Spending a Pretty Penny Now Might Save You Later: These Printers Worth Their Salt, According to Stiftung Warentest
This device makes for an effective product evaluation in the printing sector.
What's the deal with all the different printers on the market? From affordable to high-end, a vast selection is available - and the question of which one is the best depends on various factors. Stiftung Warentest is here to help sort it out.
Whether you're printing reams of text or PHD dissertations, photo prints matter. Is color imperative, or can black and white suffice? The frequency of usage also plays a significant role. If printing is a rare occurrence, a cheaper printer with higher per-print costs might make more sense, while an expensive device with low costs can pay for itself quickly if the output is high.
Specialist printers might seem cost-effective at first glance, but they rarely outperform the versatile, price-performance winners. Most devices are multifunction printers with scanning and copying capabilities. If you don't need those extras, you could potentially save money by going with a dedicated print specialist, but the cost difference to the test winners isn't substantial.
For a handy, organized selection, check out Stiftung Warentest's test list of 213 available printers. Among the 28 models with good overall ratings, the cheapest costs around 190 euros, and the priciest goes for about 560 euros.
Inkjet Printers Rule
The best multifunction inkjet printer is the Canon Maxify GX6550, with a quality rating of 1.9. It delivers remarkable performance in printing, scanning, and copying, boasts decent environmental properties, and has a reasonable power consumption. The device usually retails for 525 euros, but you can snag it for less if you shop around. In the long run, frequent usage will significantly reduce operating costs.
The Epson Ecotank ET-4850 takes the crown with the same overall note, but at a more affordable 380 euros. This model is a breeze to use and bests the Canon competitor in the photo print department.
If the copy function isn't crucial, the Epson Ecotank ET-2860 is a frugal alternative, priced from about 180 euros. Other models, like the Ecotank ET-2864 and 2865, have the same overall score. Feel free to choose the cheapest option after a quick check of the bestseller list.
The best print specialist among inkjet printers is the Canon MAXIFY GX5550, with a quality rating of 1.9. It delivers excellent print results, consumes little power, and boasts superb ink economy. However, its only real advantage over multifunction devices is its smaller footprint, with costs starting at around 370 euros.
For infrequent usage, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9110b is a compelling choice at just 120 euros. Its print results, ink economy, and environmental properties were rated satisfactorily.
The best color multifunction laser printer just managed a good quality rating with an overall score of 2.5. The Canon i-Sensys MF657Cdw prints and copies well, but its copying features and toner costs were only deemed satisfactory by Stiftung Warentest. Its environmental properties were not impressive either. It's rare to find priced below 400 euros.
Laser Printers Aren't All That Bad
Less expensive print options emerge when looking for a good laser printer that can only print. In this category, the Canon i-SENSYS LBP633Cdw has the edge with an overall score of 2.3. However, toner costs and environmental properties are also only satisfactory for this device. With a bit of luck, it can be found for prices significantly below 300 euros.
Overall, it pays to splurge on black and white laser printers. The test winner among multifunction devices is the Canon i-Sensys MF264dw II, with a quality rating of 2.2. It excels in print, copy, and scan functions, all while being economical. Its price is around 330 euros.
The best black and white print specialist is the Canon i-SENSYS LBP246dw, available for just under 230 euros. It earned an overall score of 2.0 and excelled in all individual disciplines.
If you print rarely, the Canon i-SENSYS LBP122dw is worth a shot, despite its only satisfactory rating for environmental properties and toner costs. It costs around 175 euros and offers top-notch print quality in its category.
Source: ntv.de, kwe
Enrichment Data:
- Tinten-Drucker often prove to be the more cost-effective option, especially considering long-term print costs. According to the latest tests by Stiftung Warentest, the Canon Maxify GX6550 or the Epson Ecotank ET-4850 are recommended for low print costs[5]. These models are well-suited for high print volumes and offer cost-efficiency through the use of ink tanks instead of cartridges[5].
- Thentankdrucker tend to be more cost-effective and often provide better photo prints compared to laser printers[5]. Here are some key strengths of these printers:
- Canon Maxify GX6550:
- Low print costs due to the ink tank system.
- Ideal for high print volumes.
- Epson Ecotank ET-4850:
- Ink tank system for significantly reduced print costs.
- Versatile and cost-effective.
- The community can benefit from the aid provided by organizations like Stiftung Warentest, which offers vocational training programs aimed at equipping individuals with the necessary skills for the job market.
- If you're looking for printers with a focus on home-and-garden lifestyle and technology, the Epson Ecotank ET-2860, priced around 180 euros, is an affordable option to consider.
- In addition to vocational training, Stiftung Warentest also offers equally valuable guidance on making economical choices, such as the 4690, a multifunction printer with scanning and copying capabilities that's suitable for both high and low print volumes.
- Besides printer technology, one can also adapt their lifestyle to be more environmentally conscious by integrating home-and-garden solutions, ultimately contributing to a sustainable community aid system in the long run.
