Epson F570 vs. Sawgrass SG1000: Value, Performance & Pro Output Compared
Before we dive headfirst into the world of sublimation printers, let’s take a quick breather to explain what sublimation printing is without turning it into a science lecture. Because let’s be real: I flunked Chemistry 101 not once… but three times in college. I’m more paintbrush and a hammer than the periodic table and beakers.
So, here’s the simple version: sublimation printing is a magical combo of heat, pressure, and specially formulated ink that permanently bonds your design to polyester fabrics or coated items like mugs, tumblers, and metal panels. The result? Vibrant, long-lasting color that won’t peel or wash away. Kind of like a tattoo for your products. Or the Spice Girls: 2 become 1.
But here’s the million-dollar question:
Is the Epson SureColor F570 better than the Sawgrass SG1000?
Let’s break it down!
What We’re Comparing
To keep things fair (and fun), we’re comparing both printers based on the stuff that really matters to creative professionals and small businesses. No complicated chemistry, just the key elements (and no, not the periodic kind):
Cost of the printer
What’s included out of the box
Maximum print size
Cost of ink
Features and build quality
User-friendliness and workflow
Included print software
Who each printer is best suited for
So, grab your favorite mug (sublimated, of course), furry companion, settle in, and let’s get into this epic printer face-off: Epson F570 vs. Sawgrass SG1000. Who’s the real MVP of your sublimation setup? Let's find out!
Let’s Talk Price: Epson F570 vs. Sawgrass SG1000
First up, price. Because let’s face it, no matter how pretty the prints are, your wallet has a vote.
Epson keeps it refreshingly simple with a one-price-fits-all approach. There’s only one version of the F570, and that’s it. No guesswork, no upgrade paths, just one solid printer at one straightforward price. It’s a breath of fresh air for anyone who’s ever spiraled into decision fatigue.
Sawgrass, on the other hand, offers three different SG1000 bundles based on ink capacity: Starter, Standard, and Extended. While it’s great to have choices, too many can sometimes backfire, especially if you're not sure what size ink is right for you. That stress? It’s called buyer’s fatigue.
Buyer’s fatigue, AKA decision fatigue, happens when too many options start to feel like a burden. Instead of feeling empowered, you start feeling overwhelmed or anxious. It can lead to delayed decisions, abandoned carts, or sticking with what’s familiar, even if it’s not the best choice.
Now, let’s look at the actual numbers:
F570 vs SG1000 – Sublimation Printer Comparison
| Epson SureColor F570 Pro | Sawgrass SG1000 | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2,895.00 |
Starter Kit (20 ml inks): $1,499.00 Standard Kit (31 ml inks): $1,549.00 Extended Kit (70 ml inks): $1,695.00 |
| Typical Sale Price | $2,545.00 |
Starter Kit (20 ml inks): $1,499.00 Standard Kit (31 ml inks): $1,549.00 Extended Kit (70 ml inks): $1,695.00 |
At first glance, the Sawgrass SG1000 has a lower entry price. But as we’ll explore in the next sections, price isn’t everything. What you get for your money, and how it fits into your workflow, matters just as much.
Ready to see what comes in the box? Let’s keep going.
What’s in the Box? Epson F570 vs. Sawgrass SG1000
Let’s be real, yes, the Epson F570 has a higher price tag, but it doesn’t show up empty-handed. It rolls in like a generous guest at a potluck, carrying way more than just chips.
To start with, yes, you get the Epson F570 printer (would be weird if you didn’t). But here’s what makes it extra exciting:
- Two full sets of CMYK 140ml ink bottles – That’s right, two sets. Epson isn’t skimping.
- Two waste tanks – Because your printer’s gotta stay clean to keep cranking out those vibrant prints.
- Three jumbo rolls of sublimation paper – Two rolls at 17” x 100’ and one roll at 24” x 100’. That’s a whole lot of printing power out of the gate.
- Start Here poster and user guide – Setup doesn’t have to be scary. Epson walks you through it.
- AC power cable – Naturally.
