With so many models, features and costs to consider, buying a printer can be confusing. Plus, it’s not like you can try before you buy instore – if only you could rock up and print your holiday photos or kids’ homework for a test run!

That’s why ÌÇÐÄVlog has been reviewing printers for years – so you know what you’re getting before you buy.Ìý

On this page:

• Inkjet printers to avoid
• Laser printers to avoid
• Which type of printer should you buy?
• Seven tips to save money on ink and toner

Ink usage and running costs

A quick word before we delve into the printers to avoid.

Along with testing print quality, speed and more, our experts also calculate running costs for each printer. We look at how much it costs to print a text page, a graphics page and a photo page, as well as how much you’ll spend on ink and toner over a year. 

For the calculations, we’ve estimated what the average person would print in a year: 1000 mono and 500 colour prints. The colour prints are a combination of black and white text, colour text and graphics.

Some printers come with a supply of ink and toner as part of the purchase price, which could last you up to three years depending on how often you use it. Our annual ink cost calculations don’t factor this in, they’re simply the cost of the cartridge divided by the number of pages it can print before running dry. 

Cartridge costs are based on the latest prices provided by .

Calculating CISS printers

Continuous ink supply system (CISS) printers have a much higher page yield than most standard ink cartridges/toner barrels. We limit CISS ink consumption tests and cost calculations to 3000 pages in order to reduce paper waste.

This baseline exceeds our average use scenario of 1000 mono and 500 colour prints per year so the page counts and ink costs exceed the needs of most average consumers. Therefore, the annual ink and toner costs for CISS printers are in line with what you can expect to pay based on 3000 pages.

However, ink costs per text and graphics pages will be lower if you print more than 3000 pages per year. Standard cartridges/toner barrels are used to their maximum yield, including those that exceed 3000 pages.

Want to know more? Read how we test printers.

Inkjet printers to avoid

HP Deskjet 2820e / 2821e / 2823e

• Type: Multifunction colour printer
• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 58% / 59%
• Print, scan, copy score: 58%
• Price (RRP): $59 / $69 / $99
• Annual ink/toner cost: $565

We thought we’d seen some bad performers in our time testing printers, but then these HPs arrived and said “hold our ink”. Each model costs between 5.5 to almost 10 times more in ink each year than they do to buy in the first place.

Unfortunately, millions of printer cartridges are thrown away each year, so not only will you be putting your hand in your pocket more often if you buy one of these HP printers, you’ll also be putting more waste into landfill – unless you recycle them. Even then, your hip pocket is going to hurt.

These printers are just colour variants of the same model, hence lumping them together. That said, the 2820e did get a marginally lower environmental score, so its ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating is 58%.

But as far as print, scan and copy performance goes, they’re identical and mostly middling. Print speed and quality are only OK and photocopying is poor. They may be worth considering if you’re exclusively looking to scan pages, as these results are at the upper end of good. But just buy a scanner if that’s all you’re after.

Read the full HP 2820e review, the HP 2821e review or the HP 2823e review.

Brother MFC-J5740DW

• Type: Multifunction colour printer
• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 65%
• Print, scan, copy score: 63%
• Price (RRP): $369
• Annual ink/toner cost: $215

Good quality, affordable inkjet printers aren’t hard to come by. This multifunction model from Brother isn’t one of them, with printing performance that’s only OK (64%) and high annual ink costs.

It does come with a very good scanner (84%) but that’s about it. Photocopying functions are pretty poor (38%), so while your digitised documents should have good clarity, images and text could look a bit fuzzy on paper.

And yet, these are small problems compared to the printer’s excessive ink usage. The cleaning cycle needs twice as much ink as regular printing and it’s not like you can let this fall by the wayside. Without regular maintenance, the ink heads can dry and clog up.

It won’t use quite as much ink as the HP Deskjet printers above, but it’s still a significant amount that will chew through your bank account. Look at the figures, you’ll spend more on ink than the cost of the printer in less than two years.

Read the full Brother MFC-J5740DW review.

Brother MFC-J6940DW

• Type: Multifunction colour printer
• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 65%
• Print, scan, copy score: 63%
• Price (RRP): $429
• Annual ink/toner cost: $215

As far as performance is concerned, this Brother printer is basically identical to its cheaper sibling (MFC-J5740DW). While its ink usage is a little more economical, it still uses far too much during the cleaning cycle which will cost a lot of money in the long run.

All other specifications are the same, save for the dimensions which are slightly larger and the maximum paper size. This printer can handle sheets up to A3, unlike the cheaper Brother which is limited to A4.

Read the full Brother MFC-J6940DW review.

Canon Pixma TS7760

• Type: Multifunction colour printer
• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 65%
• Print, scan, copy score: 66%
• Price (RRP): $139
• Annual ink/toner cost: $195

At $139, this cheaper printer isn’t an outrageously priced for its printing capabilities. Performance is firmly OK, for the most part, which is reasonable to expect from a unit that costs less than $150. But once again, excessive ink consumption rears its ugly head.

The low RRP looks like a great deal at first, until the ink expenses exceed the cost of the printer – something that will happen every single year. This may not be a huge issue if you only plan to print from time to time but the average user may need to start printing phony fifties to cover the annual costs.

Fortunately, it doesn’t seem to use as much ink during the cleaning cycle, which is good from a wastage point of view. Nevertheless, the annual expenses combined with fairly middling performance – except for the scanner which is very good – means this budget model is a hard one to recommend.

Read the full Canon Pixma TS7760 review.

Epson Expression Home XP-4200 / Expression Home XP-4205

• Type: Multifunction colour printers
• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 65%
• Print, scan, copy score: 66%
• Price (RRP): $999
• Annual ink/toner cost: $410

The XP-4205 is a newer version of the XP-4200, which brings minor improvements to networking functions and a longer support window. Our experts found that these changes had next to no impact on performance, with all test results matching the older XP-4200.

So rather than waste everyone’s time saying the same thing twice, it seemed easier to lump these absolute ink guzzlers together.

Yep, we have another example of cheap printers that end up costing a king’s ransom in ink over the course of their lifetime. A whopping $400 each year to be exact. It would be cheaper to save up $800 over two years and spend that money on a high-end model that doesn’t cost hundreds in ink per year.

It’s a shame, because print quality and speed are both good (73% and 72%) for the asking price. Scanning and copying are OK (around 60%) and even the fairly limited feature set feels acceptable for $99. But you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your savings just to feed your printer.

Read the full Expression Home XP-4200 or the XP-4205 review.

Laser printers to avoid

Brother MFC-L2800DW

• Type: Multifunction mono printer
• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 63%
• Print, scan, copy score: 60%
• Price (RRP): $269
• Annual ink/toner cost: $175

Though the price is reasonable for an entry-level laser multifunction printer, performance is average. You’ll end up spending more than its price tag on ink after about 18 months, which is better than other models but still not exactly economical.

Credit where credit is due, however. It is easy to use, power consumption is low, it prints very quickly, and the scanner digitises documents well. Copying is poor though, making this yet another multifunction printer (MFP) that’s really only good at one thing.

Read the full Brother MFC-L2800DW review.

Brother MFC-L2400DW

• Type: Standard mono printer
• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 63%
• Print, scan, copy score: 63%
• Price (RRP): $159
• Annual ink/toner cost: $175

Unlike the standard version of Brother’s MFC-L2800DW, the HL-L2400DW can’t scan or copy documents. Printing performance, meanwhile, is exactly the same so, yes, you can still get OK quality prints very quickly, which might appeal if you prefer speed over quality.

In a way, the lower RRP feels like less of a deal as you’ll end up spending more on toner each year. It’s actually cheaper to just replace the MFC-L2400DW on an annual basis.

But don’t do that, please, our environment can only take so much.

Read the full Brother MFC-L2400DW review.

Which type of printer should you buy?

Before you start shopping around, it’s essential to consider how you plan to use your new printer. 

ÌÇÐÄVlog tech expert Peter Zaluzny says: “It’s important to be realistic about the kind of printing you’re likely to do most, and what features are essential for you, and do your homework to find the right sort of printer to do that job – which is where our printer buying guide comes in.”

“The first step is to roughly work out the frequency and kinds of documents you want to print. If, for example, you only print the occasional documents for official purposes then a standard monochrome printer will suit your needs.”

“But if you have kids in school that regularly need to print assignments, templates for craft projects and the like, then a colour printer with low annual ink costs will be ideal,” says Pete.

“Setting up an approximate usage scenario can help you narrow down to a handful of printers that suit your needs. Then you can compare upfront and ongoing ink expenses in our test to find one that delivers good quality prints within your budget.”

“Printers can be quite specialised these days, from cheaper models aimed at only occasional use, to ink-tank (not cartridge) models designed for high output at low cost per page, as well as models designed to print high-quality photos,” he says.

And then there are the multifunction printer models that have a wide range of extra features, from scanning and copying to faxing (yes, people still do this!) and more.

Seven tips to save money on ink and toner

Don’t just look at the upfront cost of a printer before you buy, our experts warn. 

“Ink is usually a bigger component of total cost than the printer itself,” says tech expert Denis Gallagher.

Denis shares seven hot tips to avoid spending too much on printer ink:

1. Remember that inkjet cleaning cycles use more ink

Inkjets have to keep the jets clear, which they do with a cleaning cycle if the printer hasn’t been used recently, or has been switched off. This uses ink, which adds to the cost of ownership. Laser printers don’t have this problem.

2. Don’t assume it’s cheaper to buy a new printer

People sometimes look at the price of the printer and the price of ink – and think it’s cheaper to buy a new printer. It generally isn’t: new printers nearly always come with a reduced supply of ink, so you won’t be getting the full complement. 

And of course there’s the environmental impact of replacing an entire printer, rather than just buying a new ink cartridge. 

3. Check whether you can use compatible inks

Some printers prevent you from using ‘compatible’ third-party inks that are generally much cheaper than the manufacturer’s ones. They’re now obliged to include a statement on the box that they don’t work with compatible inks – you might want to avoid these printers.

Also, a quick Google search will show you how manufacturers restrict third-party ink usage over time. It’s not uncommon for brands to roll out software updates that block these cartridges on otherwise compatible printers, well after you’ve bought them. You may want to avoid brands that do this.

4. Consider a CISS printer

On a positive note, there are now plenty of CISS (continuous ink supply system) printers that let you refill their cartridges from bottles. They’re much cheaper to run, but more expensive to buy – another trade-off. 

5. Avoid single ‘colour’ cartridges

There are a few printers with a single ‘colour’ cartridge, so when one colour runs out, you have to replace the whole cartridge. These printers are best avoided. 

6. Beware false predictions about remaining toner

An inkjet printer can tell exactly how much ink is left in an inkjet cartridge (by shining a light through it). But lasers have no real way of measuring the toner left. So they just count the pages printed and tell you you’re running out when the number comes up. In actual fact, you may not be.

7. Don’t let your photos fade away

If you want to print photos, you really need special photo ink. Magenta and cyan both fade in the light, so if you stick your photos to the front of the fridge, for example, they’ll eventually turn yellow. 

Our laser and inkjet printer reviews let you see how much a printer will cost you in toner and ink each year, as well as how much ink they use for cleaning – and much more. 

The post Inkjet and laser printers to avoid appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Calculating annual ink costs
• Are inkjet or laser printers better?
• Saving money with refillable ink

Some cheap models drink a lot of ink, which can end up costing more over time than a more expensive (but more efficient) model. Before buying, you need to have a rough idea of the volume and type of documents and photos you plan to print over the course of a year. Then you can find a printer to suit your needs that won’t cost you a fortune in the long run.

Buying the cheapest printer for your needs

When you’re in the market for a new printer, printing quality is the most important thing to consider, followed by annual ink costs. The other aspects in our test, such as printing speed and copying and scanning scores, are important but only apply to specific scenarios.

Give some thought to how often you’ll use the printer, as this will determine how much of a factor annual ink costs will be. For example, you may be better off choosing a low-cost printer that uses a lot of inkÌýif you only print documents from time to time, because your recurring expenses will still be low.

Similarly, if you regularly print monochrome and colour documents, then a more expensive model with very good ink efficiency may end up costing less over time. Once you’ve figured this out, you can dig into the different printer types.

Calculating annual ink costs

When we test printers, we determine ink or toner life by running the printers almost continuously to calculate cost per page and long-term running costs. This is based on our average use scenario of 1000 mono and 500 colour prints over the course of a year. The colour prints are a combination of black and white text, colour text and graphics.

This can help you determine whether the initial recommended retail price (RRP) of the printer or recurring ink costs are more important.

Low RRP: If you don’t plan to print very often, then a low cost, high scoring printer from our test will be fine. Though annual running costs might be high, your usage scenario is likely to be well below what we use to calculate ink expenses when we test.

Low annual ink costs: If our typical usage scenario mirrors your needs, then look for a high-scoring printer with low annual ink costs. These tend to have a higher price tag, but you’ll ultimately save money compared to many low-cost printers.

Below are two examples from our test results that help demonstrate the difference in costs. This doesn’t factor in free ink that may be included with the printer.

_{Calculations based on annual ink costs multiplied over the course of three years. Some printers include free ink which can offset initial ongoing expenses for one to three years. These do not factor into the projected costs listed above.}

Consider cleaning costs

Inkjet printers need to use ink during a cleaning cycle. This helps stop the print heads from clogging up over time, among other things. Unfortunately, some printers aren’t exactly efficient in this regard.

It’s not uncommon to find printers that use more ink during the cleaning cycle than the amount required to print documents in our annual average usage scenario. This can really drive up your ink expenses.

Though our annual ink/toner costs are calculated based on usage alone, we do test and score ink wastage during the cleaning cycle. This is worth factoring in while shopping for an inkjet printer.

Laser printers operate differently and don’t face this issue. Ink wastage in continuous ink supply system (CISS) printers isn’t measured during our test. In this case, the contributions to the ink wastage score are distributed evenly across the remaining parts of the test.

Printer types: Standard or multi-function (MFP)

There are two types of printers:

• standard printers have no additional functions
• multi-function printers (MFP) include scan and copy functions and are much more versatile, but they generally come with a higher asking price.

Within these two broad categories are a range of features that vary between brands and models. These include photo printing, refillable ink wells, eco modes and more. These features and specifications are included in our test results comparison table.

Are inkjet or laser printers better?

These days the two main ink delivery systems are pretty comparable in most respects, but there are a couple of key differences worth keeping in mind.

A good inkjet printer produces sharp, vibrant, top-quality prints across a range of paper types. Ink costs can be high, but the best models can really make your graphics pop, so to speak.

Laser printers can’t match the quality of a good inkjet model, but they typically use less ink when printing. They can also print faster and don’t have ink heads, which means they can sit idle for longer periods without clogging issues.

Saving money with refillable ink

Continuous ink supply systems, or CISS, use a modified ink cartridge that’s easy to refill. Not only can you top them up whenever you need to, but colour models let you refill individual tanks if one is running out faster than the other.

With traditional printer cartridges, which combine colours, when one colour runs out, the printer stops printing in colour correctly, or will only print in black and white (or in some cases it will stop printing altogether). This happens regardless of how much ink is left in the other vessels.

CISS is far and away the most economic way to print. So, what’s the catch? CISS-enabled printers are typically more expensive. But the long-term ink savings will likely make up for that (especially if you print a lot).

We independently test and review new printers in specialised labs to find out which ones deliver the best performance, and which ones will be cheapest to run. If you’re not yet a member,Ìýjoin ÌÇÐÄVlogÌýto get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.ÌýIf you’re already a ÌÇÐÄVlog member, log in to unlock this article and read about the best cheap printers we’ve tested.

We recommend printers that achieve a ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating of 70% or more. The print, scan and copy score is comprised of printing speed and quality (60%), scanning speed and quality (20%) and copying speed and quality (20%). Weightings for standard printers that can’t scan or copy are evenly distributed across printing speed and quality.

The post The best cheap printers from our tests appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Setting up your printer
• Connecting a printer to an Android device
• How to print from an Android device
• Connecting and printing from an iOS device
• Printing from an Android or iOS device via email

In this article, we walk you through how to do it.

Setting up your printer

Before you get started, you need to connect your printer to the internet. Every brand (and even specific models from a brand) does this a little differently, so start by following the networking steps in the manual.

If you’ve misplaced the manual, you can almost always find a PDF online by searching the brand and model number. This should be printed on the bottom or side of the case, or on a sticker.Ìý

Once your printer is online, you can connect your Android or iOS devices using the following steps.

Connecting a printer to an Android device

The Default Print Service is the easiest way to connect an Android device to compatible printers. This replaced Google Cloud Print, which was shut down at the end of 2020.

Connecting via Wi-Fi

Android’s Default Print Service basically tells your phone or tablet to find printers on the same Wi-Fi network. Every major manufacturer (Canon, Epson etc.) supports it, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting things up and running.

Make sure your printer and smartphone or tablet are connected to your home internet. This won’t work if your mobile device is connected to 4G or 5G.

To connect your phone via the Default Print Service, go into the phone’s settings, search for “printing”, then select it from the results. Next, tap Printing in the list of Connection preferences, select Default Print Service and turn it on. A list of compatible printers on the network should appear. Select yours from the list.

If your printer doesn’t appear in the list then you have three options.

First, go back to the printer settings, but instead of selecting Default Print Service, tap Add service. This will take you to a list of printer services for specific manufacturers. Select your brand, download it, then open printer settings to find your model. Follow the steps in the brand-specific service to find your printer.

If that doesn’t work, or if the manufacturer hasn’t released a plugin, try a third-party service. These are available in the same location on the Google Play Store and they’ll scan your home network for any active printers, regardless of the brand. PrinterOn and PrinterShare Mobile Print are two popular options (but we haven’t tested them).

Finally, you can manually add your printer to the Default Print Service via Wi-Fi direct or its IP address. To use the IP, get into your router’s settings (steps vary between brands) and find a section called Attached Devices or something similar.

Locate your printer in the list of devices, write down the IP address (e.g. 192.86.255.7) then go back to the Default Print Service. Tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner, select Add printer, then Add printer by IP address. Type in the IP, tap Add and it should appear in the list.

To use Wi-Fi Direct, go to Add printer then turn on Wi-Fi Direct printing. This will scan the area for Wi-Fi Direct-supported printers to establish a direct local connection that doesn’t require an internet connection.

Connecting via Bluetooth

Though fewer printers support Bluetooth, it’s actually a bit easier than using Wi-Fi as you don’t need to worry about any networking. If you’ve ever connected your phone or tablet to a Bluetooth speaker then you’ll know what to do, as the process is essentially the same.

First, turn on your printer’s Bluetooth scanning function. Each brand (and even model) does this a little differently, so check the instruction manual. Once it’s scanning, go to your phone’s settings, tap Connected devices and select Pair new device. This will tell the phone to scan for nearby Bluetooth-enabled devices. When your printer appears in the list of nearby devices, tap to connect.

Note: the printer will disconnect if you turn off Bluetooth or your phone or tablet is too far away. It should automatically reconnect when you activate Bluetooth on your printer and phone or tablet. If not, go back to the connected devices section and select your printer from the list of previously connected devices.

You can also rename the printer in the Bluetooth settings. Tap the cog icon next to the printer in the list of previously connected devices, followed by the pencil icon next to Device details. Enter the new name and tap “Rename” for the changes to take effect.

How to print from an Android device

Now that your printer is connected, you can print from your phone. The steps are the same regardless of the connection method.

To print an image, tap the same three vertical dots, then scroll to the end of the horizontal menu and tap Print.Ìý

To print a document (such as a PDF), tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner and select Print.Ìý

Once you’re in the print menu, tap Select a printer, pick yours from the list, make any adjustments you need to in the printing options, preview the document and then tap the print icon.

Connecting and printing from an iOS device

Like Android, iOS has a printer service that can easily connect supported devices on the same Wi-Fi network. It’s called AirPrint, and you can find a .

If you’re buying a new printer and want to print from an iPhone, make sure you get one with the AirPrint logo on the box. Once it’s unpacked, connect it to your home network then make sure AirPrint is turned on in the settings.

Your specific model will have instructions on how to access the settings via a web browser. Once you’re there, in the Network tab (or something similar), look for the AirPrint section and turn it on.

Note the following steps are for iOS 18. However, the process should be similar for the last few versions of Apple’s smartphone operating system.

Open the document, photo or webpage that you’d like to print from on your iPhone or iPad and tap the share icon (a square with an arrow pointing up). This will open the sharing options. Scroll down and select Print to open Printer Options.

If this is your first time using the Printer Options, there will be an option at the top of the screen to Select Printer. Tap it and select your AirPrint-enabled printer from the list. It should save this printer as the default for future use. Once it’s connected, tap PrintÌýin the top right corner to print your document.

If your printer doesn’t have AirPrint, you’ll need to download a free app from the manufacturer that does the same thing. Just search for the brand in the app store, download and follow the steps to connect. Some require you to open and print documents from the app, while others let you add a shortcut to the share section in your phone.

You could also try a third-party app such as or . These handle the same basic tasks but may have an interface or additional features that you like (we haven’t tested them).

Connecting via Bluetooth

While there are some claims that you can print from an iOS device via Bluetooth, there’s nothing official from Apple and we couldn’t get it working either. It may be possible, but we suggest sticking with AirPrint.

Tap and print with NFC

Some printers also support NFC (near field communication), which makes the Bluetooth connection process even easier. Make sure your smartphone and printer are connected to the same network, then enable NFC on your phone and tap the printer in the appropriate area (there should be an ‘NFC’ mark on the front or side of the printer).

NFC should automatically handle the rest of the steps. Then you can print as normal.

Printing from an Android or iOS device via email

Some printer brands have a pretty nifty feature that lets you email documents, photos and webpages to your printer. All you need to do is set up an email address for your printer, and then when you hit send, it automatically prints your document. You don’t need to be at home (or even on the same network) for this to work as long, as your printer is on and connected to the internet.

How you set this up depends on the brand of printer. Some, such as HP, require additional software. Others require product registration. They may allocate an email or allow you to create one yourself. You can find the details at the below links.

• (requires an app)

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Multifunction printers were once quite expensive compared to standard printers, but these days there are plenty of affordable models with pretty decent inbuilt scanners.

We’ve gathered the top-performing MFPs in our test and also listed the best models if you’re on a budget, and the best models for scanning documents, photos and more.

Do you need a scanner?

It may seem like antiquated technology, but there are still plenty of documents that can benefit from being digitised.

Photos are an obvious one, especially if you have albums from the days when film was the only format. Not only does this make them easier to share with friends and family, it also provides a point of backup if your shots are ever lost or damaged.

Receipts are also worth scanning and come in very handy if you need to make a warranty claim or provide proof for a tax deduction. Many of them fade over time, some end up in long-forgotten boxes that are impossible to find when you need them, and others get thrown out accidentally during a decluttering. Digitised receipts, meanwhile, are easier to store and locate.

Official or legal documents still tend to come by mail rather than email, and like receipts, keeping some scanned backups can save you many headaches down the line.

Why a scanner might be worth it

You may want to consider a dedicated scanner, rather than a multifunction printer, if:

• you rarely (if ever) print documents but regularly scan or copy them (e.g. receipts)
• you don’t have the desk space for a large MFP but have the shelf space for a small printer and small scanner
• you want high quality scans for photos, graphic novels or artwork.

Though there are good quality MFP scanners available, it’s worth looking at a high-end photo scanner if you want top results.

The best multifunction printers

Most MFPs use inkjet technology for printing. Good quality inkjets produce sharp, vibrant, top-quality prints across a range of paper types, but ink costs can be higher compared to laser printers. Of the 30Ìýprinters we recommend, only two of those models are laser MFPs.Ìý

As part of our product testing, we independently test and review new printers in specialised labs to find out which ones deliver the best printing performance and which ones will be cheapest to run. If you’re not yet a member,Ìýjoin ÌÇÐÄVlogÌýto get instant access to all of our expert, independent product and service reviews.ÌýIf you’re already a member, log in to unlock this article and read about the best printers we’ve tested.

Printers with a ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating (our overall score) of 70% or more, and a print quality score of more than 70%, earn the ‘ÌÇÐÄVlogÌýRecommended’ seal of approval.Ìý

The post The best printers and scanners from our tests appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Well, the answer really depends on what and how much you print.Ìý

“There are plenty of reasons for printing at home, and plenty for using Officeworks (or somewhere similar) and for most people, it will be a bit of both,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog content producer and printer expert Ben Bridges.

Here, we help you decide which option is best for your needs.

You should buy a printer if…

1. You print a lotÌý

If you print lots of documents over the course of a year, when you work out the costs of your printer, ink and paper, you’ll probably save money overall by printing at home.Ìý

For example, we calculated the yearly cost of printing 500 colour pages at home using a Canon Pixma TS6360a (including ink and paper costs) and compared that with printing at Officeworks. The Canon comes to $143 in total, while Officeworks charges $375 for the same amount, which is more than the combined RRP, printing and paper costs of the TS6360a.

