The "catch pads" are where they screw you over. They have to be changed regularly. My wife has had to change the pads more than buy new ink. And then you need a $10 code to reset the counter ON TOP of the pad.
Yes, this 100%. Had to bin my old Epson due to the waste ink firmware counter - despite taking the printer apart and redirecting the tank tube into a user emptyable container!
IMO Any "eco tank" inkjet printer with waste ink pads, instead of a user replaceable waste ink tank, is complete garbage
Lemmygizer's had a bad experience, but our's has been nothing but good. We've had an et-4550 for 6 years, and it's been great. It's done double duty since COVID WFH for 2 people.
If I were to replace it, I'd get another.
Our's doesn't have a rear load tray, which I miss. The auto-feed scanner works reasonably well. As it's aged, it's started to have feed problems with cheap, thin (18#) paper; this was solved by using 20# paper. Duplex printing is flawless.
The only thing I've ever bought for it was ink.
I had a color laser Brother once; that cost me more in toner and drums than refillables for this Ecotank. Speed and quality was better on the laser, but the thing also weighed a ton and was hard to move - you do not want to spill toner. I might try a modern laser again, but I've been pretty happy with our Ecotank.
Yes, we've got an Epson Ecotank too, its been great, and super economical on ink. Bought in the first covid lockdown when our HP shat the bed, still going strong. And its not made in China so another plus