Best Printers for Occasional Use

When it comes to finding the best printer for occasional use, it's essential to consider factors such as reliability, print quality, and overall value. Whether you need to print the occasional document,... boarding pass, or family photo, having a reliable printer on hand can make a world of difference. With an array of printers on the market, each boasting unique features and capabilities, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your occasional printing needs. To help simplify your search, we've curated a list of top-rated printers based on user reviews, ensuring that you can make an informed decision and find the perfect printer for your intermittent printing requirements.
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What to look for in a printer for occasional use

1. Ink Type and Longevity

Look for printers that use ink cartridges or toner with a long shelf life, as some inks can dry out if not used regularly. Laser printers are often a good choice for occasional use because their toner doesn’t dry out like inkjet cartridges.

2. Print Quality

Even if you print infrequently, you’ll want crisp text and clear images. Check reviews or sample prints to ensure the printer delivers the quality you need for documents, photos, or both.

3. Connectivity Options

Consider models with wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making it easy to print from multiple devices without needing to physically connect each time.

4. Size and Footprint

Since you won’t be using your printer every day, choose a compact model that fits easily into your workspace or can be stored away when not in use.
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  1. 1
    Epson Expression Home XP-4200 Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer This printer is the best bang for your buck

    About this product

    An all-in-one wireless inkjet printer delivering crisp prints, scans, and copies in black or colour.

    An all-in-one wireless inkjet printer delivering crisp prints, scans, and copies in black or colour.

    What customers like

    • Versatile wireless connectivity options
    • Easy setup and installation
    • Double-sided and fast printing
    • High print and scan quality
    • Compact and space-saving design
    (2,324)
    $69.99
    SAVE $30
    Your price for this item is $69.99
  2. 2
    Brother MFC-J1410DW Colour Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer I love that it is wireless

    About this product

    A wireless all-in-one inkjet printer in black with touchscreen, duplex printing, and Cloud app connectivity.

    A wireless all-in-one inkjet printer in black with touchscreen, duplex printing, and Cloud app connectivity.

    What customers like

    • Fast and quiet operation
    • Reliable wireless and USB connectivity
    • Easy and quick setup
    • User-friendly touchscreen and mobile app integration
    • High print quality
    (44)
    $229.99 Your price for this item is $229.99
  3. 3
    HP Deskjet 4255E Wireless All-In-One Colour Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best for Home, 3 Months Of Ink Included (588S6A) Great image quality

    About this product

    A versatile wireless all-in-one inkjet device offering printing, scanning, and copying with mobile app support.

    A versatile wireless all-in-one inkjet device offering printing, scanning, and copying with mobile app support.

    What customers like

    • Easy and quick setup
    • Fast wireless and mobile printing
    • Compact and user-friendly design
    • High-quality and vibrant print results
    • Convenient all-in-one functionality
    (484)
    $134.89 Your price for this item is $134.89
  4. 4
    CANON Mb2720 Maxify Wireless Aio Printer The best printer, scanner, fax machine I’ve ever had

    About this product

    A wireless all-in-one inkjet printer designed for efficient home office printing, scanning, and copying.

    A wireless all-in-one inkjet printer designed for efficient home office printing, scanning, and copying.

    What customers like

    • Affordable ink and printing costs
    • Excellent print and scan quality
    • Large paper and ink capacity
    • Easy wireless setup and connectivity
    • Fast and efficient printing
    (509)
    $139.99
    SAVE $133
    Your price for this item is $139.99
  5. 5
    HP DeskJet 4252e Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer Great printer!

    About this product

    A versatile white wireless printer offering colour print, copy, scan, fax, and mobile app support.

    A versatile white wireless printer offering colour print, copy, scan, fax, and mobile app support.

    (494)
    $59.99
    SAVE $75
    Your price for this item is $59.99
  6. 6
    HP LaserJet MFP M234DW Monochrome Wireless All-In-One Laser Printer Best Hp laser printer I had

    About this product

    An efficient wireless all-in-one laser printer with mobile printing, LCD display, and convenient paper trays.

    An efficient wireless all-in-one laser printer with mobile printing, LCD display, and convenient paper trays.

    What customers like

    • High print and scan quality
    • Compact size and sleek design
    • Easy wireless setup and connectivity
    • Versatile all-in-one functionality
    • Fast and efficient printing
    (406)
    $209.99
    SAVE $50
    Your price for this item is $209.99
  7. 7
    BROTHER Mfc-7240 Mfc7240 Multifnctn Compact Laser Printer (Mfc-7240)

    About this product

    A compact black monochrome laser printer offering printing, scanning, copying, and faxing with USB connectivity.

    A compact black monochrome laser printer offering printing, scanning, copying, and faxing with USB connectivity.

    What customers like

    • Affordable printing costs
    • Compact and space-saving
    • Versatile all-in-one functionality
    • Reliable performance
    • Easy to use and set up
    (33)
    $317.97 Your price for this item is $317.97
  8. 8
    Canon imageCLASS MF287dw Monochrome All-In-One Laser Printer WE love this printer!!! A great buy!

    About this product

    A versatile all-in-one laser printer offering fast monochrome printing, scanning, copying, and faxing with sharp resolution.

    A versatile all-in-one laser printer offering fast monochrome printing, scanning, copying, and faxing with sharp resolution.

    What customers like

    • Clear and crisp print quality
    • Reliable multifunction performance
    • Easy wireless setup and connectivity
    • Quiet and simple to use
    • Fast and efficient printing
    (25)
    $199.99
    SAVE $70
    Your price for this item is $199.99

FAQ

What features should I look for in a printer for occasional use? + -

For occasional use, consider a printer with low maintenance requirements, reliable ink or toner longevity, and easy setup. Wireless connectivity and compatibility with multiple devices can also add convenience.

Is an inkjet or laser printer better for infrequent printing? + -

Laser printers are often recommended for occasional use because toner cartridges do not dry out like inkjet cartridges. However, if you occasionally need to print colour photos or graphics, an inkjet may be preferable.

How can I prevent ink from drying out in a printer that is used rarely? + -

To prevent ink from drying out, try to print a test page every few weeks. Alternatively, consider a laser printer, as toner does not dry out over time.

Are there printers designed specifically for low-volume printing? + -

Yes, some compact and entry-level printers are designed for low-volume printing. These models typically have simple features and are cost-effective for users who print only occasionally.

What maintenance tips help keep a seldom-used printer in good condition? + -

Keep your printer in a dust-free environment, update its firmware regularly, and run cleaning cycles as recommended by the manufacturer. Printing a test page periodically can also help maintain print quality.

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Some products may be subject to Environmental Handling Fees (EHF) depending on your province. Learn more about EHFs.