Are you considering the Epson ET-15000 for your sublimation printing needs and wondering if it stands up to the hype? In this Epson ET 15000 sublimation review, we dive into the performance of the Epson ET-15000, examining its sublimation print quality, ink efficiency, and overall functionality. As you explore the world of sublimation printing, the ET-15000’s features such as wide-format printing, eco-friendly ink tanks, and connectivity options might catch your eye, but how does it fare in practical use? We’ll lay out the facts on its capabilities and limitations so that you can decide if it’s the right investment for your printing projects.
Before we get started, I want to answer an important question – why should readers like yourself trust my review? Well, I have an entire website with over 150 articles dedicated to the craft of sublimation printing. My review includes descriptions of a test conducted on the ET-15000 and details the results research into this model to help you make the right choice.
Moving into 2025, I believe the Epson ET 15000 is still the best large format EcoTank printer to convert for sublimation.
Key Takeaways
- The Epson ET-15000 is a space-efficient, wide format sublimation printer with a reputation for quality and reliable performance, suitable for both businesses and serious hobbyists. It is among our top recommendations for large format sublimation printers.
- This economical printer promises low running costs and impressive color print quality with high durability for long-term use, despite not being the fastest printer compared to its competitors.
- With robust connectivity options and user-friendly setup and maintenance, the ET-15000 easily integrates into digital workspaces, although its slower speed may not suit those requiring fast turnarounds.
Unveiling the Epson ET-15000 for Sublimation Enthusiasts
Introducing the Epson ET-15000, a sublimation printer that has piqued the interest of businesses and serious hobbyists alike. With its advanced printing technology, automatic duplexing, and wide format capabilities, it’s positioned as a game-changer in the world of sublimation printing. But is it worth the investment? That’s the question we’re here to answer.
Epson printers have long held a reputation for quality, and the ET-15000 appears to be no exception. It boasts compatibility with high-quality sublimation ink and special paper, and it’s one of the Epson Ecotank printers that promises to take your projects to super-tabloid sizes without breaking a sweat. Let’s see if this printer can truly hold its own in the competitive arena of sublimation printers.
Setting Sail with the Epson ET-15000
When you first lay hands on the Epson ET-15000, you’re starting a voyage into the world of sublimation. The setup is your first port of call, and it’s here that you pave the way for the printing adventures that lie ahead.
Upon pressing the button for the ink and printhead prep, you’re essentially commanding the ET-15000 to ‘reveal your capabilities’. And with Epson’s methodology of easy setup and a plethora of connectivity options, you’re well on your way to creating your first masterpiece.
Crafting Excellence – The Build and Capabilities of the Epson ET-15000
The first thing you’ll notice about the ET-15000 is its compact design. For a printer that can handle super-tabloid size, it certainly doesn’t hog space. It’s an all in one printer that manages to be both a space-saver and a workhorse, ready for high volume printing tasks without overwhelming your desk. And with a 250-sheet drawer and a 20-sheet rear-feed tray, it’s clear that this printer is ready for anything you throw at it—from daily legal-size documents to the occasional super-tabloid project.
Epson printers, like the ET-15000, are known for their print quality, but they also shine in terms of durability. With a monthly duty cycle of 1,600 pages recommended by Epson, you can expect this printer to be a long-term companion for all your printing endeavors. However, keep in mind that this is a marathon, not a sprint. You might find yourself reloading paper more often than you’d like, especially if you’re frequently churning out page after page. This might be the moment you pause and ponder: “Is the ET-15000 the craftsman I need, or does my quest for excellence continue?”
Aesthetic Appeal and Sturdy Construction
Now, let’s discuss aesthetics. The ET-15000 doesn’t just perform; it also has a certain elegance with its sleek dimensions, offering a modern touch to any workspace. But don’t be fooled by its lightweight build; this printer packs a punch in durability thanks to a heat-free PrecisionCore printhead that’s designed to last as long as the printer itself. It’s not just a pretty face; it’s built to endure the rigors of daily printing.
What’s more, the exclusive EcoFit bottle design ensures that refilling the Epson genuine ink bottles is a breeze, adding to the printer’s functionality and ease of use. When you consider the ink bottle yields, you’ll find that this printer is as much a pleasure to look at as it is to use, combining aesthetics with sturdy construction and user-friendly features. Additionally, using replacement ink bottles ensures a consistent printing experience.
