Finding a reliable and affordable home printer can feel like an endless search—especially when you’re constantly battling expensive cartridges and frequent ink replacements. Enter the Epson EcoTank ET-2850, a wireless all-in-one printer designed to eliminate the hassle of traditional ink systems with its cartridge-free, high-capacity ink tanks. In this detailed review, we’ll explore how the ET-2850 performs across key areas to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your home or small office.
Key Specifications
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Print Technology | PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology |
Printing Method | 4-color (CMYK) drop-on-demand MicroPiezo inkjet |
Resolution | Up to 5760 x 1440 dpi |
Ink Type | Dye-based ink (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow) |
Connectivity | Wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, USB 2.0 |
Functions | Print, Copy, Scan |
Duplex Printing | Yes (Automatic 2-sided printing) |
Scanner | Flatbed color scanner, 1200 x 2400 dpi |
Display | 1.44″ color LCD |
Paper Capacity | 100-sheet rear feed, 30-sheet output |
Monthly Volume (Suggested) | Up to 400 pages |
Operating Systems | Windows, macOS, Chromebook support via Epson Connect |
Dimensions | 14.8″ x 13.7″ x 7.0″ (W x D x H) |
Weight | Approx. 11.5 lbs |
Design and Build Quality
The ET-2850 exudes a minimalistic aesthetic that suits most modern home workspaces. Its compact footprint and clean white chassis help it blend seamlessly into both office and living room environments. Despite its small size, it packs an impressive array of features including auto-duplex printing and wireless connectivity.
The rear-feed tray accommodates up to 100 sheets of plain paper, though the lack of a second tray means you’ll be reloading paper more often if you print in volume. The build feels reasonably sturdy, though the input and output trays can feel slightly flimsy when extended.
Setup and Ease of Use
Initial Setup
Setting up the ET-2850 is relatively straightforward, especially for users familiar with wireless devices. The printer comes with a complete set of EcoFit ink bottles and clear visual instructions. Filling the tanks is easy—each bottle is uniquely keyed to prevent spills or mistakes—and a full set of ink is pre-included.
Wireless and App Integration
The printer supports Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB connections, ensuring compatibility with most home devices. It pairs seamlessly with laptops and smartphones using the Epson Smart Panel app, which allows users to control printer functions, monitor ink levels, and initiate scans or copies remotely.
User Interface
The 1.44” color LCD display isn’t a touchscreen, which can be a minor inconvenience, but the physical buttons are responsive. Navigating menus takes some getting used to but is generally intuitive.
Print Performance
Print Quality
The ET-2850 delivers strong overall output, especially for text documents and color graphics. Text is crisp and sharp even at smaller font sizes, while color reproduction is rich and accurate when using high-quality settings.
However, user feedback is mixed when it comes to photo and graphic printing. While many users praise the vibrant colors and precision, others report inconsistent hues or muddy tones. This disparity could be linked to differences in paper quality, driver settings, or firmware versions.
Print Speed
This model isn’t the fastest in Epson’s EcoTank line. It produces:
Document Type | Speed (Approximate) |
---|---|
Black Text | 10.5 ppm (ISO) |
Color Text | 5.0 ppm (ISO) |
4″x6″ Photo | ~45 seconds |
For casual home use, these speeds are adequate. However, users expecting laser-like performance may find the wait noticeable during larger print jobs.
Copy and Scan Capabilities
The flatbed scanner is functional and reliable for light-duty scanning and copying. Scanned images are reasonably sharp, with good color fidelity.
Scanner Specs | Details |
---|---|
Resolution | 1200 x 2400 dpi |
Scan Type | Color flatbed |
Copy Speed | 7.7 ipm (Black) / 3.8 ipm (Color) |
Max Paper Size | A4 / Letter |
The absence of an automatic document feeder (ADF) limits batch scanning, making the ET-2850 better suited for single-page tasks.
EcoTank System and Ink Efficiency
Ink Savings
The biggest draw of the ET-2850 is its ink economy. Epson claims the included ink can last up to two years or approximately:
Ink Yield (Estimates) | Pages |
---|---|
Black | Up to 7,500 pages |
Color (Composite) | Up to 6,000 pages |
This drastically undercuts the cost-per-page of traditional cartridge-based printers. Refilling is straightforward, and Epson’s EcoFit bottle design eliminates spills and confusion.
Environmental Impact
Cartridge-free printing is more sustainable, reducing plastic waste from single-use cartridges. For eco-conscious consumers, this is a significant plus.
Reliability and Common Issues
User-Reported Strengths
- Easy to set up and refill
- Compact and unobtrusive design
- Significant ink savings over time
- Clean, legible prints for documents
Reported Weaknesses
- Frequent paper jams (especially with heavier stock or misaligned sheets)
- No touchscreen and small display make navigation slower
- Lack of ADF limits productivity for frequent scanners
Software and Smart Features
The Epson Smart Panel app and Epson Connect suite enable printing via:
- Google Cloud Print (legacy)
- Apple AirPrint
- Mopria
- Android/iOS via mobile app
- Voice-activated printing (Alexa, Google Assistant)
While some features (like voice commands) require specific setup, basic mobile printing is simple and reliable. Firmware updates are essential and should be done regularly to improve performance and bug fixes.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Huge ink savings and high yields | No ADF for multi-page scanning |
Excellent print quality for text and graphics | Color LCD is small and non-touch |
Wireless, mobile, and voice-activated printing | Mixed reviews on photo printing and paper jams |
Eco-friendly refillable ink system | |
Auto 2-sided printing |
Conclusion
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 balances quality, economy, and ease of use remarkably well. Its standout feature—high-capacity, refillable ink tanks—makes it one of the most economical home printers available. With the ability to print thousands of pages between refills and strong wireless features, it’s a smart investment for most home users.
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