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Table of Contents
Can I Use A Convection Oven For Sublimation?
Yes, a Convection Oven can be used for Sublimation. There are lots to choose from but my personal pick was the Oster Dual French door convection oven is tall enough for them to stand upright in, or the Breville B0V800XL because of its size and ability to reach temperatures up to 500 degrees F.
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Convection Oven For Sublimation
Are you looking for the Best Convection Oven For Sublimation? Then, look no further because I have you covered! This guide will talk about convection ovens, regular convection ovens, toaster ovens, air fryers, and Rotisserie ovens. As well as how to use them for Sublimation and things to look for when purchasing a convection oven to sublimate items in it.
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cup Press Versus Convection Oven
The Sublimation Oven (Convection Oven) is an excellent alternative to using a heat press for mugs and tumblers. Of course, you wouldn’t need a convection oven if you got a mug/tumbler press. However, some people like to have both on hand. But it also depends on what you are making. For example, the convection oven could be handy for sublimation items that won’t fit into a cup press.
However, there is a learning curve to this method.
Some disadvantages and advantages come with using a convection oven for Sublimation.
Last update on 2024-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros of a Convection Oven
Price-A countertop convection oven is an excellent solution for Sublimation, and it is usually cheaper than a mug/tumbler press.
Size-Size restrictions of a press versus a convection oven will allow you to do different sizes. As well as enabling you to do more than 1 item at a time.
Time-Using a sublimation oven (Convection oven) allows you to produce multiple tumblers simultaneously. However, the prep time might take a little longer, depending on your process.
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cons of a Convection Oven
Ovens can have “cold or cooler” spots that can affect your transfer.
In a convection oven, it would be best to use shrink wrap or silicone bands on tumblers. *You must use shrink wrap or silicone bands on tumblers in a convection oven.
You have to find the correct temperature for YOUR oven, which means some trial and error runs, which leads to more frustrations.
Ovens tend to stink more than a stand-alone press, so use it in a well-ventilated area.
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Tallest Convection Oven for Sublimation
**Most convection ovens aren’t tall enough for tumblers to stand up in. However, the Oster Dual French door convection oven is tall enough for them to stand in, which is why I went with this model. Which makes it the perfect convection oven for sublimation tumblers!
They can burn easier that way. You can no longer use whatever oven you use for cooking food.
What items can I sublimate on using a convection oven?
Some great sublimation items you can use a convection oven for include: ceramic shot glasses, ceramic coffee mugs, aluminum water bottles, and tumblers, to name a few.
What’s a good convection oven for Sublimation?
Any that fits what you are making and holds the temperature accurately. But we go into great detail to help you find the one that suits YOUR needs.
The Best Convection Oven For Sublimation
The Best Convection Oven for Sublimation is the Breville B0V800XL because of its size and ability to reach temperatures up to 500 degrees F. It has a fan for circulating the heat around the mug, making for an even sublimation transfer. In addition, it has a non-stick coating, allowing easy cleaning and maintenance. The rack is sturdy and should easily hold at least three mugs.
What can I sublimate using a convection oven?
Here is a list of items you can sublimate using a convection oven or a mug/tumbler press. Remember that all substrates (blanks) should specify “Sublimation.”
Sublimation Tumblers
Skinny Tumblers
Glass Tumblers
Ceramic Mugs
sublimation mugs
Oven thermometer – Having two of these free-standing thermometers is great because you can see if you have any cold spots.
What is the recommended temperature for tumblers and mugs? Check out the Time & Temperature Chart.
What do I need to sublimate tumblers?
- Sublimation transfers
- Mug wrap, full wrap design, or shrink wrap sleeves
- Heat-resistant tape
- Sublimation design
- Mug or Tumbler press, Cricut mug press, or the best option for you as far as convection ovens vs. heat presses
- Graphic design software
- Sublimation blanks
- Silicone mat
- Silicone bands
Read up on the Sublimation Process
5 Things To Look for in a Sublimation Oven (Convection Oven)
1. Reaches over 400 degrees Fahrenheit Heat is necessary for Sublimation, and 400 degrees seems to be a sweet spot, so if your convection oven goes to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, you should be fine.
2. Convection Fan- It has to have a convection oven fan, which helps circulate hot air around the oven instead of the heat only being on the top and the bottom.
3. Tall enough for mugs- It must fit the size of the mug you are sublimating ex—tumblers, mugs, shot glasses, etc. The Oster Dual French door convection oven is tall enough for most tumblers to stand upright in.
4. Digital Readings- It needs to have a display, and a digital reading takes out some of the room for “error.” Plus, digital readings offer you more information than what you would get with dials.
5. Sturdy Racks- The convection oven racks need to be stable racks that are solid and stay firmly in place. Flimsy racks will bend and bow, making you have issues with Sublimation, so always pay for quality.
