Epson ET 15000 vs. 16500 | Best Pick For Sublimation 2024

Introduction

When it comes to sublimation printing, two models from Epson stand out as top contenders: the Epson ET 15000 and the Epson ET 16500. If you’re looking for the best sublimation printer that meets your needs, it’s essential to understand the key differences between these two impressive machines.

In this article, we’ll provide a quick rundown of the main features that set the Epson ET 15000 and the Epson ET 16500 apart. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of which printer is the ideal choice for your sublimation printing requirements.

Epson ET 15000 vs 16500 – What’s the Difference?

Our Top Pick
Epson EcoTank ET-15000

Epson EcoTank ET-15000

Specifications:

  • Brand: Epson
  • Color: White
  • Model Name: ET-15000

You may want to consider Epson ET 15000 if you’re looking for a low-cost option. The Epson ET 15000 uses 6 inks (cyan, yellow, magenta, black, light cyan, and light magenta). 

The Epson ET 15000 is a lower-end model, while the Epson ET 16500 is a higher-end model.

The Epson ET 15000 has a maximum print resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi, while the Epson ET 16500 has a maximum print resolution of 7220 x 2880 dpi.

Furthermore, the Epson ET 15000 uses 6 inks (cyan, yellow, magenta, black, light cyan, and light magenta). The Epson ET 16500 uses 8 inks (cyan, yellow, magenta, black, light cyan, light magenta, orange, and red).

However, the Epson ET 15000 has a maximum paper size of 8.5” x 44”, while the Epson ET 16500 has a maximum paper size of 13” x 19”.

The Epson ET 15000 has a print speed of up to 8.5 pages per minute (ppm) for black-and-white prints and up to 4 ppm for color prints, while the Epson ET 16500 has a print speed of up to 11 ppm for black-and-white prints and up to 5.5 ppm for color prints.

So, which Epson printer is better for you – the Epson ET 15000 or Epson ET 16500?

Our Top Pick
Epson ET-16500

Epson ET-16500

Specifications:

  • Brand: Epson
  • Special Feature: Wireless
  • Model Name: C11CF49203

However, if you need a higher quality print and a faster print speed, the Epson ET 16500 may be the better choice. 

You may want to consider Epson ET 15000 if you’re looking for a low-cost option. However, if you need a higher quality print and a faster print speed, the Epson ET 16500 may be the better choice.

How is Epson EcoTank 15000 better than other sublimation tanks?

Read Also: Epson 2800 Vs Epson 2803

The Epson Eco Tank printers are not designed to be used for sublimation, even though thousands of sublimations use them. Once we add sub ink to the tanks, Epson does not provide the same level of support and warranty.

It is, however, viral for sublimation to use the mighty little EcoTank 2720 as the most commonly used sublimation tank. This printer has several features, such as its ability to print documents up to 8.5 x 14 inches in size.

The Epson 15000 is a high-quality, entry-level, wide-format (13X19) “Eco Tank” that can be used as a sublimation printer, although it is primarily a wide-format device. 

To make the sublimation printer work, you need to use sublimation ink (which can be purchased separately) instead of the pigment ink the printer comes with when you buy it.

The printing on this Epson wide format model contrasts with other Epson wide format models such as the 7710, 7720, and 7900, which print approximately 13*19. 

Still, their cartridges are knock-offs filled with small amounts of sublimation ink, and you hope there are no chip issues or lines clogged.

The ET 15000 is loved by sublimation lovers because:

  • Epson EcoTanks offer the advantage of NO MORE CARTRIDGES!!!!
  • A great feature of the Eco Tank 15000 is its 13X19 PRINTS!!!

How Long Can Epson ET 15000 Print?

With its rear-feed tray and automatic document feeder, this all-in-one can print and scan documents up to 8.5″ x 14″. 

If either the ink bottle set included in the printer or the replacement ink bottle set is used, you can print for up to two years.

Choose the Epson ET 16500 if you want paper measuring 13 by 19 inches to fit within a paper tray:

Is there anything more frustrating than finding blue specks after you’ve sublimated your final picture on a baby blanket that only cost you twelve dollars? Almost certainly not.

If you store your sublimation paper inside an actual paper tray, you will dramatically lower the risk of lint and dust ruining your completed product. 

A paper tray is one of the benefits of keeping your sublimation paper inside.

You can print on 13 x 19 paper with either the ET 15000 or the ET 16500, but the ET 16500 makes the process far simpler and more hygienic. So, in comparison between Epson ET 15000 vs. 16500, 16500 looks better.

