Epson EcoTank ET-8550 Review

The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is a serious contender for anyone who prints photos regularly. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to give you an honest review. This all-in-one supertank printer promises low running costs and gallery-quality prints, but it comes with a premium price tag. Let's break down if it's worth your money.

Design and Build Quality

The ET-8550 is a large, sturdy machine, measuring about 22.9 x 15.3 x 13.6 inches and weighing 31.9 pounds. It's not a desktop printer for a cramped shelf; it needs dedicated space. The body is matte black with a clean, professional look. The 5.0-inch touchscreen is bright and responsive, making navigation easy. The front cassette holds 250 sheets of plain paper, while the rear tray handles 100 sheets of photo paper or other media. There's also a dedicated 20-sheet photo tray for 4x6 prints, which is a nice touch.

The build feels solid, though some users report the paper output tray is flimsy. The scanner lid lifts to accommodate thick books, and the ADF can handle up to 35 sheets for multi-page scanning or copying. Overall, it's well-constructed for a home office or studio.

Print Quality and Performance

Photo quality is where the ET-8550 shines. With six individual ink tanks (including gray and photo black), it produces smooth gradients, accurate skin tones, and deep blacks. Borderless prints up to 13x19 inches are stunning, with no visible banding even on glossy paper. Text is sharp and dark, but not as crisp as a laser printer. Color documents are vibrant, though not as punchy as dye-based inks.

Speed is modest: about 16 pages per minute for black and 8 for color, according to Epson. In real-world use, a 4x6 photo takes around 30 seconds, and a 13x19 print can take 2-3 minutes. If you're printing a batch of photos, it's acceptable but not fast. The first page out is slow due to the printer's initialization. For text-heavy documents, a laser printer will be much quicker.

Ink System and Running Costs

The EcoTank system uses refillable ink bottles instead of cartridges. The ET-8550 comes with two black bottles (one standard, one photo black) and four color bottles. Epson claims you can print up to 2,300 4x6 photos or 8,300 black pages before refilling. This makes the cost per print incredibly low, especially for photos. You'll save a lot compared to cartridge printers, but the initial investment is higher.

Refilling is straightforward: you insert the bottle into the tank and it clicks into place, preventing spills. However, you must be careful not to overfill, and the tanks are translucent so you can see levels. Some users find the process messy if they're not careful, but it's manageable. The ink is pigment-based, which resists fading and water damage, ideal for archival prints.

Connectivity and Software

The ET-8550 offers a wide range of connectivity options: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, USB, and an SD card slot for direct printing. It supports AirPrint, Mopria, and the Epson Smart Panel app, which lets you print, scan, and monitor ink levels from your phone. Setup is generally easy, but some users report issues with the Epson software on Mac or Windows, especially with network discovery. The touchscreen guides you through setup, and the printer has a self-test function.

One quirk: the printer doesn't support automatic duplex scanning, only manual. For a device in this price range, that's a minor letdown. But for photo printing, it's not a dealbreaker.

Handling and Ergonomics

Loading paper is simple: the front cassette slides out, and the rear tray flips up. The photo tray is handy for quick 4x6 prints. The touchscreen is intuitive, with clear icons for copy, scan, and print. The output tray is a bit flimsy, but it does the job. The printer is quiet during operation, though it makes a slight noise when cleaning the print head.

Scanning is decent: the flatbed offers up to 2400 dpi resolution, which is plenty for most uses. The ADF works well for multi-page documents, but it doesn't support duplex scanning. Copying is fast enough for home use.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Like all inkjets, the ET-8550 requires occasional print head cleaning to prevent clogs, especially if you don't print for a while. The printer has a built-in cleaning cycle that you can run from the touchscreen. It uses a small amount of ink, so it's not a big deal. The ink tanks are easy to access, and the print head is user-replaceable if it ever fails. Some users report that the printer goes into a deep sleep mode and takes a while to wake up, which can be annoying.

Overall, maintenance is manageable, but you should print at least once a week to keep the nozzles clear.

Common Buyer Complaints

While most users are happy, some common complaints include:

• Slow text printing and first-page-out time.
• Occasional paper jams, especially with thick media.
• Software issues on some networks, requiring reinstallation.
• The printer is large and heavy, not ideal for small spaces.
• Ink bottles can leak if not inserted properly.

These are not dealbreakers, but they're worth considering.

Comparison with Alternatives

Let's see how the ET-8550 stacks up against its main rivals:

• Canon PIXMA G620: Also a supertank, but it lacks a scanner and fax. It's cheaper and prints up to 8.5x11, so it's for photo printing only. The ET-8550 adds all-in-one functionality and larger prints.
• Epson EcoTank ET-8500: The smaller sibling, with a 4.3-inch screen, no ADF, and max paper size of 8.5x11. If you don't need A3+, save money with the 8500.
• HP Smart Tank 7001: A budget supertank, but it's slower and has lower photo quality. It's fine for basic printing, but not for serious photography.
• Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000: A cartridge-based printer that also prints 13x19, but running costs are higher. The ET-8550 is better for high-volume photo printing.

For photographers, the ET-8550 is the best balance of cost and capability.

Who Should Buy the Epson EcoTank ET-8550?

If you're a photographer, graphic designer, or small business owner who prints photos regularly, the ET-8550 is a smart investment. The low ink costs and large-format capability make it a workhorse. It's also great for crafters who need borderless prints on specialty paper.

However, if you print mostly text documents and rarely print photos, you're better off with a cheaper inkjet or laser printer. The high upfront cost and slower text speeds won't be justified.

Final Verdict

The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is a top-tier photo printer that delivers exceptional quality and value over time. It's not perfect, but for its target audience, it's a game-changer. Check the current price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget.