Should I buy an EcoTank to replace a failing Canon?

[GrantCee]

It’s time to say goodbye to my beloved Canon iP4300 printer. The head has severe cross-color contamination issues, and it’s gotten to the point that the output, even in plain black, just doesn’t look good any longer. I do like the printer, and so I’ve been scouring local second hand stores for another (or one of the other Canon models that use the same cartridges), but to no avail.

So now I’m looking for another printer, one that can run as economically as the 4300 (refilling my own carts, of course), and the Epson EcoTank models have caught my interest.

Here’s what I’d like in a printer: first off, this is not going to be used to print photos (I have a Canon Pro-1000 for that purpose). This will be used for general office duties: plain paper documents, mailing labels, accounting charts, that sort of thing. A 4-color printer is more than enough for these uses, and the faster the better. I’d like duplexing, but that’s not a deal-breaker; LAN connectivity would be a big plus. Don’t require wireless or scanning.

Which EcoTank printers, current or discontinued, would you suggest for reliability and durability while matching the desired feature set? Anything I should know about Epson or the EcoTank printers, coming from YEARS of owning only Canon printers?

 

[The Hat]

coming from YEARS of owning only Canon printers?

If you want something that turns on and is always reliable, then check out the Maxify range..
Don’t go to the dark side..

 

[GrantCee]

If you want something that turns on and is always reliable, then check out the Maxify range..
Don’t go to the dark side..

Not familiar with those...guess I'd better head over to the Canon forum and ask some questions!

 

[flyboy]

Hi GrantCee,
I've had a Epson ET3750 for probably a 3-4 years or more ?? and no complaints. i use it for household printing for the two of us and occasional book printing/scanning, legal also/ photocopy/. I like the ecotank especially, no lockdown if the cartridge runs out at an inopportune time. Seems to just keep on printing once you fill it up and the filling bottles are bulletproof in that there is zero spilling. Epson really did a nice job on that design.

Do a head cleaning once in a long while so the head doesn't clog. Just a simple process. Do not unplug it or turn the printer off because it will go through a head cleaning when you turn it back on, wasting ink.

If you want a professional print job select 100% quality. i rarely use it.

i regularly print off books rather than buying as it does such an inexpensive job. [i bind my own books so it is a simple job. i just do full 8.5x11 sheets, edge glue binding which there is lots of YTs etc on it. i and a pro bookbinder did one (1300 pp Black's Law 1910) with me doing the sewing which was fun and interesting but a long process, but very rewarding.]

My friend has a business and uses an Ecotank 4750 and no complaints.
i recommend the ecotanks highly. i would not go back to a cartridge inkjet.

 

[Redbrickman]

Maxify is a good printer. I had one for a long time but when my printing needs reduced and I was only printing every couple of weeks I decided to buy a colour laser. No more clogs or print issues to deal with. If I don't print anything fr a month I know I can jsut turn it on and print with no issues.

If you do decide to go to a laser there are still a few that can take compatible toner carts. Many of the newer printers have chips to stop the use of 3rd party toner.