Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650 Review – Savings & Performance

Introduction

In today’s demanding work environments, many struggle with the escalating costs of ink, the frustration of slow print speeds, and the limitations of standard printer capabilities. Whether you’re a small business owner, a creative professional, or a home office enthusiast, these challenges can significantly impact productivity and profitability. The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650 aims to address these pain points head-on, offering a wide-format, supertank printing solution that promises high-volume, low-cost operation and a host of productivity-enhancing features.

Overview

The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650 is a powerhouse of a wireless, wide-format all-in-one printer designed for professionals and demanding home users. Unlike traditional cartridge-based printers, the ET-16650 leverages Epson’s innovative EcoTank system, using refillable ink tanks to dramatically reduce printing costs and waste. Boasting PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology and DURABrite pigment-based inks, this printer delivers crisp, vibrant prints up to 13” x 19”, catering to a range of tasks from marketing materials and presentations to large-format photography and document printing. Its 4.3” color touchscreen and hands-free voice-activated printing elevate the user experience, while its robust paper handling capabilities, including a 500-sheet front tray and rear specialty paper feed, ensures seamless operation even under heavy workloads. It’s an ideal solution for those seeking high-volume, professional-quality printing with unparalleled cost savings.

Features

High-Yield Ink Tank System

The EcoTank Pro ET-16650’s refillable ink tanks are the heart of its cost-saving performance. Each replacement ink set yields up to 7,500 pages in black and 6,000 pages in color (2), significantly reducing long-term printing expenses compared to traditional cartridge printers. This feature minimizes waste and contributes to a more environmentally friendly printing process, ultimately lowering your carbon footprint.

PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology

PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology ensures long-lasting print head reliability and consistent print quality. Unlike traditional thermal inkjet systems, this technology eliminates the need for heat, reducing energy consumption and preventing print head clogging – a common problem with conventional printers. This translates to fewer maintenance issues and more dependable printing performance over time.

Wireless Smart Connectivity & Voice Activation

Stay connected and productive with built-in Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet connectivity options. The ET-16650’s voice-activated printing allows hands-free operation, streamlining your workflow and making printing more convenient than ever. The intuitive 4.3” color touchscreen simplifies navigation and task management, while Epson Connect enables remote printing from anywhere with an internet connection.

Wide-Format Printing & Versatile Media Handling

Print stunning, professional-quality documents and photos up to 13” x 19” in size. The printer’s rear specialty paper feed accommodates a wide range of media types, including photo paper, card stock, and envelopes, giving you the freedom to create truly customized prints. The 500-sheet front tray provides ample capacity for high-volume printing jobs.

Benefits

Dramatic Cost Savings

Reduce your printing expenses by up to 80% compared to traditional cartridge-based printers, saving you money and resources in the long run. The low cost per page makes it ideal for businesses and individuals with high-volume printing needs.

Exceptional Print Quality

DURABrite pigment-based inks deliver sharp, vibrant prints that are resistant to fading and smudging. PrecisionCore technology ensures consistent print quality and long-lasting print head reliability.

Streamlined Workflow

The combination of wireless connectivity, voice-activated printing, and a user-friendly touchscreen interface streamlines your printing workflow, saving you time and increasing productivity.

Reduced Environmental Impact

The EcoTank system minimizes waste and reduces your environmental footprint by eliminating the need for disposable ink cartridges.

Increased Productivity

The wide-format printing capabilities, high page yield, and fast print speeds enable you to complete large printing projects quickly and efficiently, boosting overall productivity.

Usages

Perfect for Home Offices

The ET-16650 is an excellent choice for home offices that require high-volume printing of documents, presentations, and marketing materials.

Ideal for Small Businesses

Its low running costs and wide-format capabilities make it a cost-effective and versatile solution for small businesses with demanding printing needs.

Great for Photo Printing Enthusiasts

Produce vibrant, high-quality photo prints up to 13” x 19” with exceptional color accuracy and detail.

Useful for Graphic Designers

Create large-format prints of design mockups, portfolios, and marketing collateral.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptional cost savings due to the EcoTank system.
• High-quality prints with vibrant colors and sharp details.
• Fast print speeds for efficient productivity.
• Versatile paper handling capabilities.
• User-friendly touchscreen interface.

Cons

• Initial cost is higher than traditional cartridge printers.
• Size can be bulky for smaller spaces.
• Some users have reported occasional printing issues (based on customer reviews).

FAQs

What is the cost per page?

The cost per page is significantly lower than traditional cartridge printers, costing approximately 2 cents per color ISO page versus 14 cents with cartridges (1).

How fast does it print?

The printer offers a print speed of up to 25 ISO ppm black and color (3), allowing you to complete printing tasks quickly and efficiently.

How easy is the wireless setup?

The wireless setup is straightforward, with clear on-screen instructions and easy connectivity options. Epson Connect simplifies remote printing.

What types of ink cartridges are compatible?

The ET-16650 uses Epson’s genuine ink bottles, ensuring optimal print quality and performance. Using non-genuine inks may void the warranty.

What is the warranty period?

The printer comes with a 2-year limited warranty with registration, covering defects in materials and workmanship (7).

Product Specifications

Print Technology	Inkjet
DPI Resolution	4800 x 2400 dpi
Ink Type	DURABrite pigment-based ink
Page Yield (Black)	6,000 pages
Page Yield (Color)	6,000 pages
Print Speed (Black)	25 ppm
Print Speed (Color)	25 ppm
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet
Dimensions	22″D x 23.3″W x 17.3″H
Weight	46.1 lbs
Duty Cycle	Not specified
Warranty	2-year limited warranty

Ratings

Technical Specifications	4.2
Print Quality	4.7
Connectivity and Features	4.5
Value for Money	3.9
Ease of Use	4.3

Recommendation

The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650 is an outstanding choice for small businesses and home offices that require high-volume, wide-format printing at a low cost. Its robust features, exceptional print quality, and eco-friendly design make it a worthwhile investment for any professional needing a reliable and efficient printing solution.

Photo printing enthusiasts will appreciate the ability to produce stunning, high-quality prints up to 13” x 19” with exceptional color accuracy and detail. The low running costs and versatile paper handling capabilities make it a great value for those who print frequently.

Conclusion

The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650 truly delivers on its promise of cost-effective and high-quality printing. Its innovative EcoTank system drastically reduces printing expenses, while its wide-format capabilities and fast print speeds make it a versatile solution for a wide range of tasks. While the initial investment is higher than traditional cartridge printers, the long-term savings and exceptional performance make it a worthwhile choice for any individual or business seeking a reliable and efficient printing solution.