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Of all the questions received, we estimate that nearly half are related to printers and people asking our crew to specifically compare two models side by side. Lately, visitors have been asking what is the difference between the entry level Epson 15000 and the newer Epson 16500. And, ultimately, is the difference worth spending more money?
Before we get into the major difference and our opinion as to whether or not it is worth it, let’s familiarize ourselves with the ET 15000 and why it’s so popular for people who design and sell sublimated custom products.
Why Choose the Epson EcoTank 15000 for Sublimation?
First let’s have a friendly reminder that even though thousands of sublimators use Epson Eco Tank printers for sublimation, the printers are not made for that purpose…and Epson doesn’t offer the same support and warranty once we pour sub ink in the tanks.
That said, the most common for sublimation is probably the mighty little EcoTank 2720. It is a regular format printer capable of printing up to 8.5×14 inches. Below is a picture of the ET 2720 (great for sublimation) and you can click it to check pricing on amazon.
As for the Epson 15000, it is the basic, entry level, wide-format (13×19) “Eco Tank” that actually works as a sublimation printer. All you have to do is pour sublimation ink (purchased separately) into the big plastic tanks, instead of the pigment ink they provide when you buy the printer.
This is in stark contrast to other Epson wide format models 7710, 7720 etc., that also print 13×19, but require you to buy knock off empty cartridges, fill them with small amounts of sublimation ink and cross your fingers there are no chip reading issues or clogged lines.
So the reason sublimators love the ET 15000 is:
- The beauty of the Epson EcoTank line is: NO MORE CARTRIDGES!!!!
- The beauty if the Eco Tank 15000 is: 13X19 PRINTS!!!!
What is the Difference Between Epson ET 15000 and Epson ET 16500?
The 16500 has a larger touchpad screen and it has two paper trays instead of one. The biggest difference when it comes to sublimation is that 13×19 paper can fit inside the top paper tray of the 16500 but cannot fit inside the paper tray of the 15000. The 16500 also has simpler access to the ink tanks, but it’s not a huge factor.
There are other differences such as copy capabilities and scan capabilities, but really, when it comes to sublimation use, the biggest reason you might be swayed into paying more money for the 16500 is because you don’t want to print 13×19 paper one at a time via a rear paper feed.
If You Want 13 x 19 Paper to Fit Inside a Paper Tray then Choose Epson ET 16500
Is there anything more annoying than seeing blue specs after you sublimate your final image on a $12 baby blanket? Probably not.
One of the benefits of storing your sublimation paper inside an actual paper tray is that you will significantly reduce your chances of lint and dust destroying your finished product.
Both the ET 15000 and the ET 16500 allow you to print with 13 x 19 paper, but the ET 16500 makes it easier…not to mention, cleaner.
Filling ET 16500 Paper Trays with 13 x 19 Sublimation Paper
The Epson EcoTank 16500 will allow you to store and print 13 x 19 right from one of the two included paper trays, referred to as
- Cassette 1 (top tray)
- Cassette 2 (bottom tray)
Since most sublimators like to use the paper setting “Premium Presentation Matte” this optimal paper setting is only found in Cassette 1 which happens to allow 13×19 paper (called A3+)
Cassette 2 does can be reserved for plain paper for test prints and nozzle checks.
- Cassette 1 – Sublimation Paper up to 13×19
- Cassette 2 – Plain Paper up to 11×17
Paper Tray Sizing for ET 15000
The Maximum Paper Size you can insert/store into an ET 15000 paper tray is Legal (8.5 × 14 inches [216 × 356 mm]). That means 11×17 or 13×19 printing is done one sheet at a time in the rear paper feed.
Is having 13 x 19 Paper Tray Worth it for Sublimation?
Well yes, it is worth it, but is it worth a few hundred dollars more? The average ET 15000 is around $600 and the average ET 16500 is around $800. These are just estimates of course and prices fluctuate.
In our opinion, it’s worth it you can afford it. And it’s worth it if you are established, profitable, and have a solid stream of income and looking to score some deductions. Of course that’s only if you regularly use 13×19 sublimation paper. If you do not, then it’s definitely not worth it and you should consider a lower model Eco Tank like 2720-4700 etc.,
If you’re stretching dollars or you are brand new to sublimation, those few hundred dollars can go further elsewhere.
Conclusion
So folks, that is the major difference between the Epson ET 15000 and the Epson ET16500 when it comes to sublimation. Sure there are other differences like copy and scan features, but most of the differences have nothing to do with sublimation.
Also consider this: many times the Epson website has higher models for the same price as lower models. They are certified refurbished. It is very likely that you could score an Epson ET 16500 for the same cost of an Epson ET 15000 if you don’t mind a certified refurbished printer.
Something to keep in mind!