Is Using a Convection Oven for Sublimation Easy?
Yes, a Convection Oven for Sublimation is easy to use. The results are usually excellent, and you don’t have to purchase a traditional mug press in order to do tumblers/mugs. It also allows you to make multiple items simultaneously, which is a huge timesaver. However, it all depends on which convection oven you purchase and the quality of your blanks.
What equipment do I need to do Sublimation in a Convection Oven?
Sublimation Printer: If you don’t want to purchase a printer, you can buy already printed designs.
Sublimation Oven Wraps- hold the transfers in place on the mug inside the convection oven.
There are different sizes of sublimation oven wraps for mugs, glasses, bottles, dog bowls, etc. The most popular is the straight-walled 11 oz mugs, 20 oz mugs, and other tumbler sizes, so I suggest starting with one product and one wrap size at the beginning. Then as you grow, you can easily add more sublimation oven wraps.
Heat Gloves: These are basically heat-resistant gloves that allow you to take hot items out of your convection oven while hot.
Heat Resistant Tape- To keep the transfer in place without shifting is what you will use heat resistant tape for.
Temperature Gauge (Freestanding) because sometimes the convection oven temperatures fluctuate, and you need to keep it at the correct temperatures.
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Invest in a quality convection oven from the start because the more you spend, the higher quality of products you will produce. They will also heat up quickly, maintain a more constant heat, and are sturdier.
The Best Convection Oven for Sublimation
The best convection oven for Sublimation is the Breville B0V800XL because of its size and ability to reach temperatures up to 500 degrees F. It has a fan for circulating the heat around the mug, making for an even sublimation transfer. In addition, it has a non-stick coating, allowing easy cleaning and maintenance. The rack is sturdy and should easily hold at least three mugs.
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Oster Convection Oven
The Oster Convection Oven is another quality convection oven that can be used for Sublimation. The Oster Convection Oven is also called the Oster French Convection Countertop because of the way the doors open. The oven doors open horizontally rather than vertically but has an extra large interior that is perfect for Sublimation. It is cheaper than the other one but still gets the job done. If using The Oster Convection Oven you should turn your mug/tumbeler every 2 minutes to ensure even heating.
The Cuisinart Convection Oven
The Cuisinart convection oven is smaller but will allow you to do at least one mug at a time. However, it will not work for tumblers, but it is digital, and the solid rack will last a long time.
The Black and Decker Convection Oven
The Black and Decker Convection oven has a great price point, but again it’s smaller, so you will be limited on the number of mugs you can produce at one time.
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sublimation Mug and Tumbler Press
Or if you don’t want an oven specifically for sublimation, you could always go with either a Cricut Mug Press or a traditional Sublimation Mug or Tumbler Press.
The HeatPressNation Signature Series 7-in-1 Automated Sublimation Mug and Tumbler Press are designed for efficiency. It heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly while maintaining maximum heat retention with every press making it my number one choice for the Sublimation of mugs, tumblers, and the like. In addition, the heating elements are designed to make it one of the best sublimation mug and tumbler presses on the market.
I strongly encourage you to do your own research before making your final purchase. But remember, if you buy a cheap convection oven, you will pay for what you get. Another important factor to consider is a larger oven will allow you to stand up your tumblers as well as be able to sublimate more than one at a time. Whether you choose to make tumblers, mugs or something else in your convection oven. So always choose quality convection ovens like the ones I have listed here.
Another option for a convection oven is the PYD Life Sublimation Oven Machine. It is a blue convection oven for Sublimation blanks, such as mugs, tumblers, water bottles and more.
Table setup not completed.Step by Step Tutorial on How to Sublimate Tumblers
Sublimation Tumblers are easy to do once you know the basics. I’ve found that having an infrared thermometer to double check your press is running at the temperature you set it at.
Here are the top tips to get you sublimating on tumblers:
Wrap the paper snugly and tape the sublimation design to the blank well. Double check that you press the seam down really well to help prevent ghosting.
Next you should cover the design with either butcher paper, or use shrink wrap (otherwise known as shrink wrap sleeves or mug wrap) and a heat gun to ensure it stays in place. Just be careful that you don’t “heat” the shrink wrap to much because it can start the sublimation process.
Hint- Try to do less paper and tape on the bottom for even coverage. Bake at 400 degrees Faherinheight for 3 minutes. Then you must turn your tumbler and bake for another 3 minutes.
Always buy Sublimation Ready Sublimation Blanks
Anything you buy, as far as a physical, tangible item, must have a Sublimation coating. Whether tumblers, coasters, license plates, keychains, ornaments, etc., you cannot use any item from any store. It has to be Sublimation ready, meaning has a sublimation coating on it, making it a sublimation blank. It would be a lot cheaper if it were as easy as going to any store and picking up anything off the shelf.
