Updated: April 6, 2026
My Quick Answer
The best Epson printer for sublimation depends on what you are making. For mugs, keychains, and small items, the ET-2800 is all you need. For adult shirts and large transfers, the ET-15000 gives you 13×19 inch printing. For zero setup and full warranty, the dedicated SureColor F170. Use the project picker below to find your match in 30 seconds.
Last Updated: April 2026
The best Epson printers for sublimation are not the same for everyone. A crafter who sublimates mugs and keychains does not need a wide-format printer, and someone printing adult XL shirt transfers will be frustrated with an 8.5×11 printer after the first week.
This guide compares the most common Epson models people use for sublimation, from the budget ET-2800 to the dedicated F170 to the pro-level F570 Pro. Each section explains which projects the printer handles best, what it costs to run, and what problems to watch out for.
If you already know your budget and projects, the quick picker table below gets you to the right answer in seconds.
Contents
- 1 Quick Picker: Which Epson for Your Projects?
- 2 Best Epson Printers for Sublimation: All Models Compared
- 3 Budget Pick: Epson ET-2800 / ET-2803
- 4 Slight Upgrade: Epson ET-2850
- 5 Office Combo: Epson ET-4800
- 6 Wide Format: Epson ET-15000
- 7 Photo Quality: Epson ET-8500
- 8 Dedicated: Epson SureColor F170
- 9 Pro Level: Epson SureColor F570 Pro
- 10 Converted vs Dedicated: The Honest Comparison
- 11 The Upgrading Path
- 12 Why Epson for Sublimation?
- 13 Frequently Asked Questions
- 13.1 What is the best Epson printer for sublimation beginners?
- 13.2 Which Epson printer can print 13×19 for sublimation?
- 13.3 Is the Epson F170 worth it for sublimation?
- 13.4 Can I use an Epson ET-2800 for sublimation shirts?
- 13.5 What is the difference between ET-2800 and ET-2850?
- 13.6 Do Epson sublimation printers clog easily?
- 13.7 Why can I not use HP or Canon for sublimation?
- 13.8 Should I buy one Epson printer or two for sublimation?
Quick Picker: Which Epson for Your Projects?
| Your Main Projects | Recommended Printer | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mugs, keychains, coasters, ornaments | ET-2800 | All small items fit on 8.5×11 paper |
| Kids shirts, baby onesies, tote bags | ET-2800 or ET-2850 | Small/medium transfers fit 8.5×11 |
| Adult shirts (L, XL, XXL), large canvas | ET-15000 | Full chest transfers need 13×19 |
| Photo gifts, portraits, realistic images | ET-8500 | 6-color system for smoother gradients |
| Office features (scan, fax) on a dedicated sublimation machine | ET-4800 | ADF, fax, ethernet on the same machine you dedicate to sublimation |
| Want zero setup, full Epson warranty | SureColor F170 | Dedicated sublimation, no conversion needed |
| Business with mixed product sizes | ET-2800 + ET-15000 | Two printers: one small, one large |
Best Epson Printers for Sublimation: All Models Compared
Here are the most common Epson models people use for sublimation, with the specs that matter for sublimation work:
| Model | Max Print Size | Colors | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ET-2800 / ET-2803 | 8.5 x 14″ | 4 (CMYK) | Converted | Budget, small items |
| ET-2850 | 8.5 x 14″ | 4 (CMYK) | Converted | Upgraded ET-2800, better paper handling |
| ET-4800 | 8.5 x 14″ | 4 (CMYK) | Converted | Home office combo (ADF, fax, ethernet) |
| ET-15000 | 13 x 19″ (rear feed) | 4 (CMYK) | Converted | Wide format, adult shirts, canvas |
| ET-8500 | Letter/Legal (borderless up to 8.5 x 11″) | 6 native ink channels | Converted | Photo quality, niche/advanced |
| ET-8550 | 13 x 19″ | 6 native ink channels | Converted | Wide-format photo quality |
| SureColor F170 | 8.5″ wide (up to 47.2″ long) | 4 (CMYK), 1200 x 600 dpi | Dedicated | No conversion, full warranty |
| SureColor F570 Pro | Up to 24.4″ wide (rolls + sheets) | 4 (CMYK), 2400 x 1200 dpi | Dedicated | Pro/business, large transfers |
Every converted EcoTank uses the same basic conversion idea: replacing regular ink with sublimation ink in a brand-new printer. The 4-color models (ET-2800, ET-2850, ET-4800, ET-15000) share a straightforward CMYK workflow, while the 6-color models (ET-8500, ET-8550) have a more specialized color channel layout. The F170 and F570 Pro are dedicated sublimation printers that come with Epson’s own sublimation ink.
Budget Pick: Epson ET-2800 / ET-2803
The ET-2800 is the most common starting point for sublimation beginners, and for many crafters it is the only printer they ever need. Every small sublimation project fits on 8.5×11 paper. A mug wrap is about 9.25 x 3.75 inches. A keychain is 2×3 inches. You can fit multiple small designs on a single sheet.
