Epson ET-2850 Review: Sustainable, Cartridge-Free Printing
Printing efficiency, reliability, and sustainability are key to the modern office or home workspace. Everyone wants a printer that doesn’t just sit on a desk but actually works seamlessly without ongoing expenses and constant ink issues.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 steps in as a solution, offering cartridge-free printing that’s designed to be stress-free and cost-effective. Dive in with me as we explore this compact yet powerful machine, its unique features, and what makes it stand out.
Product Details – Epson ET-2850 Printer
- Printing Type: Color, inkjet
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB
- Scanner: High-resolution flatbed
- Maximum Print Speed: 10.5 ppm (Black), 5 ppm (Color)
- Print Media: Envelopes, plain paper, glossy photo paper
- Max Input Capacity: 100 sheets
- Auto 2-sided Printing: Yes
- Display Type: LCD
- Maximum Print Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi
- Ink Type: Refillable EcoFit ink tanks (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
- Sheet Sizes: 3.5″ x 5″ to 8.5″ x 14″
- Control: App-based and voice-activated printing
- Warranty: Limited warranty
- Dimensions: 14.8″D x 22.3″W x 10.2″H
- Weight: 16.15 lbs
✅ Best For: Home and small business users looking for an affordable, sustainable, and hassle-free printing experience.
Epson ET-2850 Review – Pros & Cons
Pros of Epson ET-2850
✅ Cartridge-Free Convenience: Refillable ink tanks eliminate costly cartridges.
✅ Cost-Effective Printing: Ink bottles are budget-friendly, providing up to 7,500 black and 6,000 color pages per set.
✅ Eco-Friendly Design: Reduces cartridge waste, promoting sustainable printing practices.
✅ Auto 2-Sided Printing: Saves paper with easy duplex printing.
✅ Wireless & Voice-Activated Printing: Supports hands-free printing and smart device control.
Cons of Epson ET-2850
❗ Small Screen Size: The LCD display may be difficult for some users to read.
❗ Limited Paper Capacity: The 100-sheet input capacity may require frequent refilling.
The Epson ET-2850 Printer has received mostly positive reviews for its cost-effective cartridge-free printing and eco-friendly features. Users appreciate its convenience and high print quality.
In-Depth Review of the Epson ET-2850 Printer
Efficient, Cartridge-Free Printing
The standout feature of the Epson ET-2850 is its cartridge-free EcoTank system. Instead of traditional ink cartridges, it uses refillable ink tanks, which drastically cut down the cost and environmental impact. Each ink bottle set equals around 80 cartridges, making it highly economical in the long run. No more running out of ink at inconvenient times – these high-capacity tanks last up to 2 years in typical usage scenarios.
Print Quality That Impresses
Epson’s unique Micro Piezo Heat-Free technology ensures precise printing results. Whether you’re working with sharp text documents or vivid color graphics, the ET-2850 handles it all gracefully. The pigment black ink delivers clear, smudge-free text, while the dye-based colors add a touch of vibrancy to photos and illustrations. Users who have tested print quality on various paper types, from standard documents to photo prints, find the results sharp and clear.
Stress-Free Connectivity
The ET-2850 offers versatile wireless printing options. Easily print from your smartphone or tablet using the Epson Smart Panel app, which streamlines print jobs with just a few taps. If you have an Alexa device, the voice-activated printing option adds hands-free convenience – making it a breeze to print a quick document or image.
Built-In Scanner & Copier
The flatbed scanner offers high-resolution scanning capabilities, great for digitizing documents or making quick copies. A color display allows for easy navigation and direct copying without the need for a connected device. The ET-2850’s built-in auto 2-sided printing feature also helps to save on paper, making it ideal for those conscious of both costs and the environment.
Eco-Friendly Advantage
Designed with sustainability in mind, the Epson ET-2850 reduces cartridge waste, contributing to fewer disposables in landfills. The refillable ink tanks offer a cleaner alternative to traditional cartridge systems, making this printer an environmentally conscious choice. If you’re looking for a way to print more sustainably without compromising on quality, this model ticks the box.
The Drawbacks: What to Consider
Despite its many advantages, the ET-2850 has a few minor downsides. Some users find the screen size a bit too small, making navigation slightly cumbersome. Additionally, the 100-sheet input tray may require frequent refilling if you’re handling larger print jobs regularly. However, these drawbacks are often outweighed by the printer’s overall efficiency and cost savings.
Who Will Love the Epson ET-2850?
✅ Families & Home Users: Ideal for those who want an easy, low-maintenance printer for occasional document and photo printing.
✅ Small Businesses & Remote Workers: Perfect for small offices and home-based businesses needing an affordable, cartridge-free solution.
✅ Eco-Conscious Users: If you’re looking to reduce your environmental footprint, this printer’s zero cartridge waste is a great fit.
