With the EcoTank ET-4800 , Epson confirms its ambition: to bury disposable ink cartridges once and for all. This 4-in-1 multifunction printer (print, scan, copy, fax) is very different from traditional models. Rather than imposing expensive and limited consumables, it relies on refillable tanks capable of holding thousands of pages before requiring a new ink bottle.
Designed for home use, teleworking, and even small businesses, the ET-4800 aims to impress with its low cost per page and a more environmentally friendly approach. While its entry-level price tag is higher than that of entry-level cartridge printers, Epson counters this with a generous starter pack: enough to print for several years without worrying about refills. Not only will you save considerable money, but you'll also produce less waste, a welcome gesture for the environment.
We put it to the test, and here's our take.
Table of Contents
Ergonomics and design: compactness for charging
Right out of the box, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is surprisingly compact. Despite the presence of an automatic document feeder (ADF), its dimensions of approximately 375 x 347 x 237 mm allow it to sit discreetly on a desk without taking up space. This is a good point for a multifunction device designed primarily for the home or a small workspace.
When handling it, you quickly notice that the construction is entirely based on plastic. Nothing shocking at this price point, but the touch clearly lacks robustness and reminds you that we are not on a professional model. On the other hand, one detail immediately jumps out: the ink tanks on the front . It's hard to miss, and so much the better: a simple glance is enough to know where you are in terms of levels, a real comfort in everyday life.
It's when you move on to the control interface that you find the limitations of the positioning. The small two-line monochrome LCD screen, accompanied by physical keys, does the job for quick configuration or express copying. But in 2025, it's hard not to find it dated compared to the increasingly widespread color touchscreens.
Finally, the paper tray, placed at the rear, confirms the device's consumer orientation. Its capacity remains modest, and the vertical positioning exposes it to dust. A front drawer would have been more practical and protective, but it would undoubtedly have added to the design and price.
Features: the minimum for a complete multifunction
When you first get your hands on the Epson ET-4800, you'll quickly see that it's not a waste of time: it covers all the essential functions. Color or monochrome printing, flatbed or ADF scanning, copying... and even a little bonus with the fax function, which can help out with certain professional needs or administrative procedures.
Connectivity is solid. USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi Direct: there's no shortage of options, and the printer's full potential is best achieved via the network. The Epson Smart Panel is particularly useful. It only takes a few minutes to set up the device, print from a smartphone, or scan directly to a tablet. In practice, it makes daily use very smooth, especially for those who don't like connecting cables.
However, there's one downside: the ET-4800 only offers single-sided printing . To get a double-sided document, you have to turn the sheets over manually. For a professional-looking multifunction device, Epson is clearly missing something here: automatic duplexing has become almost standard on 2025 printers, and its absence is noticeable when dealing with larger documents.
Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Printer: Pros and Cons
Discover the strengths and weaknesses of the Epson EcoTank ET-4800. On the one hand, it impresses with its very low cost per page, refillable tanks, and 4-in-1 versatility. On the other, there are some compromises, such as an aging monochrome screen, the lack of automatic duplex printing, and limited print speed.
- Ultra-low cost per page
- Simple and clean refillable ink tanks
- 4-in-1 versatility
- Full connectivity (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, mobile)
- Low power consumption and limited noise pollution
- Monochrome screen and aging interface
- No automatic duplexing
- Modest print speed
- Limited photo quality for image enthusiasts
Print quality: sharp text, faded colors
From the very first printed documents, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 proves itself very convincing for office use. Its Micro Piezo print head and its maximum resolution of 5760 × 1440 dpi guarantee remarkable precision. Monochrome texts are sharp and precise, even at small font sizes, which makes professional documents easier to read and reinforces the feeling of quality on administrative or educational materials.
However, when it comes to color printing, the verdict becomes more nuanced. The ink used is dye- , which makes it less resistant to water and UV rays than pigment inks. The colors appear slightly cold and lack vibrancy compared to other models. For occasional photo printing, the result remains correct, but the ET-4800 is clearly not designed for image enthusiasts or those looking for perfect color fidelity.