Of course, the exact costs will vary depending on the type and price of your printer, which is why we always recommend that you think about your printing needs before buying one.Ìý

“Everyone needs to look at their own usage,” says Ben.

You can also look at the cost-per-page figures on our printer reviews to get an idea of at-home printing costs compared with printing at Officeworks, bearing in mind that Officeworks will print A4 black-and-white 80gsm prints for 8c a page. (For the full list of printing options, see Officeworks’ .)Ìý

That said, if you had a one-off 300-page project you needed to print, you might find it quicker and easier to do this at a professional printers.Ìý

“A professional printer (including Officeworks) would be better because they can also handle the covers and binding, which could be difficult at home,” says Steve Duncombe, ÌÇÐÄVlog’s technology editor.Ìý

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip: Can’t decide between a mono, inkjet or laser printer? It helps to work out what you need the printer for. Our guide to buying a printer includes a list of questions you should ask yourself before heading to the checkout.

2. You value convenience

Not everyone wants to spend time and money travelling to and from their nearest store whenever they need to print something. And given the piecemeal way most of us print, a couple of pages every other day equals a lot of trips.Ìý

And despite the fact that many Officeworks stores are open until midnight, most parents would probably prefer to print their child’s school project (which has, of course, been left till the last minute) in the privacy of their own home, instead of rushing out at 11.30pm in their PJs, USB stick in hand.Ìý

In contrast, printing at home is instantaneous and certainly more convenient – especially if you don’t live near an Officeworks or similar print shop.Ìý

“There is certainly a convenience factor to having a printer at home, even for occasional printouts of various text or graphics pages and photos,” says Steve.Ìý

3. You just want one

Fair enough.

You should print at Officeworks if…

1. You don’t print very much, very oftenÌý

If you rarely need to print, popping to your nearest Officeworks to print the odd A4 document every couple of months will generally work out cheaper in the long run.

But Ben says there are ways to lower the costs of printing at home if you’re a casual printer.

“If you don’t print much, but still want the occasional letter, consider a mono laser printer,” he says. “These are generally cheaper than colour printers and are economical on ink.

“If you need to scan or copy, choose a multifunction printer. And if you want any casual colour prints, it’s probably cheaper to go with an inkjet than a colour laser – especially if you ever want a quick photo-paper print of the grandchildren to stick on the fridge.”Ìý

2. You want to print photos

The popularity of photo book services is on the rise, but many people still like to have prints of their happy snaps.Ìý

And while an inkjet is the best type of printer to print photos at home, “you really need to use ‘photo ink’ if you don’t want them to fade to yellow,” says Ben.Ìý

“But not many people are going to keep photo magenta and photo cyan cartridges as well as the standard ones.”

Which is why it’s usually better to print photos at Officeworks or another professional printing service than at home.Ìý

3. You need something professionally printed

If you need to print things for professional use, or need to print anything larger than A4, you can’t expect the same quality from any home printer that you can get from a professional service.Ìý

“It’s not just the print quality, it’s the paper too,” says Ben. “Then there are considerations like printing up to the edge of the paper, or printing on A3.

“For anything you want to look professional, Officeworks or a professional printer will be worthwhile.”

The post Should I print at Officeworks or buy a printer? appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Connect a printer to Windows 10
• Connect a printer to Mac
• Set up an IP printer on Windows 10 or Mac
• Words to know

Just invested in a brand new wireless printer but not sure how to get started?

You’ve come to the right place.

Wireless printers are a handy, clutter-free option that work well, but if you’re used to working with a corded printer, they can take a little getting used to.Ìý

Whether it connects via WiFi or Bluetooth, we’ve got step-by-step instructions that will have you printing in no time.

Setting up your printer

There’s no one single way of setting up a wireless printer. The major printer brands – Brother, Canon, Epson, and HP, among others – all use different steps to set up their printers on Wi-Fi networks or via Bluetooth. Even within the same brand, the way you get started changes from product to product.Ìý

The best advice is to consult your printer’s product or user manual. If you can’t find yours, try searching for it online using the exact product name, which should be somewhere on the printer, either printed directly on the case or on a sticker. Only download user manuals from the manufacturer’s website.

Connect a printer to Windows 10

Different printers have their own set-up processes for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Consult your owner’s manual to see how to get started.

Tip: You might need to update to the latest version of Windows 10 to make sure you have up-to-date driver support.Ìý

Wi-Fi printers

Windows 10 should easily find any printer connected to the same local network via Wi-Fi.Ìý

Go to the Start menu and click Settings, Devices, then Printers & scanners. Select Add a printer or scanner and wait for your printer to appear in the list, then select it and hit Add device.

If Windows doesn’t find your printer, selectÌýThe printer that I want isn’t listedÌýand follow the instructions.Ìý

Another solution could be to plug the printer into your laptop or desktop with a USB cable. This can force the computer to recognise the printer and install the drivers. After it’s done, unplug the printer from USB and see if your computer continues to detect it.Ìý

If Windows doesn’t already have them, the printer drivers should download and install. If not, you can get them from the manufacturer’s website.Ìý

Bluetooth printers

First, make sure your printer is open to new Bluetooth pairings. Check your owner’s manual for instructions.Ìý

To enable Bluetooth on your Windows computer, click the notification icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen and check that Bluetooth is toggled on. You might have to clickÌýExpandÌýto see the Bluetooth control.

To find the printer, go to theÌýStart menuÌýand selectÌýSettings,ÌýDevices, thenÌýPrinters & scanners. Now clickÌýAdd a printer or scannerÌýand after a short while your printer should appear in the list. Select it and hitÌýAdd device.Ìý

Windows should download and install the drivers, if you don’t have them already. If not, get them from the manufacturer’s website.

Connect a printer to Mac

There shouldn’t be any variation between different types of Macs when setting up a new printer, as long as they’re using the same version of macOS. These are the instructions for macOS 10.15 (Catalina).Ìý

For the easiest way to connect, check if your printer is compatible with Apple’s AirPrint (though non-AirPrint printers can still work using third-party software). AirPrint is built-in, so it eliminates the need to download and install drivers (for Wi-Fi, not Bluetooth), is easy to use and requires minimal setting up when connecting to new printers.

Apple has a on its website, but most modern units have the functionality.

Wi-Fi printers

If you don’t have an AirPrint printer, go to theÌýApple menuÌýand clickÌýSystem PreferencesÌýthenÌýSoftware UpdateÌýand install any new updates. If your printer has AirPrint, you can skip this step.Ìý

After you’ve connected your printer to the same network as your Mac, it should appear in the Nearby printersÌý section of any app’s print menu orÌýPrinters & ScannersÌýapp preferences.Ìý

If it doesn’t, you can search for it. In the Apple menu, select System Preferences then Printers & Scanners. If your printer isn’t in the list, click Add and your Mac will search for new printers. It could take a minute or two. Once it displays, select your printer and click Add. Install any new software you’re asked to.

Another solution is to plug the printer directly into your Mac via USB cable. This can sometimes force the Mac to acknowledge the printer’s existence and also install any necessary software or drivers. Once installation is complete, unplug the cable and see if your Mac can detect it on the Wi-Fi network.

If you have a non-AirPrint-enabled printer and a Mac, you can connect the printer to the Mac via USB cable, then share the printer over Wi-Fi to other devices. Simply go to System Preferences, Printers & Scanners and select your printer then click the checkbox next to ‘Share this printer on the network’.Ìý

Bluetooth printersÌý

If both your printer and Mac are Bluetooth-enabled, you can print wirelessly without a Wi-Fi network.

If you don’t have an AirPrint printer, go to the Apple menu and click System Preferences then Software Update and install any new updates. If your printer has AirPrint, you can skip this step.Ìý

Each printer has a different way of setting up its Bluetooth connection, so check your user manual and follow the instructions to get it ready to connect.Ìý

To add your printer to your Mac’s printer list, go to the Apple menu then click System Preferences and then Printers & Scanners. Select the Add button and then click Default. From the list of printers, select yours and click Add.Ìý

If your printer doesn’t display, search for it by name in the search field. If it still doesn’t appear, you might need to install the latest Bluetooth driver for the printer from the manufacturer’s website.

Download and install new software if you’re prompted to.Ìý

Set up an IP printer on Windows 10 or Mac

How to find your printer’s IP address

If you’re having a lot of trouble finding a printer on Windows or a Mac, you can add it as a network printer via its IP address.

