Buying Guide

Best Epson EcoTank Printers for Sublimation

Epson EcoTank printers are popular among people who want a low-cost printing system because they use refillable ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges. Some EcoTank models can be converted for sublimation, although they are regular inkjet printers and are not purpose-built sublimation printers.

See Top Picks Which Should You Buy?

Best Epson EcoTank Printer for Sublimation

After converting files with compatible sublimation ink, an EcoTank printer can be used to produce transfer designs for products such as T-shirts, towels, and other suitable polyester materials. The large ink tanks can also be useful for people who need to print a higher number of designs without frequently replacing cartridges.

Epson has several EcoTank models with different print sizes, speeds, ink capacities, and features. The right printer depends on design size, how much you plan to print, and the space available.

The Epson EcoTank printers discussed below include the ET-2720, ET-15000, ET-16600, ET-2800, and ET-2400. This guide compares the best Epson EcoTank printers for sublimation, with recommendations for T-shirts, small businesses, large-scale printing, small projects, and larger print designs.

Top Picks

Best Epson EcoTank Printers for Sublimation, Reviewed

Epson EcoTank ET-2720

The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 is a wireless all-in-one supertank printer with refillable ink tanks. It can print, scan, and copy, making it useful for home and small-office printing.

The ET-2720 has a compact design and uses four individual ink bottles. Epson rates its replacement ink set at up to 4,500 black pages and 7,500 color pages under its stated test conditions. It also supports wireless printing from smartphones and tablets.

The ET-2720 is not a sublimation printer from the factory. It can be converted for sublimation when the printer is compatible with the conversion method and sublimation ink being used. Once converted, it should be treated as a dedicated sublimation printer rather than switching back and forth between regular ink and sublimation ink.

Specifications

Printing Technology: 4-color (CMYK) drop-on-demand MicroPiezo inkjet technology

Maximum Print Resolution: 5760 × 1440 optimized dpi

Minimum Ink Droplet Size: As small as 3 picoliters

ISO Print Speed: Black: 10.5 ISO ppm; Color: 5.0 ISO ppm

Ink Type: EcoTank ink bottles

Ink Configuration: 4 individual ink bottles

Ink Palette: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black

Replacement Ink: 522 Black ink bottle, 65 mL; 522 Cyan ink bottle, 65 mL; 522 Magenta ink bottle, 65 mL; 522 Yellow ink bottle, 65 mL

Ink Yield: Black: up to 4,500 pages; Color: up to 7,500 pages

Connectivity: Hi-Speed USB; Wi-Fi; Wi-Fi Direct

Weight: 8.8 lb

Dimensions: 14.8 × 13.7 × 7 inches when stored

Pros

It provides good print quality for a compact printer.
It uses refillable ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges.
It has a low running cost for regular printing.
Its small and lightweight design is convenient for limited workspace.
It supports wireless printing from compatible devices.
Its MicroPiezo printhead technology can make it suitable for certain sublimation conversions.

Cons

It has a relatively slow color printing speed.
It does not have an automatic document feeder.
It does not provide automatic duplex printing.
It uses a flatbed scanner.
The model is older and has been replaced by the ET-2800 in Epson’s current product lineup.

Epson currently lists the ET-2800 as the replacement product for the ET-2720.

Epson EcoTank ET-15000

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is a wide-format wireless all-in-one printer. It is a more suitable choice than the smaller EcoTank models when larger transfer designs are required.

The ET-15000 can print up to 13 × 19 inches and uses four individual ink bottles. It also has a larger paper-handling system than the smaller EcoTank models. Epson lists the printer with a maximum print resolution of 4800 × 1200 optimized dpi and ISO print speeds of 17 ppm for black and 9 ppm for color.

The ET-15000 is a regular inkjet printer, so it must be converted for sublimation. It is not supplied as a purpose-built sublimation printer.

For T-shirt printing, the larger paper size is one of its main advantages. A larger transfer can be prepared without being restricted to the smaller media sizes supported by compact EcoTank models.

