Epson EcoTank ET-3850 Review: Save Money & Print Smarter
Read our in-depth review of the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 all-in-one printer. Discover its cost savings, print quality, and features for home and office use.
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, printing needs have evolved beyond simple document creation. Home offices demand vibrant photos, students require reliable document output, and small businesses need cost-effective solutions. Traditional inkjet printers, often plagued by expensive ink cartridges and frustratingly slow speeds, frequently fall short. The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 offers a refreshing alternative, promising significant savings and performance boosts, all while eliminating the hassle of cartridge replacements.
Overview
The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is a versatile all-in-one inkjet printer designed for the modern home office or small business environment. It leverages Epson’s innovative EcoTank refillable ink tank system, ditching traditional cartridges altogether. This printer isn’t just about cost savings; it’s built to deliver crisp, vibrant prints, reliable scanning and copying capabilities, and seamless connectivity options. The ET-3850’s compact design and user-friendly interface make it an ideal choice for those seeking a hassle-free and economical printing solution, boasting automatic duplex printing, mobile printing, and smart features for enhanced productivity.
Features
Precision Color Printing Engine: Equipped with Epson’s MicroPiezo inkjet technology and optimized DPI resolution of 5760 x 1440, the ET-3850 delivers exceptionally sharp and vibrant prints. The printer utilizes 3 droplet sizes, as small as 3 picoliters, to enhance detail and color accuracy, ensuring professional-quality results for both documents and photos. This advanced technology minimizes graininess and delivers smooth gradients, making printed images truly stand out.
Duplex Auto-Feeder: The integrated automatic duplex printing feature allows for double-sided printing without manual intervention, saving paper and time. This is a significant advantage for those regularly printing documents, reports, or marketing materials. The efficiency of the auto-duplex feeder ensures consistently aligned prints on both sides of the page, eliminating potential smudging or misprints.
Wireless Smart Connectivity: The ET-3850 offers comprehensive wireless connectivity, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing support. Users can easily print from smartphones, tablets, and laptops without being tethered to a physical connection. Epson’s mobile app provides added convenience for remote printing, scanning, and device management, facilitating a truly connected printing experience.
High-Yield Ink Tank System: The EcoTank system replaces expensive cartridges with refillable ink tanks. Each bottle yields an incredible amount of prints – up to 7,500 black and 6,000 color pages – drastically reducing printing costs and minimizing environmental impact. This translates to years of printing without the recurring expense of cartridges, making it a financially smart investment for any user with moderate to high printing volume.
Benefits
Significant Cost Savings: The EcoTank system dramatically reduces printing costs compared to traditional cartridge-based printers. The initial investment is quickly offset by the substantial savings on ink, making it a budget-friendly choice in the long run.
Enhanced Productivity: Automatic duplex printing and wireless connectivity streamline workflows, saving valuable time and effort. Quick print speeds – 10.5 ISO ppm for black and 5 ISO ppm for color – allow you to complete tasks quickly and efficiently.
Convenience and Ease of Use: The refillable ink tanks are simple to fill, minimizing mess and maximizing convenience. The user-friendly interface and mobile app make printing from various devices effortless.
Superior Print Quality: The Precision Color Printing Engine produces crisp, vibrant documents and stunning photos with exceptional detail and accuracy. Colors are rich and true, bringing your prints to life.
Eco-Friendly Printing: The EcoTank system significantly reduces plastic waste by eliminating the need for disposable ink cartridges, promoting a more sustainable printing solution.
Usages
Perfect for Home Offices: The ET-3850’s compact design, wireless connectivity, and cost-effectiveness make it an ideal choice for home offices needing reliable and affordable printing.
Ideal for Small Businesses: The high-yield ink tanks and automatic duplex printing are a boon for small businesses dealing with moderate to high print volumes.
Great for Students and Frequent Document Printing: Students and others who routinely print assignments, reports, and research papers will appreciate the low running costs and efficient duplex printing.
Useful for Photo Printing Enthusiasts: The Precision Color Printing Engine delivers impressive photo quality, allowing enthusiasts to print vibrant and detailed images at home.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely low running costs due to EcoTank system
- Excellent print quality with vibrant colors
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper and time
- Wireless connectivity and mobile printing support
- Compact design suitable for home and small office environments
- Reliable scanning and copying functionality
Cons
- Initial purchase price is higher than some cartridge-based printers
- Print speeds are not the fastest in its class
- Larger footprint compared to some ultra-compact printers
FAQs
How easy is the wireless setup?: The wireless setup is straightforward, utilizing WPS push-button connectivity or a simple setup wizard accessible through your computer or mobile device. The Epson Smart Panel app also provides guided instructions for easy connection.
What is the cost per page?: The EcoTank system significantly reduces the cost per page compared to traditional printers. A full set of ink bottles costs relatively little and provides an enormous number of prints, resulting in pennies per page for both black and color documents.
What kind of ink is used and is it easy to find?: The printer utilizes Epson EcoTank ink bottles. These bottles are readily available online and at major office supply stores, ensuring a consistent supply for your printing needs.
What is the printing speed?: The ET-3850 offers ISO print speeds of 10.5 ppm for black and 5 ppm for color. While these speeds are competitive, remember that real-world printing speeds can vary depending on print complexity and network conditions.
What is the warranty period?: The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 comes with a limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Check the specific warranty terms and conditions for details.
Product Specifications
| Ink Type | EcoTank Ink Bottles |
| DPI Resolution | 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi |
| Print Technology | 4-color (CMYK) MicroPiezo inkjet |
| Print Speed (Black) | 10.5 ISO ppm |
| Warranty | Limited Warranty |
| Page Yield (Black) | 7,500 pages |
| Page Yield (Color) | 6,000 pages |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB 2.0 |
| Dimensions | 14.8″ x 22.0″ x 10.5″ |
| Duty Cycle | N/A |
| Print Speed (Color) | 5 ISO ppm |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs |
Ratings
| Wireless Convenience | 4.7 |
| Print Quality | 4.4 |
| Cost-Effectiveness | 4.9 |
| Technical Specifications | 4.6 |
| Usability | 4.2 |
Recommendation
The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is an excellent choice for small businesses and home users who prioritize cost-effective printing and reliable performance. Its refillable ink tank system, combined with automatic duplex printing and wireless connectivity, offers a significant advantage over traditional cartridge-based printers.
If you’re tired of constantly replacing expensive ink cartridges and are looking for a printer that delivers exceptional print quality and long-term value, the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is an outstanding investment. It’s a printer you can rely on for years to come, saving you money and hassle along the way.
Conclusion
The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 represents a significant advancement in inkjet printing technology. Its innovative EcoTank system provides substantial cost savings, while the reliable print quality and user-friendly features make it a joy to use. The automatic duplex printing and wireless connectivity enhance productivity, streamlining your workflow.
Ultimately, the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and value. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking an economical, efficient, and environmentally friendly printing solution that can meet the demands of a modern home office or small business.
