Best Printer for Occasional Use (Infrequent Use)

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The best printer for occasional use or infrequent use is the HP Envy 5530 Wireless All-in-One Printer. This printer includes features that are typically found in much more expensive printers. It is also one of the least expensive printers on the market today.

Ink-tank printers are marginally better in terms of not drying out compared to inkjets. If you are okay with frequently printing out test pages, even if you don’t plan on using your printer regularly, an ink-tank printer can be a decent choice.

Best Printer for Occasional Use 2023

This narrows us down to the next and most reliable option: laser printers. Laser printers use toner powder instead of pigment-based inks and dyes, which are used in inkjet and ink tank printers. As a result, they are resistant to drying out even when left unused for months at a time. Furthermore, laser printers are faster when it comes to printing compared to their counterparts. They also don’t cost you a fortune when it comes to maintaining them, thanks to the higher yield of toner cartridges.

However, if you are more into printing in color, the lasers are not a good fit. They can print in color, but don’t expect the same quality as inkjets and ink tanks. On top of that, they are very expensive and are larger compared to the others.

Given the diverse options in the market, it is tough to make a choice. Especially if you are unfamiliar with printers. We have your back! The “Best Printer for Occasional Use” guide was put together by the experts at Scanse. They carefully chose and tested these products.

S.noPrinter Name & ModelAward
1Brother HL-L2350DWBest Printer for Occasional Use
2HP DeskJet 3755Best All-In-One Printer for Infrequent Use
3Epson EcoTank ET-4760Most Economical Option
4Canon PIXMA TR4520The Compact Photo Printer
5Lexmark MC3224dweBest AIO Color Laser Printer
6HP OfficeJet 3830Best for for Infrequent Photo Printing

#1. Brother HL-L2350DW Monochrome Laser – Best Printer for Occasional Use

Brother HL L2350DW Monochrome Laser
Brother HL-L2350DW Monochrome Laser Printer

From price to performance, the HL-L2350DW from Brother has mastered it all. It has all that you need to get along with your personal or professional printing needs. Because it is a laser printer, you can confidently leave it unused for as long as you want to without having to worry about the cartridge being dried.

BrandBrother
ModelHL-L2350DW
Weight17.0 lbs (7.7 kg)
Product Dimensions14.2 x 14 x 7.2 inches
Printer typeLaser
ConnectivityUSB 2.0, Wi-Fi (with support to Wi-Fi Direct), Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service
Display2.0” one-line monochrome LCD
Mobile AppBrother iPrint&Scan
Maximum Print ResolutionUp to 2400 x 600

Unboxing and Package Contents

The packaging skills and quality of Brother never cease to amaze me. It came inside a nice blue and white combo-themed cardboard package with sufficient padding on all sides. There were little dents on the outer package. However, the inner contents remained unaffected.

Inside the package, we have a user manual, a CD with all the necessary drivers and utilities, a Brother TN-730 starter toner cartridge, and a drum unit.

Design Overview and Build Quality

The Brother HL-L2350DW is a masterpiece when it comes to the quality of its build. Although the entire body is made of plastic, tough quality material is used, making it feel sturdy and durable.

Even the constructional design is to be applauded as it facilitates easier access to the toner and drum units. Furthermore, clearing the paper jams is a cakewalk with its easy-to-open back panel design.

One-line monochrome LCDs are very annoying, and the Brother HL-L2350DW has one. The viewing angles are also not that great. Brother’s control panel has physical buttons, which is an old-fashioned way to do things. Because the buttons are larger, they are easier to press.

Cartridge System

The device takes a TN730 black cartridge. As the cartridges used in laser printers are based on toner and not ink, they offer a pretty good shelf life. You do not have to worry, even if you only plan on using your printer occasionally.

Connectivity

The Brother HL-L2350DW walks the same road as most other printers on the market. It lacks Ethernet and Bluetooth functionalities, but has Wi-Fi connectivity with support for Wi-Fi Direct. If you wish to connect your printer to a computer using a USB cable, you are covered.

The Brother iPrint & Scan application is available for both Android and iOS devices. It makes overall management easier. It not only enables you to print wirelessly but also helps you keep track of the latest firmware updates.

Ease of Usage and Setup Process

The initial setup process can be a little tiresome as you need to enter your Wi-Fi credentials using the limited buttons and given the display is a one-line monochrome LCD. However, as you’ve only got to do this once, I feel that it isn’t a bigger concern.

