Now getting a new printer (new hardware) installed in Linux isn't usually so easy.. unless you're using a fairly mainstream HP Laser printer, which is actually what I recommend because it's so straight forward. Outside of that it's almost always a pain. My current printer is rigged up and connected to print from my phone from anywhere, I have it setup for remote printing via Chrome... which is kind of nice, ordering something, or paying a bill on a break at work and being able to print at home.
Unless you're using a really off brand, I haven't had trouble installing on windows via the add printer... it may take a while to download a full device list for printers, which aren't pre-installed, but that's time not difficulty.
I used to have it on a dns reserved ip but damned new telco router doesn't have that option since I upgrades to fiber.
Every time the epson setup wants to restart the whole computer to start the detection and it is so annoying, I just let any other airprint device do the thing.
I usually just set all mine in the router, but as you said, that doesn't work for you.
With the exception of printers. Omg printers are such a PITA on windows I often just send a pdf to me and print it with the phone.