Ricoh Ri 100 vs Brother GT-381

The Brother GT-381 and the Ricoh Ri 100 represent opposite ends of the professional DTG spectrum. The Brother is a heavy, industrial machine meant for high-volume shirt production in a warehouse or large shop. The Ricoh Ri 100 is a revolutionary 'all-in-one' desktop printer, often called a 'toaster' because it includes its own internal heating unit for curing. For a retail kiosk, a gift shop, or a classroom, the Ricoh is the superior choice due to its compact size and safety features. However, the Ricoh is limited to light-colored cotton garments and A4-sized prints, whereas the Brother can print on dark shirts with a white underbase. Despite the Brother’s power, the Ricoh’s lack of a separate heat press and its 'plug-and-play' nature make it more accessible for beginners. The Brother GT-381 requires intense cleaning cycles that can be a nightmare for low-volume users. If you only print a few light t-shirts or tote bags a day, the Ricoh Ri 100 is the winner for its convenience. The Brother is only better if you absolutely must print white ink on black garments.