Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Printer: In-Depth Review

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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