Epson’s EcoTank ET-15000 printer is considered one of the best ink tanks that can be converted into a sublimation printer. Aside from being a multifunctional workhorse, it offers wider format printing capabilities (13 x 19) and features a range of connectivity including; Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, AirPrint, and Mopria. The printer is compatible with Epson’s iPrint app and features a scanner, fax, and automatic duplex printing. For sublimation enthusiasts, occasional hobbyists, or those on a new business venture – the ET-15000 is a popular go-to. While costing more than your lower-end EcoTanks, this printer’s main USP is its larger print capacity and 4,800 x 1,200 resolution.
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges (4)
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough to print up to 7,500 pages black/6,000 color (3)
- Stress-Free Printing ― Up to 2 years of ink in the box (2) – and with every replacement ink set – for fewer out of ink frustrations
- High-Capacity Ink Tanks ― Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles make filling easy and worry-free
- Zero Cartridge Waste ― By using an EcoTank printer, you can help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills
Pros
Cons
- Great resolution
- Easy to use, navigate, and setup
- Produces vibrant prints (up to 13×19)
- Cost-effective (ink tank)
- Excellent multifunctional capabilities
- Conversion to sublimation can void the warranty on ink-related issues
- May be overkill for some beginner sublimation hobbyists
- May need to play around with ICC profiles to perfect your results
Sublimation project results
While falling just short of the ET-8550 photo printer’s specifications, the ET-15000 is still considered a similar high-end option. The differences are negligible for your average sublimation printing tasks and unless your designs require multi-blacks or grey, you can save a bit of money by opting for the 15000.
Overall the printer performed perfectly, and designs came out as desired, with vibrant color saturation. Furthermore, the high resolution was ideal for logo printing and pictures with extra detail – all of which came through on my substrates. The printing results mostly come down to the heat press settings but it is always nice to have a highly capable printer behind the scenes.
The ET-15000 is an ideal, cost-effective tank printer for larger designs. Capable of A3/ “13 X 19”, you have more options with this over your cheaper ET-2800/ ET-2803/ ET-2820 SKUs. Essentially the print head technology across all of these is the same though, so if you are new to sublimation or just picking it up as a hobby, you may want to try a more affordable EcoTank first.
It is quite hard to showcase results but ultimately this is a very reliable printer. I’ve not had the pleasure of using it long enough with my sublimation projects just yet but it’s a strong start.
A home office printer at heart
With a multi-purpose home printer such as this, you will still be able to use the scanner and fax functions. The general printing ability of the ET-15000 is exceptional with a high page yield and low cost per print. You can print reasonable-quality photos and documents on this at a relatively quick speed. Ink is ink at the end of the day but we wouldn’t recommend this for your regular document printing once converted.
The ET-15000 is capable of larger prints than your average home printer and comes with all the connectivity you’d need from the home office to make it truly convenient. As a wide format model, it has a bit of heft, so you need to ensure your setup has the room.
Epson ET-8550 vs ET-15000 for sublimation
The Epson ET-8550 and ET-15000 come in at similar price points but with very different capabilities, The 8550 is a 6-ink photo printer with a slightly higher resolution (1440) and a slightly higher price tag. The ET-15000 is a 4-color multifunction printer with a lower resolution of 1200 but the differences in results are negligible.
Both printers offer “all-in-one” features such as a scanner and copier, however, it is just the ET-15000 with fax. Both printers are of course ink tank units capable of printing up to 13″x19″. If you can make use of the additional two ink tanks for either grey or multi-blacks, the 8550 is no doubt a strong choice but either printer is excellent for sublimation.
Ink recommendations for Epson EcoTank ET-15000
I used Hiipoo ink for my ET-15000 testing, but you can’t go wrong with Cosmos, Printer Jacks, or A-Sub either – these all deliver vibrant results when used correctly and are considered some of the best sublimation inks available.
How to convert Epson EcoTank ET-15000 to sublimation
Converting your Epson printer for sublimation can be done in four easy steps but first, you are going to need to ensure you have purchased sublimation ink and sublimation paper! sublimation ink tends to come with syringes or specialized refill bottles so you can negate the Epson ink key system. Before you begin it is important to keep your printer unplugged until step two.
- Step 1: Using your syringe or bottle, carefully fill each individual tank with the corresponding sublimation ink color (they are labeled). Fill your tanks as close to the small lines on the see-through plastic so you can get a better idea of when you are running low at a later stage.
- Step 2: Once full, turn your printer on and set it up as normal. This will include connecting the printer to your local network, setting the date and time, and ensuring the printer head is aligned correctly.
- Step 3: Follow the step-by-step instructions and make use of the manual if you are unsure what to do next. You are going to need to add paper to the cassette or rear feeder to properly set the printer up – this is crucial to ensure your prints come out as expected later. You will also be asked to tell the printer what ink levels you have – as you work through your ink the software will let you know when it starts to get low.
- Step 4: We recommend rinsing out your syringes/ fill bottles and labeling them for future usage. Now you can begin printing your designs.
In summary
Epson’s EcoTank ET-15000 was reviewed extremely well. From start to finish it was a joy to use and the default color profile produced some excellent sublimation results. The printer was very easy to convert and set up and is highly recommended for those looking to step up their sublimation printing.