Last Updated on April 23, 2024 by Fredrick Miller
The regular sublimation printers available in the market that are best for lower level business.
But when it comes to printing, scanning, or faxing large sheets of paper with high quality graphics, they do not give the expected results.
It is where the wide-format sublimation printer comes into demand
Epson Expression XP-15000
Epson EcoTank ET-15000
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
So, I am here with 5 of the best wide format sublimation printers that will help you get high printing quality even on large sheets or banners.
Before anything you should have to learn how to use sublimation printers and then think what actually a wide format printer is?
A printer that prints on huge paper, which can be as wide as two feet and as long as 15 feet, is referred to as a wide format printer.
Most of these printers use Inkjet technology to print on various media, including fine polished chrome paper for banners and advertisements.
The efficiency and productivity of wide format printers are well-known.
They’re essential for graphic- and photo-heavy posters and banners because of their capacity to produce high-quality images and clear text.
Beginners in wide-format printing must know which factors to consider while buying one. Your selected one must be up to your business demands.
For that, you should also consider reading buying guide. So, without any delay, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Best Wide Format Sublimation Printer
Image | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Epson Eco Tank Photo ET-8550 | Connectivity: Wireless Printing Technology: Inkjet Special Feature: Double Sided Scanning |
Check Price | |
Epson EcoTank ET-15000 | Connectivity: Wi-Fi Printing Technology: Inkjet Special Feature: Auto-Duplex |
Check Price | |
Epson Workforce Pro WF-7840 | Connectivity: Wireless Printing Technology: Inkjet Wide-Format Printing: up to 13″ x 19″ |
Check Price | |
Epson SureColor P700 | Connectivity: Wi-Fi Printing Technology: Inkjet Special Feature: Network-Ready |
Check Price | |
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 | Connectivity Technology: Ethernet Printing Technology: Inkjet Special Feature: Auto-Duplex |
Check Price |
1. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Best Epson Wide Format Printer For Sublimation
People looking for a printer with highly accurate printing that delivers brilliant colors and fine text for lab-quality pictures, logos, and artistic tasks must stop their research here.
Because I will introduce you to the one who can do an excellent job for you.
If you are a passionate artist or love the printing tasks, Epson’s new model of photo printers is a good option for you.
Packaging and Delivery:
When it comes to the packaging of the Epson Eco Tank printer, it was well packaged. When I received my printer, it was covered with tape and other protectives to avoid any breakage.
Also, the shipping was on time. After placing an order, I received mine in just 2-3 days.
Setup
I found the initial setup of Epson ET-8550 very much more straightforward than other ones. The setup is through a Smart Panel application that is easy to run.
During the procedure, The touchscreen was requested to scan a QR code to install the Epson Smart Panel app during the first setup.
Afterward, you can connect it through a wired connection or wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Because the application guides you through the procedure, this is the more straightforward process to initiate the setup.
Connectivity:
Like most Epson Eco tan, the ET-8550 also supports wireless connection or wired.
It includes connection via:
- Ethernet
- Wi-Fi
- SD Card
- You can also connect your printer with any Android or iOS anywhere via the Epson Smart Panel App.
Design:
The build quality of ET-8550 is excellent. It is available in modern white color that looks very decent yet gorgeous in any office setup.
Although Epson 8550 supports wide format printing, it is not so big compared to its functions.
Even if you are using the rear paper feed and the front one, it can easily be accommodated on a table.
Moreover, most of its parts are made up of plastic material. The front and the rear trays move well, without any hindrance.
Cartridge Free Printing:
One of the most significant advantages of the Epson photo printer is that it uses inkjet technology. It doesn’t make use of cartridges for printing.
After buying a printer, one must consider the cartridge’s cost. But, ET-8550 uses ink instead of cartridges.
It comes with enough ink to print up to 6200 coloring pages. In this way, you can save up to 80% of the printer’s running costs.
Even the ink replacement set is almost equal to the 100 ink cartridges. A big deal!
Printing Quality:
Most importantly, the Epson Et-8550 prints, scans, and fax papers with high efficiency. Also, the speed of printing is increased.
For example, it can print a 4 x 6″ photo in less than 15 seconds.
It also supports borderless printing up to 13″ by 19″ on paper, CD/DVDs, and other specific materials up to 1.3 mm thick.
Moreover, it has an auto two-sided printing technology. You can also change the format in settings.
Sheet Capacity:
The primary paper tray can take a maximum of 100 A4 sheets. And the second one can take just 20 sheets of photo paper.
At the same time, the rear feed tray can accommodate up to 50 A3 sheets.
Downfalls:
The only downfall I found in this sublimation printer is its high initial cost compared to other printers.
