Best Printer 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
    Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer Great features!

    About this product

    An easy-to-use wireless inkjet printer with mobile printing, flatbed scanner, and simple two-cartridge system.

    An easy-to-use wireless inkjet printer with mobile printing, flatbed scanner, and simple two-cartridge system.

    What customers like

    • Easy to set up and use
    • Versatile features including mobile printing and scanning
    • Good print and scan quality
    • Affordable price
    • Reliable wireless connectivity
    4.2 (91 reviews)
    $49.99
    SAVE $40
    Your price for this item is $49.99
  2. 2
    Epson Expression Home XP-5200 Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer Love the new Printer

    About this product

    A highly functional wireless all-in-one inkjet printer that produces great quality documents and photos.

    A highly functional wireless all-in-one inkjet printer that produces great quality documents and photos.

    What customers like

    • Efficient ink usage and individual ink cartridges
    • Affordable price and good value
    • Easy setup and connectivity
    • Good print and scan quality
    • Versatile all-in-one features
    4.3 (280 reviews)
    $109.99
    SAVE $10
    Your price for this item is $109.99
  3. 3
    HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer - HP Instant Ink 3-Month Free Trial Included* Great Printer for home use

    About this product

    An all-in-one white wireless printer offering effortless printing, scanning, copying, and an automatic document feeder.

    An all-in-one white wireless printer offering effortless printing, scanning, copying, and an automatic document feeder.

    What customers like

    • Affordable with efficient ink options
    • Easy setup process
    • High print and scan quality
    • Compact and lightweight design
    • Convenient wireless and app connectivity
    4.2 (1,331 reviews)
    $104.99 Your price for this item is $104.99
  4. 4
    Canon PIXMA TS3729 Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer - Only at Best Buy The best

    About this product

    An easy-to-use wireless inkjet printer with mobile printing, flatbed scanner, and quick rear paper tray reloading.

    An easy-to-use wireless inkjet printer with mobile printing, flatbed scanner, and quick rear paper tray reloading.

    What customers like

    • Compact and practical design
    • Affordable and good value for money
    • Easy setup and use
    • Reliable wireless connectivity
    • Good print quality for black and color
    4.3 (70 reviews)
    $44.99
    SAVE $5
    Your price for this item is $44.99
  5. 5
    BROTHER - Hl-L2460Dw Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer With Duplex, Mobile Printing, Black & Output In White Great for small spaces

    About this product

    A compact wireless laser printer in black offering duplex, mobile printing, and sharp monochrome output.

    A compact wireless laser printer in black offering duplex, mobile printing, and sharp monochrome output.

    What customers like

    • Easy to set up and use
    • Cost-effective performance
    • Compact and space-saving design
    • Reliable wireless connectivity
    • Sharp monochrome print quality
    4.5 (74 reviews)
    $234.99
    SAVE $90
    Your price for this item is $234.99
  6. 6
    BROTHER Mfc-7240 Mfc7240 Multifnctn Compact Laser Printer (Mfc-7240) GREATlove it

    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
    4.6 (33 reviews)
    $293.23 Your price for this item is $293.23
  7. 7
    HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer - HP Instant Ink 3-Month Free Trial Included* Great printer, good deal and an amazing warranty

    About this product

    An efficient white wireless all-in-one inkjet printer offering fast print speeds and intuitive app connectivity.

    An efficient white wireless all-in-one inkjet printer offering fast print speeds and intuitive app connectivity.

    What customers like

    • Excellent print quality
    • Easy and intuitive setup
    • Versatile all-in-one features
    • Convenient wireless and app connectivity
    • Fast and efficient printing
    4.2 (1,994 reviews)
    $289.99 Your price for this item is $289.99
  8. 8
    Canon PIXMA G4270 Wireless Megatank All-In-One Supertank Inkjet Printer - Only at Best Buy It's the best thing I have invested in a long time

    About this product

    A wireless all-in-one inkjet printer in black with high-yield megatanks for efficient mobile printing.

    A wireless all-in-one inkjet printer in black with high-yield megatanks for efficient mobile printing.

    What customers like

    • Fast printing speed
    • Easy setup process
    • High print and photo quality
    • Cost-effective ink tanks
    • Reliable wireless connectivity
    4.2 (68 reviews)
    $199.99
    SAVE $50
    Your price for this item is $199.99
  9. 9
    HP 6555e All-In-One Inkjet Printer - HP Instant Ink 3-Month Free Trial Included* Hp the best

    About this product

    An all-in-one white inkjet printer offering print, copy, and scan functions plus a 3-month Instant Ink trial.

    An all-in-one white inkjet printer offering print, copy, and scan functions plus a 3-month Instant Ink trial.

    What customers like

    • Compact and sleek design
    • User-friendly touchscreen interface
    • Easy setup process
    • High print and scan quality
    • Cost-effective ink program
    4.4 (2,355 reviews)
    $129.99
    SAVE $80
    Your price for this item is $129.99
  10. 10
    HP DeskJet 4255e Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer - HP Instant Ink 3-Month Free Trial Included* HP is the best ever

    About this product

    A versatile white wireless printer offering printing, scanning, copying, and an automatic document feeder for convenience.

    A versatile white wireless printer offering printing, scanning, copying, and an automatic document feeder for convenience.

    What customers like

    • Easy and quick setup
    • High print and scan quality
    • Compact and lightweight design
    • Versatile all-in-one functionality
    • Reliable wireless and mobile connectivity
    4.2 (933 reviews)
    $89.99 Your price for this item is $89.99

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.