While A4 is the most prevalent standard document size worldwide, it does not always cut it. Projects such as charts, photos, posters, and technical drawings need a larger canvas for visual appeal. This is where the A3 standard comes in. When working with A3-size projects, users need an A3 printer to accomplish the task, such as the Epson EcoTank L11050, which is the subject of this review.
Measuring 498 mm × 358 mm × 165 mm and weighing 6.4 kg, the Epson EcoTank L11050 is a compact A3 printer (40% more compact than its predecessor, according to Epson) that has a matte-black exterior, making it easy to install in any work environment. Because it is an A3 printer, the Epson EcoTank L11050 has a paper support and an output tray that are noticeably larger and longer when fully extended.
In the control panel, touch-sensitive buttons consist of the power button, the Wi-Fi button for Wi-Fi Direct (IEEE 802.11b/g/n) setup, and two more buttons for printer maintenance: the third button is for printing detailed network settings and connection status, while the fourth button is for cleaning the print head.
The ink tanks (black, cyan, magenta, and yellow) of the Epson EcoTank L11050 are neatly positioned on the right side of the printer and are protected by an ink tank cover. Undoubtedly, this arrangement is much better than those converted to a continuous ink supply system (CISS) wherein ink tanks are exposed to dust and other foreign objects that could harm the printer (note that CISS conversion voids printer warranty).
The printer also comes with a transportation lock that blocks ink coming from the ink tanks through the tubes and to the print head. Set the lock to the transport position when moving the printer from one place to another. Spanning across the Epson EcoTank L11050 is the printer cover to protect the print head and other moving parts and prevent foreign substances from entering the printer. At the back, the Epson EcoTank L11050 hosts a USB 2.0 port for computer connection and an AC inlet for power connection.
To test the printing capability of the Epson EcoTank L11050, we attached it to an HP EliteBook 840 G7 notebook PC with an Intel Core i5-10310U processor and Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64-bit operating system. Using the web installer, we installed Epson Software without any issues. Epson Software is a one-stop platform consisting of Epson Photo+, Epson Printer Connection Checker, and Epson Software Updater. For wireless printing support, users must install Epson Smart Panel on their smartphone.
Apart from the wireless printing option, Epson Smart Panel also allows users to activate print head cleaning for printer maintenance wirelessly. Using PrecisionCore Printhead technology, the Epson EcoTank L11050 promises to deliver sharp and brilliant outputs at fast print speeds (up to 30 ppm for a draft A4 document with black text and approximately 270 seconds for a bordered A3 photo). In our case, we printed out borderless color A4 photos with an average of three minutes (210 seconds, according to Epson).
Priced at ₱22,495, the Epson EcoTank L11050 is a versatile printing solution that can be useful in various office and business environments. It can support different paper sizes (up to A3) and offers high page yields (4,500 pages with one Epson 003 black ink and 7,000 pages with one set of Epson 003 cyan, magenta, and yellow inks). With a two-year warranty, offices and businesses owning an Epson EcoTank L11050 should not worry about maximizing it. This workhorse of an investment promises to offer a total page yield of 50,000 pages during the two-year warranty period.