Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650 Review – Savings & Performance
Detailed review of the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-16650: Cost savings, print quality, features & performance. Is it the right printer for you?
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
Wide-Format Printing Capabilities: Printing up to a generous 13” x 19”, the ET-16650 is ideally suited for marketing materials, architectural plans, large photographs, and other wide-format documents. This expands your creative and professional possibilities, allowing you to create impactful visuals and presentations.
Automatic Duplex Printing: Save paper and reduce your environmental impact with the automatic duplex printing feature. This feature allows you to print on both sides of the paper automatically, which doubles your output and minimizes waste.
Wireless Smart Connectivity: The ET-16650 offers seamless connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet. This allows for easy printing from a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. Wi-Fi Direct enables network-free printing, while the Ethernet port provides a stable connection for office environments. Epson Connect allows 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.
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.
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.
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.
Benefits
Professional-Quality Prints: DURABrite pigment-based inks provide sharp, vibrant prints that are resistant to smudging and fading, ideal for marketing materials, photos, and important documents.
Enhanced Workflow Productivity: The combination of fast print speeds, automatic duplex printing, and hands-free voice-activated printing streamlines your workflow and boosts productivity.
Environmentally Friendly Printing: Minimize waste and reduce your carbon footprint with the EcoTank system, which eliminates the need for disposable ink cartridges. Zero-cartridge waste and very low energy consumption (3).
Fast Printing Speeds: The PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology delivers impressive print speeds up to 25 ISO ppm (black and color), enabling you to complete large print jobs quickly and efficiently.
Significantly Reduced Printing Costs: The EcoTank system drastically lowers your per-page printing costs compared to cartridge-based printers, saving you money in the long run. About 2 cents per color ISO page vs. 14 cents with cartridges (1).
Reduced Environmental Impact
The EcoTank system minimizes waste and reduces your environmental footprint by eliminating the need for disposable ink cartridges.
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.
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.
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.
Usages
Useful for Creating Marketing Collateral: Print professional-looking brochures, flyers, and posters in-house, saving money and time with this versatile all-in-one printer.
Great for Photo Printing Enthusiasts
Produce vibrant, high-quality photo prints up to 13” x 19” with exceptional color accuracy and detail.
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.
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.
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
Is there a warranty?: The printer is covered by a 2-year limited warranty with registration. Registering your product can extend the warranty and unlock additional benefits.
How easy is it to set up the wireless connection?: Setting up the wireless connection is straightforward. The printer has an intuitive setup wizard that guides you through the process. Epson Connect allows for remote management and printing.
What types of paper can I use?: You can use a wide range of paper types, including plain paper, photo paper, and specialty paper. The printer supports paper weights ranging from 16 lb to 98 lb.
How much does it cost to refill the ink tanks?: Replacement ink bottles are significantly cheaper than traditional cartridges, costing only a few dollars per color. A full set of ink bottles can print up to 7,500 pages in black and 6,000 in color (2).
What is the printing speed?: The ET-16650 prints up to 25 ISO ppm for both black and color prints. Actual print times will vary based on factors including system configuration, software, and page complexity.
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 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.
What is the warranty period?
The printer comes with a 2-year limited warranty with registration, covering defects in materials and workmanship (7).
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.
Product Specifications
| Ink Type | DURABrite pigment-based ink |
| DPI Resolution | 4800 x 2400 dpi |
| Print Technology | Inkjet |
| Warranty | 2-year limited warranty |
| Print Speed | 25 ppm (black & color) |
| Dimensions | 22″D x 23.3″W x 17.3″H |
| Page Yield | 6,000 pages (black), 6,000 pages (color) |
| Weight | 46.1 lbs |
| Print Speed (Black) | 25 ppm |
| Page Yield (Black) | 6,000 pages |
| Page Yield (Color) | 6,000 pages |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet |
| Duty Cycle | Not specified |
| Print Speed (Color) | 25 ppm |
Ratings
| Overall | 4.5 |
| Technical | 4.6 |
| Usages | 4.7 |
| Value for Money | 3.9 |
| Connectivity and Features | 4.5 |
| Print Quality | 4.7 |
| Ease of Use | 4.3 |
| Technical Specifications | 4.2 |
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.
