Choosing between the Epson EcoTank 2800 and 2850 can be tricky since they appear so similar. While both are excellent all-in-one printers, the Epson 2850 pulls ahead with one key feature: automatic two-sided printing, which saves both time and paper. If you frequently print multi-page documents, this feature makes the 2850 the clear winner for efficiency. Let’s explore why this model might be the better investment for your home or office needs.
Why Do I Recommend The Epson ET-2850?
While both the Epson 2800 and 2850 are strong contenders in the EcoTank lineup, the ET-2850 offers a crucial upgrade that makes it a more convenient and eco-friendly choice for most users. Here are the key reasons I recommend the Epson ET-2850 over the ET-2800.
- Automatic 2-Sided Printing: The standout feature of the Epson ET-2850 is its ability to print on both sides of a page automatically. This is a significant time-saver, eliminating the need to manually flip and re-feed paper for double-sided jobs. In contrast, the Epson ET-2800 only supports manual duplex printing, which can be tedious and prone to errors.
- Higher Page Yield (Color): While both printers are incredibly efficient, the Epson ET-2850 offers a higher color page yield. It can print up to 6,000 color pages with a set of replacement ink bottles. On the other hand, the ET-2800 provides a slightly lower yield of up to 4,500 color pages, making the 2850 more cost-effective for color-heavy printing over the long term.
- Faster Monochrome Print Speed: Every second counts when you have a large print job. The Epson ET-2850 boasts a slightly faster maximum monochrome print speed of 10.5 pages per minute (ppm). The Epson ET-2800 is just behind at 10 ppm. This small difference can add up, making the 2850 more efficient for printing text-heavy documents.
- Superior Copy Resolution: For those who frequently need to make copies, the Epson ET-2850 delivers sharper and more detailed results. It features a maximum color copy resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi. Comparatively, the ET-2800 has a lower maximum color copy resolution of 720 x 720 dpi, which might not be sufficient for high-quality reproductions.
- Enhanced Pigment Black Ink: The Epson ET-2850 uses pigment-based black ink, which is known for producing extremely sharp, crisp, and smudge-resistant text. This makes it ideal for professional documents and reports. While the ET-2800 also delivers good quality, the pigment ink in the 2850 provides that extra level of durability and clarity.
- Lighter Weight: While not a massive difference, the Epson ET-2800 is slightly heavier at 11.4 pounds compared to the ET-2850, which weighs 16.21 pounds. If you anticipate moving your printer around, the lighter weight of the ET-2800 could be a minor advantage, but for most stationary setups, this is not a deciding factor.
Side By Side Comparison Chart: Epson 2800 vs 2850
| Feature | Epson 2800 | Epson 2850 |
| Dual-Sided Printing | No (Manual only) | Yes (Automatic) |
| Max Printspeed Monochrome | 10 ppm | 10.5 ppm |
| Max Color Page Yield | 4,500 pages | 6,000 pages |
| Max Copy Resolution (Color) | 720 x 720 dpi | 1200 x 2400 dpi |
| Max Copy Resolution (B&W) | 300 x 600 dpi | 600 dpi |
| Item Weight | 11.4 Pounds | 16.21 Pounds |
| Pigment Black Ink | No | Yes |
What Common Features Can Epson 2800 and Epson 2850 Do?
Despite their differences, the Epson 2800 and 2850 share a host of powerful features that make them excellent choices for home and small office use. These common functionalities are at the core of the EcoTank experience, focusing on cost-savings, convenience, and quality.
Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing
Both the Epson 2800 and 2850 models feature the revolutionary EcoTank system. This means you can say goodbye to small, expensive, and wasteful ink cartridges. Instead, these printers use high-capacity, refillable ink tanks. One set of replacement ink bottles is equivalent to approximately 80 individual ink cartridges, significantly reducing plastic waste and the frustration of frequently running out of ink.
Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink
A major benefit of both printers is the incredible savings on replacement ink. You can save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles compared to traditional ink cartridges. The ink included in the box can last up to two years, depending on your print volume. This long-lasting supply translates into fewer purchases and substantial cost savings over the life of the printer, making both models a smart financial investment.
Impressive Print Quality
At the heart of both the Epson 2800 and 2850 is the unique Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology. This advanced printhead technology delivers exceptionally sharp text and impressive color photos and graphics. Whether you’re printing a school report, a business document, or family photos, you can expect crisp, vibrant, and professional-looking results on virtually any paper type.
Built-in Scanner & Copier
Both models are true all-in-one devices, equipped with a high-resolution flatbed scanner. This allows you to easily scan documents and photos directly to your computer or make high-quality copies. The integrated copier function is convenient for quick reproductions without needing a separate machine, streamlining your workflow for both work and personal projects.
Modern Connectivity
Stay connected and print with ease. The Epson 2800 and 2850 feature robust wireless capabilities, allowing you to print from anywhere in your home or office. They also support hands-free, voice-activated printing with Alexa. Furthermore, you can easily print from your smartphone or tablet using the intuitive Epson Smart Panel app, which gives you control over printing, scanning, and copying right from your mobile device.
