Are EcoTank Printers Worth It? Honest Pros & Cons Review

Are you wondering, "Are EcoTank printers worth it?" If you're tired of frequently replacing costly ink cartridges, EcoTank printers may offer the ideal solution. Developed by Epson in 2015, EcoTank printers revolutionize printing by using refillable ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges. But are EcoTank printers any good? Here's our honest review to help you decide.

What Are EcoTank Printers?

EcoTank printers are innovative inkjet printers developed by Epson, designed with refillable ink tanks rather than standard cartridges. This design significantly reduces ink costs, potentially up to 90%. Since users refill the tanks with ink bottles instead of replacing entire cartridges.

Why Were EcoTank Printers Developed?

Printer manufacturers traditionally sell printers at lower costs but profit significantly from expensive ink cartridges. Epson introduced EcoTank printers specifically to address consumer frustration with high ink costs and frequent cartridge replacements. EcoTank printers also offer a more sustainable option, reducing plastic waste significantly.

Do Epson EcoTank Printers' Ink Dry Out?

Unlike traditional ink cartridges, EcoTank printers store ink in sealed tanks, reducing the risk of ink drying out. According to Epson, EcoTank ink is unlikely to evaporate like standard cartridge ink, though print heads can still clog if left unused. Regularly powering on the printer helps maintain print head functionality.

Are EcoTank Printers Worth the Hype & Cost?

EcoTank printers offer substantial advantages, including lower long-term ink expenses, less frequent refills, and significant environmental benefits. However, their upfront cost is notably higher compared to traditional inkjets—typically between $327 (£250) and $916 (£700), compared to traditional models starting around $196 (£150).

Initially, EcoTank printers don’t offer immediate savings because the ink supply is included in the upfront price. Therefore, if you print infrequently or encounter early printer issues, this investment may not pay off.

Pros of EcoTank Printers:

• Exceptional print quality, especially photos.
• Larger scanning capabilities for bigger documents.
• Generous initial ink supply.
• Eco-friendly design reduces plastic waste.
• Extremely low cost per printed page.
• Built-in Wi-Fi for convenience.
• Auto-duplex printing in premium models.

Cons of EcoTank Printers:

• Higher initial purchase cost.
• Advertised ink volume based on minimal coverage (5%); real world usage drains ink faster.
• Print heads can clog if unused for extended periods.
• Larger physical footprint compared to standard printers.
• Slower printing speeds (around 10-15 ppm).

Final Verdict:

EcoTank printers are indeed worth the hype. Especially if you frequently print at home or operate a small business, aiming to drastically reduce ink expenses and environmental impact. However, for occasional printing or faster speeds, traditional budget inkjets could be a better choice.