Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan, Copy and Auto 2-Sided Printing - White, Medium
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AI Verdict
This 16.21-pound EcoTank printer with 10.5 ppm black and 5 ppm color print speeds is for home users prioritizing low ink costs over fast duplex printing or professional photo color accuracy.
This printer is a situational fit for home users or small offices who prioritize extremely low ink costs and are willing to compromise on print speed, especially for duplex jobs, and color accuracy for photos. Its 10.5 ppm black print speed and 100-sheet paper capacity are adequate for light to moderate use, but its slow duplex printing and reported Wi-Fi issues can be frustrating.
If you need faster duplex printing, better photo color accuracy, or a more robust Wi-Fi connection, look for models with higher ppm ratings, dedicated photo ink sets, or more advanced connectivity options.
Regret Score™
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Pros
- Refillable ink tanks significantly reduce ink replacement costs, with one set equivalent to about 80 cartridges.
- Setup is straightforward, with the Epson Smart Panel app guiding users through Wi-Fi connection.
- Prints up to 10.5 pages per minute in black and 5 pages per minute in color.
- Auto 2-sided printing helps save paper.
- Text output is sharp and detailed at 4800 x 1200 resolution.
- Supports mobile printing via Epson Smart Panel App, Apple AirPrint, and Android Printing.
Cons
- Duplex printing is slow, with a measured 10-second pause between sides.
- The small, non-touch LCD screen is low contrast and difficult to read for some users.
- Wi-Fi connectivity can be inconsistent, with reports of frequent disconnections requiring lengthy troubleshooting.
- Color accuracy for photos is poor, with images not always matching originals.
- Paper tray capacity is limited to 100 sheets, requiring frequent refilling for higher volume use.
- Does not include a USB cable in the box for wired connection.
Dimension Scores
Refilling ink tanks is easy and mess-free, but the small, low-contrast LCD screen makes interaction less comfortable.
The control panel flips up and down, but there are no other physical adjustments for paper trays or output.
It's described as compact and lighter than older models, but some users report issues like paper feeding on thick media.
Described as smaller, lighter, and better looking than previous Workforce models, with a simple white design.
Best For
- Home users printing documents and occasional photos, focused on minimizing ink expenses.
- Students or small home offices with moderate printing needs (50-100 pages/week).
- Users who primarily print text documents where sharp text is important.
- Anyone wanting to print wirelessly from mobile devices using AirPrint or Android Printing.
Not Recommended For
- Users needing fast duplex printing for large documents.
- Photographers or graphic designers requiring accurate color reproduction for professional prints.
- Offices with high-volume printing that would be inconvenienced by a 100-sheet paper tray.
- Users who need to print on very thick paper (270-300 g/m2) reliably.
Watch Out For
- Duplex printing is very slow, with a 10-second delay between sides, making large double-sided jobs frustrating.
- The small LCD screen is not a touchscreen and has low contrast, making navigation difficult for some.
- Wi-Fi connection can be unreliable, with one user reporting it disconnects without apparent reason and takes 2-3 hours to reconnect.
- Color accuracy for printed photos is rated 4/10 by one user, with colors appearing "absolutely awful" and requiring significant adjustment.
- Does not come with a USB cable, so you'll need to buy one separately for a wired connection.
- Lacks a maintenance box, which can become an issue after a couple of years as ink consumed during cleaning accumulates.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 010343957824 010343965430 |
| ASIN | B096N85ZHW |
| Brand | Epson |
| Color | White |
| Duplex | auto |
| Ink Color | White |
| Model Name | ET-2850 White |
| Sheet Size | 3.5x5 inches,4x6 inches,5x7 inches,8x10 inches,8.5x11 inhces,8.5x14 inches,A4,A6,half letter,executive |
| Color Depth | 8 bpp |
| Item Weight | 16.21 pounds |
| Print media | Envelopes, Glossy photo paper, Paper (plain) |
| Manufacturer | Epson |
| Model Series | ET |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed |
| Warranty Type | limited warranty |
| Control Method | Voice |
| Printer Output | Color |
| Controller Type | Android |
| Number of Trays | 1 |
| Processor Count | 1 |
| Special Feature | Auto 2-sided Printing, Refillable Ink Tank |
| Total USB Ports | 1 |
| Printer Ink Type | pigment-based |
| Item model number | ET-2850 White |
| Compatible Devices | Laptops |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Maximum Media Size | 8.5 x 14 inch |
| Product Dimensions | 14.8"D x 22.3"W x 10.2"H |
| Dual-sided printing | Yes |
| Included Components | EcoTank ET-2850 all-in-one,manual,power cord,1 bottle of 502 Black (127 mL) and 1 bottle each of 502 Cyan,Magenta,Yellow (70 mL) (2) |
| Printing Technology | Inkjet |
| Output sheet capacity | 100 |
| Maximum copies per run | 100 |
| Connectivity Technology | USB, Wi-Fi |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 64 MB |
| Max Input Sheet Capacity | 100 |
| Max Printspeed Monochrome | 10.5 |
| Max copy resolution color | 1200 x 2400 dpi |
| Specific Uses For Product | Home/Office, Personal Use |
| Maximum Print Speed (Color) | 5 ppm |
| Additional Printer functions | All In One |
| Max Copy Speed (Black & White) | 10.5 ppm |
| Maximum Color Print Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Max copy resolution black-white | 600 dpi |
| Maximum Black and White Print Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
What Buyers Say
Many users are drawn to the ET-2850 for its cartridge-free EcoTank system, which drastically cuts down on ink costs and waste, with included ink lasting about two years. However, the experience isn't universally smooth; some find the Wi-Fi connection unreliable, frequently disconnecting and requiring lengthy troubleshooting. While text printing is sharp, photo color accuracy is a recurring complaint, with colors often appearing off or "awful" compared to originals. The slow automatic duplex printing, with a 10-second pause between sides, also frustrates users with larger print jobs.