Now, a heads-up: Epson doesn’t include a USB cable. So, if you’re old school and plan on hardwiring it to your computer, you’ll need to grab one separately. Otherwise, it's ready to connect over Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Also worth mentioning, Epson’s world-class technical support and powerful Edge Print software comes standard with your purchase, but you won’t find them physically packed in the box. We’ll deep-dive into Edge Print later when it goes toe-to-toe with Sawgrass’s software in a (friendly) print-off showdown.
And Over on Team Sawgrass...
The Sawgrass SG1000 doesn’t show up empty-handed either, especially if you grab one of the ink bundle options. Here’s what you’ll typically find inside:
The SG1000 printer itself
A complete set of SubliJet-UHD inks – depending on whether you chose the Starter (20ml), Standard (31ml), or Extended (70ml) kit
Power and USB cables – yep, they give you the USB cable!
Depending on your supplier, you might get a few fun extras like sublimation paper or blanks tossed in. It’s not guaranteed, but worth checking.
And while not physically packed in the box, your SG1000 also comes with:
Unlimited Sawgrass tech support – Because questions always come up when you least expect it.
Access to Sawgrass Print Manager – Their color management software to help dial in those beautiful results.
CreativeStudio Online Designer – A beginner-friendly platform to create your designs, no Photoshop required.
MySawgrass account access – Your portal for tutorials, tips, resources, and all things Sawgrass.
So, whether you're opening a box from Epson or Sawgrass, you're not just getting a printer, you’re stepping into an ecosystem. One just happens to arrive with a little more ink and paper, while the other throws in extra software tools and design flexibility.
Once you’ve got your hands on either the F570 or SG1000, all that’s left is a reliable heat press, a stash of sublimation blanks, a little motivation, and a pocket full of hopes and dreams. From there, you’re ready to start creating, pressing, and building something amazing.
At this point, it might seem like Sawgrass has the upper hand when it comes to cost, nudging ahead as the more affordable option. But don’t start handing out trophies from TrophcomyKits.COM, just yet, this is the moment where Epson might just stage the comeback we’ve all been waiting for (or secretly dreading). Either way, it’s time to dive into one of the biggest deciding factors for many creatives: maximum print size.
Now here’s where the Epson F570 really starts flexing its muscles. Not only can it handle both roll and sheet media, giving it a solid edge (no pun intended), but it also comes out swinging with a maximum paper width of 24.4 inches. That’s nearly double the printable area of the SG1000 straight out of the box. The F570 accepts roll media as narrow as 13 inches, uses a standard 2” media core, and accommodates up to 8.6 ml thick media with a roll diameter of up to 4.3”.
And here’s a handy bonus: the F570 keeps track of how much paper is left on your roll and displays it right on the top control panel. Whether you’re planning your next big job or just hate surprises, that’s a small feature that makes a big difference. You’ll also love the option to have your prints auto-cut or manually cut, ensuring clean, straight edges every single time.
As for software compatibility, the Epson print driver plays nicely with both Windows and macOS. But just a heads-up: if you’re planning to use Epson’s advanced RIP software, Edge Print, it’s Windows-only. (Sorry Mac users, you’ll have to sit that one out.)
Meanwhile, over in the Sawgrass corner, the SG1000 is still holding its ground. While it doesn’t support roll printing out of the box, it can still handle a decent range of sizes, up to 11" x 17". Sawgrass doesn't list a minimum sheet size publicly, but mug paper and standard sublimation sizes are fair game. Like Epson, Sawgrass offers print drivers for both Windows and macOS, keeping things flexible no matter what kind of setup you're running.
But here's where things take a turn
Remember earlier when Sawgrass looked like a budget-friendly champ? Well… hold onto your butts, because that narrative’s about to flip.
Want to print anything larger than 11" x 17" on the SG1000? You’ll need to purchase the optional bypass tray, an add-on that runs around $250. That little upgrade pushes your total closer to the $2,000 range. With the tray, you can technically print up to 13" x 51", but in real-world usage, most people max out around 13" x 21" sheets. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it puts the SG1000 more in the “T-shirt and mug” zone, versus the all-around versatility of the Epson.
Now, let’s talk about one of the most overlooked (and unsexy) parts of printer ownership: replacement ink costs. And spoiler alert, there’s one clear winner coming up.