Print Economy, Speeds, and Quality

It is one of the most economical printers that we have ever tested, with an impeccable cost-per-print value, thanks to its high page yield. The fact that it is a laser printer gives it an edge over other types in terms of printing speeds. It has an impeccable speed of about 33 PPM, while most inkjets struggle at 15 PPM. Lasers are good at printing text-rich documents, and the Brother HL-L2350DW is no exception.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Decent cost-per-print value
  • Compact
  • Excellent black page yield
  • Excellent printing speed
  • Best laser printer
Cons
  • Lacks Ethernet port
  • Can’t print in color

Brother HL-L2350DW – Verdict

This Brother compact monochrome laser printer is one of the most sought-out occasional home use printers on the market for various printing needs. It is no wonder why it is one of the most reviewed printers on the Internet.

If you are in the market for the best printer for infrequent use, you cannot overlook the Brother HL-L2350DW. – best home printer


#2. HP DeskJet 3755 – Best All-In-One Printer for Infrequent Use

HP DeskJet 3755 All In One Printer for Infrequent Use
HP DeskJet 3755 All In One Printer

Besides printing, if you also find yourself in the need to perform scanning often, the HP DeskJet 3755 All-In-One printer is your go-to option. It is by far the cheapest AIO printer for occasional use we could ever think of.

BrandHP
ModelDeskJet 3755
Weight5.4 lbs (2.4 kg)
Product Dimensions15.86 x 6.97 x 5.55 inches
Printer typeInkjet
ConnectivityUSB 2.0, Wi-Fi (with support to Wi-Fi Direct), Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service
Display1.1” monochrome LCD
Mobile AppHP Smart App
Maximum Print ResolutionUp to 1200 x 1200 rendered dip (black); up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi (color)
Supported Paper SizesLetter, legal, A6, A5, A4, 4” x 6”, 5” x 7”

Unboxing and Package Contents

The printer arrived in a cardboard box with a white and blue theme, similar to the Brother L2350DW box. For the curious bees out there, an image of the printer is printed on the top along with the brand name.

What is more satisfying than unboxing stuff, tearing off seals, and peeling off protective films on gadgets? Opening the box, we are hit by a bunch of papers, including a user’s manual and warranty-related documents. Also, we have two HP 65 starter black and tricolor cartridges, a power cable, and the printer unit. There is no bundled USB cable inside the package.

Device Overview and Build Quality

At first impression, the HP DeskJet 3755 appeared extremely compact. It is also one of the lighter printers, weighing just about 2.4 kg. When it comes to device build quality, you simply can’t ask for more for the price. It has an acceptable build quality and design.

The variant is offered in different funky colors. It kind of carries a funky vibe along. Like the Brother HL-L2350DW, the HP DeskJet 3755 also comes with a monochrome display. Although there are a few minor issues here and there in terms of design, overall, I would recommend this to those looking for a printer for occasional use under $100.

Cartridge System

The HP DeskJet 3755 comes with a poor cartridge system, with only two black and one tricolor cartridge. Both of these cartridges have lower page yields, making them more expensive in the long run. Speaking of which, the HP DeskJet 3755 is not suitable for those who print a lot. However, if you wish to have it for occasional use, you are good to go.

Connectivity

Speaking of connectivity, the HP DeskJet 3755 comes with Wi-Fi functionality and support for Wi-Fi Direct. However, there is no Ethernet or Bluetooth support onboard. If you are skeptical about its cloud compatibility, it shares support with the most popular cloud services, including Apple AirPrint or Mopria Print Service.

Besides this, you can also manage your printer remotely, scan and print using your mobile device with the HP Smart App, available for both Android and iOS platforms.

Ease of Usage, and Setup Process

Although there is no functional display that can show text and other instructions on board, setting up this printer can still be a cakewalk. All you have got to do is power on the device, insert the provided starter cartridges into their slots, and you are good to go.

Print Economy, Speeds, Print Quality, and Scanner Quality

The HP DeskJet 3755 has a very poor cartridge system, resulting in a poor cost-per-print value. It is not recommended for those that require it to print a lot. As the 3755 is an inkjet printer, you cannot expect it to run as fast as a laser printer does. It can print a text-only document at 5 PPM, while a color document turns out to be 3 PPM.

On the print quality note, this infrequent printing machine does extremely well in terms of photo printing. It has pretty impressive photo printing quality, with rich details and great color accuracy.

The scanner on the DeskJet 3755 is pretty limited, with a resolution of 600 DPI. You don’t get to see an Automatic Document Feeder or Duplexing functionality on this.

Pros
  • Sheetfed scanner
  • Wireless connectivity
  • Compact
  • Decent photo printing quality
  • Excellent color accuracy
  • Cheap printer
Cons
  • Low printing speeds
  • No duplexing
  • No ADF functionality despite having a sheet fed scanner
  • Low page yield

Verdict

The HP DeskJet 3755 is one of the best, if not the best, cheap inkjet printers of all time. It has everything that you would expect from a typical inkjet. However, if you plan on using this printer occasionally, you will have to keep taking test prints now and then. As the 3755 is an inkjet, it tends to dry out quickly, blocking the nozzle.