Otherwise, it is an excellent model for printing graphics on multiple objects with much ease.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
All in all, I found the ET-8550 printer highly suitable for my business. Once you spend some extra money on this printer, you can rest and enjoy printing, saving money.
2. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 All-in-One Supertank Printer
Next on my list is another Epson sublimation printer specialized in wide-format printing that is unique on its own- a whole package.
Those tired of using and replacing ink cartridges can now choose Epson EcoTank, which has large-sized ink tanks, enabling convenient and straightforward cartridge-free printing.
Epson ET-15000 is one of the best wide format eco tank sublimation printers. It is because of its efficiency in wide format printing.
Now you can print large paper dimensions with much ease in high graphics and clear text. With this sublimation printer, you can print on t-shirts, mugs, and many other materials.
Sheet Capacity and Connectivity:
The paper capacity of Epson ET-15000 is 250 sheets, including one front tray and a rear feed for a technical paper.
Moreover, its automatic document feeder technology can scan up to 8.5″ x 14″ inches through the rear-feed tray.
You can connect it with wired networks, ethernet, and WIFI direct. It also works with Alexa.
Quality Printing:
Using inkjet technology, this sublimation printer is versatile as it can print, scan, fax, and copy with high efficiency.
It can print high quality graphics and sharp text on the paper size of 13 x 19 Inches.
One of the most revolutionary and advanced things about the Epson ET-15000 is that it produces bright prints. Yes!
Now you can get colorful images very quickly using this all-in-one sublimation printer.
With Epson ET-15000, you can create borderless printing up to 11″ x 17″ inches of paper. It also features automatic duplex printing. You can also copy about 99 pages of size 8.5” x 14”.
Cartridge Free Printing:
Most importantly, it enables cartridge-free printing. There are supersized ink tanks; once they are empty, it is effortless and economical to replace them.
Low Running Cost:
Moreover, you may save up to 90% on ink with low-cost replacement bottles.
Compared to ink cartridges, the ink tanks cost as little as 1 cent for each color ISO page against 20 cents with ink cartridges.
Once the ink tanks are installed, you can print for up to 2 years without worries.
Also, you can print up to 6000 pages with each replacement ink set. According to an estimate, it equals the 80 cartridges.
So, you see, it is very economical to use ink tanks compared to cartridges. And, you do not have to worry about the wattage of the cartridge during its usage.
Downfalls:
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 does not support duplex scanning.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
Epson ET-15000 is an efficient printer that produces bright and beautiful color prints. It’s an excellent gift for craft lovers and small businesses. If you can afford it, go for it as it is highly worth it!
If you want to read an in-depth review of EcoTank ET-15000 check this review: Epson Ecotank 15000 Sublimation Printer Review
3. Epson Workforce Pro WF-7840 All-in-One Wide-Format Printer
Another of the best sublimation printer and heat press bundles with wide format printing is WF-7840.
Being a multifunctional inkjet printer, it creates fine wide format prints.
Offering double-sided printing in a large sheet size of up to 13″ x 19″, it provides the best experience of printing, scanning, faxing, and copying- a complete quality package.
Design and Build Quality:
The Epson Workforce Pro WF-7840 is made up of durable plastic and has superb built quality and layout.
It contains two front-facing paper trays and a back-facing feeder, with width adjusters to handle various paper sizes.
Moreover, it allows for easy accessibility to paper jams and ink cartridges, but it requires that the printer be turned on to replace the cartridges.
The scanner’s cover remains open by itself, and you can also raise the hinge high sufficiently to scan heavier materials.
Inks and Cartridges:
The cartridge mechanism on the Epson WF-7840 is merely adequate. It doesn’t produce a lot of black ink pages if you use best sublimation ink, so you’ll have to replace it frequently.
However, you will not have to replace the color cartridges as much because it prints more color pages, although this varies on how often you print in color.
High-yield versions of the cartridges are also available, which last longer.
You can’t print in color if either of the color cartridges is blank; similarly, you can’t print in color if the black ink cartridge is vacant.
Consider the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 if you need a wide-format printer with larger page yields.
The flushing ink maintenance box is freely reachable from within the printer; however, it must be replaced when it is complete.
Printing Speed:
25 pages per minute
Resolution:
The standard scanner resolution of Pro WF-7840 is 200 DPI, which is sufficient for textual documents.
You can, though, boost the resolution to 1200 DPI whenever you need to enlarge your pictures.
Running Cost:
The cost-per-print is relatively low. The expenses remain small with time, but they can rapidly pile up if you print in color frequently.
Check out the Epson SureColor P700 Printer if you’re looking for a printer with a substantially reduced cost-per-print.
