Updated: March 6, 2026
My Quick Answer
The Epson ET-2800 and ET-2803 are identical printers – same specs, just sold by different retailers. I’ve been using a converted ET-2800 for over a year now and it’s been fantastic for mugs, shirts, and small items. Total investment was less than half of a dedicated sublimation printer, and the conversion literally takes 30 minutes. If you’re starting out with sublimation on a budget, this is the printer I recommend!
Thinking about Epson ET-2800 sublimation? I converted mine over a year ago and it was one of the best decisions I made. The ET-2800 and ET-2803 are identical printers – same specs, just sold by different retailers. Instead of spending big money on a dedicated sublimation printer, I got into the craft for less than half that.
I’ve now been using my converted ET-2800 daily for over a year, and it’s still going strong. In this review, I’ll share my honest experience – what I love about it, what the limitations are, and whether it’s the right choice for you.
Contents
Epson ET-2800 vs ET-2803: Is There a Difference?
This confused me at first too, so let me clear it up right away: the ET-2800 and ET-2803 are literally the same printer. Same specs, same features, same everything. The only difference is that one is sold at certain retailers and the other at different ones. So don’t stress about which one to buy – just get whichever is cheaper or more available!
Why Epson ET-2800 Sublimation Was My Choice
When I was researching printers to convert, a few things made the ET-2800 stand out. First, it uses Epson’s EcoTank system, which means no expensive cartridges to replace. You just refill the ink tanks directly – and when you’re doing sublimation, you go through a lot of ink, so this saves serious money over time.
Second, the conversion is incredibly simple. Unlike some Epson Workforce printers that are a pain to convert, the ET-2800 basically just needs you to fill it with sublimation ink instead of the regular ink that comes in the box. That’s it. I was up and running in about 30 minutes.
The printer can handle paper sizes up to 8.5×14 inches, which is perfect for mugs, small t-shirt transfers, and most craft projects. If you need larger prints (like full-size adult shirts), you’ll want to look at a 13×19 sublimation printer instead.
Key Specs at a Glance
| Feature | ET-2800 / ET-2803 |
|---|---|
| Max Print Size | 8.5 x 14 inches |
| Ink System | EcoTank (refillable tanks) |
| Connectivity | WiFi, USB, Mobile App |
| Paper Capacity | 100 sheets |
| Print Head | Piezo (sublimation compatible) |
| Borderless Printing | Only 4×6 and 3.5×5 inches |
What I Love About This Printer
Super Easy Conversion
I cannot stress this enough – converting the ET-2800 to sublimation is SO easy. You literally just fill it with sublimation ink instead of regular ink. No special procedures, no complicated setup. I used Hiipoo sublimation ink and the colors have been great. The whole conversion took me maybe 30 minutes including the initial ink charging cycle.
Compare this to Workforce printers where you have to deal with cartridge conversions and it’s a no-brainer for beginners.
Compact and Quiet
My craft room isn’t huge, and the ET-2800 fits perfectly on my desk without taking over. It’s also surprisingly quiet – I can run prints while my kids are sleeping and it doesn’t wake them up. If you’ve ever used a loud inkjet printer, you know what a relief this is!
Wireless Printing
Being able to print from my laptop anywhere in the house is super convenient. The Epson Smart Panel app also lets me print directly from my phone, which I use more often than I expected. Great for quick test prints!
Incredible Value
When I add up everything – the printer, sublimation ink, and sublimation paper – the total investment is shockingly low for what you get. A dedicated sublimation printer would have cost me 2-3x more for similar print quality. The savings were a game changer when I was just starting out and wasn’t sure if sublimation was right for me.
The Downsides (Honest Review)
No printer is perfect, and there are a few things you should know before buying.
Limited Borderless Printing
This is probably my biggest frustration. The ET-2800 can only do borderless printing on small sizes (4×6 and 3.5×5 inches). For larger prints, you’ll have a small white border that you need to trim off. It’s not a dealbreaker for me since I mostly do mugs and small items, but if borderless printing is important to you, keep this in mind.
Max Size is 8.5×14
The print width maxes out at 8.5 inches. This is fine for mugs, koozies, small tumblers, and youth-size shirts. But for full adult-size shirt transfers, you’ll probably want something bigger. I eventually added a larger format printer to my setup for big projects, but the ET-2800 still handles 90% of my daily work.
