While the Epson ET-8550 can be a bit overkill for many sublimation applications, it is still a fantastic option. The 8550 is well regarded for photo printing, capable of wide format prints up to 13 x 19″, and features a scanner and excellent connectivity options. For sublimation printing, this can be easily converted, like any Eco Tank, and is only really worth getting if you plan on using the additional tanks for grey or multi-black configurations.
- Cartridge-free printing for lab-quality photos, graphics and creative projects — get vibrant colors and sharp text with Epson’s high-accuracy printhead and Claria ET Premium 6-color inks; print a 4 x 6″ photo in as fast as 15 seconds (4).Product protection you can count on — 2-year limited warranty with registration (10). | Genuine Epson Ink for Genuine Epson Quality― Epson strongly recommends the use of genuine ink to ensure optimal print quality and performance. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. warranty.
- Extraordinary media support, including borderless photos up to 13″ x 19″ — accommodates cardstock, CD/DVDs and other specialty media up to 1.3 mm thick; auto 2-sided printing
- Amazing value — save a ridiculous amount on photos (1) and creative projects with affordable in-house photo printing; print 4″ x 6″ photos for about 4 cents each vs. 40 cents with traditional ink cartridges (1)
- Save up to 80% with low-cost replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (3) — that’s about Dollar-2000 on each set (3), enough ink to print up to 6,200 pages color (5)
- Print up to 2 years (2) — with each included and replacement ink bottle set
Pros
Cons
- 5760 x 1440 max print 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
- Overkill for most sublimation projects
Sublimation project results
The overall specifications of this printer are marvelous, however, it is overkill for my projects. This is a high-end commercial printer so my expectations were high to begin with and it doesn’t disappoint. The only downside here is the price and a very capable photo printer, so unless you are planning on utilizing the additional inks, you may want to opt for the ET-15000, or whichever is cheapest. It is worth noting I still prefer my Epson Surecolor F100/ F170 but this obviously lacks the wide format element.
The prints were bright with vivid colors and every project turned out really well. For testing purposes I stuck to the CYMK inks, mostly to see differences between this and other 4-ink ET printers. It could be my settings but I feel the 8550 produced better end results than the ET-15000, however, I still think the F170 wins here. Of course, the addition of an easy-to-navigate touch screen and the scanner make this an altogether better unit for specific use cases.
Photo printer at its core
The Epson ET-8550 is an ideal home printer for families that will make use of the excellent photo printing qualities. This unit is slightly below what your average photographer may need but is generally quite good across a number of various areas. No matter if you are printing documents in a timely manner or detailed, colorful prints, the 8550 is one of the best. As an EcoTank, the cost per print is as good as you can get.
Epson ET-8550 vs other Eco Tanks
I found little wrong with the ET-8550 but you may have noticed I have mentioned it is potentially overkill for many sublimation projects. This is mostly due to the over-the-top resolution, 6 ink tanks, and sizeable price tag. The printer is worth the money but you may get the same results from a range of different Eco Tanks, or as mentioned, Epson’s dedicated dye-sub models.
The 8550 has one of the highest resolutions for an Eco Tank and the wide-format or multifunction features could be a deal breaker for some.
Ink recommendations for Epson EcoTank ET-8550
I have previously tried Hiipoo, Cosmos, Printer Jacks, and Epsons own sublimation ink with previous reviews. This time around I used A-Sub and to be honest the results are hard to tell apart. This will work with whatever ink you prefer but one of the aforementioned brands is recommended.
How to convert Epson EcoTank ET-8550 to sublimation
Conversion to sublimation is made easy with Eco Tanks and can be done in four easy steps. You need to ensure you do not install the ink provided with the 8550 and utilize syringes or specialized refill bottles to fill the tanks with corresponding inks. 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
The Epson ET-8550 printer is yet another top EcoTank choice for sublimation projects. While I haven’t had the luxury of using this for years, the build quality of the unit is exceptional as are the results and it will undoubtedly last for a very long time. I’d strongly recommend checking out an ET-2800 or a dedicated F170 for those where wide format is not a priority. The scanner and the touchscreen display make this incredibly productive and one of the best multifunction printers for the home.