Specifications

Maximum Print Resolution: 4800 × 1200 optimized dpi

ISO Print Speed: Black: 17 ISO ppm; Color: 9 ISO ppm

2-Sided ISO Print Speed: Black: 7 ISO ppm; Color: 5 ISO ppm

Minimum Ink Droplet Size: As small as 3.8 picoliters

Ink Palette: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black

Ink Configuration: 4 individual ink bottles

Replacement Ink: 502 Black ink bottle, 127 mL; 502 Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow ink bottles, 70 mL each

Ink Yield: Black: up to 7,500 pages; Color: up to 6,000 pages

Connectivity: USB; Wi-Fi; Ethernet; Wi-Fi Direct

Scanner: Flatbed and automatic document feeder

Weight: Approximately 26.46 lb

Maximum Print Size: 13 × 19 inches

Pros

It can print up to 13 × 19 inches.
It is better suited to larger transfer designs.
It has large refillable ink tanks.
It provides wireless connectivity.
It has a flatbed scanner and automatic document feeder.
It offers a larger printing format than compact EcoTank models.
It can be useful for home businesses that need larger T-shirt designs.

Cons

It is larger and heavier than compact EcoTank printers.
It must be converted before it can be used for sublimation.
Color document printing is slower than black printing.
The larger body requires more workspace.
Conversion adds extra setup and maintenance requirements.

Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16600

The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16600 is a wide-format all-in-one printer designed for high-volume document printing. It has large refillable ink tanks, a 500-sheet paper capacity, automatic two-sided printing, an automatic document feeder, and wireless and Ethernet connectivity.

The ET-16600 uses Epson DURABrite pigment ink and has a maximum print resolution of 4800 × 1200 optimized dpi. Its ISO print speed is 25 ppm for black and 12 ppm for color. It can print up to 13 × 19 inches.

However, this printer should not be treated as a sublimation conversion candidate. Epson specifically states that the ET-16600 is designed for pigment inks only and warns that using dye inks may damage the printer and is not covered by the warranty.

That makes the ET-16600 useful as a wide-format EcoTank printer for documents and other compatible printing work, but it is not a suitable recommendation for converting to sublimation.

Specifications

Printing Technology: 4-color all-pigment 4-in-1

Maximum Print Resolution: 4800 × 1200 optimized dpi

ISO Print Speed: Black: 25 ISO ppm; Color: 12 ISO ppm

2-Sided ISO Print Speed: Black: 16 ISO ppm; Color: 9 ISO ppm

Ink Type: DURABrite pigment ink

Ink Configuration: 4 individual ink bottles

Replacement Ink: 542 Black ink bottle, 127 mL; 542 Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow ink bottles, 70 mL each

Ink Yield: Black: up to 7,500 pages; Color: up to 6,000 pages

Paper Capacity: 500 sheets

Maximum Print Size: 13 × 19 inches

Connectivity: USB; Wi-Fi; Wi-Fi Direct; Ethernet

Weight: 52.92 lb

Warranty: 2-year limited warranty in the U.S. and Canada, with registration required for the second year

Pros

It provides high-quality document printing.
It supports wide-format printing up to 13 × 19 inches.
It has large refillable ink tanks.
It has a 500-sheet paper capacity.
It provides fast black and color document printing.
It includes an automatic document feeder.
It supports automatic two-sided printing.
It has a 2-year limited warranty with registration requirements.

Cons

It has a high purchase cost.
It is large and heavy.
It uses pigment ink rather than sublimation dye ink.
Epson specifically warns against using dye inks in this model.
It is not an appropriate EcoTank model for sublimation conversion.

Epson EcoTank ET-2800

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a compact wireless all-in-one printer that replaced the ET-2720 in Epson’s product lineup. It can print, scan, and copy and uses refillable ink tanks.

The ET-2800 uses four-color MicroPiezo inkjet technology with a maximum print resolution of 5760 × 1440 optimized dpi. Epson lists print speeds of 10.5 ISO ppm for black and 5.0 ISO ppm for color.

It also supports Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB connectivity. Its compact design makes it convenient for a home workspace.

Like the ET-2720, the ET-2800 is not a purpose-built sublimation printer. It would need to be converted using compatible sublimation ink before being used for sublimation printing.