Who Might Find It Less Suitable?
✅ High-Volume Printers: If you’re handling extremely high print volumes daily, you may prefer a printer with larger input capacity and higher speeds.
Customer Experiences – Epson ET-2850 Printer
We’ve thoroughly researched customer experiences with the Epson ET-2850 Printer, and here’s what users have shared:
✅ Ease of Use & Setup: Users found setting up the ET-2850 straightforward, and many appreciated the detailed guidance on the LCD screen during troubleshooting or paper jams.
✅ Ink Longevity: The most appreciated feature is the ink capacity. Many users reported that even after months of frequent use, the ink levels barely showed any decrease.
✅ Quality & Functionality: Regular users mentioned that while the print quality is solid for text and color prints, the photo print quality is more than sufficient for personal use but might not fully satisfy those looking for professional-grade photo prints.
🚫 Small Screen & Design Limitations: Some found the small screen a bit challenging to navigate, and the paper feeding mechanism, sticking out from the back, is noted to take up more space than desired.
✅ Seamless Connectivity: The majority praised the wireless connectivity and easy smartphone printing. Rare instances of lost Wi-Fi connections were generally resolved quickly, especially when the printer was in close proximity to the router.
Value Analysis – Epson ET-2850 Printer
Exceptional Cost Efficiency
The Epson ET-2850 stands out as a cost-effective printing solution. The upfront price of the printer might seem higher than cartridge-based models, but the savings on ink over time are substantial. Traditional cartridges are notorious for their high costs and low page yield, while the ET-2850’s ink bottles provide thousands of pages before needing a refill.
Sustainable Printing & Waste Reduction
A key strength of the ET-2850 is its environmentally friendly design. By eliminating disposable cartridges, this printer significantly reduces waste. The EcoFit refill system is simple to use and helps prevent spills and messes, making it a clean option for the office or home environment.
Convenience & Versatility
With its wireless and voice-activated printing capabilities, the ET-2850 is designed for modern users who need versatile printing options. Whether you’re printing directly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, the connectivity is seamless. The built-in scanner and copier also provide added functionality, covering multiple needs in one device.
Considerations for Heavy Users
While this printer is highly efficient for most users, those handling large, frequent print jobs may find the 100-sheet capacity somewhat limiting. For a small office or home environment, though, this capacity is typically more than sufficient, and the print speeds, while not the fastest on the market, are adequate for everyday tasks.
The Epson ET-2850 Printer is a great investment for anyone looking for a sustainable, cost-effective, and convenient printing solution. Its high-capacity ink tanks, wireless connectivity, and eco-friendly design offer excellent value for both home and small business users.
Final Thoughts: Is the Epson ET-2850 Worth It?
The Epson ET-2850 Printer offers affordable, cartridge-free printing, reliable wireless performance, and solid print quality. Its eco-friendly design and efficiency make it great for everyday use, though the small screen size and paper capacity may be limiting for some users.
FAQs – Epson ET-2850 Reviews
How does the Epson ET-2850 compare in terms of ink costs?
The Epson ET-2850 uses refillable ink tanks, offering significant savings compared to traditional cartridge printers. A single set of ink bottles can print up to 7,500 black pages or 6,000 color pages, making it a cost-effective choice for both personal and business use.
Can the Epson ET-2850 print on both sides of the paper?
Yes, the Epson ET-2850 features auto 2-sided printing, which allows for easy duplex printing. This feature is particularly useful for reducing paper use and achieving a professional look for documents without manually flipping pages.
Is the Epson ET-2850 suitable for printing photos?
While the ET-2850 is capable of printing photos with good color quality, it is best suited for general document and occasional photo printing. For users seeking high-end photo prints, dedicated photo printers may offer better color depth and resolution.
How easy is it to refill the ink tanks on the Epson ET-2850?
Refilling the ink tanks on the Epson ET-2850 is straightforward and mess-free. The EcoFit ink bottles are designed to align perfectly with the ink tanks, preventing spills and ensuring that ink is added correctly without the risk of mixing colors.
Does the Epson ET-2850 support wireless and mobile printing?
Yes, the Epson ET-2850 supports wireless printing via Wi-Fi and allows printing directly from smartphones or tablets through the Epson Smart Panel app. It is also compatible with voice-activated commands for hands-free printing if paired with an Alexa device.
Epson ET-2850 Reviews – Conclusion
The Epson ET-2850 Printer is designed to make printing affordable, efficient, and sustainable. With its cartridge-free ink system, users experience fewer interruptions and lower long-term costs. The printer’s wireless capabilities, along with its auto-duplex and scanning features, make it a versatile and user-friendly choice for both home and small business environments. While the screen size and paper capacity may not meet the needs of high-volume printers, the cost savings and eco-friendly design make it an excellent option for anyone looking for reliable and sustainable printing.