Epson T552 Gray Ink Review: Longevity & Quality Verdict
A teacher who switched from a Canon Pro 100 to an Epson EcoTank ET-8500 summed it up simply: “Epson ink is high quality, long lasting, no fade ink at a reasonable price.” With praise like that across multiple platforms, the Epson EcoTank Ink Bottle Gray (T552520-S) earns a solid 9/10 for enthusiasts printing high-quality photos and documents at home.
Quick Verdict: Conditional – Best suited for EcoTank photo printer owners who value longevity and color fidelity, but be mindful of the multi-bottle requirement for full color refills.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smooth gradations with premium Claria ET dye-based inks | Full set requires separate pigment black purchase |
| Long-lasting prints (up to 300 years in albums) | Higher upfront ink cost compared to cartridges |
| Easy, mess-free EcoFit bottle design | Occasional ink pad maintenance needed |
| Vibrant color reproduction and sharp text | Smudging issues reported if printer maintenance lapses |
| Large capacity (70ml per bottle) | Heavy users may deplete ink faster than expected |
| Compatible with key EcoTank photo printers | Limited standalone use – only works with certain models |
Claims vs Reality
Epson markets the T552 Gray ink as providing “smooth gradations and accurate color reproductions” with “pigment black for crisp, sharp text.” Digging deeper into user reports, these claims largely hold up. Staples customers repeatedly highlight print clarity, especially for posters and photo output. One educator commented, “Love my beautiful posters… No fade ink at a reasonable price,” underscoring both durability and color vibrancy.
Another marketing promise is the EcoFit design for “mess-free refills” with bottles “uniquely keyed for easy filling.” Reddit threads echo the mess-free experience, with one Hacker News user noting, “Invert the bottle and put it in place… a valve opens to let the ink run from the bottle to the proper color tank” — no spills or drips. This design is crucial for casual home users who want simplicity without the risk of staining hands or work surfaces.
However, Epson’s implied “complete set” claim can mislead buyers. Staples reviewers point out, “Only includes five of six bottles… you have to order the sixth bottle – black – separately.” This packaging quirk means first-time refillers must check inventories carefully to avoid an incomplete set and interrupted projects.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Photographers, teachers, and small business owners consistently celebrate the T552 Gray’s impact on print quality. Epson positions the gray channel as essential for black-and-white photography, and Trustpilot listings confirm: “Makes it easy to achieve outstanding black and white photos,” while primary colors pop vividly. A Staples buyer who migrated from HP cartridges praised longevity: “Bought over two years ago and just now had to purchase ink… lasts a long time.” For scrapbookers and memory keepers, the archival permanence—up to 300 years in albums—offers peace of mind that family prints won’t fade for generations.
For professional-grade photo work, eco-conscious print shop owners mention cost savings. A verified Staples user said, “Equivalent of at least three sets of ink jet cartridges… very economical.” This echoed Hacker News anecdotes about EcoTank bottles containing “10 times more ink than the old cartridges,” shifting purchasing cycles significantly.
Common Complaints
Maintenance and printer wear emerged as the main negatives. A Hacker News contributor reported “dark smudges on the paper” from a dirty print head carriage soaked in ink. The non-user-replaceable cleaning pad complicates upkeep, requiring manual cleaning or service calls. Others mentioned the risk of clogging if the printer isn't used frequently: “An EcoTank seems like it increases the likelihood of jets clogging… older ink to refill.” Even though anecdotal counters exist (“Not sure if it's the ink formulation… print more often so it doesn't dry up”), occasional users should be aware of this hazard.
Package contents also fuel frustration. Kevin G. on Staples bluntly wrote, “Epson need to make it clearer that this full set of inks is not sufficient… you’d need to buy the BK separately.” Such missing-component surprises can delay print jobs and lead to extra shipping costs.
Divisive Features
The high capacity is celebrated by frequent users but may be overkill for light-duty printers. Some see the $17–$29 bottle price as acceptable for the yield; others grumble about spending more upfront for unused shelf-stored ink. While Epson warns of damage if using non-genuine ink, cost-conscious buyers debate the value of OEM-only options given available third-party pads and parts. Yet, many maintain that color accuracy and permanence justify sticking with genuine supplies.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot entries and Staples feedback point toward strong reliability over years of ownership. Users report minimal refill needs, with one noting nearly three years between initial setup and first replacement. This longevity supports Epson’s “high capacity” marketing. However, recurring patterns online highlight the need for transparency on bundle composition. Buyers expecting a full refill kit are sometimes caught off-guard by missing pigment black.
On Reddit and Hacker News, users detail maintenance quirks like waste ink pads filling up. Opinions split here — in some regions pads are replaceable by users, with aftermarket versions available “for 1/10th of the original”; in others, a technician visit is necessary. Such discrepancies mean reliability isn’t only about the ink, but also the printer model and local service options.
Alternatives
Within Epson’s own ecosystem, the 115 and 114 EcoTank Grey bottles mirror the T552’s archival and high-capacity traits, with yields and permanence nearly identical. These alternatives might be suited to different regional pricing structures — for example, the 115 ink lists at £15.99 in the UK versus the higher price of T552 in North America. Competing brands rely on cartridge systems that Staples customers often replace due to “high price and short life,” suggesting Epson’s bottle system remains advantageous for heavy print runs.
Price & Value
Market prices range from $17.49 USD on Amazon to $29.09 CAD through Epson Canada. eBay reflects similar retail rates, indicating stable pricing without deep discount cycles. Given yields that can hit 2,300 photos per set, users calculate the per-print cost as significantly lower than cartridge models. Community buying tips emphasize purchasing in multi-pack bundles when possible, despite the missing pigment black, to offset shipping and ensure readiness.
Staples buyers advise timing purchases with promotional offers and stocking a full suite of colors before they’re needed. This is especially true for seasonal projects like holiday cards or end-of-year photo books, where availability lapses could stall production.
FAQ
Q: Does the Epson T552 Gray ink work with all EcoTank models?
A: No, it’s designed for specific EcoTank photo supertank printers like the ET-8500, ET-8550, L8160, and L8180. Always check your printer’s compatibility list before buying.
Q: How long will the prints last?
A: Epson claims up to 300 years in photo albums under proper storage conditions, a feature praised by scrapbookers and professional photographers for archival purposes.
Q: Will the ink dry out if not used often?
A: Some users worry about clogging with infrequent use, but others report regular printing keeps ink flowing smoothly. Frequency matters — occasional users should run maintenance prints.
Q: What’s included in the multi-pack?
A: Most 5-packs contain cyan, magenta, yellow, photo black, and gray. You must purchase the pigment black separately to fully refill all channels.
Q: Is non-genuine ink a safe alternative?
A: Epson warns about potential damage and voided warranties with non-genuine ink. While aftermarket options exist, most reviewers recommend OEM for guaranteed performance.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a frequent or quality-focused EcoTank photo printer user who values archival permanence and color fidelity. Avoid if you expect a single pack to include every required color or if your print volume is extremely low. Pro tip from community: bundle purchases to avoid delays, and run occasional prints to keep nozzles clear.
