Is An EcoTank The Best Printer For Junk Journaling? (My Honest Review)

I’ve been printing digital papers with my Epson EcoTank printers for close to 5 years now.

But it wasn’t until I started designing my own printables that I really started learning about printers, image quality, paper quality and how all this can dramatically affect the quality of your printouts.

Which begs the question: Are EcoTanks the best printers for junk journaling and paper crafting? And are they really worth the higher price tag?

In a nutshell: I think EcoTank printers are a good investment (especially if you consider how much money you’ll save on ink!), but they’re only worth it if you’re going to print often enough. Otherwise, EcoTanks can clog. I found that out the hard way a couple of summers ago!

So, here’s what I wish someone had told me when I was choosing my printer. TLDR: I still recommend an Epson EcoTank printer – but with some caveats.

Instead of using traditional ink cartridges, EcoTank printers have refillable ink tanks.

Usually, you can physically see the ink level, so you know exactly when it’s time to refill them.

Because you’re filling the tanks with liquid ink, the page yield is usually much higher than when using traditional ink cartridge printers.

• They’ll save you money. Say goodbye to pricey ink cartridges! Filling the ink tanks with liquid ink is much cheaper and lasts far longer than traditional ink cartridges. I top up my ink tanks once a year, if that, whereas before, I was replacing the cartridges in my Inkjet printer every month. (And that was also when I was printing far less than I do today!) Ultimately, while an EcoTank printer is a bit of an investment upfront, it pays off quickly with how much you’ll save on ink.

• You can print a lot of pages before filling up. Most EcoTank printers boast the ability to print thousands of pages – in both black and white and full colour – before you need to fill them up again. I agree with that because I’ve printed over 4,000 pages since I last filled up and my ink tanks are showing as being half full. If you print a lot of digitals for your projects, then an EcoTank printer will keep up with your creativity without breaking the bank.

• You’ll get good quality prints. Providing my printer doesn’t have any clogs and I’m using the optimal printer settings (more on this later), I always get vibrant, high-quality results. One of my friends once told me her EcoTank was printing too dark for her, but I personally haven’t experienced this with mine. I will say that an EcoTank probably won’t match the quality of a dedicated photo printer because it’s not sold and marketed as that. EcoTanks are much more suited for general crafting and paper prints than high-end photo projects. Still, because I sell my journals, I wouldn’t use my EcoTank if it didn’t give me quality results. It does, so I’ll keep using it for years to come.

• The printer can clog over time. If you don’t print in full colour regularly, the ink can dry up and clog, causing a bit of a headache. If you’re not printing very often, you might be better off with a traditional inkjet printer like a Canon Pixma, which is great for occasional use. Please note clogs can usually be sorted at home, but there are a few steps involved, so it’s best to try and avoid them where possible (more on this shortly).

• They can struggle with thick cardstock. This might just be what I’ve experienced, but I’ve found my EcoTank doesn’t like thick cardstock. I don’t usually print on this kind of paper anyway, as I usually make my own ephemera for my journals rather than print it, so this doesn’t bother me too much. I’ve found that cardstock made specifically for printers works better, so take your time when buying your supplies. Now, I look for cardstock that specifically says it’s suitable for home printers.

• EcoTanks are usually more expensive than traditional Inkjet printers. The upfront cost of an EcoTank is significantly higher than that of most standard printers, so it’s not the most budget-friendly option right away. That said, if you can afford the higher cost in the short term, you’ll save a fortune in ink over the years.

• EcoTank printers can be big and bulky. Due to the refillable ink tanks, EcoTank printers aren’t usually the most compact printers out there. You’ll definitely need to clear some space on your desk for one of these!

I’ve been using EcoTanks for nearly 5 years now and the quality of printed images and text have been excellent every time and just as good as my old inkjet printer.

As you can see from the examples below (the top image shows printouts from my old inkjet and the bottom is printouts from my current EcoTank just a few weeks ago), the colours are vivid and the detail is sharp.

But here’s the thing: it’s not just the printer that makes a difference. The type of paper you’re using, your print settings and even the digital file all play a role in how your prints will look.

For the best results, I recommend using high-quality paper like Navigator’s 100 GSM Presentation Paper or their 120 GSM Colour Document Paper and setting your printer to ‘High’ or ‘Standard-Vivid’ quality. These two things alone make a big difference!