Navigating the Features
Now, let’s delve into the ET-15000’s features. The color touchscreen is your command center, guiding you through a myriad of tasks with ease and efficiency. Whether you’re printing a batch of brochures or scanning documents for your next project, the touchscreen makes it all straightforward. And when it’s time to go digital, the Epson Smart Panel app is your trusty sidekick, letting you print and scan directly from your mobile device with epson connect enabled printers.
Special document creation functions like watermark and booklet printing are just the cherry on top, satisfying even the most specialized print tasks. With a 250-sheet front paper tray, a 35-sheet automatic document feeder, and a rear paper feed at your disposal, handling multiple-page documents is no longer a daunting task but a part of your creative process. Additionally, this printer is designed to minimize paper jams, ensuring a smooth workflow.
Connectivity at Your Fingertips
In the modern era, connectivity is paramount, and the ET-15000 rules this realm. Whether you’re a fan of:
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi Direct
- USB
- Ethernet
This printer has you covered when it comes to printer prints. It’s all about giving you the freedom to print from anywhere, at any time, with ease.
And let’s not forget about the cloud. With direct integration with services like Google Drive and Dropbox, your documents are always within reach, ready to be printed or stored with a simple tap on the color touchscreen. It’s about making sure that your printer isn’t just a machine, but a portal to your entire digital workspace.
The True Colors of Epson ET-15000 in Action
As we put the ET-15000 to the test, it’s clear that regular maintenance is the secret sauce to keeping those prints flawless. Printhead cleaning and ink level checks might seem like chores, but they’re what make the difference between good and great print quality. However, we can’t ignore the elephant in the room—the ET-15000’s printing speed could be better. When stacked against similarly featured printers, it’s not winning any races, especially for those urgent jobs that need to be out the door yesterday.
It’s not all about the need for speed, though. Efficiency is a different ball game, and this printer knows how to play it. Despite being slower off the mark, the ET-15000 is an economical choice, balancing cost with performance in a way that might just tip the scales in its favor for the right user.
Now let’s get into an actual test that was performed on the ET-15000. One of the first steps after unboxing is installing the ink – you will need to install sublimation ink, you cannot install the ink that comes with the printer. After a test print is performed, you can go to Epson.com/support/et15000 to set up drivers. In this test, cosmos sublimation ink is used, A-Sub sublimation paper (facing up) is used, and the resulting print on paper is really good but a bit dull (not to worry, it turns out better on actual sublimation blank). The test uses a 95% polyester cushion pillowcase, print size is 13 x 19 (large format), and butcher paper, heat tape and a lint roller are all used in the process. The pillow case is pressed at 400 degrees for 40 seconds (I recommend you check out transfer instructions), and the results on the pillow case were fantastic!
Print Quality Under the Microscope
Upon closer inspection of the print quality, the ET-15000 isn’t afraid of attention. The initial prints may not jump out at you, but once they’ve been through the heat press, the colors come alive with a vibrancy that can only be described as stunning.
With a maximum resolution of 4800 x 1200 DPI, the ET-15000 keeps the details sharp and the colors popping. Sure, some rivals might boast higher numbers, but when it comes to the final product, this printer stands its ground with the best of them.
Speed and Efficiency on Trial
Speed is of the essence, and the ET-15000’s performance here is a mixed bag. With a black print speed of 17 ppm, it’s not the slowest on the market, but it’s certainly not leading the pack. In a head-to-head with the likes of the Brother MFC-J5855DW, the ET-15000 trails behind. However, when it comes to photo print speeds, it pulls ahead of the Epson EcoTank ET-2803, showcasing its knack for handling higher print volumes effectively.
The occasional slow-down might be a hurdle for some, particularly if you’re running a business that depends on quick turnarounds. But for those who prioritize quality over speed, and who can appreciate the lower running costs, the ET-15000’s efficient ink usage and wide format capable print capabilities could very well make it the printer of choice.
