimation and convection oven plays a crucial role. The right oven size ensures that you can accommodate the items you want to sublimate and allows for efficient heat distribution, resulting in consistent and vibrant prints. 

Selecting the proper sublimation or convection oven size is critical to sublimation success. Getting the right interior size ensures you have enough space to sublimate in batches without too much space. Temperature inconsistencies can pop up if the interior has too much unused space.

So, it’s very much like Goldilocks and the Three Bears; find the size that’s just right for you.

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. What types of sublimation blanks will you be using?
2. Will any of your sublimation blanks be tapered or oddly shaped?
3. How many of these different types of sublimation blanks do you want to sublimate at a time?
4. Are you sublimating as a hobby, or do you want to sell sublimated crafts commercially in the future?
5. What is your budget? Remember that you must get sublimation tools, accessories, and blanks if you’re just starting out.

Use this information to determine how much space you will need to create your sublimated crafts now and in the future.​

Other Features

Many convection ovens have adjustable and removable sturdy racks supporting multiple drinkware blanks. Multiple heating elements and heat sources help create a consistent temperature inside, which is essential for sublimating in batches. 

Ovens explicitly designed for sublimation offer more features, temperature consistency, and control. Some have built-in timers that will only start once the correct temperature is reached. 

Because of its spacious interiors, a convection oven can sublimate more than one blank at a time. Most sublimation ovens can also sublimate batches.

Overall Cost

Regarding cost, a sublimation oven may be better than a convection oven.

Despite sublimation ovens costing more than convection ovens at the initial outset, you can more than make up the cost overall when including sublimation blank failures due to inconsistent temperatures.

So, if you will be sublimating frequently and want to optimize the cost and use of your blanks, choose a sublimation oven. These machines are super consistent regarding temperature.

If you’re just getting started, though, and this is a hobby craft for you, I recommend getting a less expensive convection oven for your sublimation crafts. 

Ovens Made for Sublimation

If you are a small sublimation business or want to sell your crafts in the future, consider a sublimation oven made for small batches and hobbyists.

Sublimation ovens generally have more precise temperature control and are more consistent than convection ovens. They will also have features that you won’t find with convection ovens.

For example, the PYD Life sublimation oven maintains a consistent temperature, and the timer starts only when the oven reaches the proper temperature again after opening the oven doors.​

Convection Ovens for Sublimation

A countertop convection oven is a good choice if you are a beginner or have budget constraints. 

Convection ovens have many features and come in varied sizes. They have a convection fan that helps with temperature control and accessories, and many have multiple heat sources. Convection ovens are typically priced lower than sublimation ovens, which makes it a good choice if your budget is a consideration.

Mug and Tumbler Presses

Tumbler and mug presses are neat and fun gadgets, I won’t lie. However, they can limit the types of sublimation blanks you can use and how many items you can sublimate at the same time.

For example, tapered tumblers and mugs are challenging to sublimate correctly with mug and tumbler presses. Sublimation and convection ovens can easily handle tapered and oddly shaped drinkware and sublimation blanks. 

Mug and tumbler presses mostly only sublimate one blank at a time, whereas sublimation and convection ovens can typically sublimate in batches.

Mug and tumbler presses are good at sublimating under pressure. They are designed to apply consistent and repeated pressure of the sublimation print against the sublimation blank to eliminate the possibility of air gaps and ghosting. However, using shrink wrap or Hix wraps with your sublimation or convection oven, you can overcome this limitation. 

Mug and tumbler presses usually come at a high price point as single-use tools compared to regular convection ovens, but not against sublimation ovens. Sublimation ovens can be pricey, but they can typically sublimate in batches and do an excellent job.

Mug and tumbler presses can be suitable for small spaces. If you have limited space and can’t fit an entire sublimation or convection oven into your crafting space, but you want to occasionally sublimate a mug or tumbler, then a mug and/or tumbler press may be the best choice.

If you plan on selling commercially and sublimating in batches, opt for a sublimation oven over a mug or tumbler press. If you’re just starting out and have a limited budget, and this is for personal use, consider a mug or tumbler press, or opt for a convection oven for sublimation.

