Introduction

The Epson EcoTank L3550 (C11CK59405) promises ultra-low-cost printing with its innovative ink tank system, boasting up to 3 years of ink included in the box. As someone who frequently prints documents, photos, and occasional school projects, I was eager to put this 3-in-1 printer to the test to see if it lived up to the hype. Over the past several weeks, I’ve subjected the L3550 to a rigorous testing regime, printing a variety of documents and images, to give you a comprehensive and unbiased review.

Features

The L3550 offers a solid range of features for a home printer. Beyond its core print, scan, and copy functions, the wireless connectivity (including Wi-Fi Direct) was a major plus, allowing seamless printing from my smartphone and laptop. The included software is user-friendly, and setting up the printer was surprisingly straightforward. The large ink tanks are easily visible and refillable, making it simple to monitor ink levels. The backlit display is bright and easy to read, even in low light conditions.

Performance

Print speed is reasonably quick for a home printer, and the print quality is acceptable for everyday documents. Photo prints are decent, though not quite museum quality. I noticed some slight banding in larger, solid color areas, but for casual family photos, it’s more than sufficient. Scanning was reliable, and the copy function produced good results. The two USB ports are a welcome addition, especially useful for transferring files from cameras or memory sticks directly to the printer for immediate printing. One slight drawback was the relatively high wattage (240W) especially if compared to laser printers, but that did not affect the print quality or speed in my testing.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Very low printing cost per page
• Large ink capacity (up to 3 years of ink included)
• Easy to refill ink tanks
• Wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi Direct)
• User-friendly software
• Good print and copy quality for everyday use
• Two convenient USB ports

Cons:

• Slight banding noticeable in some photo prints
• Relatively high wattage compared to some similar models
• Print speed could be faster for large documents

Final Verdict

Overall, the Epson EcoTank L3550 (C11CK59405) is a strong contender in the home printer market. The significantly reduced printing cost is a major selling point, making it a great value for those who regularly print. While there are a few minor drawbacks, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages for most users. If you’re looking for an affordable, reliable, and convenient printer that won’t break the bank, the L3550 is a highly recommended choice.