The Epson EcoTank ET-8500 promises lab-quality photo prints and versatile all-in-one functionality with its built-in scanner and large ink tanks. But does this premium photo printer live up to the hype, and is it worth the investment? We put it through rigorous testing to evaluate its setup, performance, features, and overall value.
Design and Features
The Epson EcoTank ET-8500 is a surprisingly compact all-in-one.
The EcoTank ET-8500 boasts a surprisingly compact footprint for its capabilities. Measuring 15.9 inches wide, 13.7 inches tall, and 14.5 inches deep with the output tray closed, it fits comfortably in most home office spaces. The output tray extends forward when printing, adding six inches to the depth. Three paper trays accommodate various media types, including card stock, photo paper, and up to 50 sheets of letter-sized paper. The printer even supports direct printing on CDs and DVDs. A 4.3-inch color touchscreen simplifies operation, while the off-white body and rounded edges give it a modern aesthetic. While generally intuitive, the envelope orientation icon could be clearer.
Printing Performance: Lab-Quality Results?
Alan compares draft, standard, and hig-quality photos from Epson
Epson claims the ET-8500 delivers “lab-quality color photos and graphics,” and our testing largely confirms this. Photo prints on matte and glossy paper exhibited stunning color accuracy, crisp detail, and impressive speed. As expected, plain paper prints showed reduced contrast and saturation. While suitable for documents, the ET-8500 excels with photo prints, delivering vibrant, frame-worthy results.
Epson’s six-color Claria ET Premium ink system, comprising cyan, magenta, yellow, black, gray, and photo black, is key to this performance. The combination of dye-based inks (except for pigment-based black) extends the dynamic range and preserves color fidelity. Print speeds are commendable, with up to 16 black-and-white or 12 color documents per minute. Photo print times range from 15 seconds for draft quality to under a minute for best quality 4×6 prints.
Beyond Printing: Scanning and Connectivity
The Epson EcoTank ET-8500
The ET-8500 offers more than just printing. Its integrated scanner delivers fast, quiet operation with resolutions up to 1200 dpi when connected to a computer. A built-in card reader and USB-A port enable direct printing and scanning from external storage. The touchscreen facilitates copying and navigation. The inclusion of a dedicated CD/DVD printing tray adds further versatility.
The Epson EcoTank ET-8500 includes a tray for printing directly on CDs and DVDs.
Software and Setup
Epson
Setting up the ET-8500 is straightforward using the Epson Smart Panel app. The touchscreen provides clear guidance throughout the process, including initial ink filling and head alignment. The uniquely shaped ink bottles prevent accidental misfills. Connectivity is seamless across Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, iOS, and Android devices.
Price and Value: Is it Worth the Investment?
Walk-up printing is easy since the EcoTank ET-8500 supports SD cards and USB drives.
With a retail price of $700 (often discounted to $550), the ET-8500 requires careful consideration. The included ink supply lasts up to two years, yielding an estimated 6,200 pages for most color inks. Individual ink bottles cost around $17.50-$20, resulting in a per-page cost of approximately one cent for color and three-tenths of a cent for black-and-white prints. The long-term cost savings compared to cartridge-based printers can be significant.
Conclusion: A Top Choice for Photo Enthusiasts
The Epson EcoTank ET-8500 delivers on its promise of high-quality photo prints. Its accurate colors, crisp details, and fast printing speeds impress. While the price is premium, the included ink and low running costs offer long-term value, especially for high-volume printing. If photo quality is paramount and you can justify the initial investment, the ET-8500 is a highly recommended all-in-one printer.
