Which ink does the Epson WorkForce WF-2850 use?
The Epson WorkForce WF-2850 (inkjet, 2019) uses Epson 212XL, Epson 212.
Third-party cartridge risk: Medium a firmware update can start blocking non-OEM cartridges, so check before buying a large supply, or hold off on firmware updates.
The Epson WorkForce WF-2850 uses ink cartridges from Epson for printing. For high-yield printing, it takes XL versions of black and color cartridges, which have a higher page yield than standard versions, but cost more per page. If you're looking to save money, consider buying standard cartridges, but keep in mind they may not last as long.
Compatible cartridges
| Cartridge | Color | Yield | Pages | OEM price | Cost/page | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson 212XL | black | XL | 500 | $18.00 | 3.6¢ | OEM · AmazonCompatible |
| Epson 212XL | cyan | XL | 350 | $16.00 | 4.6¢ | OEM · AmazonCompatible |
| Epson 212XL | magenta | XL | 350 | $16.00 | 4.6¢ | OEM · AmazonCompatible |
| Epson 212XL | yellow | XL | 350 | $16.00 | 4.6¢ | OEM · AmazonCompatible |
| Epson 212 | black | standard | 175 | $13.00 | 7.4¢ | OEM · AmazonCompatible |
| Epson 212 | cyan | standard | 130 | $11.00 | 8.5¢ | OEM · AmazonCompatible |
| Epson 212 | magenta | standard | 130 | $11.00 | 8.5¢ | OEM · AmazonCompatible |
| Epson 212 | yellow | standard | 130 | $11.00 | 8.5¢ | OEM · AmazonCompatible |
XL (high-yield) cartridges cost more upfront but lower the cost per page, which is better if you print a lot.
The Epson WorkForce WF-2850 is on our firmware-lockout list, so a compatible or remanufactured cartridge can stop working after a printer update. The safe choice is genuine Epson ink. If you want to try a compatible to save money, buy only from a seller that guarantees it works with this printer's current firmware, and keep the receipt.
Frequently asked questions
Which ink does the Epson WorkForce WF-2850 use?
The Epson WorkForce WF-2850 uses Epson 212 and Epson 212XL.
Does the Epson WorkForce WF-2850 use toner?
No. The Epson WorkForce WF-2850 is an inkjet, so it prints with liquid ink from a cartridge, not toner powder, and no toner cartridge fits it. If you were searching for WorkForce WF-2850 toner, the part you want is Epson 212 and Epson 212XL.
Does the Epson WorkForce WF-2850 take XL cartridges?
Yes. Besides the standard cartridges it accepts Epson 212XL. A high-yield XL holds more ink and costs less per page, which is worth it if you print often.
Will third-party ink work in the Epson WorkForce WF-2850, or will firmware block it?
Epson can stop third-party ink working here with a firmware update, and it is the update rather than the cartridge that does it. Epson's own guide for the WorkForce WF-2850 says so in as many words: cartridges that functioned before a firmware update may not continue to function. Epson gives you the warning in advance, which is little use once the printer updates itself, so the defence is to decide when it updates. Turn automatic updates off before you fit a compatible, and keep a genuine cartridge in reserve for the day you do have to update.
How many pages do the Epson WorkForce WF-2850 cartridges print?
Rated yields run from about 130 pages (Epson 212) to about 500 pages (Epson 212XL), depending on the cartridge. Real-world yield depends on how much you print and how much ink each page uses.
What is the cheapest ink for the Epson WorkForce WF-2850?
By list price the lowest cost per page here is the Epson 212XL at about 3.6 cents per page. A reliable compatible or remanufactured cartridge can lower that further.
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Guides for Epson WorkForce WF-2850 owners
- Printer will not print black because a colour cartridge is empty: what to do
- Why did my printer stop accepting compatible ink after a firmware update?
- Is the XL cartridge actually cheaper? 31 pairs priced off the makers' own stores
- What the chip on your ink cartridge actually does, and where it becomes a lock
- Setup cartridges: why a new printer runs out of ink so fast, and what the first refill costs
Last reviewed . Compiled by MyCartridgeFinder from manufacturer cartridge finders and retailer cross reference tables, then checked against this printer's database record. Cartridge numbers and yields come from that record, never from guesswork. See our methodology and data sources.