The Epson ET-8550 is a high-end all-in-one printer that has been making waves in the printing community. With its impressive list of features, superior print quality, and eco-friendly design, it’s natural to wonder if this printer is worth the investment. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the Epson ET-8550 and explore its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right printer for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Epson ET-8550 boasts a sleek and compact design that makes it perfect for small offices, homes, or workspaces. The printer measures 17.7 inches wide, 13.6 inches deep, and 7.9 inches tall, making it easy to fit on a desk or shelf. The device weighs around 20 pounds, which is relatively light considering its range of features.
The printer’s body is made of high-quality plastic, and its build quality is sturdy and robust. The 4.3-inch touchscreen display is user-friendly and responsive, making it easy to navigate through the printer’s menu and settings. The printer’s design is also ergonomic, with a convenient paper tray and ink cartridge placement that makes maintenance and upkeep a breeze.
Eco-Friendly Features
One of the standout features of the Epson ET-8550 is its eco-friendly design. The printer uses Epson’s unique EcoTank system, which eliminates the need for traditional ink cartridges. Instead, the printer uses refillable tanks that can be filled with ink bottles, reducing waste and saving you money in the long run.
According to Epson, the EcoTank system can save you up to 90% on ink costs compared to traditional cartridge-based printers. Additionally, the printer’s energy consumption is low, and it’s Energy Star certified, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Print Quality and Performance
The Epson ET-8550 is a powerhouse when it comes to print quality and performance. The printer uses Epson’s PrecisionCore technology, which produces vibrant and detailed prints with a high resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi.
The printer can print at speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and white and 11 ppm in color, making it suitable for small offices or busy households. The printer also supports wireless printing, mobile printing, and voice-activated printing through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Paper Handling and Capacity
The Epson ET-8550 has a robust paper handling system that can handle a variety of paper sizes and types. The printer has a 350-sheet paper tray that can be expanded to 500 sheets with an optional additional tray. The printer also supports automatic two-sided printing, which saves paper and reduces waste.
In terms of paper capacity, the printer can handle paper sizes from 3.5 x 5.5 inches to 8.5 x 14 inches, including envelopes, labels, and specialty paper. The printer also supports printing on cardstock and other thick media, making it suitable for creative projects and printing business cards.
Special Media Support
The Epson ET-8550 supports printing on a range of special media, including:
- Cardstock up to 50-sheet capacity
- Envelopes up to 20-sheet capacity
- Labels up to 100-sheet capacity
- Photo paper up to 20-sheet capacity
Copy and Scan Features
In addition to printing, the Epson ET-8550 also offers excellent copy and scan features. The printer has a built-in flatbed scanner that can scan documents at resolutions of up to 1200 x 2400 dpi. The printer also supports automatic document feed (ADF) scanning, which allows you to scan multiple pages at once.
The printer’s copy function is also robust, with features like zooming, reduction, and enlargement. You can also copy both sides of a document at once using the printer’s automatic two-sided copy feature.
Scan-to Functions
The Epson ET-8550 offers a range of scan-to functions that make it easy to digitize and share your documents. These functions include:
- Scan-to-email
- Scan-to-cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)
- Scan-to-USB
- Scan-to-network folder
Security and Maintenance
The Epson ET-8550 has robust security features that protect your documents and data. The printer supports WPA2-PSK and WPA3-PSK encryption, ensuring that your wireless connections are secure.
In terms of maintenance, the printer has a range of features that make upkeep easy. The printer’s EcoTank system eliminates the need for frequent ink cartridge replacements, and the printer’s paper tray and ink tanks are easy to clean and maintain.
Warranty and Support
The Epson ET-8550 comes with a 1-year limited warranty that covers parts and labor. Epson also offers excellent customer support, with online resources, phone support, and email support available.
Verdict and Recommendation
Overall, the Epson ET-8550 is a high-end all-in-one printer that is worth considering for small offices, homes, or workspaces. The printer’s eco-friendly design, superior print quality, and robust paper handling features make it a great investment for those who need a reliable and high-performing printer.
If you’re looking for a printer that can handle a range of tasks, from printing to copying to scanning, the Epson ET-8550 is a great choice. Additionally, if you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your printing, the printer’s EcoTank system and energy-efficient design make it a great option.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or only need a printer for basic tasks, the Epson ET-8550 may not be the best choice. The printer is an investment, and its price may be out of range for those who don’t need its advanced features.