Heat Presses

Heat presses are made for sublimating fabrics and flat blanks like wood and coasters. They are not suitable for odd shapes and most 3D blanks. 

If you plan on making sublimation t-shirts and other fabrics, consider a heat press. Cricut has the EasyPress and AutoPress, HTVRONT has its heat press, and there are a number of inexpensive choices on Amazon.  Although you can sublimate with the EasyPress and other portable heat presses, I recommend using a full-size heat press if you plan to do a lot of fabric and flat blank sublimation.

I do not recommend using a hand-held iron for sublimation. The heat settings aren’t sufficient, they don’t get hot enough, and they rarely maintain a consistent temperature. You also can’t exert enough pressure required for successful sublimation with a household iron.

Sublimation and Convection Oven Safety

There are several considerations regarding sublimation safety with sublimation and convection ovens. 

Never cook food in an oven used for sublimation. The sublimation process has harmful and odiferous gases and should not be mixed with cooking food. So, the kitchen oven is off-limits for sublimation.

Next is ventilation. Sublimation creates off-gases that you want to avoid breathing in. They don’t smell good and can cause health issues.

Wherever you are sublimating, make sure you can either open a window to release the fumes and gases that sublimation creates or use a filter to process the gases. Also, wear a safety mask if you experience any off-gassing leaks.

Have a fire extinguisher ready in your sublimation crafting area. Sublimation deals with very high temperatures and can be a fire hazard. You can also get a few fire blankets and keep those nearby.

Get a good pair of heat gloves to wear when handling sublimated blanks. They will be very hot and can burn your skin.

Find out what tools you need for sublimation in my post, Everything You Need for Sublimation.

To minimize safety risks, always read the material included with your sublimation or convection oven, mug press, or tumbler press.

The Best Sublimation Ovens

PYD Life Sublimation Oven

Consider the PYD Life sublimation oven if you will be doing a lot of sublimation or will be selling sublimated crafts commercially now or in the future. This is my recommendation for small-batch sublimation for hobbyists and lightweight commercial use.

PYD Life has become a mainstream brand name in crafting. Although their sublimation oven may cost more than many standard convection ovens, it makes up for that in functionality.

The PYD Life Sublimation Oven will wait after opening the oven doors until it gets back to temperature before starting the timer countdown. Most conventional convection ovens do not have this feature.

Features:

• 1600-watt, 110-volt sublimation oven
• Capacity: 25 L
• Size: 16.9 x W 16.3 x H 14 Inch.
• Weight: 11.3 kgs.
• Temperature range: 0-446℉.
• Time range: 1-60 minutes.
• Even Heating with unique air heat circulation. Two heating tubes in top and bottom, fast and even heating with ceramic enamel interior.
• The sublimation oven is suitable for sublimation printing sublimation mugs, tumblers, and bottles, including tapered and large capacity sublimation blanks, such as the 40 oz sublimation tumbler with handle.
• It can sublimate small batches, such as four 11-ounce sublimation mugs, four 20-ounce sublimation skinny tumblers, or four 18-ounce sublimation glass cans.
• The sublimation oven machine will beep when it reaches temperature and when the timer is completed.
• Warranty: One year from the date of purchase.

PYD Life also makes a single-item sublimation oven called the PYD Life Mini Sublimation Oven. As of June 12, 2024, it is restocked on Amazon. However, I recommend eschewing the mini sublimation oven and purchasing a standard-size sublimation oven or large convection oven, as they are more cost-effective.

Makerflo Crafts Sublimation Oven

Makerflo Crafts, located in Arizona, is an up-and-coming brand that sells a specialty convection oven for sublimation, as well as tumbler presses and heat presses. Their ovens are on their Amazon storefront, along with their sublimation blanks. 

Makerflo Crafts is unique because it focuses on creating raving fans. It offers fantastic customer service, and its ovens are built to high standards. Companies that espouse this value always stand out because of my passion for customer advocacy. 

