How To Buy A Printer in 2024
Are you searching for a new printer but don’t know which one to buy to best serve your printing needs? We feel you – choosing the right printer can be pretty daunting, especially with a myriad of models with different specs out there. Whether you’re walking down the aisles of your local store or browsing through Amazon, deciding on the best printer model is no easy feat!
In this guide, we’ll help how to buy a printer and the key factors to consider to ensure you make the right choice. Let’s jump in and find the perfect printer for you!
Inkjet Printer Vs. Laserjet Printer
First things first, know the difference between the types of printers: Inkjet and laserjet printers. Inkjet printers are ideal for everyday tasks like printing photos, scanning documents, or graphics, perfect for home use.
On the other hand, laserjet printers work best for offices. They’re designed to handle text-based documents efficiently, typically printing in black and white, though some can print in color too.
Considering you’re getting a printer for home use, this guide will focus on inkjet printers and how to find one that’s ideal for use.
How to Buy a Printer?
When buying a printer, it’s important to begin by considering different factors to ensure you make the right choice. Some of these include:
Budget
The first thing to determine when buying a printer is your budget. Figure out how much you’re willing to spend on the printer and ink. Lower-budget printers typically offer fewer features and lower quality, but many still offer good performance.
While a golden rule of thumb is to have a budget of at least $250, it’s entirely possible to get one with a lower price than that. For instance, HP Deskjet printers are priced around $100 or less. If you want more features for a lower price, the HP Envy Series is a must checkout.
But if you have a higher budget, printers like the Epson EcoTank 8550 and similar models offer specialty prints and top-quality photos. If you’re looking for a dependable printer at a moderate price, the HP OfficeJet Pro Premier is your best bet!
Brand/Series/Model Number
When wondering how to buy a printer, it’s important to consider its brand, series, and model number and do your research beforehand. In the market, you’ll come across models like HP DeskJet, HP OfficeJet, Epson EcoTank, and Epson WorkForce. Each brand has its own series and model numbers, which can be tricky to navigate.
The brand name (e.g., Epson or HP) and series (e.g., DeskJet, OfficeJet, or EcoTank) show the printer’s main category. Whereas, the number with the series indicates the model’s features. Typically, higher model numbers mean more features, while lower numbers correspond to basic models.
Printing Needs
Once you’ve determined your budget and model, it’s time to consider how often you’ll use the printer. Let’s say you print a few times a month. A basic model like the HP Envy or HP DeskJet will handle your needs without emptying your pocket.
For moderate use, the HP OfficeJet models or lower-end Epson EcoTank printers like the Epson EcoTank 2850 work best. This is primarily because the EcoTank series uses bottled ink, which is cheaper and lasts longer than typical cartridges. Plus, fixing printing issues in the model is relatively easy and doable all by yourself.
However, if you print a lot —like daily or multiple times a week— you’ll want a printer that efficiently handles high volume. Epson EcoTank models like the 3850 and 4850, or Canon SuperTank printers, are great choices.
Ink Costs
While a printer is a one-time buy, you’ll need to purchase ink frequently, and the costs may add up. Bottled ink, such as those used in EcoTank and SuperTank printers, is generally much cheaper than other cartridges. Plus, you can even find remanufactured ink options on Amazon, which are often less expensive than OEM Epson inks.
What Features Do You Need?
As the best printer buying guides would tell, it’s important to consider your needs before opting for a printer. Are you only printing documents, or do you also need to scan and copy? If you scan multiple documents regularly, look for a printer with an automatic document feeder. For photo printing, Canon models are a great choice.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to buy a printer, you’re ready to get your hands on a model that prints the best quality documents and photos. Make sure to balance to budget with your needs, as we’ve described in this printer buying guide. Assessing features beforehand is also a great way to ensure you choose the best printer out there!
Don’t forget to use a smart cleaning solution to keep your printer in top shape to avoid spending on printers now and then!