Warranty Void
Using sublimation ink instead of Epson ink voids your warranty. I was nervous about this at first, but honestly? My printer has been running for over a year with zero issues. And the money I saved by not buying a dedicated sublimation printer more than covers a replacement if I ever need one.
How to Convert the ET-2800 to Sublimation
If you decide to get one, here’s exactly what I did:
When you unbox the printer, you’ll find Epson ink bottles included. Set these aside – do NOT use them! If you put regular ink in first, you can’t convert to sublimation later. The print head will be contaminated.
Instead, fill the tanks with sublimation ink. I use Hiipoo, but Printers Jack is also popular. Make sure you match the colors correctly – cyan and magenta bottles can look similar, and mixing them up will cause headaches. Ask me how I know!
After filling the tanks, run the initial setup. The printer will do an ink charging cycle that takes about 10-15 minutes. Once that’s done, print a test page to make sure all colors are coming through clearly. If you see any streaks or missing colors, run a head cleaning.
That’s literally it. Your ET-2800 is now a sublimation printer!
For a detailed step-by-step guide with photos, check out my complete Epson to sublimation conversion guide.
Print Quality Results
I was honestly surprised by how good the print quality is on this budget printer. The colors are vibrant (after pressing – they look dull on the paper, which is normal), and the detail is sharp enough for photos and intricate designs.
I’ve done hundreds of mugs, dozens of shirts, tumblers, mouse pads, and more. The results are consistently good. My customers can’t tell the difference between items I made with the ET-2800 versus my friend’s expensive dedicated sublimation printer.
The key is using good sublimation ink and quality sublimation paper. Cheap supplies will give you cheap results no matter what printer you use.
Who Should Buy This Printer?
The ET-2800/ET-2803 is perfect if you’re just starting with sublimation and want to test the waters without a huge investment. It’s also great if you mostly do smaller items like mugs, tumblers, coasters, and keychains.
If you’re planning to do a lot of large format printing (adult shirts, big blankets, etc.), you might want to skip straight to a wide-format printer. But for learning the craft and building a small business? This printer is hard to beat for the price.
What You Need to Get Started:
- Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – The printer itself, best budget option for sublimation beginners
- Hiipoo Sublimation Ink for ET-2800 – Compatible sublimation ink kit with ICC profile included
- A-SUB Sublimation Paper (110 sheets) – Works well with Epson EcoTank printers, good ink release
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FAQs
What’s the difference between Epson ET-2800 and ET-2803?
There is no functional difference – they’re the same printer! The ET-2800 and ET-2803 have identical specs, features, and capabilities. They’re just sold through different retail channels. Buy whichever one is cheaper or more readily available.
Is it hard to convert the ET-2800 to sublimation?
Not at all! It’s one of the easiest printers to convert. You simply fill the ink tanks with sublimation ink instead of the regular ink that comes in the box. The whole process takes about 30 minutes including the initial setup. No technical expertise required.
What’s the maximum print size on the ET-2800?
The maximum print width is 8.5 inches, and you can print up to 14 inches long (or even longer with custom settings). This is perfect for mugs, small tumblers, and youth-size shirts, but you’ll need a larger printer for full adult shirt transfers.
Does converting to sublimation void the warranty?
Yes, using non-Epson ink voids the manufacturer warranty. However, the cost savings compared to a dedicated sublimation printer usually outweigh this concern. My converted ET-2800 has been running perfectly for over a year with no issues.
Conclusion
After using my converted Epson ET-2800 for sublimation for over a year, I can confidently recommend it to anyone starting out. It’s affordable, easy to convert, and produces great quality prints for mugs, tumblers, and small items.
Is it perfect? No – the size limitations and borderless printing restrictions are real. But for the price, it’s incredibly hard to beat. I started my entire sublimation journey with this printer, and it’s still part of my daily workflow.
If you’re on the fence about getting into sublimation, the ET-2800 or ET-2803 is a low-risk way to find out if you love it. And trust me – you probably will!
Related guides:
How to Convert Epson to Sublimation (Step-by-Step)
All Epson Printers That Can Be Converted
Best Sublimation Printers (All Budgets)
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.
How do I set the preferences for printing. The et-2803 does not give me the option to reverse the image or preview for print.