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It looks like the Pro series isn't new. We have one of the entry-level Epson models (L455 [1]) at our hackerspace. Pros: - Prints are really cheap Cons: -

It looks like the Pro series isn't new. We have one of the entry-level Epson models (L455 [1]) at our hackerspace. Pros: - Prints are really cheap Cons: - It doesn't print photos well - It makes a huge mess if one isn't careful while refilling (I'd even wear disposable gloves these days) - The heads clog often since we don't use it frequently enough to keep the ink flowing Still, so far so good. We've had it for almost 8 years and it looks like it'll keep chugging along for a couple more. [1] https://www.epson.com.sg/Ink-Tank-Printers/L-Series/Epson-L455/s/SPT_C11CE24501 https://www.epson.com.sg/Ink-Tank-Printers/L-Series/Epson-L4...

rstuart4133 4y ago
The link is an ad, but it's not an ad for the product you are describing. I've owned colour lasers, a cheap printer and one a couple of these. On each of your points: - EcoTank printers are not cheap upfront. But they generally come with enough ink to print 6,000 or even 12,000 in the box. If you print that much their per page cost is the cheapest I've found for a colour printer. - You right in saying photo's aren't great. But they are better than the colour laser I replaced. - I have no idea how you could make a mess when refilling them. The refill bottle design is amazing. For example, if you remove the lid and hold the bottle upside down, nothing comes out. They only empty while attached to the printer tank. - The heads have never clogged, despite mine going months between print jobs. I suspect you may have to leave them powered though. Everything you say is true for the printers priced on the "ink refills cost more than the printer" model. But EcoTank's use a different pricing model. You have to be a little brave to pay the upfront cost of the first one. It worked out for me - not only are the long term costs lower, you get a better printer all round. Mine has never jammed. Ever.
- ValentineC 4y ago
  > I have no idea how you could make a mess when refilling them. The refill bottle design is amazing. For example, if you remove the lid and hold the bottle upside down, nothing comes out. They only empty while attached to the printer tank. I just looked at the design of a newer EcoTank printer [1] and yes, it looks like you're right that the design has improved over the years. The L455 model I mentioned in my comment has an older design [2]. It's also a 6-7 year old model at this point. [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh_GcP6oLhc&t=333s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh_GcP6oLhc&t=333s [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFdjla9Kmvo&t=103s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFdjla9Kmvo&t=103s

rstuart4133 4y ago

The link is an ad, but it's not an ad for the product you are describing. I've owned colour lasers, a cheap printer and one a couple of these. On each of your points: - EcoTank printers are not cheap upfront. But they generally come with enough ink to print 6,000 or even 12,000 in the box. If you print that much their per page cost is the cheapest I've found for a colour printer. - You right in saying photo's aren't great. But they are better than the colour laser I replaced. - I have no idea how you could make a mess when refilling them. The refill bottle design is amazing. For example, if you remove the lid and hold the bottle upside down, nothing comes out. They only empty while attached to the printer tank. - The heads have never clogged, despite mine going months between print jobs. I suspect you may have to leave them powered though. Everything you say is true for the printers priced on the "ink refills cost more than the printer" model. But EcoTank's use a different pricing model. You have to be a little brave to pay the upfront cost of the first one. It worked out for me - not only are the long term costs lower, you get a better printer all round. Mine has never jammed. Ever.

ValentineC 4y ago
> I have no idea how you could make a mess when refilling them. The refill bottle design is amazing. For example, if you remove the lid and hold the bottle upside down, nothing comes out. They only empty while attached to the printer tank. I just looked at the design of a newer EcoTank printer [1] and yes, it looks like you're right that the design has improved over the years. The L455 model I mentioned in my comment has an older design [2]. It's also a 6-7 year old model at this point. [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh_GcP6oLhc&t=333s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh_GcP6oLhc&t=333s [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFdjla9Kmvo&t=103s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFdjla9Kmvo&t=103s