There’s a universally frustrating experience shared by students, home office workers, and small business owners alike: the dreaded “low ink” warning. It always seems to flash at the worst possible moment—right before a critical deadline or when you need to print a single, urgent shipping label. For years, my office was a graveyard of half-used, exorbitantly priced ink cartridges. The cycle was maddening: buy a cheap printer, discover the replacement ink costs more than the machine itself, and inevitably contribute another plastic-and-metal husk to the landfill. It’s a model that feels wasteful, expensive, and designed to trap you. I knew there had to be a better way, a more sustainable and economical approach to the fundamental need for printing documents. This search for a long-term, cost-effective solution is what led me to seriously investigate the world of tank-based printers, and specifically, the workhorse we’re examining today.
- Epson strongly recommends the use of Genuine Epson inks for a quality printing experience. Non Epson inks and inks not formulated for your specific printer may cause damage that is not covered by the...
- Save up to 75 percent with low-cost replacement bottles vs. Mono laser toner — about 1/3 of 1 Cent per ISO page vs. 2 ½ cents (1).
What to Consider Before Buying an Inkjet Printer
An inkjet printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for turning digital ideas into tangible documents, reports, photos, and creative projects. The primary benefit of modern inkjet technology, especially the supertank variety, is the dramatic reduction in long-term operating costs. By moving away from disposable cartridges to large, refillable ink reservoirs, these printers solve the persistent problem of high-cost consumables. They offer the versatility to print crisp text and, in many models, vibrant images, all while maintaining a lower energy footprint compared to their laser counterparts. For a busy home, a demanding student, or a budget-conscious office, a reliable inkjet is an indispensable tool for productivity and creativity.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing high-volume printing needs who is tired of the recurring expense and waste of traditional cartridges. This includes small business owners printing invoices and reports, families with school-age children, or anyone running a home office. However, a supertank printer might not be suitable for those who print very infrequently, as there’s a risk of ink drying or print heads clogging over long periods of disuse. It’s also not the best fit for users who exclusively need the absolute fastest output for massive print jobs, where a high-end office laser might still hold an edge. For those users, a traditional laser printer or a basic, low-cost cartridge inkjet for occasional use might be a better alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Printers can vary significantly in size. Before buying, measure the intended space on your desk or shelf. Consider not just the printer’s footprint but also the clearance needed for paper trays to extend, lids to open, and for proper ventilation. The Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 Monochrome Supertank Printer boasts a compact design, making it an excellent fit for smaller office spaces where every inch counts.
- Capacity/Performance: Look at key performance metrics like Pages Per Minute (PPM) to understand printing speed. For high-volume needs, a large paper tray capacity (like the 250-sheet tray on this model) is crucial to minimize refills. Most importantly, evaluate the ink yield—how many pages can you print per bottle or cartridge? This directly impacts your long-term cost per page.
- Materials & Durability: A printer is an investment that should last. Look for solid construction and quality components. While most printer bodies are made of durable plastic, the internal mechanisms are what matter. Brands with a reputation for reliability, like Epson, often use more robust parts designed for a longer operational life, a fact echoed by users who praise this model’s solid build quality.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: How simple is the setup process? Does it offer easy-to-use software and straightforward connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Ethernet? For supertank models, the refilling process is paramount. Look for mess-free bottle designs, like Epson’s EcoFit system, which prevent spills and make maintenance a clean and simple task.
Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a printer that not only meets your immediate needs but also provides value and reliability for years to come.
While the Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 Monochrome Supertank Printer is an excellent choice for high-volume text printing, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition, especially if you need color. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Print, Copy, Scan: The PIXMA TS3720 is a true colour printer scanner copier all in one that is compact, versatile and easy-to-use with a 60 sheet rear tray that reduces the need to refill paper as...
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges (2)
- FROM CANADA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The DeskJet 2855e is perfect for homes printing to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes. Print speeds up to 5.5 ppm colour, 7.5 ppm black.