Makerflo Sublimation Oven Features

• Dimensions: 18″ L x 14″ W x 15″ H
• It comes with 1 Heat Glove, 1 Wire Shelf, 1 Metal Mesh Shelf for smaller objects, and 1 Catch Plate to catch debris or dirt.
• Upper and lower heating tubes can be adjusted together or separately.
• Temperature range: 140° F – 446° F
• Equipped with six heating tubes to produce more uniform heat.
• Consistent temperature is guaranteed due to the four-sided enamel cavity
• A digital temperature control system with a smart sensor can detect temperature change and adjust it automatically
• The double-layered heat-resistant door makes it safe to operate and touch 
• Whirlwind in the back makes the heat penetrate the entire interior area

The Best Convection Ovens for Sublimation

The next set of ovens are countertop convection ovens designed for kitchen use. I have included large, mid-size, and small convection ovens based on hobby or commercial needs.

Best Extra Large Sublimation Convection Oven

• French doors
• Manual controls
• Interior dimensions: 16-3/8 W x 15-7/8 D x 8-1/2 H
• Convection oven
• Minimum temperature 150° F | Maximum temperature 450° F
• It comes with 2 removable wire racks, 1 baking pan, 1 crumb tray, 1 rotisserie rod and prongs, 1 rotisserie removal tool, and 1 tray removal tool
• 1800 watts
• Can control top and bottom heat elements independently
• Should fit multiple 30-ounce tumblers on their side
• Should fit multiple 20-ounce skinny tumblers standing upright
• Should fit multiple 11-ounce and 15-ounce mugs upright
• Some complaints about the oven getting too hot externally

The Elite Gourmet French Door Countertop Convection Toaster Oven is a solid choice if you need an extra-large oven for your small business or a large project but want the lowest price. 

It has the same capacity as the Oster convection oven above, so it should hold the same number of mugs, tumblers, and other drinkware. It’s a great choice for beginners with big needs. 

Some have said it gets a little hot on the outside, but it still has a high rating of 4.2 as of November 2024. 

Best “Between” Sublimation Convection Oven

• Digital controls
• Interior dimensions: 15.75″ W 16.36″ D 6.85″ H
• Convection Oven
• Minimum temperature 150° F | Maximum temperature 450° F (500° F broil)
• It comes with two oven racks, a baking pan, and an integrated broiling rack
• 1500 watts
• Should fit one, possibly more 30-ounce tumblers on their sides
• Should fit more than one 20-ounce tumbler on their sides
• Should fit more than one 11 and 15-ounce mug standing upright

The Oster Toaster Oven is an excellent choice as an in-between toaster oven for sublimation. Opt for this countertop oven if you’ve outgrown your Cricut Mug Press, sell sublimated products occasionally, or need a larger oven for your sublimation transfers. 

Runner-Up Medium Sublimation Convection Oven

• Digital controls
• Interior dimensions: 12 1/2″W x 11 1/2″D x 6 1/2″H
• “Turbo” convection oven 
• Minimum temperature: 150° F | Maximum temperature: 450° F (500° F broiler) in 25° increments
• It comes with an oven rack, baking/drip pan, broiling rack, and removable crumb tray
• 1800 watts
• Should fit one, possibly more 30-ounce tumblers on their sides
• Should fit more than one 20-ounce tumbler on their sides
• Should fit more than one 11 and 15-ounce mug standing upright

The Cuisinart TOB-135N Deluxe Convection Toaster Oven has a smaller footprint and is a perfect choice for smaller sublimation projects. If you are a maker who occasionally creates for your friends and family, this is a good choice. 

Conclusion

I’ve covered five excellent sublimation and convection ovens for hobby crafters and small businesses. One of these ovens will meet your sublimation needs, whether you’re a hobbyist or a small business.

If you still have questions or would like to add your recommendation, please let me know in the comments below, use our contact form, or email your questions to me.

Check out my article Everything You Need for Sublimation to learn about the supplies you need to succeed. You’ll find recommendations for sublimation paper, heat-resistant tape, butcher paper, heat-resistant gloves, and more. 

And check out my articles on How to Use the Cricut Mug Press and How to Use the Cricut Hat Press.

Happy, happy crafting!

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