External Ink Supply Best Home Printer Comparison: HP or Epson

Question:
I’ve been a fan of these printers for years, mainly because I can run a system of external ink and repair problems when they occur. Now I have two issues: One printer shows a “carriage jam” error when there’s no paper, and another says “cover not closed” when it is. Your YouTube videos look like they are on different models. I also observed that you lack many HP 3-in-1 printer videos. Is there a reason for that? Does anyone still use these HP models? If I need a new home printer, what should I get, ideally one that accommodates an externalized ink supply?
 
Answer:
Thank you for reaching out! Sorry for the delay in my response. This may sound like a nuisance, but printer problems can be frustrating, and I want to be sure your questions are given the proper attention. Thank you for sticking around here and especially supporting us on the YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your feedback allows us to deepen our technical knowledge and further write practical materials.
 
Why We Have Limited HP Printer Videos
I have fewer videos on HP printers simply because I don't get to work on them as often. Usually, HP printers don't do anything except standard printing, while Epson printers can do many other things, like sublimation, Direct-to-Garment (DTG), Direct-to-Film (DTF), and screen printing. More importantly, Epson documents its models well and offers plenty of troubleshooting advice to make diagnosing and fixing them more manageable. Unfortunately, HP support is dramatically less detailed, which makes DIY repairs more challenging.
 
Fix Your HP Printer Errors
Carriage Jam Issue

• You’ve ruled out paper jams, so the next step is to examine the carriage path. A piece of dirt or a postage stamp even stuck in the rails, and the mechanism won’t move.
• Turn off the printer, lift the carriage access door, and slowly take the carriage back and forth manually to check for unrestricted movement.
• Look for obstructions, old ink buildup, or broken components on the track. The carriage belt might be loose or damaged if you hear grinding sounds.
• If that does not work, unplugging the printer for a few minutes and then plugging it in again can sometimes clear internal errors.

Cover Not Closed Error

• Most of the time, the issue is caused by a misaligned cover sensor. When restarting the printer, you should press down on random corners of the cover.
• If your model includes a small cover detection switch, look underneath it for dust or damage. You can gently clean it with compressed air or by changing the position.
• If the printer still can't see the closed cover, you may need to do a firmware reset.

Best Home Printer with External Ink Supply
As you consider upgrading, I suggest you check out Epson’s EcoTank series. EcoTank printers utilize piezoelectric printheads, creating electrical pulses to expel ink, unlike HP’s ink tank solutions. On the other hand, HP uses thermal bubble jet technology that heats the ink to create steam to push droplets onto paper.
Here’s how I know Epson’s piezoelectric technology is superior to HP’s thermal printing:

• Cold printing process: Stress on the printheads is reduced, and their longevity increases.
• Compatible with third-party inks: Great for external Continuous Ink Supply Systems (CISS) or specialized printing.
• Higher precision: For many rolls, it offers average-quality prints for a long time, which can be more beneficial for professionals.

For reliable home printers with an external ink system, Ecotanks are well worth the investment and far better than HP’s ink solutions, which can be disasters.
 
Need More Help?
Printer problems can be somewhat involved and often require a more hands-on approach. Unfortunately, we cannot remotely assist with repairs, but we’ll run diagnostics in-house where you are located. If you want your printer evaluated, view our printer repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service here). Because of the demand, repairs are performed on a first-come, first-served basis, and waiting periods will be variable.
 
If you'd like to continue troubleshooting independently, though, I urge you to check out our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). You can use the search icon next to “About” to find specific topics. Since we’ve been making videos for more than nine years, this is often the quickest way to search.
I appreciate your support, and I hope this resolves your printer issues!