To find the IP address, access your router’s settings menu. Instructions on how to do this are printed on a sticker somewhere on your router – usually the bottom.Ìý

Router menus are all different. Look for an option called something like ‘Attached Devices’ or have a poke around until you find a list of device names. The printer’s device name will likely be the same as the product name. The IP address should be clearly labelled.Ìý

Windows network printers

Windows calls IP printers “network printers”. To set one up, click the search icon in the bottom left of your screen or press Windows key + Q and type in ‘control panel’. Select the Control panel and click View devices and printers under Hardware and sound.

At the top of the window, clickÌýAdd a printerÌýand thenÌýThe printer that I want isn’t listed. Check the boxÌýAdd a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostnameÌýthen clickÌýNext. Enter the printer’s IP address into the ‘Hostname or IP address’ field and clickÌýNext. Follow the rest of the prompts to finish set-up.

Mac IP printersÌý

IP printers on macOS should be a last resort because it mightn’t offer a full range of functionality, depending on which protocol it supports. An IP printer on macOS must work with one of these protocols: AirPrint, HP Jetdirect (Socket), Line Printer Daemon (LPD) or Internet Printing Protocol (IPP).

From theÌýApple menu, selectÌýSystem Preferences,ÌýPrinters & Scanners, thenÌýAdd. ClickÌýIPÌýand enter the printer information:

• IP address
• Protocol – select AirPrint if possible
• Queue – leave blank if you’re not sure
• Device name – to identify the printer on your Mac. It doesn’t need to match the device’s name in the router menu
• Location – to help you identify it from the printer pop-up menu
• Use – select the appropriate software for the printer. If not selected by default, clickÌýSelect Printer SoftwareÌýand select your printer from the list.

From theÌýApple menu, selectÌýSystem Preferences,ÌýPrinters & Scanners, thenÌýAdd. ClickÌýIPÌýand enter the printer information:

• IP address
• Protocol – select AirPrint if possible
• Queue – leave blank if you’re not sure
• Device name – to identify the printer on your Mac. It doesn’t need to match the device’s name in the router menu
• Location – to help you identify it from the printer pop-up menu
• Use – select the appropriate software for the printer. If not selected by default, clickÌýSelect Printer SoftwareÌýand select your printer from the list.

Words to know

When following a printer’s set-up guide, you might run into the following terms.

DriverÌý

A printer driver is a piece of background software that teaches your device how to use it. Without the driver, your PC, tablet or phone won’t know how to ‘drive’ the printer.

When first connecting to a printer, your computer, tablet or phone should automatically download and install or update the drivers, so an internet connection might be needed during set-up. However, Windows has some up-to-date printer drivers pre-installed, so you might be able to skip this step. And Apple’s AirPrint technology side-steps the need for drivers.Ìý

If the installation isn’t automatic, you can search for the drivers online. Make sure you only download them from the manufacturer’s website, wherever possible.

Network keyÌý

Your network key is your home network’s password, including your Wi-Fi. If you never changed your network key, it should be on the same sticker as the SSID. However, we strongly advise you create your own personal key or use a password manager.

SSID

Your Service Set Identifier (SSID) is the name of your home network and Wi-Fi connection.

If you never changed your router’s SSID, it’ll be printed on a sticker, usually on the bottom of the route.

Wireless connection

This is a vague term that can refer to any wire-free connection technology. For printers, it usually means Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or both.

WLAN

Your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is your Wi-Fi network.

The post How to connect a wireless printer to your laptop appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Anyone who’s owned a printer will be familiar with the ritual of paying dearly every time the ink runs out. An $89 printer from the Epson online store, for example, will require you to spend at least $57 in total to replace all the ink cartridges – that’s 64% of the cost of the printer itself.

Like other printer manufacturers, Seiko Epson Corporation (Epson) prefers that you buy only its ink cartridges, and that you buy them over and over again. The company designed its cartridges for single use; they aren’t refillable and even have electronic chips that prevent reuse once they identify the cartridge as being empty.

Profitable market for third parties

But this hasn’t stopped third parties from penetrating this profitable market.Ìý

To get around inbuilt barriers to reusing Epson cartridges, Ninestar Image, a Malaysia-based manufacturer, has been reprogramming or replacing the electronic chips and refilling the cartridges with ink by drilling a hole and then resealing it. A company called Calidad then imports and sells the refurbished cartridges in Australia.

A pack of four Calidad Alternate Epson 220XL cartridges sells for $75 from Officeworks while a pack of four original Epson 220XL cartridges costs $128.87 from Printzone. (Printzone doesn’t sell Calidad products and Officeworks didn’t stock this pack when we searched for it.) An equivalent Compatible Epson ink set from Printzone costs even less than Calidad’s, at $31.93.

Epson anxious

Epson is clearly worried. In its latest annual report, the company acknowledges that its ink sales “are an important source of revenue and profit” and that cheaper alternatives sold by third parties put those profits at risk.Ìý

To counter this risk, Epson says in the report, it will “take legal measures if any of the patent rights or trademark rights we hold over our ink cartridges are infringed upon” – which brings us to its recent drawn-out court battle with Calidad. In a major shift in patent law, Calidad has won the right to sell refilled Epson ink cartridges in Australia.Ìý

New ‘exhaustion’ principle

In the initial ruling in 2019, the Federal Court held that the changes made to Epson cartridges infringed Epson’s patents. The Court applied the reasoning from a 1911 decision in the UK that held that a person who buys a patented product has an “implied licence” to use it only in certain ways.Ìý

Calidad appealed to the Australian High Court, arguing it hadn’t infringed Epson’s patents because, once a patented product is sold, the buyer has the right to treat it as their personal property.

In November last year, a majority of the Court agreed, ruling that a patentee’s rights over a product are “exhausted” once the product is sold, “without conditions as to use”.Ìý

They also held it was more consistent with consumer expectations and the legal premise that the owner of a product has the right to choose what they do with it – including restoring or reselling it.

Ben Hopper, who lectures on intellectual property and consumer law at the University of Melbourne, says the new exhaustion-of-rights principle “brings a lot of clarity and certainty for the people who are in the business of recycling and then reselling printer ink cartridges”.

And he says it’s not just cartridges that are affected by the judgment. From now on, companies will be less able to deny the restoration and resale of any product simply because they own the patents for them.Ìý

Modifying or making?

But lawsuits brought by manufacturers are unlikely to stop with the Calidad ruling. A patentee still has the exclusive right to make its product. The difference now, Hopper says, is that they will “have to show that the recycler, the person selling into the aftermarket, actually made the patented invention anew” in order to prove there was patent infringement.Ìý

In other words, where a substantial proportion of a product is restored, the question will be whether the product has been remade, rather than just repaired.Ìý

Given the amount of money at stake, for some companies it will be a question worth testing in court – as examples from the US, referred to by the High Court in the Calidad case, show. The outcomes of these cases suggest that the rules of patent protection are evolving in favour of consumers.

Comparable US cases

The US International Trade Commission took Jazz Photo to court for selling refurbished single-use cameras, which the Commission argued infringed the patents of the original manufacturer, Fuji Photo Film.Ìý

Hewlett-Packard sued Repeat-O-Type Stencil Manufacturing for altering the single-use cartridges of its ink jet pens so they were refillable.Ìý

Kuther, a fish-canning machine maker, sued the company Wilbur-Ellis for modifying its machines so it could pack fish into smaller cans.

In all these cases, the defendants won. The alterations did not amount to making the patented products in question, according to the courts.Ìý

UK House of Lords ruling

But in another example, in 2000, the UK House of Lords ruled in favour of a company called United Wire, which made sifting machines used in oil drilling, on the grounds that the defendant, Screen Repair Services, was making – not repairing – United Wire-patented sifting screens.Ìý

The House of Lords held that the business was using one component – the frames – of the used screens to make new screens, thereby infringing United Wire’s patents.Ìý

Creating a ‘patent thicket’

Even though the Calidad ruling makes clear that you can repair a patented product by replacing used parts, you can only do this if the parts themselves aren’t patented.Ìý

Some law firms are now advising manufacturers to apply for patents on individual components of their products, thereby creating what’s known as a “patent thicket”, or a layer of intellectual property protections that extends the manufacturer’s monopoly on the product.

