Epson EcoTank ET-2810 vs ET-2862: What's Actually Different?
If you've been looking at Epson EcoTank printers for sublimation and spotted both the ET-2810 and the ET-2862, you've probably wondered what separates them. The model numbers are close, the printers look similar, and the price gap isn't enormous. So what are you actually getting for the extra money?
The short answer is convenience features. The print engine and output quality are identical between the two. The differences are all about the user experience around that print engine. Here's a full breakdown so you can decide which one makes sense for your setup.
What the ET-2810 and ET-2862 Have in Common
Both printers use the same Micro Piezo print head and produce output at up to 5760 x 1440 dpi. For sublimation work, this is the number that matters most, and it's the same on both machines. Your sublimation prints will look identical whether they come out of an ET-2810 or an ET-2862. Same colour accuracy, same level of detail, same ink coverage.
Both are EcoTank models, which means refillable ink tanks rather than cartridges. This makes them ideal for sublimation because you can fill them with sublimation ink from the start and benefit from the low running costs that the tank system provides. Both accept the same ink bottle format, both have the same tank capacity, and both will give you the same number of prints per fill.
They're also both A4 printers with scan and copy functions. The physical footprint is similar, and both connect via USB and standard Wi-Fi.
Where the ET-2862 Differs
The ET-2862 is essentially the same printer with a handful of upgrades aimed at making daily use a bit smoother. If you've seen the ET-2850, the ET-2862 is very closely related. It's the same specification sold through different retail channels under a different model number.
The most visible difference is the screen. The ET-2810 has a small monochrome LCD, which displays basic status information and menu options through simple icons and text. The ET-2862 has a colour LCD screen that's easier to read and makes navigating settings, checking ink levels, and running maintenance tasks more intuitive. It's not a touchscreen on either model, but the colour display on the ET-2862 is noticeably more user-friendly.
The ET-2862 also supports Wi-Fi Direct. This lets you print from a phone, tablet, or laptop without both devices needing to be on the same Wi-Fi network. The printer creates its own direct connection. For most home users on a single network this won't matter much, but it's useful if your Wi-Fi is unreliable or if you want to print from a device that isn't connected to your router.
The third difference is automatic duplex printing. The ET-2862 can print on both sides of a sheet without you needing to manually flip the paper and feed it through again. This is handy for everyday document printing, though it's largely irrelevant for sublimation work since you'll almost always be printing single-sided transfers.
Which One Should You Choose for Sublimation?
For sublimation specifically, the print quality argument is a non-issue. Both printers will produce the same results on sublimation paper. The same temperatures, the same transfer quality, the same colour vibrancy on your finished blanks. If you're buying purely for sublimation and want to keep costs as low as possible, the ET-2810 does everything you need.
The ET-2862 makes more sense if you plan to use the printer for general household printing as well as sublimation, or if you simply prefer a more polished user experience. The colour screen is genuinely easier to work with when you're checking ink levels or running head cleaning cycles, and Wi-Fi Direct can be convenient if you sometimes design on a tablet and want to print directly from it.
The price difference between the two is typically around 20 to 40 pounds. It's not a large gap, so the decision really comes down to whether those convenience features are worth it to you.
Both Available as Starter Bundles
If you'd rather skip the conversion process entirely, both printers are available from Sublishop as pre-converted sublimation starter bundles. These come already filled with sublimation ink, along with sublimation paper and everything else you need to start printing transfers straight away. You can find the ET-2810 starter bundle here and the ET-2862 starter bundle here.
A starter bundle saves you the time and potential mess of draining factory ink and refilling with sublimation ink yourself. Both bundles are tested before dispatch, so you know the printer is producing correct colours from day one.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ET-2810 | ET-2862 |
|---|---|---|
| Print resolution | 5760 x 1440 dpi | 5760 x 1440 dpi |
| Display | Mono LCD | Colour LCD |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes + Wi-Fi Direct |
| Auto duplex | No | Yes |
| Sublimation print quality | Identical | Identical |
| Ink tank system | Yes | Yes |
Both are solid choices for sublimation printing. The ET-2810 is the straightforward, budget-friendly option. The ET-2862 adds a few features that make everyday use more comfortable without changing anything about the print quality itself. Pick whichever fits your budget and preferences, and you'll get excellent sublimation results from either.