This is why the EcoTank ET-4800 printer is geared more towards professional or office , rather than for a photo enthusiast. For text documents, graphics or simple presentations, it will satisfy a very large number of users, and this, with a truly derisory cost per page , a major asset of the EcoTank range.
Speed and performance: a moderate pace
From the first impressions, it is clear that the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 was not designed for intensive production rates. Designed for a moderate print volume , its performance reflects this positioning. In ISO standard, more representative of real-life usage, the flow rate reaches 10 pages per minute in black and white , which places it in the lower average of its category. On the color side, you will have to be patient: the rate peaks at 5 pages per minute , and the first page out time remains average, especially when it comes to a color document.
The scanner and copier behave in a typical consumer-grade multifunction manner. They can scan a few documents via the cover or the ADF without any problems, but they are clearly not powerhouses.
In summary, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 does the job perfectly for home or light business use , but it is not recommended for those who print in large volumes or under time pressure. For a home or small business, however, it offers an acceptable pace on a daily basis, combined with an ultra-low cost per page, which more than compensates for these limitations.
Cost per page and maintenance: that's where it excels
Where the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 outperforms the competition is in its ultra-low cost per page . Thanks to the EcoTank , the price per page is around €0.003 for black and white and slightly higher for color. These figures are much lower than those of conventional cartridge printers, where the cost per page can be up to five times higher .
The battery life is impressive. The included ink bottles can print up to 6,000 pages in black and white and up to 7,500 pages in color , the equivalent of 72 conventional cartridges . The initial investment is quickly recouped, and it is possible to operate for several years without having to buy additional ink.
Maintenance is child's play. The tanks are filled by gravity , without overflow or risk of mixing colors, thanks to a system of auto-stop caps . The ink stops automatically when the tank is full. No more stained hands and complicated handling of cartridges.
In this respect, Epson is faultless . It is very difficult to do better in terms of economy, and this is in fact the real area of predilection of this printer : reducing the cost per page while adopting an ecological gesture. In this respect, Epson approaches a 10 out of 10 , combining economy and respect for the environment with rare efficiency.
Noise pollution and electricity consumption: exemplary discretion
In our tests, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 stood out for its quiet operation . In standalone copy mode, it generates a noise level of 52 dB(A) , which places it among the quietest printers in its class. This level is comparable to that of a normal conversation, thus ensuring a peaceful working environment, whether at home or in a shared office.
When it comes to energy consumption , the ET-4800 is also very economical. Its power consumption in copy mode is around 12W , while in standby mode it drops to just 0.7W , and in off mode it reaches 0.2W . These figures demonstrate Epson's commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of its products. Furthermore, according to Epson's calculations, EcoTank printers consume less energy than the five best-selling A4 multifunction laser printers from 1 to 20 ppm color in Europe, according to IDC data for the second quarter of 2023.
Conclusion and our opinion on the Epson EcoTank ET-4800
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 presents itself as an excellent entry point into the world of cartridge-free printing . Its main objective of offering a low cost per page and simplified maintenance is fully achieved. The EcoTank concept particularly shines with its spectacular ink savings and simplicity of refilling , transforming the user experience compared to conventional printers.
On the plus side, the ET-4800 impresses with its 4-in-1 versatility (print, scan, copy, fax), its modern connectivity (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct, mobile app) and its discreet sound and low power consumption . Its exceptional autonomy thanks to the generous tanks allows you to print several thousand pages without worrying about ink, and this, with a reduced ecological impact , which places it almost 10/10 on economy and ecology .
In terms of limitations, the printer isn't perfect. Its monochrome screen and physical buttons look dated in 2025. The lack of automatic duplexing remains a drawback for large documents, and its modest print speed makes it less suitable for very large volumes or intensive professional use.
In summary , the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is perfect for those who want to say goodbye to cartridges , save money sustainably and print without constraints for office or home use. If your main objective is saving money, this is the ideal printer for you: do not hesitate to buy it, you will be fully satisfied.
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