Specifications

Device Type: Multifunction printer

Printing Technology: 4-color MicroPiezo inkjet

Maximum Print Resolution: 5760 × 1440 optimized dpi

ISO Print Speed: Black: 10.5 ISO ppm; Color: 5.0 ISO ppm

Ink Configuration: 4 individual refillable ink tanks

Ink Palette: Cyan; Magenta; Yellow; Black

Minimum Ink Droplet Size: 3 picoliters

Scanner: Color flatbed

Optical Scanner Resolution: 1200 × 2400 dpi

Connectivity: USB; Wi-Fi; Wi-Fi Direct

Display: 1.44-inch color LCD

Paper Capacity: 100 sheets

Weight: Approximately 8.8 lb

Pros

It has a compact and lightweight design.
It uses refillable ink tanks.
It provides good print quality for its class.
It supports wireless printing.
It can print, scan, and copy.
It is easier to fit into a small home workspace.
It is the replacement model for the ET-2720.

Cons

It has slow color printing speeds.
It uses a flatbed scanner.
It does not have an automatic document feeder.
It is limited to smaller print sizes than the ET-15000.
It must be converted before being used for sublimation.

Epson EcoTank ET-2400

The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 is a compact all-in-one printer with refillable ink tanks. It can print, scan, and copy and is designed for home and small-office use.

The ET-2400 uses four-color MicroPiezo inkjet technology and has a maximum print resolution of 5760 × 1440 dpi. Its ISO print speed is 10 ppm for black and 5 ppm for color.

The ET-2400 is also a regular inkjet printer rather than a purpose-built sublimation printer. A compatible model can be converted for sublimation, but it should be dedicated to sublimation after the conversion.

Its compact design makes it convenient for small spaces, while its refillable tanks can help reduce the need for frequent cartridge replacement.

Specifications

Printing Technology: 4-color CMYK, drop-on-demand MicroPiezo inkjet technology

Maximum Print Resolution: 5760 × 1440 dpi

Print Speed: Black: 10.0 ISO ppm; Color: 5.0 ISO ppm

First Page Out Time: Black: 7 seconds; Color: 6 seconds

Ink Configuration: 4 individual ink bottles

Ink Palette: Cyan; Magenta; Yellow; Black

Ink Yield: Black: up to 4,500 ISO pages; Color: up to 7,500 ISO pages

Connectivity: USB; Wi-Fi

Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 3,000 pages, with a recommended monthly volume of up to 500 pages

Warranty: 2-year limited warranty in the U.S. and Canada, with registration required for the second year

Pros

It has a compact design.
It uses refillable ink bottles.
It provides good document print quality.
It offers a wide range of colors for standard color printing.
It is easy to set up and use.
It can be useful for a small home-based printing setup.

Cons

It does not have automatic duplex printing.
It has limited borderless photo printing options.
Its color printing speed is relatively slow.
It is not a purpose-built sublimation printer.
It is better suited to smaller printing requirements than larger-format T-shirt transfers.

Which Epson EcoTank Printer Is Best for Sublimation?

The right Epson EcoTank printer depends mainly on the size of the sublimation designs and the amount of printing you plan to do.

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the strongest choice from this group for larger T-shirt transfers because it can print up to 13 × 19 inches. Its larger format gives you more flexibility when preparing designs for apparel.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is better suited to a small home setup where compact size is important. It is also the newer replacement for the ET-2720.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 can be considered for smaller projects and limited workloads. Its refillable ink tanks and compact design make it convenient for a home workspace.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 can still be useful when you already own the printer or find one at a suitable price, but Epson now lists the ET-2800 as its replacement.

The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16600 should not be selected for sublimation conversion. Although it supports 13 × 19-inch printing and has large ink tanks, Epson specifies that the printer is designed for pigment inks and warns against using dye inks.

What Should You Consider Before Converting an EcoTank Printer for Sublimation?

An EcoTank printer is not automatically a sublimation printer simply because it uses refillable ink tanks. The printer needs to be compatible with sublimation ink and the conversion process.

Before converting one, consider the following:

Printer compatibility: Check that the exact EcoTank model is suitable for the conversion you plan to use.

Sublimation ink: You need compatible sublimation dye ink. Regular Epson ink should not be mixed with sublimation ink.

Transfer paper: Sublimation designs need suitable sublimation transfer paper.

Design size: Check the maximum paper size before choosing a printer. This is especially important for large T-shirt designs.

Maintenance: A converted printer requires regular use and proper maintenance to help reduce problems caused by ink drying or printhead clogging.

Total setup cost: The printer is only one part of the setup. You also need sublimation ink, transfer paper, a heat press, and suitable blank products.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the best choice from this group for larger sublimation designs because it supports media up to 13 × 19 inches. The ET-2800 and ET-2400 are more suitable for smaller setups.