Although the device comes with a sheetfed scanner, the inclusion of an auto document feeder would have been a great addition. Also, if you are someone who needs to print a lot on a regular basis, this printer is not for you as it has a very poor page yield. This can make this printer costlier to run over a period of time. – hp instant ink


#3. Epson EcoTank ET-4760 – The Most Economical Option for Photo Printing

Epson EcoTank ET 4760 The Most Economical Option for Photo Printing 1
Epson EcoTank ET-4760 – All In One Printer

Color printing is a costly affair for most printers in the market. With four refillable large ink tanks, the Epson EcoTank ET-4760 has redefined the traditional. It is one of the most economical color printers in the market, thanks to its incredible page yield.

BrandEpson
ModelEcoTank ET-4760
Weight15.9 lb
Product Dimensions  (W x D x H)9.1″ x 14.8” x 13.7” lbs (H x W x D)
ConnectivityEthernet, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service
Display Type2.3″ Color Touchscreen
Maximum Resolution4800 x 1200 optimized dpi
Printing TechnologyInkjet
Ink Configuration4 individual ink bottles (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)

Unboxing and Package Contents

Like any other device from Epson, the EcoTank ET-4760 also came inside a neat box packaging. The package has a gray and black color theme with an image of the product printed on its top. We also have all the functions and specifications mentioned on the top.

Moving further with unboxing the device, we have the power adapter and starter ink kit on top, followed by some paperwork and the actual device. The starter ink includes the Epson 502 ink bottles with one of each for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black bottles. Like most other modern-day’s printers, the Epson EcoTank ET-4760 also doesn’t come with a USB cable.

Design Overview and Build Quality

This ink tank printer appeared well-built on the initial impressions. The entire body of the printer is made of good quality hard plastic. Though the printer looks smaller, it still feels heavier in hands and weighs about 15.9 lbs.

Navigation through different functions of the printer is a cakewalk with the onboard display. The display is 2.3” with touch functionality. Besides the touchscreen display, you also get to see two other physical buttons on the panel. The control panel on the ET-4760 can be tilted up or down to adjust the viewing angle. Speaking of touch quality, I would say it lacks a bit in terms of visibility from the side angels, and even the sensitivity isn’t that great. Also, there is a considerable lag when operating the device.

Cartridge System

The Epson EcoTank ET-4760 has an excellent cartridge system with supertanks. Unlike other printers that use ink cartridges, the 4760 uses four high-capacity ink tanks. These ink tanks yield an extremely incredible number of pages before you need to refill them. As this printer uses ink tanks instead of a regular cartridge system, you can technically leave it unused for shorter periods and the inks won’t dry up that quickly. This makes these printers an ideal choice for infrequent printing activity.

Connectivity

Speaking of the connectivity on the EcoTank 4760, we have support for Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi Direct functionality. You also get to see an Ethernet port, which most printers lack these days. There are no other fancy connectivity features like external storage support or Bluetooth. However, most cloud services, including Mopria’s print service and Apple AirPrint, are covered. When it comes to mobile support, the device comes with a native application for both iOS and Android devices under the name Epson iPrint. Using this, users can print and modify settings on this printer.

Ease of Usage, and Setup Process

The setup process is fairly simple, with most of it being self-explanatory thanks to the on-screen instructions. Navigating through different elements of the printer also feels snappy. However, there is a minor lag here and there that needs to be fixed.

Print Economy and Speeds

This device offers an impressive cost-per-print value. As it comes with four supertanks, you can print a lot before you refill them. When it comes to printing speeds, the device performed moderately well, with about 15 pages per minute in terms of black and white printing. while the color document was printed at about 7 PPM.

Printing and Scanning Quality

Speaking of print quality, the Epson EcoTank ET-4760 does fairly well, with decent details but flat color tones. It is not suitable for those that require it to produce accurate colors, as the printer struggles when it comes to color reproduction.

In terms of scanning quality, the device has a flatbed scanner that is 8.5″ x 11″ and works with an automatic document feeder. However, there is no duplex scanning functionality. The scanning speeds are fairly good.

Pros
  • Economical – less printing costs
  • Decent print speeds
  • Massive connectivity
  • Great details in the prints
Cons
  • Color accuracy could have been better
  • Heavier
  • Overpriced

Verdict

If you are in search of a decent printer for occasional use and if you are a person who prints mostly in color, the Epson EcoTank ET-4760 could be your best bet. It also comes with a built-in flatbed scanner, making it an impressive choice for small offices.

It produces great details in photos, but lacks color reproduction. If your photos require accurate colors, you might want to invest in a better printer, like the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850.


