Ink Tank Printers: Pros and Cons
Inkjet and laser printers have always been the usual choice when it comes to buying a printer. However, a new player in town is gaining popularity due to their unique advantages, and this printer is called an ‘Ink Tank’ printer.
Introduced by Epson back in 2011, ink tank printers offer a more convenient way of printing as they don’t use traditional ink or toner cartridges. As good as this all sounds, ink tank printers also come with their own set of disadvantages. In this article, we will discuss ink tank printers' pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Advantages of Ink Tank Printers:
- Cost-Effective Printing:
One of the most significant advantages of ink tank printers is their cost-effectiveness. Unlike traditional inkjet printers, which use expensive cartridges, ink tank printers come with refillable ink tanks.
These tanks can be easily topped up with inexpensive ink bottles, reducing the cost per page significantly. Users can print more pages without constantly worrying about replacing expensive ink cartridges. As an example, a regular ink cartridge can cost somewhere around $20 to $25 and would only print up to 100 to 300 pages. An ink tank refill bottle will probably cost the same, but they would be able to produce 1,500 to 7,500 pages, making it the more cost-effective choice when it comes to printing.
2. High-Quality Output:
Ink tank printers are known for producing high-quality prints, especially when it comes to color reproduction. The vibrant and sharp prints they produce are suitable for both text and image-heavy documents, making them an excellent choice for tasks like photo printing and graphic design.
3. Long-Lasting Ink Supply:
The ink tanks in these printers hold a substantial amount of ink, which means you can print for an extended period before needing a refill. This is particularly beneficial for businesses and heavy users, as it reduces downtime for maintenance and one of the best advantages of ink tank printer.
4. Eco-Friendly Printing:
Ink tank printers are considered more environmentally friendly than traditional inkjet printers. Since they generate less plastic waste from disposable ink cartridges, they contribute to a reduction in overall printer-related waste. Let’s help lessen waste by using eco-friendly ink.
5. Easy Refilling Process:
Refilling the ink tanks of these printers is a straightforward process that doesn’t require any special expertise. The ink bottles come with nozzles designed to fit into the tanks, reducing the chances of spillage and making the process hassle-free.
Compared to traditional printers, which require a lot of steps just to change an ink or toner cartridge, overall, it makes the process much simpler and faster. If you need help finding the right ink bottle for your Epson ink tank printer, you may check our find my ink guide, and you will be redirected to the right page.
6. Wireless Connectivity:
Many ink tank printers come with wireless connectivity options, allowing for easy printing from smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This convenience is a major advantage in the age of mobile computing and remote work. Learn how to connect your printer via WiFi by checking our WiFi connection guide, and you will be redirected to the right page.
Disadvantages of Ink Tank Printers:
- High Initial Cost:
While ink tank printers can save you money in the long run, they typically come with a higher upfront cost compared to some traditional inkjet models. The investment may be a deterrent for users with a limited budget.
2. Bulkier Design:
Ink tank printers are often bulkier and larger than traditional inkjet printers. If you have limited space in your office or workspace, this can be a disadvantage.
3. Prone to Clogs:
The ink in the tanks can dry out over time, potentially leading to clogs in the printhead. This can affect print quality and require maintenance to resolve.
To avoid this, running cleaning maintenance on your printer’s control panel or printing at least one document per week is a great practice to avoid clogging your printer.
4. Slower Print Speed:
Ink tank printers are not known for their speed. They are generally slower than laser printers, which may not be suitable for high-volume, time-sensitive printing tasks. In average, a laser printer can print up to 12 to 20 pages per minute, while ink tank printers can only print up to 5 to 15 pages per minute.
5. Limited Compatibility:
Not all ink tank printers are compatible with all operating systems or devices. This can be a limitation if you have specific software requirements or need to use various devices with the printer.
6. Potential for Mess:
While refilling ink tanks is generally straightforward, it can sometimes get messy if not done carefully. Spilled ink can stain surfaces and be challenging to clean up.
Conclusion:
Ink tank printers offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly printing solution. They are particularly well-suited for those who print a moderate volume of documents and images and are willing to make an initial investment.
The decision to invest in an ink tank printer ultimately depends on your specific printing needs and budget. If you value quality and economy and can overlook the slower print speed and occasional maintenance, then an ink tank printer could be a wise choice. On the other hand, if you require high-speed, high-volume printing and have a smaller budget, a traditional inkjet or laser printer might be more suitable for your needs. We hope that we are able to help you decide after discussing the ink tank printers' pros and cons.
If you are looking for a supplier for your daily printing needs, you may check CompAndSave.com. We offer a wide variety of ink, toner, paper, and accessories for all printer brands at a much more affordable price.
Thanks for reading! Leave a comment if you have any questions. Looking to save money on your printing projects? Check out www.compandsave.com for some great deals on printer ink and accessories! Remember to follow our blog for more interesting printing-related tips and guides.
About the Author
Jomar Samudio is one of the Search Engine Optimization specialists in CompAndSave. CompAndSave is located in Union City, California, and is a retailer and wholesaler of printing supplies. Starting as a Customer Service Representative for CompAndSave, Jomar has a wide array of knowledge about printers, ink, and toner cartridges, which can help people get better insights and understanding about printers and cartridges. Jomar knows the importance of great Customer Service, so he is here to provide thorough details about frequently asked questions regarding printers and cartridges.
