Epson launches compact EcoTank printers for home use

Epson has expanded its EcoTank printer range with a new line-up of compact models for home and home office users.

The new printers are at least 25% smaller than rival models, according to Epson.

The additions include the EcoTank ET-1910, ET-2910 series, ET-2920 series and ET-4900 series. Epson is targeting households that print routine documents such as homework, travel papers and home administration, as well as small office users handling business paperwork.

The ET-1910 is aimed at families that want mobile printing and a cartridge-free design. The ET-2910 series adds printing, scanning and copying, while the ET-2920 series includes a 3.7cm colour screen. At the top of the line-up, the ET-4900 series includes an Automatic Document Feeder and a touchscreen for home office and small office use.

Epson is positioning the range around lower running costs and reduced dependence on cartridge changes. The printers use refillable ink tanks and come with up to three years of ink in the box. Users can save up to 95% on printing costs compared with traditional cartridge printers, according to the company.

Replacement ink bottle yields are also central to the launch. One set of bottles can print up to 4,700 black-and-white pages and 7,500 colour pages, Epson said, reducing the frequency of refills and cutting waste.

Compact focus

Epson has put particular emphasis on size as it competes for space in kitchens, spare rooms and small work areas. The models are at least 25% smaller than competitor printers, the company said, reflecting growing pressure on manufacturers to fit more functions into smaller devices for hybrid working and home use.

Despite the smaller footprint, the printers include a 100-sheet rear paper tray, borderless photo printing up to 10x15cm and print speeds of up to 11 pages per minute. They also support Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct and mesh Wi-Fi networks, with mobile printing available through Epson's Smart Panel app and Apple AirPrint.

The Smart Panel app allows users to print, copy and scan from smartphones and tablets, as well as check ink levels, adjust settings and troubleshoot issues remotely. These features reflect the wider shift in the printer market towards app-based management and wireless use rather than direct connection to a single desktop computer.

Home printing market

The launch comes as printer makers continue to pitch refillable ink systems as an alternative to cartridge models, especially for households and small businesses concerned about long-term costs. Manufacturers have increasingly focused on total cost of ownership, ease of maintenance and waste reduction as they try to distinguish products in a mature market.

The new printers also use Epson's Heat-Free printing technology, which the company said contributes to durability and lower energy use. Epson added that the printhead is designed to last for the life of the printer and that the range carries a durability specification of 50,000 pages.

Other features include key-lock bottles for refilling, intended to make the process cleaner and simpler. Epson also highlighted zero cartridge waste as part of the product design, underscoring the environmental argument now commonly attached to refillable ink systems.

Explaining the rationale for the expansion, Lee Withers of Epson Europe said: "One of the biggest frustrations consumers have with home printing is the ongoing cost and inconvenience of replacing cartridges.

"These new EcoTank printers are designed to remove that pain point completely, offering families and home office users a reliable, easy-to-use printer with an ultra-low cost-per-page. With their compact footprint, modern connectivity and high page yields, these printers are ideal for anyone looking for hassle-free everyday printing that delivers both convenience and long-term value."