For instance, Hopper says an ink cartridge maker might seek patents over individual components of a cartridge. So if it has a patent “over the memory chip used within the ink cartridge rather than the cartridge as a whole, and a person then replaces that memory chip… with a new one that falls within the patent, that would be patent infringement because it’s a making of the new memory chip”, he says.

Other obstacles to repair

Patent rights aren’t the only tools that manufacturers use to prevent independent repairs and hinder competition in repair markets. The Productivity Commission outlines several strategies in an issues paper considering , released in December last year.

To start with, the original manufacturer of a product is usually the main or only supplier of replacement parts needed to repair the product. Many use specialised tools and software that only they can access, and keep their repair manuals to themselves.Ìý

Car industry

When the ACCC carried out a of the car industry in 2017, it found that these practices were common among car retailers, and that they limited choice and caused delays and unexpected costs for people seeking car repairs.Ìý

In December 2020, the Australian government released for a mandatory information-sharing scheme for motor vehicle service and repair.Ìý

The scheme will force car manufacturers to make any service and repair information they share with their dealership networks in Australia available to independent repairers to buy at a “fair market price”. (Submissions on the legislation are due by 31 January 2021.)

Companies in other industries may also use copyright or confidentiality protection to stop any sharing of information that would help independent repairers. Many companies refuse to service products or void their warranty if they’ve been fixed by an independent repairer.Ìý

Toshiba

Toshiba forced an Australian man to take down the company’s laptop manuals from his website, which he had created to help people repair their laptops. Toshiba claimed he was infringing the company’s copyright.

Apple

When some iPhones and iPads had software faults after an update to their operating system in 2015, Apple refused to give customers a remedy if their device had been independently repaired before.Ìý

The for making false or misleading representations to customers about their rights under the Australian Consumer Law, which states that you’re entitled to a repair, replacement or sometimes a refund if a product you buy is faulty.Ìý

The Federal Court held that just because an Apple device had been repaired by someone other than Apple, this didn’t mean a consumer’s right to a remedy was extinguished.

In the US and in Norway, Apple used trademark laws to stop refurbished iPhone screens – which the company claimed were counterfeits – from being imported.

A right to repair?

It’s no wonder that some are arguing for regulations that grant us a right to repair.Ìý

The Productivity Commission says such a right, in essence, “relates to the ability of consumers to have their products repaired at a competitive price by the repairer of their choice”.Ìý

This could involve a requirement of manufacturers to make repair information and tools publicly available, for example, or to make spare parts for a given period.Ìý

Environmental cost of limited repair options

Although manufacturers claim a right to repair would compromise repair quality, consumer safety and data security, advocates say it would result in more choice and competition in repair markets, and less waste.Ìý

Electronic and electrical products, including ink cartridges, are a case in point: in 2019, Australia produced , which is more than the estimated weight of all of the northern hemisphere’s blue whales combined.

The proportion of e-waste in Australia that gets recycled has almost doubled in the past decade or so. But at least half of it still ends up in landfills, where hazardous substances can leach into the environment.Ìý

The figures probably overestimate recycling rates too, as illegal dumping is hard to measure and much of the e-waste earmarked for recycling gets sent overseas, sometimes with little regard for what actually happens to it once it has left Australia.

Easier to replace than repair

The growth of e-waste is hardly surprising given the rapid rise in the number of products that incorporate complex computers and software, including cars, fridges and coffee machines.Ìý

These developments, the Productivity Commission writes, have made repairing many goods all the more complicated and costly – often making replacement with a new item a more appealing choice.Ìý

“In recent years, concerns have been raised around the world that repairs of consumer products are becoming more difficult (sometimes impossible), and that this is resulting in costly and wasteful outcomes for both consumers and broader society,” the Commission says.Ìý

At the same time, they note, there’s been an upswing in ‘repair cafes’ and self-repair hobbyists.

Rethinking our repair rights

The High Court’s recent decision involving ink cartridges brings a measure of certainty for these repairers, and appears to be part of a greater rethink of our right to repair the products we buy.Ìý

But whether the Productivity Commission’s inquiry on the matter helps extend these rights remains to be seen. (Submissions to the inquiry close on 1 February 2021.)

The post Refilling printer cartridges now has legal protection appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Recycling printer cartridges
• How to make your existing printer more eco-friendly
• How to recycle your old printer
• How to buy a more sustainable printer
• Continuous ink supply system (CISS) printers

Using less printer ink over time means you don’t need to buy, and ultimately dispose of, as many cartridges – which will be good for the planet as well as your hip pocket. And you don’t necessarily need to buy a new printer,Ìýbut if you are thinking of updating or upgrading to a new printer, there are some things to look out for.Ìý

We’ll walk you through how to buy a more sustainable printer when the time comes to replace your existing one, andÌýexplain how and why you should recycle printer cartridges, plus some other steps you can take at home to make your printer more environmentally friendly.Ìý

Recycling printer cartridges

As much as 97% of all printer cartridges are recyclable. Some parts can be used to make new cartridges, while the rest can be turned into other items like soft drink cans, office supplies and even roads.Ìý

This significantly reduces the need to dig up more resources, including non-renewable ones: cartridges are predominantly plastic, which requires oil, and electronic components and mechanisms use precious metals that need to be dug up out of the ground and refined.Ìý

But while almost all parts of a printer cartridge can be recycled, unfortunately many of them are not: nearly 70% of used ink cartridges still wind up in landfill every year. In Australia, we threw away nearly 14 million printer cartridges in 2020 alone.Ìý

In landfill, cartridges slowly decompose over the course of 400 to 1000 years, during which time they fill limited landfill space while harmful materials can seep into groundwater.Ìý

How to recycle printer cartridges

Fortunately recycling a cartridge is quite easy. is the main recycling program in Australia. So far, it’s recycled more than 56 million ink cartridges in partnership with a number of major printer brands.Ìý

You’ve probably seen the deposit boxes in post offices or at Officeworks and at The Good Guys stores, but other retailers like Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi and small business partners also accept cartridges for recycling.Ìý

Go to and enter your postcode to find your nearest drop-off point.Ìý

How to make your existing printer more eco-friendly

If you already own a printer and it’s doing a good-enough job that you’re not planning on replacing it, there are a few easy steps you can take to make your existing printer more environmentally friendly.Ìý

Refilling ink cartridges

Many generic cartridge models offer a refill kit and this can be much more environmentally friendly than buying a new cartridge every time the old one runs dry. Most can only be refilled a certain number of times and this will be noted in the specifications.

Bear in mind that refilling at home can be fiddly, messy and time-consuming. Take your time and inject the ink very slowly using gloves and a syringe to reduce bubbling and leaking.Ìý

Some manufacturers also sell genuine refillable cartridges that may be less hassle to use.

“Just remember that some printer manufacturers and models block generic cartridges from being installed,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog printer expert Peter Zaluzny.Ìý

“Always check before buying as you may need to jump through a lot of hoops to get the printer working with a generic cartridge.”

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip: If you’re using ink like it’s going out of business, you might want to consider a continuous ink supply system (CISS). See below for more info on these systems.

Turn on ‘eco mode’

Most printers have an “eco” or “draft” mode that uses less ink. Though this does mean that images and text may look faded, they should still be legible and you can limit full quality printing to important documents.

Print both sides of the page

This will seriously reduce your paper consumption. If you have a printer with auto-duplex it will automatically flip and feed the paper back in. Otherwise you’ll need to manually turn the pages over.

Rather than just recycling paper that’s printed on only one side, reuse it for scrap paper – perfect for kids’ drawings and list-making.Ìý

If you need to shred documents, you can use the shredded paper for your compost bin. Check our paper shredder reviews for the best ones.Ìý

Buy recycled paper

A handful of paper manufacturers sell printer paper that’s made up of 50% or 100% recycled materials. This may not look as good as ‘brand new’ paper, but the difference is negligible unless you need a top-quality print.

How to recycle your old printer

Recycling doesn’t just stop at ink. You can also recycle your old printer for free under the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS). You can find your closest drop-off point by entering your postcode at .

Officeworks is usually a convenient option, as any store will accept e-waste covered under the NTCRS for free. However, smaller stores tend to have less storage space, so call ahead to make sure they can accept your electronics before driving down.

“It’s also worth looking at charities in your area,” says Peter. “They may accept old printers in good working order and others even have refurb programs where they fix up old equipment for people in need. This could give your old model a second lease on life.”