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840 produces excellent photo prints. There is some banding in grey areas, but it provides superb detail overall.
If you need a wide-format printer but want better-looking images, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a good option.
Connectivity Options:
It has a wide range of connectivity options. While it lacks Bluetooth connectivity, you can print securely using Wi-Fi and straight from a USB drive using the front connection.
You can connect the Epson Workforce WF-7840 via;
- Wi-Fi Direct
- Ethernet
- Mopria Print Service
- USB Input To Computer
- Apple AirPrint
- Wi-Fi via Router
- External Storage Support
Downfalls:
The Epson Workforce WF-7840 does not support connection via Bluetooth.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
All in all, it is a pretty affordable wide format printer with high printing speed. For color printing, this printer has a high running cost.
4. Epson SureColor P700 Best Value Sublimation Printer Wide Format Inkjet
The Epson SureColor P700 is a high-end home photography printer that claims to be of professional grade.
At the same time, the Epson is simple to set up and use, with minimal restrictions on the print medium and size that the user can utilize to make up their design.
With these quality features, one could assume a comparable price, and one would not be wrong. it is among the cheapest cost per print at $0.37
Inks and Printing Quality:
The all-new UltraChrome PRO10 Ink with Violet delivers a wide color range for brilliant and rich shades, resulting in exceptional picture quality and color.
Now, you do not need to convert between Photo and Matte Black inks because both forms of black ink have separate nozzles.
The Epson SureColor P700 Printer features New MicroPiezo AMC printhead technology with 10 channels that reliably produce prints with exceptional speed, reliability, and clarity.
And this printer is only compatible with Epson cartridges.
So, this is what we mean when I say that this printer is exceptional among its competitors in creating high picture quality.
It features the New Carbon Black Driver Technology. Hence, this mode improves Dmax substantially for best-in-class black densities on smooth surfaces.
Also, the prints created with this printer are durable. One of the tests proved that the color prints could last up to 200 years, and black and white prints are probably 400 years.
Media Handling and Maintenance:
The P700 Printer features professional media handling support during printing.
With that saying, it supports Epson Professional, Trademark Capable, along with the Legacy papers and third-party media. It provides this support both in rolls and sheets up to 1.5 mm thickness.
Comparison with the Preceding Model:
In comparison with the forerunner, the Epson SureColor P700 Printer is simple to use.
There’s a 4.3″ configurable touchscreen, Wi-Fi connectivity, and an inside LED light to ensure quick and easy control. Also, the build design is about 23% smaller than the preceding generation.
Connectivity:
The SureColor P700 inkjet wide format printer supports Wi-Fi connectivity.
Sheet Capacity:
Considering the thickness of your materials, the top tray can handle from 1 to 30 pieces of paper.
The P-700 uses a single top load tray for all paper, without the need for a separate fine art tray. Moreover, you can move in or out of the grey guides depending on the sheet size.
Make sure these only touch the paper and don’t press down on it. A plastic grating continues up from the tray entrance to support larger sizes.
Resolution:
The standard scanner resolution of P-700 is 5760 x 1440 DPI, sufficient for textual documents.
Running Cost:
When it comes to the running cost of the Epson P-700 printer, it is quite affordable and cheap. The average price per page is about $0.37, much less than its competitors.
Also, considering the buying price of this printer is somewhat high, but not out of proportion to what one gets in exchange for the money.
Downfalls:
It has small ink cartridges.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
The Epson SureColor P700 Printer is one of the best affordable wide-format sublimation printers with less buying cost and a low running cost.
Nevertheless, you can get high-quality results in a reasonable range.
5. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Best Wide Format Printer For Dye Sublimation
Next on my list of the best consumer-grade super tabloid inkjet photo printer is the Epson XP-15000 Wide-Format printer.
The XP-15000 features improved paper-handling features and connection options and a more updated, easy to use, and navigate operating interface.
That is enough to classify this model as our best choice for wide-format consumer-grade photograph printers.
Set Up:
When it comes to the installation and setup of the Epson XP-15000 printer, it is simple and takes just about 15 minutes.
The package includes an instruction sheet with the printer that guides you to Epson’s Singapore website.
On the website, you have to enter the model number for the printer and then abide by the presented step-by-step commands after removing the multiple strands of packing tape and putting the power cable into the main supply.
Build Quality and Design:
Further, this printer has an aesthetic design and high build quality. Compared with its predecessors, it is light in weight yet compact and durable. Most of it is made up of plastic.
Also, it is an ultra-compact wide-format A3 plus printer with a 30 percent smaller design. Due to its small design, you can realistically fit it on your desktop.
Moreover, like the latest models in the Workforce and EcoTank ranges, the XP-15000 involves a tilting control panel with an LCD screen.
