Epson EcoTank ET-15000 review high-performance wireless ink tank printer for home or office

Description

Merits of the Epson EcoTank ET-15000

I’ve spent quite some time with the Epson EcoTank ET-15000, and honestly, it’s like having a miniature print shop right in your office. The standout feature for me is the cartridge-free printing technology. Those supersized ink tanks are a total game-changer. Instead of constantly replacing cartridges (and let’s be real, they’re expensive), you just refill the tanks with ink bottles. Epson claims you can save up to 90% on ink costs, and while I didn’t run the numbers exactly, it certainly feels like I’m saving a lot.

Another key highlight is its ability to print up to 13 x 19 inches. This opens up so many creative possibilities. Whether it’s posters, large spreadsheets, or vibrant photos, the printer handles it all with ease. Plus, borderless printing adds a professional touch that’s hard to achieve with many standard printers. The 250-sheet front tray and rear specialty paper feed make handling different types of paper straightforward, and I found it especially useful for printing on thicker, specialty media.

• Cartridge-free printing saves time and money.
• Large format printing is perfect for creative projects or professional needs.
• Offers hands-free, voice-activated printing, which is surprisingly convenient.
• 250-sheet capacity reduces frequent paper reloads.

Areas for Improvement

While this printer feels like a workhorse, there are a few quirks that I couldn’t ignore. The 2.7-inch touchscreen is functional but feels a bit outdated compared to the sleek interfaces on some competitors. Navigating through menus can feel clunky at times, especially if you’re used to more modern interfaces.

Another issue I noticed is the initial ink setup. A portion of the ink from the included bottles gets consumed during the setup process. While this is standard for most printers, it’s still something to keep in mind. And although the print quality is generally excellent, I found the speed to be a bit slower when dealing with high-resolution color prints.

• Touchscreen interface could use an upgrade.
• Initial ink setup reduces the amount of usable ink from the start.
• Slower speeds for high-resolution color prints.

Design and Build Quality

The overall design of the EcoTank ET-15000 strikes a balance between functionality and aesthetics. While it’s not the sleekest printer out there, its white finish gives it a clean and professional look. The dimensions (29.6″D x 19.6″W x 14.3″H) make it fairly compact for an all-in-one printer with such robust capabilities. I appreciated the sturdy build, which feels durable and reliable for daily use.

One thing I particularly liked is the rear-feed tray for specialty paper. It’s perfect for those moments when I need to print on thicker stock or photo paper without having to switch out the paper in the main tray. The dual-sided printing capability (auto duplex) is another thoughtful touch that makes it easier to save paper.

Performance in Everyday Use

This printer really shines with its 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution, delivering sharp and vibrant prints. I tested it on everything from plain text documents to full-color photos, and it handled them all impressively. The 17 ppm max speed for black-and-white copies is decent for most office tasks, though it’s not the fastest out there.

What stood out to me was its wireless connectivity. Setting it up with my devices was seamless, and I could easily print from my laptop, phone, or tablet. The voice-activated printing feature is a fun addition, though I found myself using it sparingly. It’s nice to have, but not necessarily a must-have.

Competing Products

When comparing the EcoTank ET-15000 to similar models, such as the Canon PIXMA G6020 or the HP Smart Tank 7301, a few things become clear. The EcoTank’s larger ink tanks and 13 x 19-inch printing capability give it a significant edge for those needing wide-format printing. However, the Canon PIXMA G6020 offers a more compact design and slightly faster print speeds for smaller projects.

HP’s Smart Tank series, on the other hand, provides a similar cartridge-free experience but doesn’t quite match the EcoTank’s page yield or the vibrant color output. One area where HP excels is in its app interface, which feels more intuitive and user-friendly compared to Epson’s software.

In short, if wide-format capability and lower ink costs are important to you, the EcoTank ET-15000 is hard to beat.

Value for Money

When considering the overall price to quality ratio, the EcoTank ET-15000 is absolutely worth the investment for its features. The initial cost might seem high compared to traditional inkjet printers, but the savings on ink over time more than make up for it. The inclusion of multiple functionalities (printing, scanning, copying, faxing) in one device further enhances its value.

For small businesses, creative professionals, or anyone with high-volume printing needs, the cost-effectiveness of this printer is undeniable. Even for casual users, the idea of not having to constantly purchase ink cartridges makes it an appealing choice.

To sum it up, this printer delivers professional-grade performance at a fraction of the long-term costs of traditional models. While there are a few minor gripes, the overall package feels like a smart investment for anyone looking to up their printing game.

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