Hello, I have been trying to do a lot of research on edible imanges/ink/printers. I have a canon pixma mp780. It is a scanner/printer/fax all in one. I use it for work and it was not cheap. It uses 5 cartridges. From what I can tell, the canon edible 5 cartridge edible ink set is compatible. Does anyone else use this printer for edible images? What are your thoughts. The last thing I want to do, is use edible ink in this thing and break it. I would also be buying the cleaning cartriges. Thank for any thoughts that you may have.

You shouldn't use a printer that has had ink in it for edible images, it will contaminate your image and the cake. You would need to purchase a new printer dedicated only for the purpose of edible images. Here's a link that might help you. http://www.cakecentral.com/article59-Edible-Images-Chapter-1---The-Basics.html#alreadyowncanon

From what I understand in reading some posts over the last couple of days is that you cannot use a used printer for edible images...the printer must be brand new. I could be wrong though; this is just what I remember reading.

HTH's!
Karen

That is why I love this site. Thank you for your advice. I will try and find a cheaper printer to use only for my cakes. Any suggestions? I know a lot are being discontinued.

The link I posted also has a list of printers that are compatible. I got mine on ebay and it was very reasonable so you might check there. I read that a lot of the canons have been discontinued. You can also do a search in the forms for edible images as there was a recent post and a lot of discussion on the printers.

Epson is the only printer that can be reused as an edible printer per kopykake information. They are recommending buying used if you can't or do not want to spend the money for a new one.

Because Epson has an ink tank instead of sponges like Canon, you can do a deep cleaning and print off and you are set to go without the worry of contamination.

HTH

Here's a link to epson printers, they are having a clearance sale http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/BuyEpson/ccHome.jsp?oid=0&ref=s0002BUenp Happy shopping!

Hi Sharon,

Which one did you get?

I bought the ebson 4800cx for $89 at an office supply store. You should be able to get it cheaper in the US since everythng here cost more in Canada.

Even with an Epson, you should start with a new printer. It's the print head/internal components that become contaminated. Both Canon and Epson printers use tanks/sponges. If you can, start with a new Canon.

I am on my 4th Canon and hate canon, I have had trouble with all of them. I will be trying the Epson next/soon. I don't reccommend Canon!!!!!
mpc

mypastrychef, what type of issues did you have using the canon printer?

I have the epson cx4200 and love it. Got it on ebay for under $70

well it looks like i can't find any of the dicontinued canon printers anywhere. i am thinking about the epson c88. anyone have and use that one?

I just won the Epson CX4800 on ebay. Can anyone here who has the Epson tell me please where you buy your edible ink and cleaning solution? I went to Sugarcraft where they sell the Epson edible ink but everytime I try to place an order, I get an error message. That's the way it is on anything on that sight that I try to order. Not sure what's going on there. Thanks so much...
Margie

I bought my ink cartridges for the epson at Kopykakes. I don't think they have cleaning solution for the epson though.

Thanks so much Tiggy2. Can you think of anything else that I would need to purchase other than the frosting sheets and the ink? Again, thank you so very much...
Margie

I can't think of anything else but here's a link to a site where you can download free software for your edible images http://deco.uk.com/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=98&func=select&id=1 Have fun with your new printer!

If you buy the Epson, and you refill your own ink cartridges, be sure to buy the chip resetter from Kopykake - you will need it - the printer doesn't recognize the cartridge unless you reset it and therefore won't print.

I got this info from someone in the RBA.
mpc

Epson and Canon are both inkjet printers and operate in the same way with a couple important differences. Aside from having chipped cartridges and wasting large amounts of ink, Epson printers don't allow you to remove the print head for cleaning like a Canon does. Once the print head on your Epson gets a stubborn clog (common with edible inks), the entire printer will need to be replaced. If you purchased one of the Epson printers, I think you can still join the class action lawsuit against them. You may be able to get some of your $ back. HTH

lawsuit please tell us more

Is there anyone out there who uses an Epson for their edible images that would like to share their experience with using this printer?

I have an epson and so far have good luck with it, but I've only had it a few months. I'd also be interested in information on the lawsuit. Does it cover any particular models or all of them?

Tiggy2 - About how many edible images would you say that you've printed in the few months that you've had it? Yea, I too would love to know more about the law suit... Thanks so much!!

I'm guessing about 12 images and have had no problems so far. I have the CX4200

Well, hopefully, Tiggy2, we won't have any problems. I'm supposed to receive my CX4800 by the end of next week. I wonder if we should get that chip resetter. They do have many up on ebay at a much lower price than Kopykake. I don't think that I would be refilling the cartridges though because I haven't seen any Epson edible ink refills so I guess I really wouldn't need it OK, thanks again.
Margie

Margie,

kopykake carries the refillable inks for Epson.

I just noticed that you are from Hampton. I have family there about 20 minutes from the University.