“Dude, this EcoTank saves me a ton on ink, but seriously, the Wi-Fi drops all the time and printing double-sided takes forever, like it's thinking about life between pages.”
Common Praise
- Ink tanks are easy and mess-free to fill, lasting a long time.
- Significant cost savings on ink compared to traditional cartridges.
- Text output is crisp and sharp.
- Setup is straightforward, especially using the Epson Smart Panel app.
- Automatic 2-sided printing is a valued feature for saving paper.
Common Complaints
- Duplex printing is very slow, with a noticeable pause between sides.
- Wi-Fi connectivity can be unstable and prone to disconnections.
- Small, low-contrast LCD screen is difficult to read and not a touchscreen.
- Poor color accuracy for photo prints, not matching original colors.
- Limited 100-sheet paper tray capacity requires frequent refilling.
- Cannot print on very thick paper (270-300 g/m2) reliably.
Ownership Tips
- You need to print in color regularly (at least once a week) to prevent print head clogs, which are messy to fix on EcoTanks.
- The printer does not have a maintenance box, meaning ink waste from cleaning cycles accumulates internally and can lead to issues over time.
- The paper output tray needs to be extended manually before printing, or pages might shoot out onto the floor.
- Printing from Android devices might not support duplex printing through Epson apps.
- The printer doesn't come with a USB cable, so you'll need to buy one if you prefer a wired connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this printer come with ink?
Yes, it includes enough ink bottles to last about 2 years for average home use, equivalent to about 80 traditional ink cartridges.
Can I print double-sided automatically?
Yes, it features automatic 2-sided printing, but users report it is very slow, with a 10-second pause between sides.
Is it easy to set up?
Many users found setup straightforward, especially using the Epson Smart Panel app for Wi-Fi connection.
Can I print from my phone?
Yes, it supports mobile printing options including Epson Smart Panel App, Apple AirPrint, and Android Printing.
Is it good for printing photos?
While it prints sharp photos, color accuracy is poor, so images may not look like the originals.
Does it have a touchscreen?
No, it has a small LCD screen with physical buttons, and it is not a touchscreen.
Does it come with a USB cable?
No, a USB cable for wired connection is not included in the box and must be purchased separately.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a printer like this, the biggest deal is the ink system. EcoTanks ditch cartridges for refillable tanks, which means you pay more upfront but save a ton on ink over time. Think about how much you print: if it's just a few pages here and there, the initial cost might not be worth it. But if you're printing dozens of pages weekly, those ink savings add up fast. Also, consider what you're printing – this one is great for documents but not so much for pro-level photos.
Refillable Ink Tank
Instead of small, expensive cartridges, you pour ink from bottles into large tanks. This dramatically lowers your cost per page, like buying groceries in bulk instead of single servings.
Prints up to 10.5 ppm black / 5 ppm color
This is how many pages per minute it can churn out. 10.5 ppm for black is okay for home use, but 5 ppm for color is on the slower side, so don't expect lightning-fast reports.
Auto 2-sided Printing
The printer automatically flips the paper to print on both sides. This saves paper and time, but on this model, it's a slow process, like waiting for a slow elevator between floors.
4800 x 1200 resolution
This number tells you how detailed your prints will be. Higher numbers mean sharper text and finer image details, but it doesn't guarantee accurate colors for photos.
Alternatives
If you need faster printing speeds, especially for duplex, or professional-grade photo color accuracy, look for models with higher ppm ratings, an automatic document feeder, or dedicated photo ink sets.
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