Introduction:
Even though people tend to prefer eBooks and digital documents nowadays, there is still a need for printing. Printers have now become devices that we need, even if it is not needed as frequently.
Choosing a printer that isn’t going to be used on daily basis is a tough decision and needs to be made keeping a lot of things into consideration. Our team has done thorough research on this topic and compiled a list of the top 8 products so you can choose the best printer for infrequent use.
Editor’s pick:
HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw Wireless Printer – the best printer for infrequent use
What to look for in the best printer for infrequent use
Black-and-White VS Color Printer
To choose between color or a black and white printer, you should be informed of your printing needs.
If you are going to be printing graphs and pictures, then you should get a color printer. But you should keep in mind that the running costs of color printers are higher.
On the other hand, if you only need to print documents, you can get a monochrome printer.
Printer Types
Printers come in two types; LaserJet and InkJet. The former uses laser technology instead of ink for printing. While InkJet printers use ink for printing purposes.
If you get an InkJet printer for infrequent use, then the ink would dry out. Hence, you should consider getting a LaserJet printer so that there would be no risk of drying ink.
Size of Printer
If you need a printer for occasional use, you should get one that doesn’t take up a lot of space in your home or office. You should prefer getting a smaller one so it can be placed and stored easily.
A bigger printer would be highly inconvenient to store and wouldn’t be suitable for your needs.
Paper Handling
This is one of the most important factors to consider while getting a printer. You should get one that is capable of printing in a variety of kinds and sizes of paper. It should also have a large sheet capacity.
In case you get a printer with limited functions, you would not be able to save valuable time and money. This is the most important factor you should look at before buying.
Cost of Running
Sometimes budget-friendly printers can have very high costs of running. So, even if you buy an affordable printer, you might have to spend a fortune to keep it running.
Hence, you should check and analyze the running cost of a printer before you finalize it.
Products:
1. Canon Imageclass MF445dw Laser Printer – the best printer for infrequent use
Key Features:
- Printer technology: Laser
- Manufactures: Canon
The Canon imageCLASS is a color printer that gives premium quality prints. This printer also has a scanning function. In addition to that, it has an automatic duplexing feature which is highly convenient when you are scanning a large number of documents at once and also is a color printer.
This printer is very easy to install and setup. All you need to do is plug it in and use it. The maintenance of this printer is also very easy and wouldn’t cost you a lot of money.
All in all, this is a printer that has a lot of features that can be useful for infrequent yet efficient use. However, some users believe that the price of this printer is more expensive than others.
2. Canon MG2410 Pixma Mg2410 Inkjet Printer – small easy to use printer
Key Features:
- Printer technology: Inkjet
- Manufactures: Canon
The Canon MG2410 Pixma is an InkJet printer that does a great job of giving you a variety of prints. It also has a scanner and copier functionalities. It also has unique and impressive features like red-eye correction.
In addition to this, the running cost of the printer is affordable and isn’t heavy on the pocket. This device lets you print on papers, envelopes, photo-paper, legal paper, and letters. This printer also has a USB port for connecting it to your laptop or computer.
Overall, this printer is one you should consider for occasional use. However, some users find that the printing speed of this device is slower than its competition.
3. Epson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless Printer – low maintenance easy to use printer
Key Features:
- Printer technology: Inkjet
- Manufactures: Epson
The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 is one of the most affordable printers you can find in the market today. This printer gives you high-quality prints at a great price. In addition to that, the running cost of the printer is very low.
The printer has a display and an automatic document feeding feature. You can easily print on one side of the paper automatically, however, for dual-sided printing you would need manual efforts. It also has the functionality of printing wirelessly.
All in all, this is one of the most budget-friendly options on this list. However, some users have found that the printing speed is a little slow.
4. HP OfficeJet 3830 Wireless Printer – wireless easy to use printer
Key Features:
- Printer technology: Inkjet
- Manufactures: HP
The HP OfficeJet 3830 offers you good quality prints at a reasonable price. This InkJet printer works perfectly for infrequent use. This printer has a touch screen that contains all the controls.
The touch screen is also very easy to use and navigate. The screen’s responsiveness to touch is also impressive. This printer also performs copying, scanning, and fax functions. In addition to that, it gives you the option of wirelessly printing and a low running cost.
