Guide to buying an ink tank printer

Whether you’re printing family photos or managing daily home office tasks, choosing the right printer matters. A key decision is between cartridge models and refillable ink tank printers, which offer low-cost, eco-conscious, high-quality printing. This guide explains how ink tank printers work, their benefits over cartridges, and what to consider for long-term performance.

Epson printer and inks overlayed in front of a calming office environment bookshelf.

How do ink tank printers work?

Unlike cartridge printers that use small, replaceable ink cartridges, ink tank printers are equipped with large, refillable tanks. These tanks are filled directly from ink bottles, providing a high volume of ink that lasts much longer than a typical cartridge.

Instead of replacing cartridges frequently, you only top up your ink tank when it’s low. This makes your ink tank printer a more eco-friendly choice with much less packaging waste and fewer interruptions to your printing routine. Across our EcoTank range, for example, many of the ink tank printers can print thousands of pages before needing a refill.

An illustration demonstrating the ink refill process. Taking off the ink bottle lid, placing the bottle on the ink tank's appropriate colour's nozzle which automatically stops filling at the line, and closing the ink tank cover.

What should you look for in an ink tank printer?

When considering the question of what is the best ink tank printer to buy, it helps to think about needs such as budget, print quality and intended use. Here are the main factors to consider:

Budget

Ink tank printers are available at different price points. At the time of writing, entry-level models often start from around £140, while premium models with advanced features such as duplex printing, Wi-Fi Direct, or dedicated photo capabilities may cost considerably more. Whatever the initial outlay, it is also worth factoring in the ink cost savings over time.

Subscription options

If you’re drawn to the benefits of an ink tank printer but prefer to avoid the upfront cost, ReadyPrint Max offers an alternative approach. This subscription service includes an EcoTank printer and automatic ink delivery.

There’s no need to purchase a printer outright. Epson delivers one to your door as part of your plan, along with ink whenever your levels run low. ReadyPrint Max is available across a range of EcoTank models suited to different printing volumes, from light home use to busier home office environments. The subscription includes extended warranty cover for the life of your plan, and you can adjust your page allowance as your needs change. It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy all the advantages of ink tank printing with predictable monthly costs.

Print quality

If you’re asking which ink tank printer is best for photos, look for models optimised for high-resolution colour printing. Some of Epson’s EcoTank printers are designed specifically for vibrant image reproduction, perfect for photography enthusiasts. For everyday office or school documents, a standard EcoTank model will provide crisp, professional results.

Print speed

Speed is important for busy households and small offices. Some ink tank printers produce around 10 pages per minute (ppm), while others can achieve up to 15 ppm. If you print large batches of reports or coursework, choosing a faster model can save valuable time.

Ink costs

One of the standout advantages of ink tank printers is lower ongoing ink costs. Refilling with Epson EcoTank bottles soon becomes significantly cheaper than replacing standard ink cartridges.

Scanning and copying capabilities

If you need more than just printing, look for all-in-one models that include scanning and copying. This is especially useful for managing household paperwork, school assignments, or small business needs.

Which ink tank printer is the best for scanning?

If you’re looking for an ink tank printer that’s excellent for scanning, you’ll want a model from the Epson EcoTank range that includes an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF).

An ADF allows you to feed a stack of pages into the printer/scanner, rather than placing each sheet manually on the flatbed. This is especially helpful if you have multi-page documents (school coursework, university notes, invoices, receipts) that you want to digitise quickly.

Many options from our Epson EcoTank range are all-in-ones with an ADF included.

A woman sits on a couch using a tablet in a modern room with a white Epson printer on a dresser with ink bottles beside it.

What are the benefits of ink tank printers?

Ink tank printers have quickly become the preferred choice for many homes and businesses. Here are just a few of the reasons why they’re so popular:

Lower running costs: thanks to high-capacity bottles, the printing costs per page can be considerably lower than other printer types.

Fewer refills: one set of bottles can last for potentially thousands of pages, not only saving money but also saving time having to buy regular replacements.

Eco-friendly: the longer lifespan per refill of ink tank printers leads to much less plastic waste compared to single-use cartridges, meaning they are better for the environment than standard cartridge printers.

Convenience: transparent tanks make it easy to see when you’re running low to ensure that you’re never surprised by your ink running out when you need it most.

Ink tank printers vs cartridge printers

One of the most common questions we encounter from potential customers is: ink tank printers vs cartridge printers, which is the better fit?

Ink tank printers: The ideal option for high-volume, cost-effective printing with fewer interruptions. They’re a perfect fit for families, students, and small businesses with regular printing needs.

Cartridge printers: Ideally suited to those who want a lower initial cost, who print occasionally in low volumes and who prefer the convenience of buying replacements off the shelf.

For most regular users, ink tank printers are an ideal fit and soon prove to provide the long-term savings and greater convenience that has made them so popular.

A hand refills an Epson printer's ink tank with grey ink. The open printer shows compartments for various colored inks.

How to maintain an ink tank printer

If you’re looking at purchasing an ink tank printer, especially if it’s the first ink tank option you’ve owned, a key topic is how to maintain an ink tank printer. The good news is that they are relatively straightforward to maintain, provided you follow a few simple steps:

Regular use: print a few pages every couple of weeks to keep the ink flowing smoothly.

Keep it clean: wipe dust from the exterior and avoid storing the printer in humid or dusty spaces.

Use genuine ink: always refill with official Epson EcoTank bottles to maintain performance, quality and protect your warranty.

Monitor the tanks: avoid letting the ink levels drop too low, as this may introduce air bubbles into the system.

Run cleaning cycles: if you notice streaks or gaps when printing, use the built-in cleaning utility.

By following these few simple tips, you give your EcoTank printer a great chance of running in peak condition for several years.

FAQs

Are ink tank printers a good choice?

Yes. Ink tank printers are a reliable, cost-effective choice for both home and office use. They combine low running costs with high-quality output.

Are ink tank printers better than cartridge printers?

For many users, yes. While cartridge printers suit occasional printing, ink tank models deliver lower costs and fewer interruptions for regular printing requirements.

Do ink tank printers dry out if not used?

Like any printer, an ink tank can begin to dry out if left unused for very long periods. However, printing a page or two every few weeks prevents issues.

Which ink tank printer is best for photos?

Many ink tank printer options are great for printing photos. Look for models that emphasise “photo printing” in their specs, as well as glossy media support. If you want to print many photos, the low cost per page of an EcoTank printer is very helpful.