Efficient Printer Suitable for Foundation Operations
Spent a pretty penny? Maybe not in the long run: Stiftung Warentest's guide on *picking the right printer
Whether you're buying a new printer or upgrading your old one, there's a plethora of options with prices varying widely. The choice often boils down to whether the expensive device is worth it or a cheaper model is superior, based on frequency and purpose of usage. Stiftung Warentest is here to help with your decision-making process.
From routine text printing to high-quality photo prints, it's essential to consider the photo print function's relevance, regarding color or black and white sufficing. Frequent usage plays a significant role as well; inexpensive printers with high printing costs can be profitable if used sparingly, whereas expensive devices with low printing costs may quickly pay for themselves with heavy usage.
Specialists aren't always necessary
Most of the devices available are multifunction printers capable of scanning, copying, and printing. Those who never utilize the extras may be better off with a print specialist, but the price difference compared to the versatile performance winners is not substantial.
Stiftung Warentest's test list of 213 currently available printers helps keep things organized and facilitates a targeted selection. 28 devices have received good overall ratings in the past six months, with the cheapest costing around 190 euros and the priciest around 560 euros.
Inkjet Printers
The best multifunction inkjet printer, according to Stiftung Warentest, is the Canon Maxify GX6550, with a quality rating of 1.9. It prints, scans, and copies well while demonstrating good environmental properties, including power consumption. The device typically retails for 525 euros but can often be found for less than 450 euros, making it a cost-effective option when used frequently, due to its low printing costs.
The Epson Ecotank ET-4850 also earns top marks with the same overall rating. With a price tag of approximately 380 euros, it is more affordable and easier to manage than the Canon competitor, and it excels in photo printing.
For those prioritizing the copy function without compromising on affordability, the Epson Ecotank ET-2860 is an equally economical yet significantly cheaper alternative, starting at around 180 euros. Several other printers have received the same overall rating, sharing similar names and construction. In cases of doubt, opt for the least expensive option following a brief review of the bestseller list.
The best inkjet print specialist among inkjet printers is the Canon MAXIFY GX5550, which boasts a quality rating of 1.9. It prints well, consumes little power, and its ink costs are very low. Though it offers only minor advantages over multifunction devices, its smaller footprint makes it an appealing choice, with prices starting at around 370 euros.
If you print infrequently, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9110b, priced at approximately 120 euros, is a noteworthy alternative. Its print results, ink costs, and environmental properties received satisfactory ratings.
The best color multifunction laser printer barely earns a good quality rating, with an overall score of 2.5. The Canon i-Sensys MF657Cdw excels in print and copy quality but falls short in copying properties and toner costs, which were only rated as satisfactory by Stiftung Warentest. Its environmental properties were not impressive either. The printer is difficult to find for less than 400 euros.
Laser Printers
If you're searching for a cost-effective laser printer capable of printing, digging deeper might lead to the Canon i-SENSYS LBP633Cdw, with an overall score of 2.3. Though its toner costs and environmental properties are only satisfactory, with a bit of luck, this device can be found for prices well below 300 euros.
Black and White Printers
In general, black and white laser printers offer a more affordable alternative. The Canon i-SENSYS MF264dw II, with a quality rating of 2.2, leads the pack among multifunctional devices, printing, copying, and scanning well while claiming minimal running costs. Its price is around 330 euros.
The best black and white print specialist is the Canon i-SENSYS LBP246dw, priced under 230 euros. It earned an overall score of 2.0 and performed exceptionally well in all categories.
If you print infrequently, the Canon i-SENSYS LBP122dw is worth considering, despite only satisfactory ratings for its environmental properties and toner costs. The device's low price of around 175 euros and top print results make it a compelling choice for occasional users.
[1] German consumer testing and tech review portals: https://www.stiftung-warentest.org/ [2] Online Technology Magazine: https://www.online-tech-mag.de/ [3] PC World: https://www.pcworld.de/ [4] Stiftung Warentest Tests Inkjet Printers: https://www.stiftung-warentest.org/Testresultat/Kategorie/Inkjet-Drucker [5] All About Office: https://www.all-about-office.com/ [6] Tech-Check: https://www.tech-check.net/
- Stiftung Warentest recommends considering the relevance of a printer's photo print function for color or black and white sufficing, as cost-effective inkjet printers can be advantageous with frequent usage.
- While choosing a printer, value-for-money devices, like the Epson Ecotank ET-2860, offer versatile performance at an affordable price, making them suitable for those prioritizing the print function without extras.
- For regular users, technology advances have caused a decline in printing costs, making expensive models, such as the Canon Maxify GX6550, more affordable options in the long run due to their economical printing costs.
- Stiftung Warentest's test list of 213 printers demonstrates that equally economical alternatives can be found among black and white laser printers, such as the Canon i-SENSYS MF264dw II, offering competitively priced performance for occasional users.
