Need new printer recommendation please

[Nana2Callie]

I need to replace my Epson though it is a great printer the ink is just not cost effective. I never get full use out of cartridges and they are expensive. I don't print a lot on a regular basis and the most printing that I do at one time is printing transfers for Disney shirts. Help please.

 

[timmac]

At risk of being a downer, you're likely going to find the same thing with just about any inkjet printer, particularly in the consumer space. The economy of how they're sold gives away the printers themselves as a loss leader and back loads the cost onto the cartridges.

When you say you "never get full use out of cartridges" are you implying that they dry out (or similar) before they run out? For better or worse, that's another problem simply inherent with inkjet printers that sit unused for long periods of time. A simple (if seemingly silly) solution is to, about once a week, just print a test page that includes a little black and a little of each color. That may help to extend the life of your cartridges.

Alternatively, you can look into switching to a laser printer, which won't suffer the same types of issues with cartridges going stale; however you may find the process of using one for heat-transfer t-shirts to be a bit more involved.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

I bought a Brother Printer based off of reviews online. My model is MFC-J435W and it cost me less than $100 at best buy.

The ink comes in separate color cartridges instead of a tri-color cartridge which I like since I seem to use the red faster than the other colors and don't have to throw away a cartridge that still has ink in it.

Brothers brand ink is cheaper than the HP ink I was buying before ($40 instead of $60+) however I buy generic cartridges on Amazon that usually cost me less than $10 for 2 sets of cartridges and work just as well as the name brand.

I looked on Amazon and they are currently selling for $5 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006MX8UHY/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[eatatmidnight]

I bought a Brother Printer based off of reviews online. My model is MFC-J435W and it cost me less than $100 at best buy.

The ink comes in separate color cartridges instead of a tri-color cartridge which I like since I seem to use the red faster than the other colors and don't have to throw away a cartridge that still has ink in it.

Brothers brand ink is cheaper than the HP ink I was buying before ($40 instead of $60+) however I buy generic cartridges on Amazon that usually cost me less than $10 for 2 sets of cartridges and work just as well as the name brand.

I looked on Amazon and they are currently selling for $5 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006MX8UHY/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I second this. We bought a Brother MFC printer a few years ago. We like it. Since then, my mother in law, brother and a friend have purchased one and they like theirs too. It's nice to just replace the color you are out of.

 

[MichiganKris]

I have an HP CP1525. The printer costs a little more because it is laser jet and not ink, but I print a lot and after 1 1/2 years I need new ink. This model is not made any longer but I would recommend similar printers. It cost about $300.

 

[Lewisc]

Printer companies price many of their models low. They make money on ink sales. Some printers come with "starter" cartridges which aren't full.

Some of the more expensive HP printers are marketed to business. The printers are more expensive. They might be made better. They accept high yield cartridges which might give you a significantly lower per page cost.

I have mixed thoughts on separate cartridges for each color. In theory you save money by only replacing the color which is empty. In practice Many times the colors, excepting black, run out at about the same time. Many printers waste ink, all tanks, when you replace one tank.

Some of the cheap aftermarket cartridges might leak. Every review I've read suggests all after market ink is inferior to factory ink. This might not be an issue for casual printing but might be an issue if you're printing photos.

 

[MHSweb79]

At work we like Canon inkjets because they have separate cartridges for each color. We find that each color runs out at its own pace (mainly because our logo is red) so it becomes more cost-effective than the single color cartridge.

If you don't need color, then I highly recommend a small laser printer. The toner cartridges last a good long time and can be refilled.