Epson EcoTank ET-4850 Review

In this review, we take a deep dive into the Epson EcoTank ET-4850’s capabilities, examining its key features, real-world performance, customer sentiment, and overall value. Is this the perfect printer for your needs? Let’s find out.

Key Features and Specifications

The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 is packed with functionality that targets the professional user who needs efficiency, speed, and long-term savings.

Basic Specifications:

Feature	Details
Brand	Epson
Model Name	ET-4850 White
Printing Technology	Inkjet
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Color Output	Color
Max Print Speed (Color)	8.5 ppm
Max Print Speed (Mono)	15.5 ppm
Special Features	Refillable Ink Tank, ADF, Touchscreen, Voice-Activated Printing
Paper Capacity	250-sheet front tray
Display	2.4″ Color Touchscreen
Scanner Type	Flatbed with ADF
Weight	14.8 lbs
Print Resolution	4800 x 1200 dpi
Mobile Printing Support	Epson Smart Panel, Mopria

Highlights:

• EcoTank System: The star of the show is the cartridge-free EcoTank system. Instead of using traditional ink cartridges, the ET-4850 is equipped with large ink tanks that can be refilled using bottled ink.
• Incredible Ink Yields: One set of bottles can produce up to 7,500 pages in black and 6,000 in color, rivaling many laser printers in output per refill.
• Smart Connectivity: It supports Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and voice-activated printing through assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. You can also print from your smartphone via the Epson Smart Panel app.
• Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): The ADF supports up to 30 pages and facilitates scanning, copying, and faxing without manual intervention.
• Duplex Printing: The ET-4850 offers automatic 2-sided printing, saving both paper and time.

Performance

Print Quality

Epson’s PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology ensures excellent results on both text and graphics. Text documents are razor-sharp, comparable to what you’d expect from a laser printer. Color output, while not designed for professional photo printing, is vibrant and clean—more than sufficient for presentations, brochures, and general office needs.

Performance Test	Result
Text Print (10 pages)	~45 seconds
Color Document (5 pages)	~1 min 10 sec
Photo Print (4×6”)	~20 seconds
First Page Out Time	~7 seconds (black), ~11 seconds (color)

Print Speed

While not the fastest printer on the market, the ET-4850’s speeds of 15.5 ppm (black) and 8.5 ppm (color) are respectable for an inkjet. It handles medium-duty workloads without hesitation, though those with high-volume needs may want to consider higher-end EcoTank models.

Scanning & Copying

The flatbed scanner performs well, offering up to 1200 x 2400 dpi resolution. The inclusion of the ADF greatly improves efficiency for multi-page scans or faxes. Copy quality is consistently high, and the 2.4-inch touchscreen makes navigating options straightforward.

Ease of Use

From initial setup to daily operation, the ET-4850 is designed for user-friendliness. The EcoFit ink bottles are spill-free and keyed to prevent incorrect refilling. The guided setup on the printer’s touchscreen and the Epson Smart Panel app makes wireless connection and configuration quick, even for non-tech-savvy users.

Customer Feedback

General Sentiment

Overall, the Epson EcoTank ET-4850 has received very positive reviews from users across platforms like Amazon, Best Buy, and Office Depot.

Average Customer Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Aspect	Rating (out of 5)	Common Comments
Print Quality	4.7	Crisp, clean text; strong color output
Ease of Use	4.6	Easy setup, intuitive UI
Value for Money	4.8	Long-term savings on ink
Speed	4.2	Adequate, though not lightning-fast
Connectivity	4.5	Reliable wireless and app control
Noise Level	4.3	Quiet during operation

Criticisms

While most reviews are glowing, some users noted the following minor issues:

• The touchscreen could be more responsive.
• ADF scanning is single-sided only, which may be a limitation for some offices.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Massive Ink Savings: Up to 90% savings compared to traditional cartridges.
• High Page Yield: 7,500 black and 6,000 color pages per set.
• No Cartridge Waste: Environmentally friendly operation.
• Excellent Print Quality: PrecisionCore technology delivers clear, professional documents.
• Strong Mobile Features: Full suite of wireless printing options, voice activation, and app support.
• Robust Build: Solid and compact for an all-in-one device.
• ADF and Duplex: Streamlines office tasks efficiently.

Cons

• Touchscreen Interface: A bit small and occasionally less responsive.
• Single-sided ADF: No automatic duplex scanning.

Final Verdict

The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 is a standout choice for home offices, small businesses, and even families who print regularly. Its core strength lies in its long-term cost efficiency, ease of use, and consistent print quality. The refillable ink tank system is not just a gimmick—it truly delivers substantial savings, convenience, and peace of mind by virtually eliminating the frequent ink purchases and cartridge replacements that plague traditional inkjets.

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