Overall, this is one of the most affordable printers you can get. However, some users don’t like the fact that this printer can’t print on both sides of the paper.
5. Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer – easiest printer to set up and use
Key Features:
- Printer technology: Laser
- Manufactures: Brother
The Compact Monochrome Laser Printer by Brother is a device that lets you print wirelessly. It also has a very high printing rate of up to 36 pages per minute. This printer is also very easy to maintain.
In addition to this, it has low running costs which only include getting black toner that lasts you quite a while. The paper tray has the capacity to hold 250 sheets of paper. It can also function as a scanner.
All in all, this is a good black-and-white printer for occasional use at your home. However, this printer is big.
6. HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw Wireless Printer – easy to use printer
Key Features:
- Printer technology: Inkjet
- Manufactures: HP
The HP Color Pro M255dw printer has a fast rate of printing and can print up to 21 pages in a minute. The quality of the prints is also superior print quality with vibrant colors and clear text.
This printer has a touch screen which is very easy to use. It also gives you the choice to print wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet.
Overall, this printer offers you great features for infrequent use in your home or office. Even though it doesn’t have the feature of automatic duplexing, it isn’t much of an issue since you intend to you it only occasionally.
7. HP LaserJet Pro M29w Wireless Laser Printer – a printer that doesn’t use ink
Key Features:
- Printer technology: Laser
- Manufactures: HP
The HP LaserJet Pro M29w is a printer that doesn’t use ink and is fast. This device has a rate of printing that is up to 21 pages in a minute. This printer can give you prints with vibrant and bright colors.
In addition to this, it has a touch screen display that is very easy to use. This printer also gives you the option to print wirelessly. Also, it is capable of printing on both sides of the page.
Overall, this is a printer from a reputable company that can fulfill your needs for infrequent use. However, some people have a problem with the lack of an auto-duplexing feature.
8. Brother HL-L3230CDW Compact – high-quality printer that doesn’t use ink
Key Features:
- Printer technology: Inkjet
- Manufactures: Brother Inc.
The Brother HL-L3230CDW is a LaserJet printer that can print in color. You would not have to worry about getting toner replacements or the ink drying out with this printer. Hence, this printer doesn’t need a lot of effort in maintenance.
This printer is capable of printing legal paper, envelopes, letters, and other paper sizes. It also has a paper tray capacity of 250 sheets of paper. This printer lets you print wirelessly or through Ethernet. The design of this device is compact and light-weighted.
All in all, this printer is one that can give you a lot of features for a competitive price. However, some users are of the opinion that the running costs are high.
Conclusion:
Even with most forms of data going digital, we still face the need to own a printer for occasional use. Hence, this list gives you a lot of options you can consider in your search for the best printer for infrequent use. All the options in the list can be used occasionally in your home and office.
However, the final decision should depend on your printing needs and preferred features.
FAQs:
Which ink is waterproof and doesn’t fade easily?
Pigment inks can efficiently resist UV lights and are also waterproof. These inks can last you up to 200 years. However, dye-based inks aren’t waterproof and only last up to 25 years.
How much electricity does a printer use?
InkJet printers only draw up to 30-50 watts of power while printing, and 3-5 watts while on stand-by. However, heavy-duty commercial printers can consume up to 300-500 watts during printing.
What does DPI mean in resolution?
DPI means Dots Per Inch. This refers to the dots of ink the printer can print on a square inch of paper. Hence, a printer having a DPI of 600 prints 600 dots of ink in order to fill up the whole page.
Which printer is best for infrequent use?
The best printer for infrequent use is Canon Imageclass MF445dw Laser Printer.
Do laser printers dry up if not used?
The toners in LaserJet printers are in the form of powder. Hence, even if they aren’t used for a long time, they don’t dry up. However, they can still get clumped up if they aren’t maintained properly.
What printer has the longest lasting ink cartridges?
The printer with the longest lasting ink cartridges is Canon Imageclass MF445dw Laser Printer
References:
https://www.amazon.com/
https://store.hp.com/us/en
https://epson.com/usa
https://epson.com/usa