The ET-2803 is functionally identical to the ET-2800, a retailer-exclusive variant with the same printhead, tank system, and print quality. Whichever is cheaper when you buy is the one to get. For a detailed review, see the ET-2800/ET-2803 review.
Convert from day one. Start with a brand-new printer and fill with sublimation ink before ever using regular ink. The EcoTank conversion guide walks you through the 30-minute process.
Watch out for: The ET-2800 can clog if it sits unused for more than a few days. Print at least 2 times per week. For clog fixes, see our unclog sublimation printer guide.
Epson ET-2800 on Amazon:
- Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Budget sublimation starting point for small projects.
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Slight Upgrade: Epson ET-2850
The ET-2850 prints the same size and quality as the ET-2800 but adds auto-duplex printing, a color display, and a flatbed scanner. For sublimation, it is a modest convenience upgrade over the ET-2800 with a nicer day-to-day user experience.
If you are just starting, the ET-2800 is enough. If you plan to run a sublimation business with regular batch production, the ET-2850 is worth the modest price difference. Note: not available in all markets.
Epson ET-2850 on Amazon:
- Epson EcoTank ET-2850 – Upgraded paper handling for batch sublimation work.
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Office Combo: Epson ET-4800
The ET-4800 combines sublimation capability with office features: ADF for scanning/copying, fax, and ethernet. For sublimation output, it is identical to the ET-2800. The difference is the office extras.
If you already have a separate office printer, save money and get the ET-2800. If you want office features (scan, fax, ethernet) on the same machine you dedicate to sublimation, the ET-4800 combines both roles. Keep in mind that once converted, the print side is part of your sublimation workflow, not a normal everyday color printer.
Epson ET-4800 on Amazon:
- Epson EcoTank ET-4800 – All-in-one with ADF, fax, ethernet + sublimation.
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Wide Format: Epson ET-15000
When you need adult-size shirt transfers, large canvas prints, or oversized tumbler wraps, the ET-15000 gives you 13×19 inch printing through its rear feed tray. An adult medium shirt transfer needs at least 11×14 inches, which does not fit on 8.5×11 paper.
The ET-15000 also has an ADF, ethernet, and a front tray for standard media. Its larger tray and added office features make it a better fit for higher-volume workflows than the ET-2800.
My tip: many sublimation business owners run two printers, an ET-2800 for small items and an ET-15000 for shirts. This covers every project and keeps both printers active (preventing clogs). The full price comparison is in the cheapest sublimation printers guide.
Epson ET-15000 on Amazon:
- Epson EcoTank ET-15000 – Wide-format sublimation for adult shirts and large projects.
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Photo Quality: Epson ET-8500
The ET-8500 is a niche, advanced option for crafters who specifically value tonal smoothness in photo-based sublimation. It is a 6-channel photo printer that Epson designed around a Photo Black/Gray-based ink system. For sublimation conversion, this means a more specialized color workflow than a standard 4-color EcoTank.
Most sublimation projects (bold text, logos, simple graphics) look great from a 4-color printer. The 6-channel advantage shows in photographs, portraits, watercolor art, and subtle gradients where smoother tonal transitions matter.
If you primarily print bold text, logos, and simple graphics, the ET-8500 is overkill. For those designs, a 4-color printer is perfectly fine. The ET-8550 is the wide-format version (13×19) with the same 6-color system for large photo gifts and gallery prints.
My tip: the 6-color advantage shows most in skin tones and subtle color gradients. If your best-selling products are family photo mugs or portrait metal panels, the ET-8500 is worth considering.
Epson ET-8500 / ET-8550 on Amazon:
- Epson EcoTank ET-8500 – 6-color photo quality for portraits and artwork.
- Epson EcoTank ET-8550 – Wide-format 6-color version (13×19) for large photo gifts and gallery prints.
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Dedicated: Epson SureColor F170
The F170 is Epson’s dedicated dye-sublimation printer. Unlike converted EcoTanks, it ships with genuine Epson sublimation ink and is engineered for sublimation from the factory.
Full Epson warranty. Non-genuine ink damage in converted EcoTanks may not be covered. The F170 is fully warranted for sublimation use.
Simpler color workflow. The F170 provides a more consistent color workflow out of the box compared to converted printers. You still have printer settings and color management to learn, but the variables are reduced because the ink and printer are matched. For converted EcoTanks, getting accurate colors often requires installing an ICC profile and more manual adjustment.
Instant setup. Unbox, fill the included ink, and print. No conversion process.
The F170 is an 8.5-inch-wide printer that supports paper lengths up to 47.2 inches, though most crafters use standard letter or legal sheets. For wide-format adult shirts, you still need a converted ET-15000 or the larger F570 Pro.
My tip: most hobbyists start with a converted ET-2800 and upgrade to an F170 when sublimation becomes a consistent income source. The F170 makes sense when reliability and time matter more than saving money.
Epson SureColor F170 on Amazon:
- Epson SureColor F170 – Dedicated sublimation printer with full Epson warranty.
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Pro Level: Epson SureColor F570 Pro
The F570 Pro is Epson’s current wide-format dedicated sublimation printer for businesses that need 24-inch-class printing. It handles rolls and sheets up to 24.4 inches wide, has a built-in cutter, and Epson markets it with Epson Edge Print Pro workflow software. If you are buying new, check whether you are looking at the older F570 or the current F570 Pro, as they are different products.
