Epson EcoTank ET-2911 Review
Summary: The Epson EcoTank ET-2911 provides exceptional print quality but more importantly, the unit is affordably priced as is the ink technology it uses! Kudos to Epson!
4.5
Affordable printing
The Epson EcoTank ET-2911 ($329AUD RRP) is a very versatile, cartridge-free multifunction (or all-in-one) printer that has been designed for high-volume, low-cost printing, making it ideal for homes or small office environments. By utilizing an integrated, high-capacity ink tank system alongside seamless wireless connectivity, the Epson EcoTank ET-2911 delivers reliable printing, copying, and scanning capabilities while requiring minimal maintenance from the user. Additionally, it offers user-friendly controls on the device itself, plus wireless compatibility with a wide gamut of devices, making it a convenient solution for managing your everyday documentation requirements.
Unboxing
Setup
Setup? What setup! Epson should be commended on the straightforward process. For testing, we used the Epson EcoTank ET-2911 on an iPad and PC. On the iPad, we downloaded the official Epson app, which took us through an intuitive, guided interactive wizard that provided instructions on connecting the iPad to the Wi-Fi of the printer, how to tip the ink from the included bottles (black, cyan, magenta, and yellow), and then connecting the printer to our Wi-Fi network.
It was a very easy process. On the PC, which was more traditional, we visited the official Epson page where we downloaded the drivers and accompanying software (e.g., scanning and photos), which, again, was a smooth process. Another great feature of the ET-2911 is its strong wireless connection, which works without needing to be physically present in the same room.
At the core of its design is an innovative refilling mechanism that eliminates the traditional reliance on expensive plastic cartridges in favor of Epson 522 ink bottles, which are simply inverted into the corresponding front-facing tanks for an entirely spill-free replenishment process. Also, the ET-2911 is powered by Epson’s proprietary MicroPiezo inkjet technology and Heat-Free Technology, which allows it to achieve a maximum printing resolution of 5760 x 1440 dots per inch, ensuring that text remains exceptionally crisp and images retain their vividness. Having printed both color photos and documents with the ET-2911, this technology works a treat, particularly on photo-based paper.
In terms of speed, it delivers eleven pages per minute in black and white and six pages per minute in color. Although it is not the fastest multifunction printer, the speed is really a moot point for both homes and small offices. I even think it’s faster than our behemoth Kyocera at work, which is a slow workhorse for printing. Beyond standard document printing, the ET-2911 also supports borderless photo printing (typically up to 4×6 inches) across a diverse range of paper types, including premium glossy and matte presentation papers in various sizes such as A4 and legal formats. It features a reliable rear document tray capable of holding up to one hundred sheets of plain paper, whilst being compatible with media that supports a thickness range from 64 to 300 grams. Furthermore, the built-in flatbed scanner provides an impressive optical resolution of 1200 x 2400 dots per inch, allowing users to digitize documents directly to a connected PC or even send them straight to an email address.
As mentioned, connectivity is another area where this multifunction device excels, as it offers support for Apple AirPrint, mobile applications, USB, and Wi-Fi Direct connections to ensure seamless operation from almost any device. This diverse wireless compatibility means that members of a household can effortlessly print documents or photographs directly from their smartphones or tablets without ever needing a physical router. Although a standard power cord is included in the packaging, potential buyers should note that a USB cable is not provided, meaning a separate purchase is required if a wired connection to a computer is preferred—but who wants to be tied to a traditional PC and printer setup!
Final Thoughts
There are a few things missing from the Epson EcoTank ET-2911 that some users may require, such as an automatic document feeder or automated two-sided printing, which requires users to manually flip pages when duplex printing is desired. However, given the price of the ET-2911 and its wireless printing and scanning capabilities, these two features won’t be missed by many. Add in a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty (which can often be extended upon registration), and a monthly duty cycle of up to three thousand pages, and these minor inconveniences are easily overshadowed by the technical features and performance of the ET-2911. Its price makes it an ideal choice for many homes and small offices, not to mention that it is very eco-friendly.
















