Epson EcoTank vs Sawgrass: The Real Cost Breakdown (Before You Buy)

Choosing between Epson EcoTank and Sawgrass isn’t just about price.

It’s about how you want to run your sublimation business.

One gives you lower startup cost and higher margins.
The other gives you structure, support, and predictability.

Let’s break this down in a way that actually helps you decide.

The Two Business Paths

Option 1: Converted Epson EcoTank (DIY Route)

This is the popular beginner move.

What it is:

• A regular inkjet printer converted to sublimation ink
• Uses third-party bulk ink
• No manufacturer sublimation support

Common models:

• Epson EcoTank ET-2800
• Epson EcoTank ET-15000

If you’re still unsure what printers truly work for sublimation before converting anything, this guide on what kind of printer is needed for sublimation clears that up fast.

Why people choose it:

• Low upfront investment
• Cheap ink cost per print
• Strong profit margins
• Huge online community support

The tradeoff:

• Warranty becomes void
• Requires regular maintenance
• Color management is manual

Option 2: Sawgrass (Purpose-Built Sublimation)

This is designed specifically for sublimation.

What it includes:

• Built-for-sublimation hardware
• Proprietary ink system
• CreativeStudio software
• Manufacturer-backed support

Popular models:

• Sawgrass SG500
• Sawgrass SG1000

If you want to compare other production-ready systems beyond these two brands, this overview of the best dye sublimation printers gives broader perspective.

Why businesses choose it:

• Stable color output
• Structured workflow
• Warranty coverage
• Fewer troubleshooting surprises

The tradeoff:

• Higher ink cost
• Higher startup cost
• Locked cartridge ecosystem

Year 1 Cost Breakdown

Here’s where the real comparison starts.

Cost Category	EcoTank (Converted)	Sawgrass
Printer Cost	$200–$700	$600–$1,500
Ink Setup	$50–$100	$300–$400
Ink Cost per ml	~$0.15–$0.25	~$1.00+
Warranty	Void after conversion	Included
Software	External design tools + ICC	CreativeStudio included
Maintenance	Manual cleaning required	Structured support
Long-Term Stability	Depends on usage habits	High

At first glance, EcoTank looks like the obvious winner.

But let’s dig deeper.

Hidden Costs Most People Ignore

1️⃣ Warranty Risk

With EcoTank:

• The moment you add sublimation ink, warranty is gone
• Print head fails, you pay
• Board fails, you pay

Before converting, it’s smart to review official documentation like these sublimation printer manufacturer manuals so you know exactly what you’re giving up.

With Sawgrass:

• Full manufacturer support
• Business-oriented service model
• Downtime risk is lower

If you’re fulfilling client orders, that matters.

2️⃣ Ink Cost Per Print

This is where margins shift.

EcoTank:

• Third-party bulk ink
• Around $0.15 to $0.25 per ml
• Refillable tanks

Sawgrass:

• Cartridge-based system
• Around $1.00+ per ml
• Locked ecosystem

That’s a massive difference over time.

If you print high volume daily, EcoTank margins are hard to ignore.

But inconsistent printing schedules increase clog risk.

If maintenance becomes frequent, knowing how to properly clean a sublimation printer head can directly save you money and frustration.

3️⃣ Maintenance & Downtime

EcoTank Reality:

• Must print regularly to prevent clogs
• Head cleanings waste ink
• Color calibration takes effort
• Higher learning curve

Sawgrass Reality:

• More consistent color out of the box
• Less manual troubleshooting
• More predictable workflow

If your time is valuable, chaos costs money.

4️⃣ Software & Workflow

Sawgrass includes:

• CreativeStudio
• Built-in color management
• Business templates

EcoTank requires:

• Photoshop, Canva, or similar
• Custom ICC profiles
• Manual adjustments

If you’re comfortable with design tools and ICC profiles, EcoTank is manageable.

If you want plug-and-play simplicity, Sawgrass wins here.

Cost Per Print Example (11oz Mug)

Let’s run simple math.

Assume 3ml of ink per mug design.

Printer	Ink Cost per ml	Ink per Mug	Total Ink Cost
EcoTank	$0.20	3ml	$0.60
Sawgrass	$1.00	3ml	$3.00

If you sell mugs for $20:

• EcoTank = much higher margin
• Sawgrass = tighter margin

But if one EcoTank clog ruins a $15 blank batch, savings shrink fast.

Who Should Choose EcoTank?

Choose EcoTank if:

• You’re testing sublimation
• Budget is limited
• You print consistently
• You’re comfortable troubleshooting
• Margins matter most

If you’re just starting out, reviewing options like the best sublimation printers for beginners under $500 can help you compare entry-level setups more clearly.

Avoid EcoTank if:

• You dislike maintenance
• You print inconsistently
• You run client contracts
• Downtime would hurt financially

Who Should Choose Sawgrass?

Choose Sawgrass if:

• You’re building a serious brand
• You need structured support
• You want stable color output
• Downtime would cost you money
• You plan to scale production

Avoid Sawgrass if:

• You prioritize maximum margins
• You print very high daily volume
• You’re comfortable managing technical issues

Quick Decision Framework

Ask yourself honestly:

• Do I print 3–4 times per week?
  • Yes → EcoTank works
  • No → Sawgrass is safer
• Would a 1-week printer failure hurt financially?
  • Yes → Sawgrass
  • No → EcoTank
• Am I comfortable managing ICC profiles?
  • Yes → EcoTank
  • No → Sawgrass
• Is this a side test or production business?
  • Test → EcoTank
  • Production → Sawgrass

Final Verdict

EcoTank is cheaper.
Sawgrass is safer.

If you’re optimizing for:

• Margin → EcoTank
• Stability → Sawgrass
• Lower learning curve → Sawgrass
• DIY flexibility → EcoTank
• Long-term production scaling → Sawgrass

Most beginners start with EcoTank.

Most established shops eventually move toward purpose-built systems.

So the real question isn’t which printer is better.

It’s what kind of business you’re building.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Epson EcoTank cheaper than Sawgrass for sublimation?

Yes. EcoTank printers have lower upfront and ink costs, but they require manual maintenance and void the warranty when converted.

Which printer is better for a sublimation business?

Sawgrass is better for long-term stability and warranty protection. EcoTank is better for higher profit margins if you are comfortable troubleshooting.

Does converting an EcoTank void the warranty?

Yes. Using third-party sublimation ink voids the manufacturer warranty.