Most EcoTank printers say they come with 3 years’ worth of ink, but I don’t think this is the case if you’re printing full-colour designs as often as I am. The original ink lasted me about 18 months. Still impressive!

I only need to top up the ink once a year, if that – even though I print a lot (especially now I’m designing my own papers). EcoTanks are definitely built for serious printing!

Once my husband had set up the Wifi connection (he did just fine with it; I would’ve taken much longer!), I’ve loved being able to print straight from my computer upstairs without having to take it to the printer with me.

Refilling the ink tanks is easy to do – but only if you use official or compatible inks. You can’t use any old ink as the tanks and fittings vary across different models, so be sure you’ve got the right ink for your printer. You’ll be given a number code, which tells you which ink to buy. For example, my current printer takes “Epson 104 inks”.

Just as long as you take your time filling up the tanks, you shouldn’t get into too much of a mess. I’ve probably only spilt a drop or two over the years!

To keep my EcoTank running smoothly and stop the ink from clogging, I’ve made it a habit to run a nozzle check once a week.

If it does clog, I’ve found a few fixes that work: using purge sheets, doing a print head clean (or two!) and, as a last resort, a power clean. All these things are easy to do and usually at least one of these does the trick!

I say usually because I once had a clog that refused to budge. A couple of summers ago, my first EcoTank developed a very stubborn and large clog, so I used this printer cleaner that was recommended by someone who fixes and maintains printers. It worked well to start with (although it was a bit of a faff to open up the printer to clean the printheads).

But the clog came back a few weeks later, so I went out and bought a new EcoTank to replace it. Same brand: Epson. I’ve had my current printer for 2 years now and (touch wood!) never had a bad clog.

Looking back, I reckon I know what caused it. With my first printer, I tried to save money by using cheaper non-branded ink and I genuinely think that’s what led to the major clog (who knows what’s in those inks, right?!). I’ve stuck with the official Epson ink ever since and no bad clogs. Lesson learned!

The good news is that clogs are largely avoidable. Regular nozzle checks, using official ink and turning the printer off after use (this sends the printheads into their “docking station” to prevent the ink from drying out) are usually enough to keep everything flowing.

That said, clogs mostly happen when the printer sits unused for too long. So if you only print occasionally, an Inkjet like a Canon Pixma is probably going to serve you better.

There’s no denying an EcoTank costs more upfront than a typical Inkjet. Mine have both been around £160 – £200.

But I used to spend over £30 a month on ink cartridges for my old Inkjet printer, which added up fast. In comparison, I’ve spent no more than £40 – £50 on ink total across nearly 5 years of printing with an EcoTank. That’s a huge saving!

Now, let me be completely upfront with you: I’m on my second EcoTank, so I’ve actually bought two printers in that time (around £400 all in).

Even counting both printers AND the ink, I’ve still spent far less than I would have on cartridges. If I’d stuck with my old printer at £30 a month, I’d have spent over £1,600 on ink by now. Ouch!

When you compare the cost-per-print, an EcoTank’s larger upfront price is easily justified. I’ve saved hundreds of pounds on ink alone and, providing I keep up with the simple maintenance, it’s been a reliable and easy printer to use.

If you print regularly, it’s hard to find another printer that offers this kind of value over time.

If you’ve got to this point and have already decided an EcoTank printer is right for you, then the model I currently use is an Epson EcoTank ET-2860 (since replaced by the newer 2861 model).

As I sometimes scan antique ephemera to use in my printable paper designs, I wanted a printer that had a 2-in-1 printer and scanner functionality.

If you’re looking for something cheaper and more compact, worth considering as an alternative is a HP Smart Tank like this one. It looks to be slightly smaller and a little bit cheaper than my Epson EcoTank, though I haven’t personally used it, so I can’t fully vouch for it.

Worth noting: nearly all ink tank printers now come with a built-in scanner as standard, so this isn’t really a scanner vs. no-scanner choice any more.

If you’re still unsure whether an EcoTank is the best printer for you, here’s a reminder of some important things to bear in mind.