Recycle your printer by mail

TechExpress is a low-cost e-waste collection service for people that don’t live near an NTCRS drop-off point. All you need to do is pack the goods, purchase a shipping label online for $14.95 then drop it off at a post office or post box if it’s small enough.Ìý

You can read all about it at .

How to buy a more sustainable printer

When the time comes for a new printer, don’t just buy the first thing you see on sale. There’s more to a printer’s cost than just the price tag: you’ll also need to factor in the annual costs of ink and toner which, in some cases, can add up to be more than the initial purchase price.Ìý

Not only that, but the more frequently you need to buy ink cartridges, the more waste is created through packaging and the cartridges themselves. And even if you recycle every cartridge you use, there’s still the environmental impact of their manufacture, transport and recycling to consider.Ìý

“Seriously consider if you really need a printer at all,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog expert printer tester Ben Bridges.

“You can keep most things in soft copy, and when you do have to print, service centres like Officeworks are just as cheap and guarantee equal or better quality.Ìý

“If you do need a printer, consider a mono one. It’s fewer cartridges to buy and less wastage.”

Your best bet is to carefully research your next printer purchase to make sure you’re buying a printer that won’t cost the earth – in both senses of the term.Ìý

Check our test resultsÌý

Our experts test not only a printer’s performance but also its ongoing running costs so you can calculate exactly how much you’ll be forking out.Ìý

We break down the running costs in detail, showing you how much each printer will cost you in toner per page (text, graphics and photo), the annual toner/ink cost, the total cost over the first year of ownership and the total cost over three years.Ìý

Plus, we also calculate how much ink each printer uses during cleaning cycles. A printer that has a score of 400% for ‘excess ink usage’ will use four times as much ink for cleaning as it does for printing. This means you’ll need to replace the cartridge more often – which is bad for the planet and bad for your credit card.Ìý

“Look for printers with a low annual ink/toner cost that can print a substantial number of text or graphics pages, depending on your needs,” says Peter .Ìý

The more efficient a printer, the less impact it will have on the environment – so checking the figures makes sense all round.Ìý

Continuous ink supply system (CISS) printers

If you’re a regular printer and you want to minimise your environmental impact, it’s worth investigating a so-called ‘big ink’ system.Ìý

Rather than using small ink cartridges that need to be replaced frequently, a continuous ink supply system (CISS) replaces the original ink cartridge with a modified cartridge that’s connected to larger ink tanks. When an ink tank runs low, you can top it up with an ink bottle supplied by the manufacturer.Ìý

This means you don’t need to replace an entire cartridge just because one colour has run out. You can just order another bottle of the colour you require.Ìý

Because the ink tanks are so much bigger than a regular cartridge, they can deliver far more prints for far less money: for instance, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 prints an estimated 6200 text pages, for around $0.004 per page.Ìý

When ÌÇÐÄVlog’s sister organisation Consumer NZ tested ink tank printers, they found that they’re about 16 times cheaper to print than a similar ink cartridge model. And to match the print capacity of an ink tank printer, you’d need to buy around 13 high-capacity ink cartridges – which adds up to a lot of empty ink cartridges going to landfill!

Ink tank printers do cost more to buy upfront, but they’re much cheaper to run – and you won’t be creating more waste by buying so many cartridges.Ìý

“Though it is possible to retrofit an existing printer with an external CISS unit, it’s difficult, fiddly and may not even work,” says Peter.Ìý

“You’re better off buying an existing CISS model if you’re after low cost, high-volume printing. All of these models in our test have CISS built in from the factory.”

The post How to print greener appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• How we choose what we test
• How we test printers
• Test criteria explained

Then you need to consider the cost of ink and toner cartridges, which frequently cost more than the printers they serve.

We test multifunction, inkjet and laser printers to tell you what each printer can do, and just how much it’ll cost you to use it over time.

Our expert testers

To test as many printers as possible to the extent that’s required, we share costs and expertise with our sister consumer organisations around the world.

We use professional labs in Europe that specialise in printer testing and test hundreds of printers every year. From their tests we pick out the models you can buy in Australia for our reports.

Our testers have a huge range of experience. This gives us consistency in the quantifiable measures such as speed and ink consumption, and the more subjective area of the quality of output.

Our test labs use a panel of people, comparing results against standard benchmarks to minimise any bias.

How we choose what we test

Just like ÌÇÐÄVlog, our partners in Europe buy the printers they test directly from retailers to make sure they’re testing the same product the consumer buys.

All the printer models they choose are commonly available worldwide, or have local variants. This means we can report on far more products than we could test here in Australia, and with greater depth. But it also means that some brands that have a lower profile around the world, or are more business-orientated, have to miss out.

How we test printers

Printing quality

Printing quality is always a matter of judgement, so we make that judgement as objectively as possible with trained panellists looking at a list of standard documents designed to represent common printing habits.

Colour inkjet and laser printers

• A typical black-and-white letter
• An 8×10-inch high quality photo
• A coloured spreadsheet
• A colour document with a mixture of graphics and text

The results are also measured for moisture resistance.

Black and white inkjet and laser printers

• A typical black-and-white letter
• A spreadsheet
• A document with a mixture of graphics and text

The results are also measured for moisture resistance.

The photos are printed on the highest quality glossy photo paper recommended by each manufacturer, using the printer’s ‘best quality’ setting. The same setting is used for the mixed document, printed on premium matte paper. The other documents are printed on standard paper with standard settings.

All the results are compared against three benchmark results scored at three, six and nine, to assess clarity, contrast and brightness, colour and overall impression.

For colour lasers, we assess plain-paper copies of photos in the same way, but we don’t include the photo component for mono laser printers.

Moisture resistance is measured by seeing if a highlighter pen smears text and also whether ink runs or bleeds by dripping water onto 24-hour-old photo prints.

Printing speed

We measure the time it takes to print the documents above.Ìý

For colour inkjets and lasers, we assess a colour documents, a letter, a spreadsheet and photo paper. For black and white inkjet and laser printers, we assess a mixed graphics and text document, a letter and a spreadsheet.

Timings are taken in ‘ready’ mode, measured from the moment of selecting ‘OK’ to the emergence of the copy. Several copies of each document are measured.

Scanning and copying

We scan and copy a magazine page, an 8×10-inch colour photo and a 3D object. Scan quality is assessed on a computer monitor by three expert viewers comparing the results to a high-quality reference scan. The same panel assesses copy quality, comparing the copy to the original magazine page.

Ink/toner life

To determine the life of ink and toner cartridges, we don’t use the cartridges that come with the printer as they’re often only partially full. Instead, we buy full sets of the most commonly purchased cartridges and run the printers almost continuously.

We print as many text, spreadsheet and photo pages as possible from separate sets of cartridges until at least one cartridge runs out of ink. Where possible, any ‘low ink’ warnings are bypassed. The weight of the cartridges before and after printing determines the weight of ink used. This together with local cartridge prices, determine the cost per page of each type of document.

Ink/toner costs

This is the cost of the cartridge divided by the number of pages it can print before running dry. Text costs use mono cartridges while graphics pages use colour ink. Printing costs are based on the latest ink cartridge prices provided by .

Continuous ink supply system (CISS) printers have a much higher page yield than most standard ink cartridges/toner barrels. We limit CISS ink consumption tests and cost calculations to 3000 pages in order to reduce paper waste.

This baseline exceeds our average use scenario of 1000 mono and 500 colour prints per year so the page counts and ink costs exceed the needs of most average consumers. Therefore, the annual ink and toner costs for CISS printers are in line with what you can expect to pay based on 3000 pages.

However, ink costs per text and graphics pages will be lower if your usage is greater than 3000 pages per year. Standard cartridges/toner barrels are used to their maximum yield, including those that exceed 3000 pages.

Ink consumption for maintenance (aka ink wastage)

Inkjet printers run a ‘maintenance cycle’ whenever they decide the print heads need to be cleaned before use, and this uses ink. To measure the cost of this, we:

• use a separate printer from the normal life test over a three-week period
• print two copies of the black and white text document on three mornings each week, and the coloured spreadsheet on one morning and two afternoons
• make sure the printer is idle for three days each week and switched off between uses
• weigh the cartridges before and after the test and compare the weights of ink consumed to those used for the same number of copies of the same documents in the continuous test
• use the ratio between the two measurements to provide the excess ink used as a percentage.

This is not tested on continuous ink supply system (aka big ink) printers. The 5% contribution to each ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating is distributed evenly across the remaining parts of the test.