Ink Cost Showdown: Epson vs. Sawgrass
Let’s talk about one of the most overlooked, but most important, factors in owning a sublimation printer: the cost of ink. While the printers themselves may grab your attention with features and price tags, it’s the ink that really determines your long-term value.
Epson F570
· Capacity per color: 140 ml
· Price per cartridge: $39.99
· Total for CMYK set: $159.96
· Cost per mL: $0.29
That’s not a typo; Epson ink runs under 30 cents per milliliter. For high-volume users, this adds up to serious savings over time.
Epson F570: That’s not a typo; Epson ink runs under 30 cents per milliliter. For high-volume users, this adds up to serious savings over time.
Sawgrass SG1000 – Standard: That’s more than eight times the cost per mL compared to Epson.
Sawgrass SG1000 – Extended: Even the extended option remains significantly more expensive per mL than Epson’s standard ink.
The Verdict: Epson FTW
Epson takes the clear lead in ink replacement cost. While the F570 may come with a higher initial price tag, the lower cost of ink pays off quickly, especially for anyone printing regularly. It’s not just a printer; it’s a long-term cost-saving machine.
Sawgrass may offer a more beginner-friendly experience and a lower upfront printer cost but make no mistake, those savings are quickly eaten up by premium-priced ink. So, if you're looking at the bigger picture, Epson is the budget-conscious choice built for scale.
And here’s something that’s easy to overlook but too important to ignore, the Epson F570 comes with two full sets of ink right in the box. That’s 280ml of ink, ready to go.
Now let’s do the math: if you were to buy an extra set of Sawgrass inks to match, you’d tack on over $300 depending on the kit. That puts the SG1000 awfully close, if not above, the $2,500 mark. Just $50 shy of the F570’s typical sale price. And that’s not even counting the three rolls of sublimation paper Epson includes in the box.
So here we are bottom of the 9th, no outs, runners on the corners… and Epson just took the lead.
Features & Build Quality: Sturdy Standouts or Plastic Pretenders?
Now that we’ve talked print size and ink cost, it’s time to get our hands dirty, figuratively, and look at the features and build quality of the Epson F570 and Sawgrass SG1000. These are the tangible things you feel, hear, and rely on day in and day out when producing top-quality sublimation prints.
Epson SureColor F570
Epson didn’t just show up to play, they showed up to impress. The F570 feels solid, professional, and purpose-built for production environments. It’s not something you’ll casually nudge off a table, and it certainly doesn’t feel like it was made from budget plastic.
- Roll and Sheet Feeding: Gives you unmatched flexibility depending on your job type. Roll feeding alone gives Epson a serious edge for long-format prints and batching.
- Auto-Cutter: Yes, please. This smart little feature trims your print with clean precision, either automatically or manually, right from the control panel.
- Large Touchscreen Display: Easy navigation, vibrant display, and just enough customization to feel advanced without overwhelming you.
- Ink Tank System: No cartridges here. Just easy-to-fill bottles and transparent tanks so you know exactly how much ink you’ve got left.
- Built-In WiFi + Ethernet + USB: Whether you’re team cable or team cloud, Epson’s got your connection covered.
Bottom line: The F570 feels like a tool made for work, not a toy for tinkering. It’s designed with scale and reliability in mind.
Sawgrass SG1000
The SG1000 is more compact and desktop-friendly, and that’s intentional. It’s built for smaller-volume users or those just stepping into sublimation. It’s lighter and simpler, but that also comes with trade-offs in versatility and robustness.
- Standard Paper Feeding: Great for common sizes like 8.5"x14" or 11"x17", but it lacks roll-feeding capability, which limits scale.
- Optional Bypass Tray: We’ve mentioned it already, but it’s the only way to get beyond 11" x 17", and even then, it’s not a true roll system.
- Small Control Screen: It's serviceable, but not a highlight. Minimal info and basic navigation.
- Cartridge-Based Ink System: It’s neat, tidy, and easy to install, but once again, expensive. Note: Warranty will be voided if you use 3rd party inks.
The SG1000 is built more for hobbyists, light business use, or creative studios that want something simple and more fuss.