A cassette for plain A4 papers and a rear feed slot for central loading. This cassette has adjustable sliders for easy handling. Here you can also use papers larger than A4 size.
Sheet Capacity:
The maximum capacity of the cassette is 200 sheets of plain A4 paper.
However, if you use Epson photo quality inkjet paper, it can hold 80 sheets. It is because the Epson paper is thinner than regular photo paper.
The rear tray can handle 50 sheets for specialist media, such as cardstock.
Connectivity Options:
You can connect the Epson XP-15000 printer via;
- Ethernet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi Direct
- USB Direct
- Third-party connections
- Connection to android or iOS via the Creative Print App
Inks and Cartridges:
Epson printing systems are designed to work with Epson Genuine Cartridges. The use of non-genuine ink may result in damage not covered by the printer’s limited warranty.
Now you do not have to worry about running out of ink anymore. This printer features a Dash Replenishment; once activated, it maintains track of your ink usage.
Borderless Printing:
Now, get beautiful borderless printing up to 13 inches X 19 inches in excellent ultra HD picture quality.
It also includes Red and grey inks in each Claria picture HD ink for an extra broad color gamut and improved black and white prints.
Moreover, it supports borderless printing on paper sizes ranging from 4 inches X 6 inches to 13 inches X 19 inches.
Printing Speed:
This printer’s printing speed is less than others; it is ten pages per minute. But it does support double-sided printing and automatic duplex technology.
However, it can print 4″ x 6″ borderless photos in less than 27 seconds.
Downfalls:
One of the downfalls I experienced with this printer is that it has a low printing speed.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
All in all, the Epson XP-15000 printer is a suitable printer for graphic designers and small businesses.
Although it has less speed, it creates the most high-quality pictures. That is all a designer needs, no matter how long it takes.
Best Wide Format Sublimation Printer Buying Guide For 2024
All the factors, including the positives and the negatives that you need to consider while buying a sublimation printer, are already discussed under the Factors to consider while buying the best sublimation printer.
We will get to know what other things to keep in mind while buying a wide format sublimation printer. These are as follows:
Printing Size:
It is the primary demand for a wide format printer- actually, here comes the wide-format sublimation printers in need.
Regular value printers are unable to print on large sheets of paper.
What we mean by the printing size is the dimensions of the paper a printer can print, copy, fax, or scan. So, while buying, you must consider the printing size.
Most of these printers support printing up to 13″ by 19″. Also, consider the two-sided printing options and borderless printing if these are your demands.
Printers From Top Brands:
It is essential to choose printers from the top brand. Because printers from top brands have warranties, they also ensure quality packaging and delivery.
In this regard, you can consider Epson as one of the most recognized brands of sublimation printers.
Sheet Capacity of Printer:
Consider the sheet capacity of printers according to the required demands of your business.
If you need a printer daily with high printing output, you should consider one with a high sheet capacity to save your time.
If you are looking for a sublimation printer with high sheet capacity, you can consider the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 All-in-One Supertank Printer as it has 250 sheets capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the best large format sublimation printer?
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format Color printer is one of the best wide-format sublimation printers.
What is the average cost of a sublimation printer?
The average price of a sublimation printer is $600.
Which wide format sublimation printer is best for graphic designing?
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wide-Format Printer is highly suitable for graphic designing.
What is the best affordable wide-format sublimation printer?
Epson Workforce Pro Wide-Format Printer is quite affordable compared to others in this range.
Which wide format printer is best for sublimation?
Epson SureColor P700 and Epson Expression XP-15000 are considered the best wide format printers for sublimation due to their high-quality output and wide color gamut.
What is the best brand for sublimation?
Epson and Sawgrass are considered the best brands for sublimation printers due to their high-quality output and wide color gamut.
Which Epson wide format printers can be converted to sublimation?
Epson SureColor F570, F570, SureColor P600 and SureColor P800 are Epson wide format printers that can be converted to sublimation.
Final Verdict
Concluding, wide format sublimation printers are in high demand these days.
Most of them vary in printing size, sheet capacity, and speed per print. All of the Epson printers are actually of high quality.
Moreover, if you want a complete package covering all the aspects of sublimation printing and supporting your business, you can also consider Epson WorkForce WF-7720 Wireless Wide-format Color Inkjet Printer.
Fredrik Miller is the Founder of PrinterLake.com, a platform dedicated to providing information on sublimation printing. With a Master’s degree in Information Technology from Reputed University, Fredrik brings a wealth of technical knowledge and expertise to the site.
He leads a team of writers who are experts in the field and strive to deliver the best and most comprehensive information on sublimation printers, inks, and paper.