Like a lot of crafters, I use a printer fairly often- to print out pictures, make headlines, copy paper, print out instructions and sketches- well, I use it almost everyday! Epson offeren me an EcoTank to try out, and I had to say “yes”- this is a whole different animal than what I am used to!
Now, this model is classified for the “Workforce”- so it may be a bit much for your home. But I have 3 kids in school and they are also using a printer weekly for reports, schedules and assignments, so it’s not too big for us. Here’s a bit from the website:
The WorkForce ET-4550 EcoTank wireless all-in-one (affiliate link) comes loaded and ready with up to 2 years of ink in the box1. That’s an incredible amount of ink – enough to print up to 11,000 black/8500 color pages2, and equivalent to about 50 ink cartridge sets3. It delivers an unbeatable combination of convenience and value, with ultra low-cost replacement ink bottles and innovative refillable ink tanks. It’s ready when you are – with the freedom to print in color. Powered by PrecisionCore®, the ET-4550 delivers high-speed, laser-quality black text. Plus, auto 2-sided printing, 30-page Auto Document Feeder, and easy wireless printing from tablets and smartphones4.
Crafters may enjoy the ET-2550, which as a built in slot for SD cards- super helpful for printing out photos!
ExpressionET-2550
Wireless • Print • Copy • Scan
Includes enough ink to print up to:
Step up to:
- 1.44″ LCD
- Wi-Fi Direct6 — wireless printing without a network
- Print photos, PC-free — built-in card slot7
But back to my version. I made you TWO videos this time- one is just unboxing and set up, since that can be intimidating…take a look:
Now that you’ve seen me set it up, let’s take a look at print samples from the Epson EcoTank!
So just to recap:
Your print settings on the computer must match your paper settings– not just on the printer itself!!!
Make sure you check those settings!!
That was a frustrating lesson to learn, but well… to live IS to learn, right? I just hope it saves someone out there from that same frustration I felt.
And now, few pics of those samples.
I found some were “dark” when copied directly.
Bright colors!! And the finish is great- like a professionally printed photo.
Copied on plain text-weight paper! The color is true.
I am already using the Epson Workforce Eco Tank et-4550 almost daily- and I LOVE that I can see the ink levels!! No confusion or running out in the middle of a project. And less landfill waste, too!
What are your thoughts? I’m happy to answer any questions I can!
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This is a great review and I did giggle when the ink was smudging and you flashed welcome to “CTD heck,” but you are such a pro and handled it beautifully! I really like your honest reviews, warts and all. Thanks for sharing that. You really helped us out by finding that print problem, this would probably be something we would experience in the real world. Who would think about their driver settings? I just worry about the paper settings while printing, so again, very helpful! I really appreciate what you do!!!
I don’t have this model but I have one of these printers that I recently purchased.(2550 model). I find that it is a bit slow and while I was printing a large amount of pages the other day, one after the other ( PDF file), it just stopped printing after 41 pages. Don’t know why, but it prints pretty well and I love the fact that I do not have to worry about running out of ink. I think that I should have gotten the bigger model because I find the smaller one to have the weight of the plastic parts that I would like……the place where the paper is loaded and where it comes out after printing. All in all, I think these printers are fantastic. I mostly print on cardstock and regular copy paper, but since seeing your informative video, I am going to try printing on vellum. Thanks for all the info and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I am in the market for a printer and this review was very helpful! We have not had a working printer for a few years now and I miss being able to print out articles and tutorials! This printer is on my shortlist as of now! THanks for the great review!
I meant to say the weight of those plastic parts do NOT have the weight that I would like.
This from Epson: “This model includes bottles of cyan, magenta, and yellow ink that all are dye-based. The black bottle of ink is pigment-based. According to Epson, this type of black ink should last longer than dye-based ink, although it may be more staining.” So the dye colors will wash off fabric and paper but the black might stay. Something to consider. I print on fabric with my cheapo Epson and it’s all pigment ink and does wash out.
Diane
Pooh, me again, I meant to say that quote came from Consumer Reports not from Epson. And the pigment ink does NOT wash out.
Sorry,
Diane
Thank you again for a thorough, honest, and easily understood review! I LOVE my Epson printers, so I am so happy to hear about this one. I’m glad you were able to work out your major problem and shared it with us! Yes, settings are a major issue. As I’ve heard since the ‘beginning’, our computers and like devices only know what we tell them lol. I have also always remembered the tip “Even if the original photo you are copying is ‘black and white’, ALWAYS copy & print in COLOR, otherwise you lose SO many of the gray tones” etc. Again, thank you SO much for your hard work & honest reviews! Have a GREAT new year!
Hi !! I know tha it’s been so long since this review, but I’m looking for a really good printer for my small craft business. I’m between the eco tank 4550 or the Artesian ( for the wide format) I truly need crisp, good, photo quality image and I’m not sure. What you recommend?
Thanks
Mary
Has anyone tried printing on fabric? How did it go? Did it bleed/fade after washing?
Inquiring quilter here, thanks
I’m sorry I had to leave this printer behind when we relocated. I can’t help with that. Sorry!