Ease of use

Our ease of use score measures the ease of operating the machine to carry out the major functions of the printers.

• Set up and installation: Using the ‘quick start’ guide, we fit any trays and covers delivered with the printer and install the ink cartridges, make connections, install drivers and other software provided and set up the system. We consider accessibility, simplicity, adequacy of instructions, labelling and time taken.
• Printing standard documents from a computer:ÌýWe see how easy it is to load paper, change cartridges and switching through various printing options including double-sided printing (where applicable) and changing print quality settings. We consider how easy it is to change settings and display help and how the printer copes with paper-out or empty cartridge conditions. We check if you can continue to print colour when the black cartridge runs out or black when the colour cartridges do, and we check the single-sheet feed and output tray capacity.
• Printing a 6×4 photograph from a computer:ÌýWe assess the ease of changing the paper size and colour cartridges if required, selecting the correct settings and printing a photo.
• Handling of paper jams and replacement of ink cartridges:ÌýWe see how easy it is to remove paper if there’s a print jam and look for potential problems with changing ink or toner cartridges, including leakage and difficult locks and catches.

Versatility

An assessment of the presence and performance of various printer functions such as networking, printing via the internet, paper capacity, borderless printing options, auto document feeders, methods you can print from, available apps and faxing.

Environmental assessment

An assessment of the printer’s power consumption, noise levels, recyclability, build quality and upgradability.

Noise assessment

Nosier models score less in this part of our test. Models with higher scores operate at lower volumes (decibels). Noise is recorded and assessed in four phases; idling, printing, scanning (where applicable) and copying (where applicable). These results contribute to the environmental score.

Reliability and satisfaction

We use the data we collect from members to rate the most popular brands for reliability. We take into account the age of the products so we can compare fairly between brands. We ask owners to tell us what they thought of the service if they had to seek a repair or return on the product they own.

These are taken straight from our brand reliability survey. These scores refer to the brand only, not the particular model and do not impact the ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating. Differences of 4% or more are significant. Reliability figures are based on owner assessment, not test data.

Test criteria explained

The ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating for standard and multifunction printers is made up of

• Overall print, scan and copy score (55.6%)
• Environmental score (22.2%)
• Ease of use score (16.7%)
• Versatility score (5.5%).

The overall print, scan and copy score is made up of printing speed and quality score (60%), scanning speed and quality score (20%) and copying speed and quality score (20%). Weightings for standard printers, which can’t scan or copy, are evenly distributed across printing speed and quality.

The post How we test inkjet, laser and multifunction printers appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• How to clean an inkjet printer
• How to clean a laser printer

If you’re having problems with your printer’s image quality, a quick clean can often be the solution.Ìý

Cleaning an inkjet printer is a relatively simple task, but laser printers can be more difficult to clean, easy to break, and sometimes they require safety precautions, especially if there’s spilt toner.

Self-cleaning

Before you do anything, look up your printer’s self-clean abilities in its product manual. It might fix an immediate problem such as streaks and gaps without the hassle.

If it’s a more stubborn issue, manufacturers might tell you to replace any part that can’t be cleaned using the built-in functions. But knowing how to clean them manually can save you money. You have little to lose by cleaning them yourself.Ìý

Warranty concerns

Cleaning a printer yourself can potentially void its warranty, so read yours carefully before rolling your sleeves up. If it tells you to stick to the advice within the user manual, it might be best to replace parts when prompted, rather than risk voiding the warranty by cleaning them yourself.

How to clean an inkjet printer

You’ll need:

• A clean cloth
• Cotton swabsÌý
• Your printer’s product manual

To be safe, turn your printer off and disconnect it from the power. Note: you might need to plug it back in when cleaning the rollers.

Paper rollers

Dirty rollers leave marks when they pull paper from the tray into the printer and they might slip or not feed the paper properly. However, cleaning rollers wears them out, so only do it when necessary.Ìý

Locate your rollers and see if you can turn them manually. If you can, gently scrub any gunk or dust away with a clean cloth. If needed, dampen the cloth lightly with some water then dry the rollers thoroughly after you’re done.

If you can’t turn them by hand, use the paper feed button to make the printer rotate them for you. This requires your printer to be plugged into mains power, so avoid using water. Disconnect it again before moving on to other internals.

Printer headsÌý

Printer heads are the nozzles that spray ink. On most modern inkjet printers, they’re part of the disposable/refillable ink cartridges.ÌýÌý

If your printer’s self-clean function can’t fix the heads, the user manual might tell you to buy a new cartridge. If this is the case, you may as well try cleaning them yourself first. Remove the problem ink cartridges from the printer and gently wipe the heads with a cotton swab, then place them back in and try the self-clean function again.Ìý

RibbonÌý

The ribbon, which looks like its name implies, sits behind and is attached to the ink cartridge tray.

If it has wet ink on it, use a cotton swab to very gently wipe it dry. Be careful not to dislodge it – it can be a pain to reattach.

Stabiliser bar

The ink cartridge tray runs along the stabiliser bar. It generally doesn’t need cleaning, but applying a little printer oil or grease can make your printer quieter. Check your printer’s manual or contact its manufacturer to see what kind of lubricant to use, if any.

How to clean a laser printer

Never use alcohol or any flammable liquid when cleaning a laser printer. The internals get extremely hot, so anything that can catch fire is a risk.

Toner spills

Most consumer laser printers have sealed toner cartridges, but you might still find a little loose toner, especially when changing cartridges. Some older machines, particularly larger copier printers, have refillable toner containers and require extreme care.Ìý

If you have a bad toner spill, contact a professional. Printer toner isn’t ink. It’s made of extremely fine, dry particles of a plastic-like substance that can easily fall off a normal cloth or be inhaled.Ìý

But if you’re adamant about going it alone, wear gloves and a sealed face mask when dealing with loose toner.Ìý

You’ll need:

• A well-sealed dust mask – not a surgical mask
• Rubber gloves
• Activated toner clothÌýÌý
• A toner vacuum (optional) – not a regular vacuumÌý

Activated toner cloths are very helpful for bad toner spills because they have a static charge that attracts and holds toner particles. Toner vacuums are also useful – don’t use a regular vacuum because they don’t have the appropriate filter and will spread toner into the air.

Normal cleaning for laser printers

You’ll need:

• A soft, dry, clean cloth (or activated toner cloth if there’s a lot of toner)
• Cotton swabs
• Warm water (for the rollers only)
• Your printer’s product manual

Cooling off period

Make sure you unplug your printer from power and let it cool down to avoid burning yourself or risking an electric shock.

Toner cartridge

Remove the toner cartridge according to your printer’s instructions and gently wipe it clean using a dry cloth or activated toner cloth. Avoid tilting or shaking it.Ìý

Once done, set it on top of a sheet of paper on a flat surface.Ìý

Cleaning the drum

Drum units are extremely delicate and the cleaning process varies depending on make and model. We advise you to check your printer’s product manual and carefully follow its cleaning instructions.Ìý

But if the drum is built into the toner cartridge, as with some HP laser printers, the product manual might advise you to replace the entire cartridge instead of cleaning the drum. So if you’re going to replace it anyway, you have nothing to lose by trying to clean it, as long as you can get at the drum without taking apart the toner cartridge.

Your laser printer might have a way of testing if the drum needs cleaning and where. On Brother laser printers this is called a Drum Dot Check Sheet. The toner cartridge needs to be installed for this test. If the drum does need cleaning, unplug the printer from power after the test and wait for it to cool again before continuing.

When cleaning a drum unit, use a cotton swab unless directed otherwise by the product manual. Any scratch to the delicate surface causes permanent damage, so avoid the harsh fibres of paper towel or tissues. And never touch the drum surface with your skin.

Inside your laser printer

With your dry, clean cloth or toner cloth, wipe clean the areas you can reach. For nooks and crannies, a soft, long-haired brush can dislodge toner and dust. Be careful not to damage anything. Always have the printer turned off and unplugged and use extreme care.

Corona wires

Corona wires attract toner by creating a static charge. On newer household printers, they can sometimes be cleaned using a built-in sliding mechanism.Ìý But you might not be able to get at them at all.Ìý

Rollers

Usually, all you need is a clean cloth to wipe the rollers. If that doesn’t work, lightly dampen the cloth with warm water. (It must not drip water if you squeeze it.)

If you can’t turn the rollers manually, you can occasionally remove them by disengaging clips on either side.Ìý

If you use a moist cloth, dry thoroughly once you’re done.

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