Budget Wisely When Choosing a Printer: Picks from Stiftung Warentest
Efficient Printer Suitable for Foundation Operations
Printing is a crucial aspect of work and daily life, but navigating the vast array of printers can be daunting. Stiftung Warentest is here to help guide your decision, considering factors like frequency of use, purpose, and budget.
Factors to Consider:- Frequency of use: If you seldom print, a cheaper printer with high printing costs may be the economical option. Conversely, an expensive printer with low printing costs may be more cost-efficient for heavy users.- Purpose: If you primarily print text or photos, or require color and high-resolution output, your printer selection will differ accordingly.
Multifunction Inkjet Printers: Stiftung Warentest Top Picks
Expensive, Long-Term Value:
- Canon Maxify GX6550: With a quality rating of 1.9, this all-star multifunction printer excels in printing, scanning, and copying while boasting good environmental properties, including low power consumption. Stiftung Warentest gives a median price of 525 euros, but it can often be found for less than 450 euros. Its minimal printing costs make it a worthwhile investment for frequent users.
Affordable, Mini-Miracle:
- Epson Ecotank ET-4850: This marvelous multifunction printer, also boasting a 1.9 quality rating, is significantly cheaper at around 380 euros. It's ideal for those seeking a top-notch photo printer.
Budget Multifunction Printers:
- Epson Ecotank ET-2860: If satisfactory copying is enough, this inexpensive alternative, available for around 180 euros, is another cost-effective choice. Multiple similar and affordable options are available, making a quick bestseller check advisable.
Print Specialist Inkjet Printers: Stiftung Warentest Top Picks
Great for Regular Use:
- Canon MAXIFY GX5550: With a quality rating of 1.9, this print specialist offers excellent print quality and low ink costs, though its only advantage over multifunction devices is its smaller footprint. Price ranges start from around 370 euros.
Occasional Use Alternative:
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9110b: Best suited for occasional use, this budget-friendly option costs approximately 120 euros and has satisfactory print results, ink costs, and environmental properties.
Color Multifunction Laser Printers: Stiftung Warentest Top Picks
- Canon i-Sensys MF657Cdw: With a good quality rating of 2.5, this device prints and copies well, but its copying properties and toner costs were only rated as satisfactory by Stiftung Warentest, while its environmental properties also left room for improvement. It is rarely available for under 400 euros.
Professional Laser Printers: Stiftung Warentest Top Picks
- Canon i-SENSYS LBP633Cdw: Perfect for those on a budget, this device has an overall score of 2.3. Its toner costs and environmental properties are only satisfactory, but it delivers excellent printed results. With a bit of luck, it can be found for well under 300 euros.
Black and White Printers: Stiftung Warentest Top Picks
- Canon i-Sensys MF264dw II: The best budget multifunction printer with a score of 2.2, it excels in printing, copying, and scanning while offering impressive value for money. Its price is around 330 euros.
- The Canon i-SENSYS LBP246dw: The best black and white print specialist costs just under 230 euros and boasts an overall score of 2.0, performing admirably across the board.
- Canon i-SENSYS LBP122dw: Ideal for occasional users, this budget-friendly option offers good print results despite its only satisfactory environmental properties and toner costs. It can be found for around 175 euros.
Consider Tintentank-Drucker for Long-Term Cost Efficiency
In addition to the abovementioned printers, ink tank printers—also known as Tintentank-Drucker—are worth considering for their cost-effectiveness. These printers, like the Canon Maxify GX7050 or HP Smart Tank 7605, are popular picks for frequent users due to their refillable ink tanks, which reduce long-term costs.
For more precise recommendations from Stiftung Warentest, check their latest reviews and comparisons.
- Stiftung Warentest
- Homeoffice
- Technik-Tests
- For individuals seeking community aid to purchase a printer, vocational training programs could offer opportunities to acquire suitable technology like printers at a lower cost.
- In terms of long-term value, considering a Tintentank-Drucker (ink tank printer) like the Canon Maxify GX7050 or HP Smart Tank 7605 could lead to significantly reduced printing costs, making them ideal for frequent users.
- The Epson Ecotank ET-2860, a budget multifunction printer available for around 180 euros, offers satisfactory copying performance and is another cost-effective gadget for homeoffice users who don't require advanced technology.
- Stiftung Warentest has evaluated professional laser printers suitable for occasional use, such as the Canon i-SENSYS LBP246dw, which offers good print results at a cost of just under 230 euros, further emphasizing the importance of budgeting wisely when choosing a printer.