• Maintenance Level: EcoTank printers require some regular upkeep to prevent clogs – especially if you’re not printing frequently. If you’re not keen on doing weekly nozzle checks and occasional print head cleanings, you might prefer an Inkjet printer, which generally require less maintenance.

• Printing Frequency: How often you print is crucial. If you’re constantly churning out pages for your journals and craft projects, the EcoTank’s refillable tanks and lower cost-per-print will serve you very well. But if you print infrequently, a traditional Inkjet or even HP’s Instant Ink program might suit you better.

• Print Volume and Variety: Consider what you’ll be printing. EcoTanks are fantastic for high-volume printing and vibrant colours, but if you mainly print text, laser printers might be worth a look instead.

• Desk Space: EcoTanks are generally larger and bulkier compared with other printers, so make sure you’ve got the space for it. If your desk is a bit cramped, a more compact Inkjet or laser printer might fit better.

• Upfront Cost vs. Long-Term Savings: The EcoTank’s higher initial price might feel steep, but it could save you a lot in ink costs over time. Compare this to the ongoing costs of traditional cartridges to see which option balances out better for you.

• Print Quality: Providing you’re using the best settings for your printer, an EcoTank should produce stunning results for you. However, if you’re expecting the highest photo quality possible, a dedicated photo printer might be a better fit.

If you’ve decided an EcoTank isn’t right for you, there are some great alternatives to consider.

First up, the HP Instant Ink program is worth a look. With this service, you pay a monthly subscription fee and HP sends you ink before you run out, which can save you quite a bit in the long run.

It’s a handy option if you want to avoid the hassle of buying cartridges and want to keep costs predictable. However, you’re still using traditional ink cartridges, so it will likely never match the cost-per-print savings of an EcoTank.

Laser printers are another alternative. They’re ideal for text and monochrome prints, but when it comes to vibrant colour and detailed images, they won’t be right for your needs.

Inkjet printers, on the other hand, are the traditional choice and provide good quality photo and colour prints. They usually have higher running costs and you’ll need to replace the cartridges frequently (remember I was replacing them every month at one point!). This certainly adds up if you print a lot.

Overall, if you print a lot and in full colour, an EcoTank is likely the right choice for you.

If you’ve decided an EcoTank is right for you, the model I use is an Epson EcoTank ET-2860 (since replaced by the newer 2861 model) and I’d happily recommend it to anyone who prints papers for journaling and craft projects.

It might even become your new favourite craft tool!

While the initial price is higher compared to traditional inkjet and laser printers, the savings on ink quickly make up for it.

However, they do require some maintenance to prevent clogs, and if you print infrequently, a Canon Pixma or HP’s Instant Ink program might be a better fit.

Overall, if you’re dedicated to frequent, vibrant printing, an EcoTank printer is a worthwhile investment and one I would personally choose again and again.

And I know that for a fact, because when my first EcoTank gave up, I went out and bought another one straight away!

The EcoTank uses refillable ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges, which cuts down on ongoing ink costs and waste. Regular printers use disposable ink cartridges, which are typically more expensive and need replacing more often.

While there are cheaper, non-brand options available, I recommend only using official, branded inks designed for your EcoTank model. Using the wrong ink can cause clogs or damage – especially as the tanks and fittings vary between models.

The ink in an EcoTank printer is designed to last a long time. Depending on your printing volume, a set of ink bottles can last between 1-2 years. For high-volume printers, you may need to refill more frequently. I usually have to fill mine up once a year and I print full-colour sheets several times per month!

With proper maintenance, an EcoTank printer can last several years. Many people report their printers running smoothly for 5-10 years; especially if you regularly maintain your printer and use the correct ink. My first EcoTank lasted about 2.5 years before getting a clog I couldn’t shift (probably my fault as I used cheap inks in it) and I replaced it with another Epson EcoTank without a second thought. I’ve had my current printer for 2 years and no clogs!

It depends on what you need! An EcoTank is fantastic for high-volume, full-colour designs with low ongoing ink costs, while laser printers are great for sharp text and cost-effective monochrome designs. For vibrant, detailed designs and cost savings on ink, EcoTank printers often have the edge.

It’s not necessary to leave it on all the time and I would advise against it! Turning it off when not in use can help save energy and prolong your printer’s life. This is because the printheads are sent to their docking station when you turn it off, which prevents clogs and the ink from drying out.