Welp MagazineSublimation is the new technique taking the printing world by storm. It allows you to print any design on to anything, from fabric to paper to ceramics. This makes it perfect for printing merchandise, as well as creating cool projects at home. The process involves printing on a special piece of paper, which you transfer on to another material with heat. Usually, it involves a special printer. But some home printers – specifically the Epson EcoTank line – are easy to convert. So, which is the best Epson EcoTank Printer for sublimation?
It’s easy to turn your Epson EcoTank printer into a sublimation printer. As they use ink bottles instead of cartridges, all you need to do is load them up with the right ink (we recommend the Printers Jack Artisan set). Once you’ve switched your ink out, you’re ready to print to your heart’s content. So, let’s get started on the top 5 best Epson EcoTank printers for sublimation.
Product Comparison Table: Best Epson Printer for Sublimation
| Title | Price | Rating (Amazon) | Best in class | Buy | |
 | Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650 SuperTank Printer | $$$$$$ | 4.5 stars | Best For Large Volumes | Amazon |
 | Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5180 SuperTank Printer | $$$ | 4 stars | Best Features | Amazon |
 | Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 SuperTank Printer | $$$$ | 4.5 stars | Best Print Quality | Amazon |
 | Epson EcoTank ET-2760 SuperTank Printer | $$ | 4.5 stars | Best Value | Amazon |
 | Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless Colour SuperTank Printer | $$$ | 4.5 stars | Best Overall | Amazon |
Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650 SuperTank Printer
The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650 SuperTank Printer uses Epson DURABrite ink bottles, making it incredibly easy to convert to sublimation. All you need to do is substitute new inks for the included bottles, and you’ll be ready to go. It uses the trademark EcoTank PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology to achieve the lightning speed of 25 ISO ppm, in black and white or color.
As for paper formats, it supports wide format prints up to wide-format prints up to 13″ x 19″, and borderless prints up to 11″ x 17″. They’re also instant-dry so you won’t risk smudging if you print lots at once. Lastly, this printer has a 500-sheet total paper capacity and a built in ADF (auto document feeder), so your printing will be seamless. Wireless connection is available, and you can even try out voice-activated printing if you’re feeling adventurous.
Pros
- Large paper capacity and format range
- Super fast printing speeds
- Wireless connection
- Bottle inks, not cartridge
Cons
- Very, very expensive
- Large and bulky construction
Verdict
The Epson EcoTank range is the best selling supertank printer line in the world, and for good reason. The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650 SuperTank Printer is the large volume edition of the EcoTank, allowing you to print larger quantities of sublimation papers. This is the perfect machine if you’re planning to make money from your prints; however, you would have to be sure your business would make returns, as this is the most expensive out of the whole EcoTank range.
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Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5180 SuperTank Printer
The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5180 SuperTank Printer is designed for home and business environments, and is extremely reliable. It’s equipped with a sturdy PrecisionCore permanent printhead, which is designed to last the life of the printer. It has impressive speed, too; it can achieve up to 17 black or 9.5 color ISO ppm print speed. Best of all, it’s an all-in-one model, so it can print, scan, copy and fax with tis innovative dual-layer flatbed and paper feed.
However, having so many features means that the ET-5180 is comparatively large for a home printer. It weighs in at a giant 16.1 pounds, with dimensions of 13.7 x 14.8 x 13.6 inches. Although, it does include a wide range of connections, including Wi-Fi and voice-activated printing via the Epson app.
Pros
- Print, copy, scan, and fax
- Dual layer flatbed scanner and paper feed
- Wireless connection options
Cons
- Large and bulky
Verdict
We know that you’re here to find the best Epson EcoTank printer for sublimation. However, if you’re looking to print from home, you need a printer that’s also up to handling your day-to-day household printing needs. The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5180 SuperTank Printer had the best extra features out of any on this list. It has a decent print speed and quality, but the dual-layer design of the flatbed and paper feed make it ideal for scanning and copying too. It even has a fax function if you want to get retro!
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Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 SuperTank Printer
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 SuperTank Printer uses bottle inks instead of cartridges, which are easily switched out for sublimation inks. Epson claim the ET8550 offers ‘lab-quality’ prints, and it certainly has the technology to back it up: Epson’s high-accuracy printhead and Claria ET Premium 6-color inks print a 4 x 6″ photo in as fast as 15 seconds, at a resolution of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi.
It has a very wide range of media support, including borderless photos up to 13″ x 19″. This means it handles speciality media like sublimation paper incredibly well. You can connect to the printer using your smartphone, laptop or tablet, via wireless connection. The Epson Smart Panel app allows you to set up, monitor and operate the printer from these devices too.
Pros
- Very high resolution for stunning prints
- Handles a range of paper sizes
- Wireless connection
- Bottle inks, not cartridge
Cons
- Very expensive
Verdict
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 SuperTank Printer is the best Epson EcoTank printer for sublimation if you prioritize print quality. It has the highest resolution of any printer on this list, and delivers exactly the results you’d expect – crisp, bright, professional-looking prints. If you’re planning to sublimation print a lot, or use your prints for professional purposes, this machine is definitely worth the price.
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Epson EcoTank ET-2760 SuperTank Printer
The Epson EcoTank ET-2760 SuperTank Printer uses the classic EcoTank cartridge-free setup, which means no more tiny, expensive ink cartridges – just put in some sublimation ink bottles and you’re ready to go! Epson’s exclusive EcoFit bottles are easy to remove, too. The ET-2760 also features outstanding print quality, auto-duplex printing, a high-resolution flatbed scanner, and a convenient color display.
It also uses unique PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology for flawless prints. Plus, the connectivity options are breathtakingly modern. It features wireless connections, plus hands-free voice-activated printing with the Epson Smart Panel App. There’s even a worry-free 2 year warranty, but it becomes voided if you use unauthorized cartridges.
Pros
- Great value low price
- High print quality
- Range of connection options
Cons
- Warranty voids if you convert
- Slower printing speeds
Verdict
The Epson EcoTank ET-2760 SuperTank Printer may not be the fastest Epson EcoTank printer for sublimation on this list, but it is certainly the cheapest – if only by a hair. Marginally cheaper than the ET-2720, it performs just as well in most of the key areas. Of course, even though it’s not too pricey, you have the 2-year warranty to rely on. Although if you change out the ink – as you will for sublimation – you void the warranty.
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Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless Colour SuperTank Printer
The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless Colour SuperTank Printer is fast, affordable and easy to use. As a multifunctional machine, it scans, prints and copies too. Its biggest innovation is being entirely cartridge-free; instead, it uses Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles. Each ink bottle replaces 90 conventional cartridges, and can easily be switched for a sublimation bottle..
The unique Micro Piezo Heat-Free technology makes sharp text, impressive colors and clear graphics, even on sublimation paper. Connectivity options include WiFi, hands-free voice activated printing and the Epson Smart Panel smartphone app. The primary downside is slow printing speeds, at approximately 5ppm.
Pros
- Super easy to convery
- Wireless connectivity
- High resolution for good quality prints
Cons
- Slow printing speeds
- WiFi connection fairly weak
Verdict
The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless Colour SuperTank Printer is our best Epson EcoTank printer for sublimation overall. Although it prints slowly, the bottle technology is invaluable as it makes converting a piece of cake. The print quality is amazingly sharp, even after the prints have been transferred on to the new material. Not only is this the easiest to use Epson printer for sublimation, it’s also the easiest to set up, and the best value for money.