No. Compatibility depends on the specific EcoTank model and its printhead and ink system. A printer should be confirmed as compatible before conversion.

Yes, compatible Epson EcoTank models can be used for sublimation after conversion with compatible sublimation ink. However, standard EcoTank printers are regular inkjet printers rather than purpose-built sublimation printers, so they must be dedicated to sublimation after conversion.

The ET-15000 is the better choice among these models for larger T-shirt designs because of its 13 × 19-inch printing capability. Smaller models can work for smaller transfer designs.

No. An EcoTank printer produces the transfer design on suitable transfer paper. A heat press is then used to transfer the design onto a suitable polyester garment.

A compatible sublimation dye ink is required. Regular Epson ink should not be used for sublimation, and regular ink should not be mixed with sublimation ink.

The ET-2800 can be considered for sublimation after a proper conversion if the printer is compatible with the sublimation ink and conversion method. It is better suited to smaller designs because of its compact print format.

The ET-2720 can be converted for sublimation when the specific printer is compatible with the conversion process. However, Epson now lists the ET-2800 as the replacement for the ET-2720, so the newer model may be easier to consider when purchasing a replacement.

Yes. Its ability to print up to 13 × 19 inches makes it more suitable for larger T-shirt transfer designs than the smaller EcoTank models discussed here.

No. Epson states that the ET-16600 is designed for pigment inks only and warns against using dye inks.

Yes. The printer creates the sublimation transfer, but a heat press is needed to transfer the design from the paper onto a suitable sublimation blank or polyester garment.

Yes, some compatible Epson EcoTank inkjet printers can be converted for T-shirt sublimation.

The printer needs compatible sublimation dye ink, and the T-shirt itself needs to be suitable for sublimation. White or light-colored polyester garments generally provide the best results because standard sublimation does not print white ink.

The size of the printer also matters. A compact EcoTank model can work for smaller designs, while the ET-15000’s larger media capacity makes it more suitable for larger T-shirt transfers.

Yes, a regular EcoTank printer needs to be converted before it can be used for sublimation.

EcoTank printers are sold with regular ink. Sublimation requires dye-sublimation ink, so a compatible printer must be prepared specifically for sublimation.

Once a printer has been converted, it is best to use it only for sublimation rather than switching between regular ink and sublimation ink.

You should not simply add sublimation ink to an EcoTank printer that contains regular ink.

The printer needs to be properly converted for sublimation, and the exact conversion procedure depends on the printer model and ink system. Mixing the two types of ink can contaminate the ink system and lead to poor print results.

The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the strongest option from the printers discussed here for larger T-shirt designs because it supports printing up to 13 × 19 inches.

A larger media size gives you more room for full-front designs and other larger transfers. The ET-2720, ET-2800, and ET-2400 are more limited in comparison.

No. The ET-16600 should not be used as a sublimation conversion printer.

Although it has large ink tanks and supports printing up to 13 × 19 inches, Epson specifies that it is designed for pigment inks only and warns that using dye inks may damage the printer.

Conclusion

Epson EcoTank printers can be a useful starting point for sublimation when a compatible model is properly converted and dedicated to sublimation printing. Their refillable ink tanks can make them practical for people who need to produce a larger number of transfers without relying on traditional cartridges.

Among the models discussed here, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the strongest choice for larger T-shirt designs because it supports printing up to 13 × 19 inches. The ET-2800 is a better fit for a compact home setup, while the ET-2400 can work for smaller projects and lower workloads. The ET-2720 remains relevant when it is already available, although Epson lists the ET-2800 as its replacement.

The ET-16600 is different from the other models in this list. Its wide-format capability and large ink tanks may look attractive for sublimation, but Epson specifies that it uses pigment ink and warns against dye inks, so it should not be selected for sublimation conversion.

The printer is only one part of a sublimation setup. A suitable sublimation ink, transfer paper, heat press, and appropriate polyester products are also required. Choosing the EcoTank model according to the size of the designs and the amount of printing you plan to do will give you a more practical setup.

Sublimation Printers

Printer Guide

View Guide

EcoTank vs Cartridge Printers

Comparison

View Guide

Epson EcoTank ET-3850 Review

Product Review

View Guide

✉

Stay Updated

Get the Latest Printer Guides & Tips

Join our newsletter for new reviews, guides, and expert tips.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Best Epson EcoTank Printers for Sublimation

Top Picks