Epson’s EcoTank series is now a staple in the printer world. One of their latest entries in the range is the Epson EcoTank L18050. It aims to be a simple solution for business and photographers by being a minimalist printer able to pump out quality prints while minimizing waste.
Epson EcoTank L18050
| Printing Technology | Micropiezo Printhead |
| Nozzle Configuration | 180 x 1 nozzles Black, 180 x 1 per color (Cyan, Magenta,Yellow, Light Cyan, Light Magenta) |
| Print Direction | Bi-Directional Printing |
| Page Yield | Up to 22 ppm |
| Supported Paper Size | A6, A5, A4, A3, A3+, B6, B5, B4, 8K, 16K, Indian-Legal, Letter, 8 x 10-inch, 8.5 x 13″, Legal, 5 x 7-inch, 4 x 6-inch, 16:9 Wide, 105 x 148 mm, 3.5 x 5-inch, 54 x 86 mm (ID card), Envelopes #10, DL, C6, C4 |
| Maximum Print Resolution | 5760 x 1440 DPI |
| Print Speed | Up to 8.0 ipm (A4), Up to 3.0 ipm (A3) |
| Connectivity | WiFi 802.11n, WiFi-Direct, USB 2.0 |
| Software Support | Epson iPrint, Epson Email Print, Remote Print Driver, Epson Smart Panel |
Design and Features
The Epson EcoTank L18050 is a dedicated printer through and through. There are no secondary functions to be found here like scanning or copying. Instead, the printer only focuses on printing paper up to A3, CDs, and even ID cards.
Its paper tray is located at the top and can hold up to 50 pieces of A3 paper. It can be extended depending on the height and width of the load. Those who wish to print on CDs or ID Cards can find its separate tray towards the front of the printer.
The top panel of the printer can be lifted for maintenance or repair. The blue handle is its transport lock to prevent the print head from being shaken when the printer is being moved. Its ink tank is located at the lower right-hand side and can be accessed by lifting the lid.
The Epson EcoTank L18050 uses dye ink for printing. It uses 6 colors for printing: Black, Light Cyan, Magenta, Cyan, Yellow, and Light Magenta. They don’t use cartridges and instead employ tanks for more efficient ink refilling. Ink levels are conveniently found at the window at the front.
There is no LCD screen to speak of, so Epson is using a rather old school set of lights and buttons for its controls. The power button is self-explanatory while the WiFi has two modes – WiFi network (left) and WiFi Direct (right). If you’re unfamiliar, you’re going to have to use Epson’s included manual or this online version.
The printer only supports WiFi or a wired USB connection via a USB-B port at the back. There is no Bluetooth connectivity here. You’re going to need to use either a computer or the Epson iPrint app available on Android and iOS.
Software and Performance
Printing on a computer is a straightforward affair. Just go to your preferred document or photo program and choose the settings you want. If you don’t have to access a PC, you’re going to have to use the Epson iPrint app.
The app’s interface is rather old school but it’s functional. It will first scan compatible devices in the area before asking you to connect the device to your WiFi. Once done, you can choose from two UI types – Cards or Tiles. We chose the latter for this review.
The Epson iPrint will automatically switch to the correct options for the printer once it has connected. For the L18050, the most important features are print and print head cleaning – the latter of which can be used for regular maintenance.
Heading over to the print option presents multiple choices. If you don’t already have designs, you can choose from a plethora of preset patterns and motifs on the app. You can also create your own custom designs or make collages using your own photos within the app.
Once you’re happy with the design, the next page shows the options for printing. From here, you can choose to print your document or photo on a plethora of paper choices from the A3+, several types of glossy paper, envelope, and CDs.
Prints come out great. We were able to print out several photos and documents on standard A4 papers. Colors look spectacular and details come out crisp when you set it the print settings at higher DPI. Primarily text documents also look good but if you’re using it primarily for this, some of its color options is wasted potential.
Print speed is fast with a single-page document popping out within less than 10 seconds. Full color photos will take a few seconds longer but still fast, which is helpful especially if you’re proofing multiple photos in a single run.
Epson EcoTank L18050 Review – Conclusion
The Epson EcoTank L18050 is a fantastic standalone printer for photos. It can pump out high quality print outs in just a few seconds making it suitable for those who need a fast photo printer out in the field or in the office.
There are some downsides, however, that make it less than ideal in some situations. The lack of a scanner can be a drawback in office settings. Its ability to print on envelopes and CDs are relatively niche but they are nice inclusions to have.
At PhP 28,925, the Epson EcoTank L18050 is fairly expensive for the average consumer. But those who need speed and vibrant colors on their prints will definitely be able to lean on Epson’s entry.
Epson EcoTank L18050 Price and Availability
The Epson EcoTank L18050 is priced at PhP 28,925 in the Philippines. You can now get the printer via Epson’s official flagship Lazada and Shopee stores, as well as authorized retailers nationwide.
