Sick of printer cartridge changes? Epson EcoTank lasts two years without a refill

Epson has unveiled a new range of printers for the UK that can last for two years’ use without running out of ink.

The EcoTank printer range, which is designed for use in small businesses or homes, features two models: the L355 and L555.

Rather than cartridges, both devices contain reservoirs that Epson said can hold enough ink to print 4,000 black-and-white pages or 6,500 colour pages.

The printers come with a full tank’s worth of ink, which will need to be put into the reservoir as the first step of the process. Next, users should turn on the printer and prime the ink system, after which the unit will be ready for use.

Once the ink has run out, the reservoirs can be refilled by the user at home.

In addition to printing, both devices can scan and copy, and the L555 even has fax capabilities and a 30-page automatic document feeder. Both also benefit from Wi-Fi connectivity.

Late arrival

The EcoTank range has come to the UK quite late, being first released in Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2013; its since made its way to Italy in June this year.

Simon Hanly, product manager at Epson UK – said that it was the success of the printers in these markets, where the company has sold more than 10 million units – and “customer needs” that led to Epson “launching the EcoTank range for Western Europe”.

While the printers in the EcoTank range are being pitched as “ultra-low-cost”, money-saving devices, both are in fact quite expensive: the L355 retails at £250, while the L555 costs £330. Replacement ink bottles cost £8 each.

Both EcoTank printers are available from Dixons, Currys and PC World.