Putting Sublimation Paper measuring 13 by 19 inches into ET 16500 Paper Trays;

You’ll be able to save and print 13 x 19 photographs directly from one of the two paper trays that come with the Epson EcoTank 16500. There are two types of paper trays:

  • Cassette 1 (top tray)
  • Cassette 2 (bottom tray)

Because most sublimation chooses to utilize the “Premium Presentation Matte” paper option, the ideal paper setting can only be found in Cassette 1, which also happens to be capable of handling 13×19 paper (also known as A3+).

Putting Cassette 2 aside for printing test patterns and doing nozzle inspections on plain paper is possible.

  • Cassette 1: Paper for sublimation up to 13 x 19 inches
  • Tape number 2 is for plain paper up to 11 x 17 inches.

Typical Paper Tray Dimensions for the ET 15000

Legal paper, which measures 8.5 inches by 14 inches (216 millimeters by 356 millimeters), is the largest size that can be loaded into or stored in an ET 15000 paper tray. 

That indicates that printing on 11 x 17 or 13 x 19 paper is done one sheet at a time in the back paper feed of the printer.

Is it Worth having a Paper Tray 13 x 19 for Sublimation?

However, the question is whether or not it is worthwhile to spend a few hundred dollars extra on it. 

The standard deviation of the ET 15000 is around $600, whereas the standard deviation of the ET 16500 is approximately $800. Of course, these are estimates, and the costs might change at any time.

We believe you should spend the money if you can do so. It is also worthwhile if your company is well-established, lucrative, and has a steady stream of money. Which are prerequisites for pursuing tax deductions.

Naturally, this is only the case if you often work with sublimation paper measuring 13 by 19. If you do not, then it is without a doubt not worth it. And you need to think about purchasing a less expensive model of Eco Tank, such as 2720-4700, etc.

If you are starting with sublimation or trying to make your money go as far as possible. So, those few hundred dollars might be better spent elsewhere.

Is Purchasing an Epson EcoTank a cost-effective option?

Epson’s EcoTank ET-2800 is an excellent choice for a printer for educational institutions. 

Because of its exceptionally low cost-per-print and highly high-yielding super tank ink system, maintaining the printer does not need significant money.

It is possible that you will not even need to purchase more ink over the whole of your educational program.

Are images printed on EcoTank printers of a high enough quality?

The EcoTank Photo ET-8550 will be the sole printer I will use for both images and paperwork from now on. Besides standard commercial printing, the EcoTank Picture can provide high-volume/low-cost photo creation (and other creative output).

What are the main differences between the Epson ET 15000 and the Epson ET 16500?

The main difference lies in their print sizes, with the Epson ET 15000 supporting up to A3+ prints and the Epson ET 16500 accommodating larger A3 prints.

Can both the Epson ET 15000 and the Epson ET 16500 handle sublimation printing?

Yes, both printers are capable of sublimation printing, offering high-quality results for your sublimation projects.

Which printer is more suitable for standard-sized prints?

The Epson ET 15000 is well-suited for standard-sized prints, providing excellent detail and color accuracy up to A3+ size.

Is the Epson ET 16500 a good choice for large-format sublimation printing?

Absolutely! The Epson ET 16500 is designed to handle larger prints up to A3 in size, making it an ideal choice for impactful designs on larger substrates.

Can I find certified refurbished options for both the Epson ET 15000 and the Epson ET 16500?

Yes, Epson often offers certified refurbished printers on their website, allowing you to potentially purchase either model at a more affordable price point.

How do I decide which printer is the best fit for my sublimation printing needs?

Consider factors such as the size of your printing projects and your budget. If you primarily work with standard-sized prints, the Epson ET 15000 may be sufficient. However, if you require larger-format prints, the Epson ET 16500 would be the better choice.

Final Verdict:

Essentially, this is the primary difference between the two printers when it comes to the sublimation process of the Epson ET 15000 and the Epson ET 16500. I want to thank you for taking the time to read this.

Although there are additional distinctions, such as copy and scan functions. The vast majority of these distinctions have little to do with the sublimation process.

Also, something to keep in mind is that the Epson website often sells higher-end versions at the same price as lower-end ones. They have been reconditioned to a certified standard.

An Epson ET 16500 can be purchased for the same price as an Epson ET 15000 if you want to buy a certified refurbished printer.

Mark Bryant