An ink tank printer can make sense for a busy household that prints schoolwork, forms, recipes, and color pages throughout the week. Instead of replacing cartridges, you refill built-in tanks from ink bottles. The five choices below offer different mixes of low-cost printing, scanning and copying, and simple home use. Compare the features that matter to your family, and remember that stated ink yields and “years of ink” are estimates that depend on how much you print.
Quick Comparison
| Printer | Key features | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank ET-1913 | Refillable tanks; up to 3 years of included ink; 100-sheet tray | Families focused on frequent printing |
| HP Smart Tank 5003 | Print, copy, scan, wireless printing, and borderless prints | Households wanting an all-in-one |
| Canon MegaTank G3270 | Print, copy, scan; up to 2 years of included ink; LCD | Families seeking a compact all-in-one |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2900 | Print, scan, refillable tanks, 100-sheet tray, color display | Families wanting a scanner and simple controls |
| HP Smart Tank Plus 651 | Print, copy, scan, borderless and wireless printing | Higher-volume home printing |
Our Picks: Best Ink Tank Printers For Family Use reviews
1. Epson EcoTank ET-1913: A High-Yield Choice for Regular Printing
The Epson EcoTank ET-1913 is a wireless color printer built around refillable ink tanks. Epson says the included ink can last up to three years, with estimated yields of up to 3,600 black pages or 6,500 color pages. Those estimates can be helpful for a family that prints often, though actual yield depends on what and how much you print.
Its listed features include a 100-sheet paper tray and print speeds of up to 11 pages per minute in black and 6 in color, based on ISO measurements. Epson also describes its keyed EcoFit bottles as a way to simplify refilling and avoid mixing up inks. The feature information provided does not list a scanner or copier, so consider this model if printing is your main need rather than assuming it can replace a separate all-in-one.
Compared with the ET-2900, this model has a similar stated ink yield and print speed, but the ET-2900 includes a flatbed scanner and color display. The ET-1913 is listed as unavailable in the supplied product information, so check its current listing before making plans to buy it.
Pros:
- High stated black and color page yields from the included ink
- Refillable tanks and keyed bottles designed for easier filling
- 100-sheet paper tray
- Print speeds are listed at up to 11 black and 6 color ISO pages per minute
Cons:
- A scanner and copier are not listed among the supplied features
- The supplied product information lists it as unavailable
Verdict: Consider the ET-1913 if your family mainly needs a high-yield color printer, but check availability and confirm that its listed functions meet your needs.
2. HP Smart Tank 5003: A Straightforward Family All-in-One
The HP Smart Tank 5003 combines printing with copying and scanning, making it a practical fit for homes where different people need different functions. It also supports mobile and wireless printing, plus borderless prints. That mix can cover everyday documents as well as color pages that need printing without a white border.
HP says the printer comes with up to three years of ink and can print up to 6,000 color or black pages from the included supply. The refill system uses bottles that plug into the tank and drain without squeezing, which is intended to make top-ups less messy. HP also promotes sharper text and richer colors, though the product information does not provide a print-speed figure or paper-tray capacity for this model.
Compared with the Epson ET-1913, the HP is the more versatile option if your family needs copying and scanning. The Canon MegaTank G3270 also offers those functions, while the HP adds borderless and mobile printing among its listed features.
Pros:
- Print, copy, and scan functions in one printer
- Wireless and mobile printing, plus borderless prints
- Up to three years of included ink, according to HP
- Plug-in bottle refill system designed to reduce spills
Cons:
- The supplied feature information does not state print speed or paper capacity
- Actual ink life depends on household use and print content
Verdict: The Smart Tank 5003 is a well-rounded choice if your household wants wireless printing alongside everyday copying and scanning.
3. Canon MegaTank G3270: Compact All-in-One with a Simple Display
The Canon MegaTank G3270 is a wireless color all-in-one that handles printing, copying, and scanning. Its compact design may be useful when a shared family printer needs to fit on a desk or shelf. A 1.35-inch square LCD gives you a small on-printer screen for navigation.
Canon says one set of included ink can print up to 6,000 black-and-white pages or 7,700 color pages, and the printer includes up to two years of ink. These are manufacturer estimates, not a guarantee of how long the ink will last in your home. The supplied specifications also identify this as a single-sided printer, so it is not the choice for families who want automatic two-sided printing.
Against the HP Smart Tank 5003, the Canon has a stated color yield and a small LCD, while the HP lists borderless and mobile printing. The provided information does not state the Canon’s print speed, paper capacity, or borderless capability, so compare the details on the listing if those features matter to you.
Pros:
- Print, copy, and scan functions
- Wireless color printing
- High stated color and black page yields from one ink set
- Small LCD and compact design
Cons:
- Printing is single-sided
- Supplied information does not list print speed or paper capacity
Verdict: Choose the G3270 if you want a compact wireless all-in-one with substantial stated ink yields and do not need two-sided printing.
4. Epson EcoTank ET-2900: An Ink Tank Printer with a Flatbed Scanner
The Epson EcoTank ET-2900 adds scanning to the refillable-tank setup, giving families a way to print and digitize documents with one device. Its high-resolution flatbed scanner can be useful for pages that need to lie flat, and a 1.44-inch color display provides on-device navigation. The 100-sheet tray is a practical capacity for everyday household documents.
Epson lists print speeds of up to 11 black and 6 color ISO pages per minute, with zero warmup time. It also says the included ink can print up to 3,600 black pages or 6,500 color pages, with ink lasting up to three years under the stated estimate. The keyed EcoFit bottles are designed to make refilling straightforward and reduce the chance of choosing the wrong bottle.
