EcoTank printers have emerged as a game-changer in the printing industry, offering a significant departure from traditional cartridge-based models. These innovative printers are designed to save users money and reduce waste, making them an appealing option for both home and office environments. The core advantage of an Eco Tank Printer lies in its ink tank system, which replaces conventional cartridges with refillable tanks that you fill with ink bottles.
For home and office users, models like the ET-2800, ET-2850, ET-3830, ET-3850, and ET-4850 exemplify the cost savings achievable with eco tank technology. These printers are engineered for everyday printing needs, from documents to photos, and significantly reduce printing costs over time. The savings are substantial when compared to similar inkjet printers that rely on standard cartridges. The actual amount saved depends on print tasks, volume, and usage, but the cost per ISO page is dramatically lower. Calculations are based on the cost of replacement ink bottles versus the cost of standard cartridges needed to print the same number of pages, using MSRP (USD) and yield data for Epson standard-capacity ink cartridges as of May 2021.
Photographers and creative professionals can also benefit from the EcoTank Photo series, including the ET-8500 and ET-8550. These models are optimized for high-quality photo printing while maintaining the cost-effective nature of the EcoTank system. Similar to the home and office models, the savings and cost per page for photo printing are calculated based on ISO 29103 standards. The comparison is made against standard-capacity ink cartridges for comparable Epson consumer inkjet photo printers, using data as of April 2021.
For businesses and users with higher printing demands, the EcoTank Pro line offers robust and efficient solutions. Models such as the ET-5150, ET-5170, ET-5180, ET-5800, ET-5850, ET-5880, ET-16600, and ET-16650 are designed to handle larger print volumes and deliver professional-quality output. The cost savings for EcoTank Pro printers are particularly impressive when compared to color laser printers. Calculations consider the cost of ink bottles versus standard-capacity color laser toner cartridges to achieve equivalent page yields. The comparison utilizes manufacturers’ online prices and yields for best-selling, similarly featured color laser printers priced at $999 or less with speeds of 40 ppm or less, based on industry data from August 2020. In some cases, savings can reach up to $600 (USD), with a cost per ISO page as low as about $0.09 (USD) when using XL-capacity color laser toner cartridges.
Even for monochrome printing needs, EcoTank Mono printers provide a cost-effective alternative to mono laser printers. Models like the ET-M1170, ET-M2170, and ET-M3170 offer significant savings based on the purchase cost of replacement ink bottles compared to the cost of mono toner cartridges required to achieve the same page yield. The comparison uses manufacturers’ online prices and yields for the highest-capacity toner cartridges of best-selling, similarly featured mono laser printers priced at $499 (USD) or less with speeds of 30 ppm or less, as of October 2020 data. Actual savings will vary based on specific printing habits.
The popularity of EcoTank printers is evident in their market performance. Based on sales data in North America from 2015 to June 2021, EcoTank printers and replacement ink bottles have demonstrated strong market acceptance, confirming their value and appeal to a wide range of users seeking economical and efficient printing solutions. Choosing an eco tank printer is not only a financially sound decision but also an environmentally conscious one, reducing cartridge waste and contributing to more sustainable printing practices.
