Ricoh Ri 100 vs Sawgrass SG500

Detailed Technical Comparison & Buying Guide

Ricoh Ri 100 Ricoh Ri 100
VS
Sawgrass SG500 Sawgrass SG500

Ricoh Ri 100

✅ Compact, desktop-friendly, and very easy to use.
❌ Only prints on light-coloured fabrics (No white ink).

Sawgrass SG500

✅ Best entry-level printer for sublimation transfers.
❌ Requires specific sublimation paper and high-polyester fabric.
Feature Ricoh Ri 100 Sawgrass SG500
Print Technology Inkjet DTG Sublimation
Colour Output CMYK CMYK
Print Resolution 1200 x 1200 dpi 4800 x 1200 dpi
Black Print Speed (PPM) 80 sec N/A
Colour Print Speed (PPM) 120 sec High Speed
First Page Out Time N/A N/A
Auto Double-Sided No No
Input Paper Capacity Built-in Tray 100 Sheets
Output Tray Capacity N/A N/A
Supported Paper Sizes 291 x 204 mm (A4) A4 / Legal
Paper Weight Support Light Cotton Sublimation Paper
Scanner Type None None
Scan Resolution N/A N/A
Auto Document Feeder None None
Copy Speed No No
Wi-Fi Connectivity Yes Yes
Ethernet Support Yes Yes
USB Connectivity Yes Yes
Mobile Printing Support Yes Yes
Display Panel N/A N/A
Monthly Duty Cycle N/A N/A
Ink/Cartridge System N/A N/A
Borderless Printing N/A N/A
Width N/A N/A
Depth N/A N/A
Height N/A N/A
Machine Weight N/A N/A
Energy Efficiency N/A N/A
Noise Level (dB) N/A N/A
Processor Speed N/A N/A
Internal Memory N/A N/A
Cloud Print Support N/A N/A
Security Features N/A N/A
Compatible OS N/A N/A
Included in Box N/A N/A
Warranty Period N/A N/A
Recommended Use N/A N/A

⚖️ Expert Verdict

Choosing between the Ricoh Ri 100 and the Sawgrass SG500 is a choice between light-garment DTG and specialized sublimation. The Ricoh Ri 100 is a compact all-in-one DTG printer for printing directly onto light-colored cotton t-shirts and tote bags. The Sawgrass SG500 is a desktop sublimation printer for transferring designs onto polyester and hard goods like mugs and phone cases. If you want to offer on-the-spot personalized cotton t-shirts in a shop, the Ricoh is the winner for its convenience and internal heating unit. However, the Sawgrass SG500 is more versatile for a home-based gift business, allowing you to make a much wider range of personalized items alongside apparel. The Ricoh is much more expensive and limited to light cotton, while the Sawgrass is affordable and works on a huge variety of substrates. For a local retail kiosk, the Ricoh is better. For a versatile home-based creator, the Sawgrass SG500 is our recommendation for its reliability and product range. Overall, the Sawgrass wins for its superior value and versatility.

What Owners Are Saying?

Ricoh Ri 100

Penny
"Perfect entry-level DTG for my boutique. It’s the size of a standard office printer but prints directly onto totes and tees. You don't need a massive heat press because of the built-in finisher unit. Not for mass production, but for bespoke 'while-you-wait' gifts, it’s proper sorted."

Sawgrass SG500

Milly K.
"If you're into sublimation, don't faff about with converted office printers. The SG500 is designed for this. The UHD inks make colors pop on ceramic mugs in a way that’s just stunning. The CreativeStudio software is a doddle even if you aren't a graphic designer. Proper professional results for a home-based craft biz."

Crafty_Jack
"Sorted for phone cases and mugs. Reliable Wi-Fi too."

More Comparisons