Build Verdict
If you're planning to scale, batch print, or run longer jobs, the Epson F570 wins hands down. It’s a heavy-duty machine with features tailored for high efficiency and flexibility. On the other hand, the SG1000 makes sense for creatives who want something smaller, right out of the box, just be prepared for limitations down the line.
Coming up next: let’s take a closer look at the software experience, because great hardware is only half the equation.
Epson F570 Software: Power, Precision, and Options
The Epson F570 ships with Epson Edge Print, a full-featured RIP (Raster Image Processor) software that’s designed for precision and control. It’s a production-grade tool that’s great for users who want flexibility with layout, nesting, color management, and advanced print settings.
Pros of Edge Print:
Professional-level color control and job management.
Works beautifully with large-format roll printing.
Great for high-volume or batch printing workflows.
Excellent job nesting and media-saving features.
Cons:
Edge Print is Windows only, so if you're on a Mac, you’ll need to use the Epson Print Driver instead.
RIP learning curve: It’s powerful, but beginners may find it a little complex at first.
Good news for Mac users: The regular Epson print driver does work with macOS. It’s less feature-rich than Edge Print but still perfectly usable for standard output.
The Hidden Costs of “Free”: Sawgrass’ Subscription Strings
At first glance, Sawgrass seems to offer a sweet deal, free access to CreativeStudio and Print Manager included with your SG1000 purchase. But here's the catch: that “free” access? It’s more like a trial version with training wheels.
Sawgrass runs a tiered subscription model that limits what you can do unless you’re willing to pay more. Sure, the basic tier gives you the bare minimum to get started, but once you need more robust features, like access to premium templates, licensed graphics, or professional design tools, you’re hit with a paywall.
Let’s break it down:
What You Get for Free
Limited design tools
A small library of templates and clip art
Basic project saving and storage
Standard Print Manager for Color Control
What You Really Want (But Costs Extra)
Access to hundreds of commercial-use templates and design assets
Enhanced features for design customization
More storage and project-saving options
Full use of CreativeStudio’s potential
And yes, it’s a recurring subscription fee, monthly or annually. Over time, these costs quietly creep up, especially when you consider you’re already paying premium prices for ink and (possibly) a bypass tray.
Meanwhile, over at Epson HQ…
With the Epson F570, what you see is what you get, and that includes a full license for Edge Print RIP software. No surprise charges. No subscriptions. No upselling after the fact.
Epson trusts you to bring your own creativity. You get pro-level output, full control over your color and workflow, and an RIP solution that plays nicely with industry-standard design software like Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and Photoshop. All included. No gates. No gimmicks.
Final Thoughts on Software:
Sawgrass is like the arcade that gives you free tokens, until you realize half the machines cost double.
Epson is the full-access VIP pass. It’s built for users who want to create, not keep feeding the meter.
Final Thoughts & Verdict: Epson Lands the Knockout Punch
After going toe-to-toe in every round, features, media handling, ink costs, and software, there’s no denying it: the Epson SureColor F570 walks away the undisputed champ of this sublimation showdown.
Let’s call it what it is, Sawgrass put up a decent fight. It's easy to get lured in by the lower upfront price and the promise of a “user-friendly experience.” But when the dust settles and the real numbers kick in, the picture isn't so pretty. You’ll end up paying more, a lot more, thanks to sky-high ink prices, hidden costs like the $250 bypass tray, and a tiered subscription model that feels less like added value and more like a cash grab. Add to that, limited technical support and you’ve got a long-term investment that quickly turns into a money pit.
Meanwhile, Epson plays it smart, and generous. Two full CMYK ink sets right out of the box. Three rolls of sublimation paper. A real RIP software solution. A solid, professional-grade build. And let’s not forget that rock-bottom $0.29 per mL ink cost that makes high-volume printing not just possible, but profitable.
When you tally up the true costs of ownership, the F570 doesn’t just win, it dominates. It’s like watching a heavyweight champ deliver a clean uppercut while Sawgrass is still fiddling with monthly login credentials.
Final verdict?
Epson F570 delivers the knockout punch. Sawgrass? TKO’d by overpriced ink, clunky software tiers, and long-term costs that just don’t add up.
Ready to make the smart choice?
Get the Epson F570 and start printing like a pro, without the hidden fees, inflated ink costs, or paywalls.
Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.
