Epson EcoTank ET-2850L Review | Save Money & Go Cartridge-Free
Read our comprehensive review of the Epson EcoTank ET-2850L. Discover how this cartridge-free printer saves you money and delivers reliable performance.
Introduction
Tired of constantly replacing ink cartridges and watching your printing costs skyrocket? The Epson EcoTank ET-2850L offers a revolutionary solution, ditching traditional cartridges for a high-capacity ink tank system. This printer tackles the common frustrations of home printing – high ink expenses, slow speeds, and the occasional paper jam – delivering a reliable and cost-effective way to produce high-quality documents and photos.
Designed for families and small offices, the ET-2850L combines efficient printing with essential features like automatic duplexing, a built-in scanner, and wireless connectivity. It’s more than just a printer; it’s a smart investment in long-term savings and hassle-free printing.
Overview
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850L is a compact, all-in-one wireless color printer that reimagines home printing. Its core innovation lies in its EcoTank system, utilizing refillable ink tanks instead of disposable cartridges. This design drastically reduces ink costs and eliminates the constant need for replacements. The 1.44” color display provides easy navigation through menus, while automatic duplex printing saves paper and reduces your environmental impact. With print speeds of up to 10.5 pages per minute (ppm), it’s capable of handling everyday printing tasks efficiently.
This printer is ideally suited for families, students, and small businesses who prioritize affordability, convenience, and a minimal environmental footprint. Its robust feature set and intuitive design make it a versatile addition to any home or office environment.
Features
Precision Color Printing Engine: The 1200×2400 DPI resolution ensures high-quality photo and document printing, capturing fine details and vibrant colors. Epson’s Micro Piezo print head technology delivers consistent droplet size and accurate color reproduction for professional-looking results. This combination makes the ET-2850L suitable for occasional photo printing and producing visually appealing documents.
Automatic Duplex Printing: Save paper and reduce environmental impact with the ET-2850L’s automatic duplex printing feature. It automatically prints on both sides of the paper, halving your paper consumption for documents and reports. This feature is particularly beneficial for busy families and environmentally conscious users.
Wireless Smart Connectivity: Stay connected with built-in Wi-Fi. The ET-2850L allows you to print effortlessly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer, regardless of location. Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print compatibility makes printing from mobile devices seamless and convenient. The 1.44-inch color display simplifies setup and operation.
High-Yield Ink Tank System: The heart of the ET-2850L is its EcoTank system. Instead of cartridges, it uses refillable tanks, delivering an incredibly high page yield – Epson claims up to 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages from a full set of bottles. This dramatically reduces ink costs and minimizes waste, saving you money and contributing to a greener printing process. The included bonus black ink bottle gets you started right away.
Benefits
Enhanced Printing Convenience: Wireless connectivity and mobile printing capabilities make printing effortless. The 1.44” color display simplifies operation and allows for easy navigation through menus.
Professional-Quality Prints: The high-resolution print engine and precision color technology deliver crisp text and vibrant images, suitable for both everyday documents and occasional photo prints.
Significant Cost Savings: The EcoTank system delivers substantial savings on ink costs. Replacing ink cartridges is a recurring expense; with the ET-2850L, you only need to refill the tanks, drastically lowering your overall printing budget.
Reduced Environmental Impact: By eliminating disposable ink cartridges, you’re contributing to a more sustainable printing practice. The high page yield also minimizes the frequency of replacements, further reducing waste.
Time-Saving Duplex Printing: Automatic duplexing allows you to quickly and efficiently print double-sided documents, saving both paper and time.
Usages
Great for Families Needing Bulk Document Output: Families who regularly print documents, photos, and schoolwork will benefit from the ET-2850L’s high page yield and low running costs.
Perfect for Home Offices: The combination of low running costs, wireless connectivity, and duplex printing makes the ET-2850L an excellent choice for home offices.
Ideal for Student Document Printing: Students will appreciate the reliable, cost-effective printing solution for assignments, reports, and study materials.
Useful for Occasional Photo Printing: While not a dedicated photo printer, the ET-2850L delivers good quality prints for occasional photo projects and scrapbooking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ultra-low running costs thanks to EcoTank system
- High page yield minimizes ink replacements
- Wireless connectivity for easy mobile printing
- Automatic duplex printing for paper savings
- Compact design suitable for small spaces
Cons
- Print speeds are not the fastest in its class
- Photo print quality is good but not exceptional
- Initial cost is higher than cartridge-based printers (but offset by long-term savings)
FAQs
Is it easy to connect to Wi-Fi?: Yes, the setup is straightforward. The printer’s color display guides you through the Wi-Fi setup process. You can also use the Epson Smart Panel app for a simplified mobile setup.
How much does it cost to refill the ink tanks?: Refilling the ink tanks is significantly cheaper than replacing cartridges. The cost per page is drastically reduced, typically costing a few cents per black print and a few more cents for color prints.
What type of ink does it use?: The ET-2850L uses genuine Epson liquid ink, designed specifically for EcoTank printers to ensure optimal performance and print quality.
What is the printing speed?: The ET-2850L prints at a speed of up to 10.5 pages per minute for black and white documents and 5 pages per minute for color documents.
What is the warranty period?: The Epson EcoTank ET-2850L comes with a limited one-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Product Specifications
| Ink Type | Liquid Ink |
| DPI Resolution | 1200 x 2400 DPI |
| Print Technology | Inkjet |
| Print Speed (Black) | 10.5 ppm |
| Warranty | 1-year Limited |
| Page Yield (Black) | 4,500 pages |
| Page Yield (Color) | 7,500 pages |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB |
| Dimensions | 10.2″D x 14.8″W x 22.3″H |
| Duty Cycle | 40 pages per day |
| Print Speed (Color) | 5.0 ppm |
| Weight | 16 pounds |
Ratings
| Print Quality | 4.3 |
| Ease of Use | 4.2 |
| Cost-Effectiveness | 4.8 |
| Overall Value | 4.6 |
| Connectivity & Features | 4.5 |
Recommendation
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850L is an excellent choice for families and small businesses who prioritize cost savings, convenience, and a minimal environmental footprint.
If you print regularly and are tired of constantly replacing ink cartridges, the ET-2850L is a smart investment that will pay for itself over time. Its wireless connectivity and automatic duplexing make it a versatile and user-friendly printer for modern homes and offices.
Conclusion
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850L represents a significant shift in home printing, offering a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and feature-rich solution for everyday printing needs. Its innovative ink tank system dramatically reduces running costs, while its wireless connectivity and automatic duplexing enhance convenience and productivity.
While not a dedicated photo printer, the ET-2850L delivers good quality prints for occasional photo projects. With its long-term value and user-friendly design, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850L is a worthwhile choice for anyone seeking a reliable and affordable printing solution.