First Impressions: A Compact Workhorse Built for Business
Unboxing the Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 Monochrome Supertank Printer, the first thing we noticed was its surprisingly compact and efficient design. It feels dense and well-constructed, a sentiment confirmed by one user who noted its “Solid Build Quality.” There’s no flimsy plastic or wobbly trays here; it feels like a piece of office equipment meant to endure daily use. The all-in-one design, with its integrated paper tray, means there are no protruding parts, giving it a clean, modern aesthetic that fits neatly on a shelf or in a crowded workspace. The setup process is dominated by the star of the show: the ink bottle. Instead of fumbling with tiny, foil-wrapped cartridges, you handle a single, substantial bottle of black ink. The EcoFit design is genuinely brilliant—it’s keyed to fit the tank perfectly, so you can’t use the wrong ink, and it automatically stops filling when the tank is full, preventing any messy spills. It’s a refreshingly simple and satisfying start to what promises to be a long-term printing relationship. To see its full feature set and user reviews, you can find more details online.
Key Benefits
- Incredibly low cost-per-page thanks to the Supertank system
- Comes with enough ink for up to 6,000 pages right out of the box
- Fast 20 ppm print speed and automatic 2-sided printing
- Versatile connectivity with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi Direct
- Solid, compact build quality with a 250-sheet paper capacity
Limitations
- Strictly monochrome (black and white) printing only
- Initial wireless setup can be tricky, with some users needing a USB cable (not included)
Deep Dive: Performance, Economy, and Connectivity
A printer’s true value is revealed not on the first day, but over months and years of consistent use. It’s in the thousands of pages printed, the deadlines met without a hitch, and the money saved on consumables. We put the Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 Monochrome Supertank Printer through its paces to see if its real-world performance lives up to its revolutionary promise.
The EcoTank Revolution: Freedom from Cartridge Costs
The single most compelling reason to consider this printer is its radical approach to ink. The EcoTank system fundamentally changes the economics of printing. Out of the box, Epson includes a bottle of 532 Black ink containing 120 mL, rated for an astonishing 6,000 pages. To put that in perspective, a standard laser toner cartridge might yield 1,500-2,500 pages at a significantly higher cost. This isn’t just an incremental improvement; it’s a paradigm shift. For our small office, which prints hundreds of documents a month, this translates into potentially years of printing without ever thinking about buying more ink. As one user aptly put it, “Finally wanted to do away with costly ink cartridges and switch to an ink tank printer! Not a huge fan of black and white ONLY, but OMG what a cost saver!”
The physical process of filling the tank is seamless. We were initially skeptical about pouring liquid ink, but the EcoFit bottle design is foolproof. You simply uncap the bottle, invert it over the port, and it fills the tank without a single squeeze or drip. It automatically stops when full, and the clear window on the front of the printer lets you see the ink level at a glance, eliminating any guesswork. The printer then undergoes a one-time initialization process that takes about ten minutes, charging the print heads with this initial ink supply. While this uses a noticeable amount of the ink, it’s a necessary step to ensure the long-term health of the printing system. The sheer volume of ink provided is a feature that really sets it apart from the competition.
Laser-Like Quality and Office-Ready Speed
Cost savings mean little if the output quality is poor. Fortunately, the Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 Monochrome Supertank Printer delivers text quality that is virtually indistinguishable from a laser printer. This is thanks to Epson’s PrecisionCore printing technology and a high maximum resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi. Text is razor-sharp, with crisp edges and deep, rich blacks, even on standard copy paper. We printed everything from legal documents and multi-page reports to shipping labels, and the results were consistently excellent. There was no smudging or bleeding, and the ink dried almost instantly.
Speed is another area where this inkjet defies expectations. With an ISO rating of 20 pages per minute (ppm) and a rapid first page out time, it keeps pace with many office laser printers in its class. For duplex (2-sided) printing, the speed is naturally a bit slower, but the feature itself is a massive productivity booster and paper saver. The 250-sheet input tray further solidifies its office credentials, reducing the frequency of paper refills. We found it handled large print jobs without jamming or slowing down, churning out 50-page double-sided reports with reliable efficiency. It’s a true workhorse designed for environments that need consistent, high-quality output without the wait.
Built for the Modern Workflow: Connectivity and Durability
A modern printer needs to connect to a modern office, and the ET-M1170 is well-equipped. It offers a trifecta of connectivity options: a traditional high-speed USB port, a wired Ethernet port for maximum network stability, and robust wireless support including Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct. This flexibility is crucial. We tested the Ethernet connection in our office, and the printer was instantly recognized by all computers on the network, providing a rock-solid connection. The Wi-Fi setup was also straightforward for us, following the on-screen prompts. However, it’s worth noting some user feedback here. Several people mentioned that the initial wireless setup required a USB cable (which is not included), and that the printer only connects to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks, not 5GHz. While we didn’t encounter the USB issue, it’s a potential hiccup to be aware of. Once connected, mobile printing from our iPhones and Android devices was flawless using the Epson app.
