Epson EcoTank ET-8500 – A4 Multifunction Printer with 6 Colours for Photo and Creative Use
The Epson EcoTank ET-8500 is an inkjet printer for those who want to print high-quality photos and documents, while keeping running costs low. With a 6-colour ink system, refillable tanks, and flexible media handling, it's a strong choice for creative homes, hobby projects, and everyday printing – without the hassle of traditional ink cartridges.
6-Colour Ink System for Photos and Sharp Text
The ET-8500 uses Epson Claria ET Premium ink with six colours. The combination of photo black and grey inks provides better tonal transitions and stronger monochrome prints, while a pigmented black ink ensures sharp text prints on plain paper.
Low Printing Costs and Long Reach
The printer is designed to provide a high volume of prints per refill. Epson states up to 2,300 high-quality photos per set of ink bottles (image capacity may vary depending on subject, paper, and usage).
Flexible Media Handling for Creative Projects
The ET-8500 features 5-way media handling and is designed for more than just standard paper:
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Paper trays for A4 and photo sizes
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Rear feed for specialty media like craft paper and cards
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Straight paper path for media up to 1.3 mm thick and up to 2 metres long
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Direct printing on compatible CD/DVDs
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Borderless printing for photos and graphics
Easy Control and Seamless Mobile Printing
You can print, scan, and copy via the built-in 10.9 cm colour touchscreen. Mobile and tablet support is available through Epson Smart Panel and services like Apple AirPrint and Mopria.
Connectivity
The ET-8500 is suitable for both wireless and wired home networks:
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Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)
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Wi-Fi Direct
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Ethernet (LAN)
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USB and USB Host
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SD card slot
Performance and Quality
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Print resolution: up to 5760 x 1440 dpi
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ISO speed: up to 16 ppm black and 12 ppm colour
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Max speed (plain paper): up to 32 ppm black and 32 ppm colour
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Photo 10 x 15 cm: approximately 25 seconds (depending on paper/settings)
Scanning and Documents
Dimensions and Weight
Scope of Delivery and Warranty
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Scope of delivery: power cable, drivers/tools, ink set, quick start guide, warranty documents
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Warranty: 12 months carry-in, up to 50,000 pages
Epson EcoTank ET-8550 – A3+ Multifunction Printer with 6 Colours for Larger Creative Prints
The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is the sibling model for those who want the same 6-colour system and low running costs, but with support for larger prints up to A3+. It is adapted for photos, art projects, and larger format prints, while maintaining the simplicity and economy of the EcoTank concept.
Main Difference from ET-8500: A3+ and Extra Feeds
The ET-8550 supports A3+ and has additional A3+ rear feeds, as well as a straight paper path in A3+ format for media up to 1.3 mm thick and 2 metres long. Duplex printing is available, but applies to A4 on plain paper.
Key Specifications
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Print resolution: up to 5760 x 1440 dpi
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ISO speed: up to 16 ppm black and 12 ppm colour
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Dimensions (W x D x H): 523 x 379 x 169 mm
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Weight: 11.1 kg
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Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, USB, SD card slot
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Apple AirPrint and Mopria
Quick Buying Guide: ET-8500 or ET-8550?
Choose the EcoTank ET-8500 if you want
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Focus on A4 and photo prints
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More compact size and lower weight
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Creative media handling without the need for A3+
Choose the EcoTank ET-8550 if you want
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Prints up to A3+ (larger images, posters, art)
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Extra A3+ feeds and straight A3+ paper path
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Same 6-colour system and EcoTank economy but larger format
