The dread of a “low ink” warning flashing from your printer is a familiar stress, much like watching your car’s fuel gauge dip into the red. Printer ink is notoriously expensive, often cited as one of the priciest liquids you can buy. Consumer Reports’ data consistently reveals widespread frustration among users about the frequency of ink cartridge replacements and their considerable cost.
While there are tactics to minimize ink usage regardless of your printer model, choosing an ink-efficient printer from the outset is a smart move when purchasing a new device. The key is to find a printer that balances print quality with economical ink consumption. Below, we delve into how to identify the best quality printers that also boast the cheapest ink options.
Consumer Reports rigorously evaluates over 200 printers, providing members with estimated annual ink or toner costs. This assessment is derived from replacement cartridge prices, user printing habits gathered from surveys, and meticulous ink consumption measurements conducted in their labs.
By factoring in these projected ink or toner expenses alongside the initial printer price, you can gain a clearer picture of the true long-term cost of ownership. This comprehensive approach reveals that the initial purchase price is only part of the equation.
The cumulative cost over time can escalate surprisingly quickly.
Consider the Canon PIXMA TR4722, often attractively priced around $60. It might seem like a bargain at first glance. However, factoring in an estimated annual ink replacement cost of $148, the total cost of ownership jumps to $208 after just one year and a significant $800 over five years. Conversely, the Epson EcoTank ET-3850, with a higher initial investment of approximately $350, initially appears more expensive. However, this model employs an ink tank system instead of traditional cartridges, drastically reducing ink costs to around $5 per year. This results in a first-year ownership cost of $355 and a remarkably low five-year cost of $375. It’s important to remember these are estimates for comparison, and real-world printer and ink prices, as well as individual printing volume, can vary.
While the examples above are inkjet printers, laser printers often present a more economical long-term solution, particularly for predominantly black and white printing. Although laser printers typically have a higher upfront cost, they utilize toner instead of ink. Over the lifespan of the printer, toner expenses are generally lower than ink costs for comparable printing volumes. Furthermore, laser printers tend to excel in Consumer Reports’ reliability and owner satisfaction ratings, based on extensive member surveys. This suggests that while considering ink costs is crucial, overall printer reliability and satisfaction are equally important factors in making a smart purchase.
Choosing the best quality printer with the cheapest ink involves balancing initial cost with long-term expenses and performance. By considering factors like ink efficiency, printer type (inkjet vs. laser), and predicted reliability, you can make an informed decision and avoid the ongoing frustration of high ink costs. Further research into specific models and user reviews will help you pinpoint the ideal printer that offers both excellent print quality and economical ink consumption for your specific needs.
