Epson EcoTank ET-2810 vs ET-2862: the short answer
For sublimation, the ET-2810 and ET-2862 print the same. Epson has discontinued the ET-2810 (and the ET-2814) and replaced it with the ET-2862, so the ET-2862 is the model to buy now. If you already own a converted ET-2810, there is no print quality reason to replace it.
What the two printers share
Both are A4 Epson EcoTank printers that print, scan and copy. Our product pages list the same specification for each:
| Feature | ET-2810 | ET-2862 |
|---|---|---|
| Print resolution | Up to 5,760 x 1,440 dpi | Up to 5,760 x 1,440 dpi |
| Borderless printing | Up to 10 x 15cm | Up to 10 x 15cm |
| Connections | USB, Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct | USB, Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct |
| Input tray | 100 sheets | 100 sheets |
| Maximum paper weight | 300gsm | 300gsm |
| Scan resolution | Up to 1,200 x 2,400 dpi | Up to 1,200 x 2,400 dpi |
| Size and weight | 375 x 347 x 179mm, 3.9kg | 375 x 347 x 179mm, 3.9kg |
| Status | Discontinued by Epson | Current model |
Both use Epson's piezoelectric print head and refillable ink tanks, which is what makes them suitable for sublimation. A transfer printed on an ET-2810 and one printed on an ET-2862 look the same once pressed.
Screen and double-sided printing
Some comparisons online say the ET-2862 adds a colour screen and automatic double-sided printing. That is not the case: both models use a control panel of buttons and status lights, and neither prints double-sided automatically. Double-sided printing makes no difference to sublimation anyway, because you only ever print on one side of the transfer paper.
Which one to buy
Buy the ET-2862 starter bundle. It is the model Epson currently sells, and we supply it either pre-converted, with sublimation ink already in the tanks, or bundled, with the ink and paper packed separately for you to set up. Orders for the ET-2810 bundle are upgraded to an ET-2862 free of charge, subject to stock.
The bigger differences in our range come from moving to a different class of printer: the ET-4856 for its 250-sheet tray and network connection, or an A3 model such as the ET-8550 for larger prints. Our best sublimation printer UK 2026 guide compares every model, and the ET-2810 vs ET-2850 comparison covers the other common entry-level choice.
What affects your results more than the model
Ink, paper and setup matter more than the choice between these two printers. Use sublimation ink and paper made to work together, install the ICC colour profile (see our setup guides for Windows and Mac), and print something every few days so the ink does not dry in the print head. Store transfer paper flat and dry, because damp paper curls during pressing. Refill ink and paper are in our sublimation ink, paper and consumables range.
If the print head does block, our guide to cleaning the print heads on the ET-2810, ET-2814 and ET-2862 takes you through it.