Epson ET-4850 Review

The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 is one of Epson’s latest all-in-one inkjet printers designed for small office and home office users seeking a cost-effective, reliable, and feature-packed printing solution. As ink costs and maintenance issues become prevalent concerns among customers, products like the ET-4850 attempt to directly address these by providing cartridge-free printing and a host of modern connectivity options. In this review, we’ll dive into the main reasons users might consider the ET-4850, guide you through setting up and addressing potential issues, and summarize the printer’s pros and cons so you can decide if it fits your needs.

1. Common Issues and Concerns for Users

People who opt for multifunction inkjet printers like the Epson ET-4850 typically do so for both convenience and cost-effectiveness. However, several underlying challenges influence their buying decision:

• High Cost of Traditional Ink Cartridges: Many users look for alternatives because frequent ink cartridge replacement in standard printers leads to high long-term costs. This is especially true for small businesses or households printing in large volumes.
• Persistent Maintenance Problems: Paper jams, dried-up ink cartridges, and printhead clogs are common headaches with inkjet devices, complicating users’ experiences and sometimes rendering printers unusable at the worst times.
• Wireless Connectivity Challenges: As more users rely on smartphones, tablets, and cloud-based workflows, consistent, stable wireless performance and compatibility with modern devices are vital—but not always guaranteed with older printer models.
• Limited Productivity Features: Fast-paced environments require more than just basic printing. Automatic document feeders, duplex printing, and mobile app support have become expected but are not always present in entry-level or outdated printers.
• Environmental Concerns: The waste generated by single-use cartridges and the environmental impact of frequent hardware replacement is an increasing concern for eco-conscious users.

With these issues in mind, the Epson ET-4850 positions itself as a solution with its large-capacity ink tanks, robust connectivity, and versatile features.

2. How to Set Up and Troubleshoot the Epson ET-4850

If you’re considering or have just purchased the Epson ET-4850, a smooth installation and awareness of key features and troubleshooting steps will help you get the most from your device.

Unboxing and Setup

1. Unpack carefully: Inside the box, you’ll find the printer, four starter ink bottles (black, cyan, magenta, yellow), the power cord, a CD for software installation (optional), and the Quick Start guide.
2. Remove protective tape: Make sure you remove all packaging material and protective tape from the printer to avoid operational problems later. This includes any tape on the scanner or inside the ink tank area.
3. Fill the ink tanks: Open the ink compartment, remove the caps, and use the supplied bottles to fill each tank according to the color label. The EcoTank system makes this straightforward; bottles are keyed to prevent incorrect filling.
4. Initial priming: When powering on the printer for the first time, you’ll be prompted to prime the ink system. Follow the instructions on the touchscreen. This typically takes a few minutes.
5. Connect to Wi-Fi/network: The ET-4850 supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, and USB. Use the touchscreen panel to connect to your home or office network. For mobile devices, install the Epson Smart Panel app, which simplifies wireless setup and direct printing.
6. Driver/software installation: Download the latest drivers from Epson’s website for your operating system. Complete the installation process on your computer or connect directly using the app if you’re printing from a mobile device.

Everyday Maintenance and Preventing Problems

• Keep ink topped up: Monitor ink levels through the Epson Smart Panel app or the printer’s screen. The transparent tanks make it easy to spot low ink.
• Use the ADF carefully: The 30-sheet Automatic Document Feeder is great for multipage scans, but avoid loading wrinkled or stapled papers to prevent jams.
• Run regular nozzle checks: Infrequent use can cause ink to dry in the printhead. Use the maintenance menu to run nozzle checks and cleaning cycles if print quality drops.
• Firmware updates: Occasionally update the printer firmware via the Epson website or directly from the settings menu to ensure the latest features and bug fixes.

Solving Common Issues

• Paper jams: Follow the instructions on-screen if the printer detects a jam. Open the rear paper feed and front output tray to remove any stuck sheets gently. Never force paper out.
• Connectivity issues: If Wi-Fi drops, cycle the printer’s power and recheck the Wi-Fi settings. For persistent problems, reset the network connection through the settings and try reconnecting.
• Print quality issues: If prints are streaky or faded, ensure you’re using the correct print settings for your document type. Run the printhead cleaning utility if needed.
• Scanning errors: If the scanner isn’t detected on your computer, ensure the driver is installed and the connection method (USB, network, or Wi-Fi) matches your computer’s setup.

If issues persist, Epson’s support website and customer care can provide step-by-step guidance.

3. Conclusion: Is the Epson ET-4850 Right for You?

The Epson ET-4850 stands out as a versatile and economical choice for home offices and small businesses. Its cartridge-free EcoTank design addresses the issue of expensive ink replacement, delivering a significantly lower cost per page compared to traditional inkjet printers. According to Epson, one set of ink bottles can print thousands of pages, making it ideal for users with moderate to high print volumes.

Print speeds of up to 15 black and 8 color pages per minute are adequate for most small office needs, and features like a 250-sheet paper tray, duplex printing, and a color touchscreen add convenience and ease of use. The inclusion of scan, copy, and fax functions, plus comprehensive wireless options (including support for Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print alternatives, and the powerful Epson Smart Panel app), means it’s truly a modern solution.

The main downsides are its relatively high upfront cost compared to basic cartridge printers, and that heavy-duty office users may require faster print speeds or a larger automatic document feeder than the 30-sheet capacity. Occasional connectivity quirks or maintenance cycles are also characteristic of most modern inkjets, but the ET-4850 handles these tasks more gracefully than most peers.

If you value low operating costs, robust features, and reliable performance, the Epson ET-4850 is an excellent investment for a productive home or small office. Its clever EcoTank system, modern connectivity, and practical design keep it competitive against both lower-cost printers and traditional cartridge-based competitors. For those ready to say goodbye to expensive ink cartridges and frustrating maintenance routines, the ET-4850 is well worth considering.