Compared with the ET-1913, the ET-2900 has the clearer advantage for families who also need a scanner and a display. The HP Smart Tank 5003 adds copying and borderless printing to its listed feature set, so check the functions you need before choosing between them.
Pros:
- Flatbed scanner and color display
- 100-sheet paper tray
- Stated print speeds of up to 11 black and 6 color ISO pages per minute
- Refillable tanks with keyed bottles and high stated ink yields
Cons:
- The supplied information does not list copying as a feature
- Actual ink life varies with print volume and content
Verdict: The ET-2900 is a strong match if your family wants Epson’s refillable ink system with a flatbed scanner and on-device color display.
5. HP Smart Tank Plus 651: A High-Yield Option for Busy Homes
The HP Smart Tank Plus 651 is a wireless all-in-one for households that need to print, copy, and scan. It also supports mobile printing and borderless prints, making it more flexible than a print-only model. HP describes it as a low-cost option for high-volume home printing.
HP says the printer includes up to two years of ink, with stated yields of up to 6,000 black pages or 8,000 color pages. Its bottle-based refill system is designed to let ink flow into the tanks without squeezing. The high stated yields may suit a household with steady printing needs, but the included ink’s lifespan will depend on your family’s actual use.
Compared with the Smart Tank 5003, the Plus 651 has a higher stated color-page yield and the same listed core functions: print, copy, and scan, plus wireless and borderless printing. The 5003 is listed with up to three years of ink, so compare the included ink estimates as well as the feature set rather than relying on the years figure alone.
Pros:
- Print, copy, and scan in one device
- Wireless, mobile, and borderless printing
- High stated black and color page yields
- Refill system designed for controlled, mess-free filling
Cons:
- Its included ink estimate is up to two years, not three
- Actual page yield depends on how often and what your family prints
Verdict: Consider the Smart Tank Plus 651 if your family prints frequently and wants an all-in-one with a particularly high stated color-page yield.
How to Choose an Ink Tank Printer for Family Use
Estimate How Much Your Household Prints
Think about weekly school assignments, work documents, forms, recipes, and color pages. A high stated page yield can reduce how often you refill, but manufacturer estimates are not a promise of a set number of months or years. A family that prints mostly text may use ink differently from one that regularly prints color pages.
Decide Whether You Need an All-in-One
If you need to copy permission slips or scan paperwork, choose a model that lists those functions. The HP Smart Tank 5003, Canon MegaTank G3270, Epson EcoTank ET-2900, and HP Smart Tank Plus 651 include copying and scanning in the supplied details. The ET-1913’s listed features focus on printing, so confirm its full specifications if you need more than that.
Check the Features You’ll Use Every Week
Wireless and mobile printing can help when several people print from different devices. Borderless printing may matter for certain color pages, while an on-device display can make controls easier to navigate. Compare the models’ listed features with your household’s routine instead of paying attention only to ink capacity.
Consider Paper Handling and Print Speed
A paper tray’s capacity affects how often you need to reload it, especially when several people share the printer. The Epson ET-1913 and ET-2900 list 100-sheet trays, along with stated ISO speeds. The supplied details for the other models do not give tray capacities or print speeds, so check the product listing if those factors are important.
Think About Refilling and Ongoing Upkeep
Ink tank printers replace cartridge changes with bottle refills. The Epson models use keyed EcoFit bottles, while the HP models describe bottles that plug into the tank and drain. Review the refill method and the correct replacement ink for your chosen model before buying. A printer’s long-term value depends on your use and the cost and availability of its compatible ink, not just the amount included in the box.
Confirm Two-Sided Printing Needs
If your family regularly prints school packets or long documents, decide whether you need automatic two-sided printing. The Canon G3270 is specifically described as single-sided. The supplied information does not confirm automatic duplex printing for the other models, so verify the listing rather than assuming that feature is included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ink tank printer?
An ink tank printer stores ink in refillable reservoirs instead of relying on standard replaceable cartridges. When the tanks run low, you refill them using compatible ink bottles.
Are ink tank printers a good fit for families?
They can be a good fit when a household prints often and wants to avoid frequent cartridge changes. Consider your actual print volume, the printer’s functions, and the cost and availability of replacement ink.
How long does the included ink last?
It depends on how much you print and how much of each page is covered with ink. “Up to” page counts and years of ink are manufacturer estimates, not guaranteed timelines for every household.
Which of these printers can scan and copy?
The supplied product details list print, copy, and scan functions for the HP Smart Tank 5003, Canon MegaTank G3270, and HP Smart Tank Plus 651. The Epson ET-2900 lists a flatbed scanner. The ET-1913 information provided does not list scanning or copying.
Which model has the highest stated color-page yield?
The Canon MegaTank G3270 has the highest stated color yield in this group at up to 7,700 pages from a single set of inks. Actual results depend on print content and use.
Can I print from a phone or tablet?
The supplied information specifically lists mobile printing for both HP Smart Tank models. The Epson ET-1913 and ET-2900 and Canon G3270 are described as wireless printers, but the details provided do not specify every supported mobile-printing method. Check the product listing for device compatibility.
Final Recommendation
For a family that needs printing, scanning, and copying, the HP Smart Tank 5003 is a balanced option with wireless and borderless printing. The Epson EcoTank ET-2900 is worth considering if a flatbed scanner, color display, and stated print-speed information are priorities. For higher-volume use, compare the HP Smart Tank Plus 651’s stated page yields with the HP 5003’s listed features. Choose based on the functions your household will use, and treat ink-life estimates as guides rather than guarantees.