Ink Economy and Longevity
When it comes to ink cartridges, the ET-15000 truly excels. The running costs are impressively low, with 0.3 cent per mono page and 0.9 cent per color page, making it a wallet-friendly option in the long run. The front-facing tanks are not only user-friendly but also allow for easy monitoring of ink levels, ensuring that you’re always ready for your next print job. With such efficiency, the actual ink yields contribute to the overall cost-effectiveness of this printer.
The high initial price might give pause, but for those who print frequently, especially in larger formats, the long-term savings on ink tanks can justify the investment. It’s clear that Epson has designed the EcoTank series with the budget-conscious user in mind, and the epson ecotank et 15000 is a prime example of how cost-effectiveness and high-performance printing can coexist.
One drawback of the ET-15000 is that it is not a dedicated sublimation printer, and needs to be converted. This results in certain risks as with any other converted EcoTank, such as color issues, clogging and voiding of the warranty.
The Epson ET-15000: The Ultimate Epson Pick in 2025?
So now its time for my overall conclusion – should you go ahead and buy the Epson ET-15000? Keep in mind that since this is not a standard sales pitch, I make sure to highlight both the pros and cons of the model. As always, it is crucial to note that the final answer depends on your needs and preferences.
Here I want to highlight how the Epson ET-15000 stands out against its competitors. One of the features that makes the ET 15000 stand out among its competitors such as the SG500, Brother SP-1 genuine sublimation printer and ET-2800 is its large format capabilities. The ET-15000 is an affordable large format printer when compared to its large format rival, the SG1000. The SG1000, however, unlike the ET 15000 is a high-speed, dedicated sublimation printer. Compared to the large format Epson EcoTank XP-15000, the ET-15000 is more expensive, however, running costs are potentially lower and print results potentially higher. The model also offers a higher print resolution than the Epson SureColor F170 which is a purpose built printer for sublimation.
So who is the Epson ET-15000 not the best choice for? In 2025, If you are a beginner or hobbyist looking for a budget-friendly option, and have only small format needs (mugs, tumblers, keychains etc.), I recommend going for one of the small format EcoTank series options (ET-2800, ET-2400, ET-2850). Similarly, if you have large format needs, but want to avoid converting a regular printer to sublimation, you can go for the large format Sawgrass SG1000, discussed in an article on Sawgrass printers, which is a genuine sublimation printer. You can also consider the Sawgrass SG500, upgraded version of the SG400, with the optional bypass tray supporting print sizes of 8.5″ x 51″, depending on your print needs.
So now the question remains: who then should purchase the Epson ET-15000? I recommend the Epson ET-15000 to those who have large format print needs, and are looking for a more affordable option than dedicated sublimation printers such as the Sawgrass SG1000 (which also has significant ink costs) or the SureColor F570.. If you are willing to go through the process of conversion, this printer is a great option for sublimation. It has several success stories and is renowned for beautiful and high-quality results. If you think you meet these criteria, you can find the printer here.
Summary
To wrap it up, the Epson ET-15000 is a versatile sublimation printer that offers a lot for the right user. It’s not the fastest, but it makes up for it with its print quality, ink efficiency, and the ability to handle a variety of print tasks. When you consider its sleek design, user-friendly features, and connectivity options, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite among sublimation enthusiasts.
Whether you’re starting a business or looking to upgrade your printing setup, the ET-15000 deserves consideration. It’s a printer that balances performance with cost, and while it may not win every race, it’s sure to cross the finish line with prints that impress every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Epson is best for sublimation?
The best Epson for sublimation would be the Eco Tank series. They are ideal for sublimation tables.
Can Epson EcoTank 15000 print 11×17?
Yes, the Epson EcoTank 15000 can print 11×17 borderless, full-color photos. Enjoy crisp images with up to 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution.
Can you convert Epson 15000 to DTF?
You can convert the Epson XP-15000 into a DTF printer with a few simple modifications. It’s known for its high-quality prints and cost-effectiveness, making it a great choice for DTF and sublimation printing.
Can the Epson ET-15000 handle borderless printing on large formats?
Yes, the Epson ET-15000 can handle borderless printing on large formats, making it ideal for creating seamless designs.
How does the ET-15000’s sublimation print quality compare to other printers?
The ET-15000 produces high-quality sublimation prints that are on par with other printers in its price range, with vibrant colors and excellent detail retention. You won’t be disappointed if you go for it!