In conclusion, the Epson ET-8550 is a top-of-the-line printer that is worth considering for those who need a high-performing and eco-friendly printing solution. While it may be more expensive than other printers on the market, its range of features, superior print quality, and energy-efficient design make it a great investment for those who need a reliable and high-quality printer.
Should You Buy the Epson ET-8550?
- If you need a high-end all-in-one printer with superior print quality and robust paper handling features, the Epson ET-8550 is a great choice.
- If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your printing, the printer’s EcoTank system and energy-efficient design make it a great option.
- If you have a small office or workspace and need a reliable printer that can handle a range of tasks, the Epson ET-8550 is a great investment.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or only need a printer for basic tasks, the Epson ET-8550 may not be the best choice.
What is the Epson ET-8550 and what are its key features?
The Epson ET-8550 is a multifunctional printer, scanner, and copier that belongs to Epson’s EcoTank line. Its key features include a large 1.44″ color LCD display, Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity, and a refillable ink tank system. The ET-8550 also has a high print resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi, making it ideal for printing high-quality photos and documents.
Additionally, the ET-8550 has a 30-sheet automatic document feeder and supports paper sizes up to 8.5″ x 47.2″. It also has a fast print speed of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and white and 11 ppm in color. The printer is also capable of printing on a variety of media types, including CDs and DVDs.
Is the Epson ET-8550 worth the investment?
The Epson ET-8550 is definitely worth considering, especially for those who print frequently. The printer’s refillable ink tank system can save you up to 90% on ink costs compared to traditional cartridge-based printers. The initial cost of the printer may seem steep, but the long-term savings on ink can make up for it.
Additionally, the ET-8550’s high print quality and fast print speed make it a great choice for businesses and individuals who need to print high-quality documents and photos regularly. However, if you only print occasionally, a more budget-friendly option might be a better choice.
How does the Epson ET-8550 compare to other EcoTank models?
The Epson ET-8550 is similar to other EcoTank models, such as the ET-2750 and ET-4750, in terms of its refillable ink tank system and high print quality. However, the ET-8550 has some additional features, such as a larger LCD display and a 30-sheet automatic document feeder, that set it apart from other models.
Compared to the ET-2750, the ET-8550 has faster print speeds and a more comprehensive set of connectivity options. Compared to the ET-4750, the ET-8550 has a more compact design and a higher print resolution. Ultimately, the choice between EcoTank models will depend on your specific printing needs and budget.
What kind of ink costs can I expect with the Epson ET-8550?
The Epson ET-8550 uses Epson’s 502 ink bottles, which are available in black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. The cost of these ink bottles varies depending on the country and retailer, but on average, each bottle costs around $20. According to Epson, each bottle can print up to 6,000 pages in black and white and 6,500 pages in color.
This means that the ET-8550 can print at a cost of around 0.3 cents per page in black and white and 0.5 cents per page in color. This is significantly cheaper than traditional cartridge-based printers, which can cost up to 5 cents per page.
Is the Epson ET-8550 easy to set up and use?
Yes, the Epson ET-8550 is relatively easy to set up and use. The printer comes with a comprehensive user manual and a setup CD that guides you through the installation process. The LCD display is also intuitive and easy to navigate, making it simple to select print options and monitor ink levels.
Once set up, the ET-8550 is easy to use, with features like automatic two-sided printing and a 30-sheet automatic document feeder that make it convenient to print large documents. The printer also supports mobile printing through Epson’s iPrint app, which allows you to print from your smartphone or tablet.
Can the Epson ET-8550 handle high-quality photo printing?
Yes, the Epson ET-8550 is capable of handling high-quality photo printing. The printer has a high print resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi, making it ideal for printing detailed and vibrant photos. The ET-8550 also uses Epson’s Claria ET photo black ink, which is specifically designed to produce deep blacks and rich colors.
The ET-8550 also supports a range of photo paper sizes and types, including glossy, matte, and luster finishes. You can also use Epson’s Photo+ software to edit and enhance your photos before printing, and the printer’s built-in CD/DVD printing feature allows you to print directly onto discs.
What is the warranty and customer support like for the Epson ET-8550?
The Epson ET-8550 comes with a two-year limited warranty that covers parts and labor. Epson also offers a range of support resources, including online documentation, video tutorials, and a customer support hotline. Additionally, Epson’s website has a comprehensive FAQ section and a forum where you can ask questions and get answers from other users.
In the event of a problem with the printer, Epson’s support team is available to help diagnose and fix the issue. Epson also offers replacement parts and ink bottles through its website and authorized retailers, making it easy to keep your printer running smoothly.