Review Of The Epson L6550 EcoTank Printer

In a previous article, we looked at how Epson is going about its mission to revolutionize the printing sector with its EcoTank printers. The Epson EcoTank inkjet printer portfolio has effectively replaced the brand’s cartridge and toner printer line. It is more technologically advanced compared to the previous printer models in terms of design and functionality.

Having used the Epson L6550 EcoTank printer, for more than 2 weeks now, I have witnessed the improvements that Epson has made with this new printer portfolio. There are various models of Epson EcoTank printers but in this review, we give honest thoughts about the L6550, one of these printers.

Since its introduction in 2011, Epson’s EcoTank line has been at the forefront of revolutionizing printing technology. The EcoTank inkjet printers, including the feature-rich L6550 model, have not only replaced the traditional cartridge and toner printers but have also ushered in a new era of design and functionality.

Here are the main points to note about the Epson L6550 printer incase you are thinking about purchasing this feature-rich machine.

Unboxing Experience: Upon receiving the L6550, unboxing reveals a well-organized package containing the printer unit, a power cable, Quick Start Guide, and a set of ink bottles, including one 127ml black bottle and three 70ml bottles of CMY (Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow). The setup process, guided by a detailed Setup Guide pamphlet, ensures a smooth start to your printing endeavors.

Setup Process and Initial Impressions: The detailed setup guide walks users through a step-by-step process, from filling the ink tanks to powering on the printer. Language, country, and time settings are easily configured through the user-friendly LCD touchscreen. The ink charging process takes under 10 minutes, and loading paper into the trays is simplified by on-screen instructions.

Compact Design and User-Friendly Experience: Unlike its bulkier predecessors, the Epson EcoTank printers, including the L6550, boast a sleek and compact design. The emphasis on ease of use is evident, providing users with a straightforward printing process. The L6550 allows users to power it on and initiate projects without navigating through complex procedures.

It is a multi-functional unit given that it can print, scan, copy, and fax. The printer also boasts an LCD touchscreen for keying in commands according to the user’s specifications for various tasks. The LCD screens also helps you preview your project to

It prints effortlessly from an original document placed within printhead, hard disk, or any data storage device when connected via USB.

Key Features for User Convenience: One of the standout features of the EcoTank series is the customer-centric design. Each printer in the portfolio comes equipped with a free cartridge, offering users peace of mind, along with high-yield ink bottles right out of the box. This thoughtful inclusion ensures a hassle-free start to your printing journey.

Another key feature for this printer is its multi-functional user experience that impressively combines printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities, with commands executed through an intuitive LCD touchscreen. Making a copy or scanning documents produces sharp and clear results, maintaining the quality of the originals. The printer accommodates various connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and WiFi, catering to diverse user preferences.

Connectivity and Mobile Printing: Utilizing the EcoTank L6550’s versatile connectivity options is a straightforward process. While traditional methods involve placing the original material on the printhead and using the LCD screen for commands, there are alternative and convenient ways to initiate printing or scanning projects.

Beyond physically positioning your project on the printhead, the L6550 allows you to streamline your workflow. Save your work on a flash drive and connect it directly to the printer’s USB slot, located conveniently below the ink tank. From the printer’s LCD screen, effortlessly select the specific file you intend to scan or print.

For those who prefer a wireless approach, connecting the printer to the internet opens up additional possibilities. This involves installing the necessary Epson drivers, available on the included CD, to your PC. Following a setup process, you can establish a wireless connection between your PC and the printer. While this process may take a bit of time, the convenience of wireless printing and scanning is well worth the initial setup effort.

An alternative method involves downloading and installing the user-friendly Epson iPrint app on your smartphone. Once installed, this app empowers you to send files directly to the printer, offering a seamless and efficient mobile printing experience. Whether you choose a wired or wireless approach, the EcoTank L6550 ensures flexibility and convenience in catering to your printing needs.

Print Quality and Performance: The L6550 excels in delivering excellent print quality across various tasks, from copying documents to scanning images. The printer accepts original documents from different sources, including flash drives and PCs, providing versatility in project handling. With a printing speed of up to 25 pages per minute, the L6550 ensures efficient and immediate task completion.

Eco-friendly Practices: The EcoTank range lives up to its name by promoting eco-friendly practices. The ink tank system, with large transparent tanks, enables users to monitor ink levels easily. The heat-free PrecisionCore printhead not only ensures speed and quality but also contributes to the printer’s long-term reliability, minimizing e-waste concerns.

User Support and Warranty: Epson stands by its EcoTank printers, including the L6550, offering a three-year warranty promo. This promotion provides comprehensive coverage, including the printhead, alleviating concerns about replacement costs and ensuring peace of mind for buyers.

Verdict: With a price range between Kshs 110,000 (USD695) to 140,000 (USD885), the Epson EcoTank L6550 proves to be an ideal investment for busy offices and small printing businesses. Its multifunctionality, impressive speed, and quality make it a valuable asset for educational institutions during peak printing seasons. While home users with basic printing needs may find it underutilized, the L6550 truly shines in environments where its capabilities can be fully harnessed.