Epson EcoTank ET-3850 Review

Epson EcoTank ET-3850, a versatile multi-purpose printer designed for the modern home office remember!! especially for you. Positioned as a mid-range model in Epson’s new printer range, it offers a comprehensive feature set tailored to meet the demands of home office users. Unlike traditional printers that rely on cartridges, the EcoTank ET-3850 uses refillable ink tanks, promising significant cost savings over time.

Estimated at around $400 (around £360, AU$680), the EcoTank ET-3850 may seem expensive at first for a printer that doesn’t have a touchscreen and dual scan mode. However, its value becomes clear when considering the large amount of ink included in the packaging. With enough ink to print up to 14,000 black and white pages or 5,200 color pages, equivalent to about 70 cartridges, the EcoTank ET-3850 offers very low operating costs. The price of refilling Epson ink bottles is also very affordable, up to 90 percent cheaper than traditional cartridges.

In my opinion, despite its compact shape, the EcoTank ET-3850 can accommodate 250 sheets of A4 paper and 337ml of ink, thereby minimizing the frequency of refilling. Available in arctic white (US) or plain black (UK), this printer comes with the Epson Smart Panel app for enhanced usability.

Even though it lacks features like a touchscreen, For me fax facilities, and a front USB port, the EcoTank ET-3850 delivers reliable performance in critical tasks. The design, although slightly larger due to the four inkwells, hides its size well. However, the construction quality may feel less than premium, as evidenced by minor damage during transit.

These are some of the main specifications of the EcoTank ET-3850 that I have summarized:

• Type: 3-in-1 color A4 inkjet printer
• Function: Print, scan and copy
• Connectivity: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, USB
• Print speed: 15 ppm (mono)
• Paper capacity: 250 sheets
• Print quality: 4,800 x 1,200 dpi
• Scan quality: 1,200 x 2,400 dpi
• Apple AirPrint: Yes
• Consumables include: 4x bottles of ink (14,000 mono, 5,200 color)
• Dimensions/Weight: 375 x 347 x 131 mm (WxDxH)/6.7kg

In my opinion, the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 really stands out because of its easy-to-use ink refill process, facilitated by specially designed bottles and tanks. Its functionality covers essential office tasks, although it lacks certain features such as duplex scanning mode and a USB Host port.

For those of you who want to set up the EcoTank ET-3850 it’s easy, thanks to Epson’s intuitive Smart Panel app, which guides users through the process via their smartphone. Operation of the printer is also easy to use, although some minor inconveniences may arise, such as having to confirm paper selection every time the paper tray is opened.

In my testing, the EcoTank ET-3850 demonstrated reliable printing capabilities, providing satisfactory results for both text and color documents. While not the fastest inkjet printer available, it operates smoothly and quietly. The printer’s ability to produce accurate copies and high-quality prints further enhances its appeal, making it suitable for office documents and photos.

The conclusion I can come to is that the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 offers an attractive proposition for home office users looking for a cost-effective printing solution. While it may lack certain advanced features, its low operating costs and reliable performance make it an attractive choice for those who prioritize efficiency and quality.