If you're shopping for a wide format printer or plotter, the first fork in the road is whether you need a versatile all-in-one for smaller wide-format jobs or a dedicated machine built for large technical sheets. The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 and the HP DesignJet T230 sit on opposite sides of that decision, and their $220 price gap makes the choice even more pointed. Here's how to decide.
Quick verdict
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is the clear pick if you want a wide-format machine that also scans, copies, and runs on refillable ink bottles, and you don't need output wider than 13 x 19 inches. The HP DesignJet T230 is the right choice when the job calls for 24-inch-wide technical drawings, posters, and renderings, and you prefer a larger touchscreen with Ethernet connectivity.
Side-by-side specs
| Feature | Epson EcoTank ET-15000 | HP DesignJet T230 |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 439.99 | USD 659.99 |
| Max print size | 13" x 19" | 24" wide |
| Touchscreen | 2.7" color | 4.3" touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Hi-Speed USB, Wi-Fi | Wireless, Ethernet |
| Condition | Certified Refurbished | New Open Box |
Where the Epson wins
The Epson costs less up front and gives you an all-in-one setup with an automatic document feeder for scans up to 8.5 x 14 inches. Its cartridge-free supertank design is built around low cost per page, with replacement ink bottles claimed to print up to 6,000 pages per set. That makes it a strong fit for home offices or small studios where budgets and counter space are tight.
Where the HP wins
The HP DesignJet T230 is built for bigger output. It prints up to 24 inches wide, which is the whole point of a technical printer/plotter for CAD drawings or poster-sized work. It also brings a larger 4.3-inch touchscreen and Ethernet connectivity, so it can sit on a shared office network more easily.
Product notes
Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wide-Format Supertank Printer - Certified Refurbished
Choose this certified refurbished Epson if you want one machine that handles print, scan, and copy duties in a wide-format context. The supertank system eliminates cartridge swapping, and the included or replacement ink bottles are said to cover up to 6,000 pages, which matters for high-volume printing. It prints as large as 13 x 19 inches through the rear-feed tray and scans documents up to 8.5 x 14 inches through the ADF. The trade-off is that the 13 x 19-inch maximum won't accommodate 24-inch-wide rolls, and the 2.7-inch touchscreen is smaller than the one on the HP.
New Open Box HP DesignJet T230 24" Printer, 5HB07T#B1K
The HP DesignJet T230 is the one to pick when width is non-negotiable. It prints up to 24 inches wide and is described as a compact, user-friendly large-format printer with true 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution, so technical drawings and posters come out crisp. It has a built-in 4.3-inch touchscreen and supports both wireless and Ethernet, making it easy to share across a design team. As a new open-box unit, it's a way to get a 24-inch-large-format printer without paying full retail. The main limitation is that it's a printer, not an all-in-one, so you'll need a separate scanner for any copying or digitizing tasks.
Final choice by use case
If your work stays within 13 x 19 inches and you want scanning, copying, and low-cost refillable ink, the Epson EcoTank ET-15000 at USD 439.99 is the budget-wise pick. If you need 24-inch-wide output for CAD drawings, posters, or renderings and you're comfortable with a printer-only machine, the HP DesignJet T230 at USD 659.99 is the width you need.
