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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
    Epson Expression Home XP-4200 Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer Best printer ever!

    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
    4.3 (1,908 reviews)
    $119.99 Your price for this item is $119.99
  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 (5,041 reviews)
    $329.99 Your price for this item is $329.99
  3. 3
    Epson EcoTank ET-2980 Wireless All-In-One Supertank Inkjet Printer - White Great Quality

    About this product

    A wireless all-in-one inkjet printer in white with supertank technology for hassle-free, high-quality printing.

    A wireless all-in-one inkjet printer in white with supertank technology for hassle-free, high-quality printing.

    What customers like

    • Fast printing speed
    • Reliable wireless connection
    • High print color quality
    4.5 (284 reviews)
    $399.99 Your price for this item is $399.99
  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
    4.4 (59 reviews)
    $49.99 Your price for this item is $49.99
  5. 5
    HP Officejet 8015E Wireless All-In-One Printer - Bonus 3 Months Ink With Best cheapest printer

    About this product

    A high-speed all-in-one printer with bonus ink and a printer cable for increased productivity.

    A high-speed all-in-one printer with bonus ink and a printer cable for increased productivity.

    What customers like

    • Good print quality
    • User-friendly design
    • Easy setup
    • Compact size
    • Wireless connectivity
    4.2 (557 reviews)
    $139.99
    SAVE $69
    Your price for this item is $139.99
  6. 6
    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
    4.3 (804 reviews)
    $134.99 Your price for this item is $134.99
  7. 7
    CANON Pixma Mg2525 All-In-One Inkjet Printer - (0727C003) I got it with the best price!

    About this product

    An all-in-one inkjet printer delivering vivid photos and sharp documents with a hybrid ink system.

    An all-in-one inkjet printer delivering vivid photos and sharp documents with a hybrid ink system.

    What customers like

    • Easy to set up and use
    • Reliable for basic home printing
    • Good print and scan quality
    • Affordable price
    • Compact and lightweight design
    4.0 (95 reviews)
    $108.99
    SAVE $20
    Your price for this item is $108.99
  8. 8
    HP LaserJet MFP M234DW Monochrome Wireless All-In-One Laser Printer The best laserjet I've owned

    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
    4.5 (343 reviews)
    $259.99 Your price for this item is $259.99
  9. 9
    HP OfficeJet Pro 9110b Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer The Best

    About this product

    An efficient white all-in-one inkjet printer offering wireless print, scan, and copy functions for home offices.

    An efficient white all-in-one inkjet printer offering wireless print, scan, and copy functions for home offices.

    What customers like

    • Versatile wireless connectivity options
    • Quiet and compact design
    • Easy setup process
    • Fast and efficient printing
    • High print quality with vibrant colors
    4.2 (35 reviews)
    $224.99 Your price for this item is $224.99
  10. 10
    Canon SELPHY QX20 Compact Photo Printer - Dark Grey Great photo quality and love that you have the option for two different sized printouts

    About this product

    A compact dark grey printer that produces vibrant, durable, water-resistant photos using dye-sublimation technology.

    A compact dark grey printer that produces vibrant, durable, water-resistant photos using dye-sublimation technology.

    4.6 (5 reviews)
    $199.99 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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