The physical hardware inspires confidence. With dimensions of 37.6 cm x 34.8 cm x 15 cm, it has a compact, professional look. The internal paper tray keeps the footprint clean and protects the paper from dust. The overall build feels sturdy and ready for a long service life. This is corroborated by a reviewer who updated their feedback to say, “Four years later and this printer is still running smooth,” which is a powerful testament to the printer’s longevity. When you check the latest price and availability, consider that this initial investment buys you a machine built to last, not a disposable gadget.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our positive experience with the Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 Monochrome Supertank Printer is largely mirrored in the feedback from other users, though a few common pain points emerge. The overwhelming majority of praise centers on the incredible cost savings. One user, a law office professional accustomed to constantly replacing laser cartridges, was impressed with the economy and performance. Another, a tattoo artist, called it a “next level stencil tool,” highlighting its utility for niche applications requiring crisp black lines. The sentiment that this printer “revolutionizes the way we refill our ink” is a common thread.
However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. The most frequent complaint revolves around the wireless setup. One frustrated user noted the irony of needing a USB cable (not included) to configure a “wireless” printer. This seems to be a hit-or-miss issue, as another user reported a “smooth process taking less than a minute” using WPS. Another minor but noted drawback is the small 1.44″ LCD screen, which can be a bit difficult to navigate. Finally, as with any electronics, there are occasional reports of receiving a defective unit or facing warranty challenges, which serves as a reminder to purchase from reputable sellers and register the product promptly to secure the 2-year warranty.
How the Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 Compares to the Alternatives
The Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 Monochrome Supertank Printer is a specialized machine. Its focus on high-speed, low-cost black-and-white printing makes it a laser killer. But what if your needs are different? Here’s how it stacks up against popular color alternatives.
1. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Cartridge-Free Printer
The ET-2800 is the entry-level color sibling in the EcoTank family. It offers the same revolutionary supertank system but adds color printing, scanning, and copying capabilities, making it a true all-in-one for home use. Its print speeds are significantly slower than the ET-M1170’s, and it lacks an Ethernet port and auto-duplexing. Someone should choose the ET-2800 if their primary need is occasional color printing for school projects or photos and they value the scanner and copier functions over the raw speed and volume capacity of the monochrome-focused ET-M1170.
2. HP Smart Tank 5102 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer
HP’s Smart Tank 5102 is a direct competitor in the color supertank space. It also provides print, scan, and copy functions and boasts a generous ink supply included in the box. HP’s mobile app and setup process are often praised for their user-friendliness. However, like the ET-2800, it’s geared more towards general home use than high-volume office work, with slower speeds than the ET-M1170. A user might prefer the HP Smart Tank 5102 if they are already in the HP ecosystem or prioritize a potentially smoother mobile and setup experience for a family-oriented color all-in-one.
3. Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Wireless All-in-One Supertank Printer
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is a step up from the ET-2800, offering a key feature found on our review model: automatic 2-sided printing. This makes it a more capable color machine for home office or family use where saving paper is a priority. It still retains the print, scan, and copy functions. While faster than the ET-2800, it cannot match the 20 ppm speed of the monochrome ET-M1170. This model is the perfect middle ground for someone who needs a versatile color all-in-one but doesn’t want to give up the convenience of auto-duplexing. It’s for the user who needs to do everything, from printing a book report to scanning receipts, but still values efficiency.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 Worth It?
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 Monochrome Supertank Printer is an absolute game-changer for anyone with high-volume, black-and-white printing needs. It successfully challenges the dominance of laser printers in the small office and home office space by offering comparable speed and quality with vastly superior running costs. The initial investment is higher than a cheap cartridge inkjet, but the value proposition is undeniable when you factor in the thousands of pages worth of ink included in the box. It is a reliable, fast, and remarkably economical machine built for productivity.
We recommend it without hesitation to small business owners, freelancers, educators, students, and anyone who is simply fed up with the endless cycle of buying expensive ink cartridges. While it lacks color and the wireless setup can have minor quirks, its core strengths—blistering economy, sharp text quality, and robust performance—are exceptional. If you’re ready to break free from the cartridge trap and invest in a long-term printing solution, you will not be disappointed. You can explore its features and purchase it with confidence right here.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API