Remember, Sublimation has to be done on sublimation blanks. The coatings on regular mugs will not take the ink.
How Long Does a Mug Press take?
The Cricut Mug press does its magic in about 6 minutes. But then you can take it out, and you have to let it cool for 15-30 minutes depending on your surroundings.
Whereas a mug press takes 150-210 seconds or 2.5 minutes-3.5 minutes
at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit, then of course, cooling time.
In a convection oven, you should plan on roughly 13 minutes, turning at the halfway point. So as far as time, the mug press is faster, but in the convection oven, you can sublimate multiple tumblers at a time or even one or two mugs. So it is a personal preference as to which works best for you.
When using a Mug Press, the tumbler or mug often has to be turned and flipped, which takes more time to sublimate. But when using a convection oven, the same applies.
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sublimation Safety Precautions
Your Heat Press and Convection oven will release synthetic particles into the surrounding air. Always use them in a well-ventilated space and use the machines properly. You could develop skin or eye irritations along with other ailments. Keep a fire extinguisher handy because we all would rather be safe than sorry.
Can I use an air fryer oven for Sublimation?
Can you? Yes, but only if your item will fit, but once it is used for Sublimation, it shouldn’t be used for food and vice versa. I wouldn’t try a smaller air fryer; I would go with one like the Nuwave NUWAVE Bravo Air Fryer Toaster Smart Oven, 12-in-1 Countertop Convection Oven. Or the COSORI Air Fryer Toaster Oven, 12-in-1 Convection Ovens Countertop Combo based on size. If you are using an Air fryer for sublimation purposes, the most common temperature is 360 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping the mug/tumbler at 4 minutes.
Can I use a Heat Gun for Sublimation?
You can use a heat gun if you don’t have a tumbler press or a convection oven. Just put your design on the cup and tape it like I would any other tumbler.
You will definitely need to wear heat gloves when sublimating tumblers because the tumbler gets very hot, and you need to place it on something safe to use heat near. Examples could be a piece of wood, a trivet, or a sturdy workplace.
How to use a heat gun for sublimation
Use your heat gun, go back and forth over your design multiple times, and go slowly. Simple designs such as text and logos are the easiest to do with a heat gun.
If the paper starts to brown, you need to move to a different area and continue until the tumbler is completed.
Use a heat gun for sublimating things such as small images/logos or even full Sublimation of tumblers. (Just be careful because you don’t always get even heat)
Using a heat gun on handles that don’t fit into the press is another great way to use a heat gun for Sublimation.
How long do you sublimate a tumbler in a convection oven?
Five to Seven Minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Pick up the only Sublimation Time and Temperature Chart you will ever need!
Can I use a kitchen oven for Sublimation?
No, a regular oven or kitchen oven can’t be used for Sublimation because it doesn’t have a fan to help circulate the air. Plus, the sublimation process will leave gases inside the oven, making it a health and safety risk to use it again for food.
What temperature settings do I use for tumblers?
The time and temperature settings used to do sublimation on mugs or tumblers vary depending on your heat source. However, in a convection oven, five to Seven Minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit seems to work well. Pick up the only Sublimation Time and Temperature Chart you will ever need! Using a sublimation oven (convection oven with a convection fan) is a great way to do tumblers, but so it a mug press. It will all just depend on your personal preferences and business goals.
Are you just getting started with Sublimation Printing?
A digital convection oven is an excellent sublimation oven, as well as any larger convection oven. However, it really does boil down to what you are using your Convection Toaster Oven for. But all in all, the convection oven is an excellent solution to not purchasing a tumbler press.
Be sure you pick up Sublimation Paper, Sublimation Ink, and your own Sublimation printer. Looking for the perfect temperature setting for your Sublimation Projects? Pick up our Time & Temperature Chart.
Let me know in the comments: which sublimation convection oven are you leaning toward?
What is a mug oven?
It is a Regular Convection Oven.
Do you have a "ghosting spot" on your tumblers?
Your heat press might have a dead spot. * Contact your company to see if there is a replacement pad you can purchase.
Can I use a Rotisserie oven for Sublimation?
Yes, you can use a rotisserie oven for Sublimation, and the bonus is that it rotates the tumblers for you.
Can I Use My Sublimation Oven for Food?
Generally, any oven used for sublimation purposes should not be used to cook food. Sublimation is a chemical process of vaporizing dye into vapor without melting a solid. The sublimation process is not the same as the cooking process. This can be confusing to the non-chemist. A safer way to explain it is that food cooked in the sublimated oven would be treated as a biological organism. This means that it would contain a much higher concentration of dye. There is no guarantee on the safety of such food.
Can I sublimate a Tumblr in a non-convection oven?
You should NOT use a regular kitchen oven for sublimation purposes.
Can you bake a sublimation tumbler in the oven?
You should NOT use a regular kitchen oven for sublimation purposes.
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