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 TR4720 Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer Great print

    About this product

    A compact black all-in-one inkjet printer with wireless connectivity and a 2-cartridge hybrid ink system.

    A compact black all-in-one inkjet printer with wireless connectivity and a 2-cartridge hybrid ink system.

    What customers like

    • Affordable and cost-effective
    • Compact and space-saving design
    • High-quality prints
    • Easy setup
    • Versatile all-in-one functionality
    4.3 (3,151 reviews)
    $69.99
    SAVE $10
    Your price for this item is $69.99
  2. 2
    Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless All-In-One Supertank Inkjet Printer - White [This review was collected as part of a promotion

    About this product

    A wireless all-in-one inkjet printer in white with high-capacity ink tanks and high-resolution scanning.

    A wireless all-in-one inkjet printer in white with high-capacity ink tanks and high-resolution scanning.

    What customers like

    • Easy and quick setup
    • Cost-effective and efficient ink system
    • High print and scan quality
    • Compact and lightweight design
    • Reliable wireless and mobile connectivity
    4.5 (5,244 reviews)
    $229.99
    SAVE $20
    Your price for this item is $229.99
  3. 3
    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
  4. 4
    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
  5. 5
    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
  6. 6
    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
  7. 7
    Brother MFC-J1410DW Colour Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer Great printer for price

    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
    4.7 (25 reviews)
    $229.99 Your price for this item is $229.99
  8. 8
    HP M139w Wireless All-In-One Laser Printer - White Great Find

    About this product

    A compact white wireless laser printer offering fast black-and-white printing, scanning, and copying for small offices.

    A compact white wireless laser printer offering fast black-and-white printing, scanning, and copying for small offices.

    What customers like

    • Easy setup process
    • High print and scan quality
    • Compact and space-saving design
    • Reliable wireless connectivity
    • Fast and efficient printing
    4.1 (299 reviews)
    $209.99 Your price for this item is $209.99
  9. 9
    CANON Imageclass Mf267Dw Ii All-In-One Wireless Duplex Monochrome Laser Printer

    About this product

    An all-in-one wireless monochrome laser printer offering duplex printing, scanning, copying, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

    An all-in-one wireless monochrome laser printer offering duplex printing, scanning, copying, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

    What customers like

    • Excellent print quality
    • Easy installation
    • Official Canon brand
    • Reliable performance
    • Good value for price
    4.5 (39 reviews)
    $237.99
    SAVE $52
    Your price for this item is $237.99
  10. 10
    Canon imageCLASS MF287dw Monochrome All-In-One Laser Printer Love the double sided printing

    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.

    4.4 (17 reviews)
    $199.99
    SAVE $130
    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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