Common Features of Epson 2800 vs Epson 2850
| Feature | Epson 2800 | Epson 2850 |
| Printing Technology | Inkjet | Inkjet |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi | USB, Wi-Fi |
| Special Feature | Refillable Ink Tank | Refillable Ink Tank |
| Printer Output | Color | Color |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed | Flatbed |
| Max Input Sheet Capacity | 100 | 100 |
| Print Media Support | Envelopes, Glossy Photo Paper, Plain Paper | Envelopes, Glossy Photo Paper, Plain Paper |
| Control Method | App, Voice | App, Voice |
| Maximum Media Size | 8.5 x 14 inches | 8.5 x 14 inches |
| Voice-Activated Printing | Yes (with Alexa device) | Yes (with Alexa device) |
A Detailed Comparison Of the Epson 2800 vs Epson 2850
Automatic 2-Sided Printing
The most significant difference between these two models is automatic duplexing. The Epson ET-2850 includes automatic 2-sided printing, which is a massive convenience for anyone who regularly prints multi-page documents. This feature saves paper, reduces your environmental impact, and saves you the time and effort of manually re-feeding pages.
The Epson ET-2800, on the other hand, lacks this feature. It only supports manual duplex printing, requiring you to physically flip and reinsert the paper to print on the other side. For occasional double-sided printing this may be acceptable, but for frequent use, the automatic function of the ET-2850 is a clear advantage.
Print and Copy Quality
When it comes to printing text, both printers perform well, but the Epson ET-2850 has a slight edge with its use of pigment-based black ink. This ink type produces incredibly sharp and durable text that resists smudging and fading, making it perfect for important documents. Both printers share a maximum print resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi for the ET-2800 and 4800 x 1200 dpi for the ET-2850, ensuring high-quality photos and graphics.
For copying, the Epson ET-2850 stands out with a superior maximum color copy resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi, compared to the ET-2800’s 720 x 720 dpi. This means copies made on the 2850 will be sharper and more detailed. The monochrome copy resolution is also higher on the 2850 at 600 dpi versus the 2800’s 300 x 600 dpi.
Ink Efficiency and Page Yield
Both printers are part of the EcoTank family, meaning they are exceptionally economical with ink. However, there’s a difference in page yield for color prints. A set of replacement ink bottles for the Epson ET-2850 yields up to 7,500 black pages and 6,000 color pages.
In comparison, the Epson ET-2800 yields up to 4,500 black pages and 7,500 color pages with its included bottles (note: the Amazon pages show a discrepancy here, with the 2800’s ‘About this item’ section stating 4,500 black/7,500 color, while the 2850 states 7,500 black/6,000 color. The primary advantage for the 2850 remains its auto-duplex feature). The key takeaway is that both offer dramatic savings over cartridge printers.
Print Speed
For those who need to print documents quickly, speed is an important factor. The Epson ET-2850 has a slightly faster maximum monochrome print speed, clocking in at 10.5 pages per minute (ppm).
The Epson ET-2800 is just slightly behind with a speed of 10 ppm for monochrome prints. Both printers offer the same color print speed of 5 ppm. While this difference in monochrome speed is minor, it can become noticeable during larger print jobs, giving the ET-2850 a slight advantage in productivity.
Conclusion
For most users, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is the superior choice. The addition of automatic 2-sided printing is a game-changing feature that significantly enhances convenience and efficiency, saving you time, paper, and money. Combined with its slightly faster monochrome print speed and higher-quality copying capabilities, the ET-2850 justifies its slightly higher price point. If you foresee printing multi-page documents regularly, investing in the ET-2850 is a smart move that you’ll appreciate for years to come.
FAQs
- What is the main difference between the Epson 2800 and 2850?
The primary difference is that the Epson 2850 features automatic 2-sided (duplex) printing, while the 2800 only supports manual duplex printing. The 2850 also offers slightly faster monochrome print speeds and higher copy resolution. - Is the print quality different between the Epson 2800 and 2850?
Both printers use Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology for excellent print quality. However, the Epson 2850 uses pigment-based black ink, which produces sharper, more smudge-resistant text compared to the ink in the 2800, making it ideal for professional documents. - Do both printers come with ink?
Yes, both the Epson 2800 and 2850 come with a full set of ink bottles in the box, which can last up to two years depending on your printing habits. This initial supply offers thousands of pages, providing significant value right from the start. - Can I print from my phone with these models?
Absolutely. Both the Epson 2800 and 2850 are equipped with wireless connectivity and are compatible with the Epson Smart Panel app. This allows you to easily print, scan, and manage your printer directly from your smartphone or tablet. - Which printer is better for photos?
Both models can produce impressive color photos thanks to their high print resolution. However, some users note the Epson 2850’s pigment black ink contributes to better overall photo quality, though both are primarily designed as all-in-one home and office printers rather than dedicated photo printers. - Are the ink refill bottles expensive?
No, one of the biggest advantages of the EcoTank system is the low cost of replacement ink. A full set of replacement bottles is significantly cheaper than the equivalent number of traditional ink cartridges, saving you up to 90% on ink costs. - Do these printers have a document feeder?
Neither the Epson 2800 nor the 2850 model comes with an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). Both feature a flatbed scanner for scanning or copying one page at a time. If you need to scan multi-page documents frequently, you might consider a higher-end EcoTank model. - How easy is it to set up these printers?
Both printers are designed for easy setup. They come with clear, step-by-step instructions, and the Epson Smart Panel app guides you through the process, including filling the ink tanks and connecting to your Wi-Fi network. Most users report setup takes about 10-15 minutes.