What ink does the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 use?
Running costs are competitive for its class. On a typical 1,100 pages/month, the 2‑year total could be £66.01 (keep) vs £316.01 (upgrade incl. hardware).
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 uses refillable ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges.
Running costs at a glance
| Variant | Cost | Yield | Est. p/page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black (standard) | — | — | — |
| Black (XL) | — | — | — |
| Colour (standard) | — | — | — |
| Colour (XL) | — | — | — |
What would you save by switching?
Comparison uses a simple 2‑year estimate at 1,100 pages/month (based on this model’s recommended volume).
| Option | Printer cost | Ink cost (2 years) | Total (2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep Epson EcoTank ET-2850 | You own this printer | £66.01 | £66.01 |
| Upgrade to Epson EcoTank ET-2720 | £250.00 | £66.01 | £316.01 |
Explore this printer
Best ink and cartridge options
Compare standard vs XL and see the best value options for this printer.
Cost per page
Check approximate running costs for black, colour, and XL cartridges.
Keep or upgrade?
See whether this model is still good value or has become expensive to run.
Fix: Low ink warning despite full tanks
Start with the most common issue we track for this model.
Cartridge Compatibility Chart
| Cartridge Name | Colour | Type | Est. Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Ink Bottles | multipack | Standard | ~4500 pages |
Original vs. Compatible Cartridges
When buying ink for your Epson EcoTank ET-2850, you typically have two main options:
Original (OEM) Cartridges
Manufactured by Epson. These offer guaranteed reliability and print quality but typically come at a higher price point. They are the best choice for printing high-resolution photos or archival documents.
Compatible / Remanufactured
Made by third-party companies. These are often significantly cheaper than original cartridges. Quality can vary between brands, but reputable suppliers offer guarantees. These are often a cost-effective choice for everyday document printing.
When to Replace Your Ink
You should look into replacing your cartridges when print quality begins to fade, colors appear missing, or your printer displays a "Low Ink" warning. For inkjet printers like this, it is recommended to replace cartridges as soon as quality drops to prevent the printhead from drying out or clogging.
Tip: If you print infrequently, run a print head cleaning cycle once every few weeks to keep the ink flowing smoothly and prevent blockages.
Available Cartridges
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Frequently Asked Questions
What ink does the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 use?
This model uses refillable ink tanks rather than a traditional cartridge range.
Is the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 expensive to run?
Estimated running cost is around 0.3p per black page and 0.3p per colour page. Whether it feels expensive depends on your monthly volume and whether you use standard or XL supplies.
What's the cheapest ink for the Epson EcoTank ET-2850?
For low-volume printing, the standard cartridge can be fine. If you print regularly, high-yield (XL) supplies usually offer the lowest cost per page.