This is a commercial-grade machine for businesses producing large sublimation transfers, banners, and high-volume work. The price point is well above consumer EcoTank models. For most home crafters, the ET-15000 provides more than enough wide-format capability.
Converted vs Dedicated: The Honest Comparison
| Factor | Dedicated (F170/F570 Pro) | Converted (EcoTank) |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Unbox, fill included ink, print | 30-minute conversion with third-party ink |
| Warranty | Full Epson warranty for sublimation | Non-genuine ink damage may not be covered |
| Running cost (ink) | Higher (Epson sublimation ink) | Lower (third-party ink) |
| Color accuracy | Simpler, more consistent color workflow | Needs ICC profile for best results |
| Clogging risk | Reduced (matched ink, purpose-built design) | Higher if unused for days (print regularly to prevent) |
| Wide format | F170: 8.5″ wide. F570 Pro: up to 24.4″ wide. | ET-15000: 13×19. ET-8550: 13×19 (6-color). |
The Upgrading Path
Most sublimation crafters follow a natural upgrade path:
Stage 1: ET-2800. Start here. Learn sublimation, make your first products, figure out what sells.
Stage 2: Add ET-15000. When you need adult shirts or large transfers, add a wide-format. Keep the ET-2800 for small items. Two active printers means less clogging.
Stage 3: F170. When sublimation is your primary income and you want reliability plus warranty support, the F170 replaces or supplements your converted printer.
Stage 4: F570 Pro. When you need 24-inch-class wide printing for large transfers or high-volume production.
Why Epson for Sublimation?
Epson’s heat-free piezoelectric printhead design is the reason Epson dominates the sublimation conversion market. Piezo printheads use electrical charges to push ink through the nozzles, which is compatible with sublimation ink chemistry. Most other consumer printer brands use thermal printhead technology, which is a different approach that does not have the same track record with sublimation ink conversions.
Some Brother models use compatible printhead technology but lack the conversion documentation and community support Epson has. For details on why other brands do not work, see the regular printer for sublimation guide. For Epson vs Sawgrass, see the Sawgrass vs Epson comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Epson printer for sublimation beginners?
The Epson ET-2800 is the most common starting point. It is affordable, easy to convert, and handles all small sublimation projects. If you want zero setup and full warranty, the SureColor F170 is the dedicated alternative at a higher price point.
Which Epson printer can print 13×19 for sublimation?
The Epson ET-15000 prints up to 13×19 inches through its rear feed tray. The ET-8550 also prints 13×19 with a 6-color system for photo quality. For 24-inch-class wide format, the dedicated SureColor F570 Pro is the professional option.
Is the Epson F170 worth it for sublimation?
The F170 is worth it if you value warranty support, plug-and-play setup, and a simpler color workflow. It costs more and uses pricier Epson ink. For hobbyists on a budget, a converted ET-2800 produces excellent results at lower cost. The F170 makes the most sense when sublimation is your primary income.
Can I use an Epson ET-2800 for sublimation shirts?
Yes, for kids shirts and small transfers that fit 8.5×11 paper. For adult shirts (medium and up), you need the ET-15000 (13×19). An adult medium chest transfer is about 10×12 inches. For shirt settings, see the sublimation temperature chart.
What is the difference between ET-2800 and ET-2850?
Same print size and sublimation quality. The ET-2850 adds a color display, auto-duplex, and better paper handling for batch work. For occasional use, the ET-2800 is enough. For regular business production, the ET-2850’s upgrades are worth the small price difference. The ET-2850 is not available in all markets.
Do Epson sublimation printers clog easily?
Converted EcoTanks can clog if unused for more than a few days because sublimation ink dries faster than regular ink. Print at least 2 times per week. The dedicated F170 has lower clogging risk because its ink is matched to the printhead. For fixes, see our unclog sublimation printer guide.
Why can I not use HP or Canon for sublimation?
Epson’s heat-free piezoelectric printhead technology is compatible with sublimation ink chemistry, which is why Epson dominates the sublimation conversion market. Most other consumer printer brands use thermal printhead technology, which does not have the same track record with sublimation ink. See the regular printer for sublimation guide for details.
Should I buy one Epson printer or two for sublimation?
If you make both small items and adult shirts, running an ET-2800 for small work and an ET-15000 for large transfers is a common setup. Two active printers also prevents clogging because both get regular use. If you only make small items, one ET-2800 is enough.
Emily loves making things special.
She’s also a mom and a wife who enjoys crafting and runs a small business from her home. She knows that the little things can make a house feel like a warm and loving home. This belief has led her to explore the exciting world of sublimation, a crafty way to add a personal touch to just about anything. Her website shares valuable information about sublimation, her crafty ideas, and tips.
I have an Epson 3760. Will it work for sublimation? It’s the one between the ones you have listed the 2760 and the 4760.
Yes, you can use the Epson ET-3760 for sublimation. All you have to do is just replace the default ink with sublimation ink and add sublimation paper to your paper tray.