#4. Canon PIXMA TR4520 – The Compact Photo Printer

Canon PIXMA TR4520 The Compact Photo Printer
Canon PIXMA TR4520 – Mobile Printing and Google Cloud

The Canon Pixma is a good blend of functionality and performance. It comes with a high-resolution flatbed scanner, making it a good choice for small office or home use. In addition to this, the device also has a decent photo printing quality.

BrandCanon
ModelPixma TR4520
Weight13.2 lbs
Product Dimensions  (W x D x H)17.2 x 11.7 x 7.5 inches
ConnectivityEthernet, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service
Display Type1.9″ Monochrome LED
Maximum ResolutionUp to 4800 x 1200 dpi
Printing TechnologyInkjet
Ink ConfigurationBlack and a tricolor

Unboxing and Package Contents

We placed an order for a retail unit on Amazon and the package came late with respect to the expected delivery time. The Christmas haul must be blamed here. Also, the outer box has suffered minor dents here and there. However, the product isn’t affected, thanks to the protecting molds.

The box has a user manual, a setup CD, a power cable, 4” x 6” photo paper, a fax cable, and two starter cartridges.

Design Overview and Build Quality

The device has a poor design and okayish build quality. Clearing paper jams is so hectic that you either have to lift the back of the printer or lay it sideways. The paper trays are flimsy and are not sized well for the paper inputs.

Ink cartridges are only accessible when the printer is powered on. Because you have to mess with the output tray, changing the cartridge in the middle of a print job is almost impossible.

Cartridge System

The Canon PIXMA TR4520 only has two cartridges, the black and the tricolored one. If you are someone who likes to print a lot, this printer might not suit you, as it has a very low page yield with brand cartridges. However, if you are looking for a printer for occasional use, you will have a good time choosing this.

Connectivity

When it comes to how you can connect to the Canon PIXMA TR4520, it has an Ethernet port, a USB port, Wi-Fi, and cloud support for all of the most popular printing services. Unfortunately, you do not get to see Wi-Fi Direct functionality on this.

Ease of Usage, and Setup Process

The setup process is mostly easy with the Canon Pixma TR4520. You will have a little bit of a hard time entering the Wi-Fi credentials using the monochrome display and the hardware keys. As you only need to do it once, there is nothing to complain much about.

Printing and Scanning Quality

The Canon Pixma TR4520 lacks in many areas, yet it is one of the most sought-out color printers in the market for the affordability factor and its printing quality. It has an impressive photo printing quality with vibrant colors and rich details.

Even though there are only two ink cartridges, it can still make stunning color photos without borders. However, the printing speeds are just acceptable at 4 PPM for black and white, and 2 PPM for color documents. It took about a minute and a half to produce one photo print.

The scanner is yet another strong area of the Canon Pixma TR4520. It has both a flatbed and a sheetfed scanner with support for an automatic document feeder. However, there is no duplex scanning functionality.

Pros
  • Excellent photo printing quality
  • Compact
  • Good for infrequent use
  • Excellent color accuracy
  • Flatbed and sheetfed scanners
  • ADF functionality
  • Google cloud print
Cons
  • There is no duplex printing
  • Poor cost-per-print value
  • Low page yield

Verdict

The Canon Pixma TR4520 is an overall good choice for those who are looking for a printer with great photo printing capabilities. There are a few compromises here and there. Even so, it is still a good choice, especially if you don’t have much money. It is good to see both a flatbed and a sheetfed scanner in a device offered for under $100.


#5. Lexmark MC3224dwe Color – Best AIO Color Laser Printer

Lexmark MC3224dwe Color Best AIO Color Laser Printer
Lexmark MC3224dwe Color Best AIO Color Laser Printer

For people looking for printers for infrequent printing, laser printers are the most reliable option. They can rest as long as you want them to without drying themselves out. The Lexmark MC3224dwe is one such masterpiece with color printing capability.

BrandLexmark
ModelMC3224dwe
Weight40.2 pounds
Product Dimensions  (W x D x H)15.5 x 16.2 x 12.1 inches
ConnectivityEthernet, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service
Display Type2.8-inch color touch screen
Maximum ResolutionUp to 4800 x 1200 dpi
Printing TechnologyLaser
Ink Configuration5

Unboxing and Package Contents

The Lexmark MC3224dwe came shipped inside a plain cardboard box. There isn’t much printed on the box but the brand name. When we quickly opened the box, we saw a user guide and a setup CD. Furthermore, we have a power cord accompanied by the printer itself.

It came very neatly packed with sufficient padding to protect the device from all sides. The device feels a little heavier in the hands. However, considering that this is a laser printer, Lexmark managed to keep it smaller compared to other competitors.

Design Overview and Build Quality

Lexmark MC3224dwe has a praise-worthy design with a dual-toned plastic body. The top is made in black, while the bottom part is made in white. In terms of the build quality, the device feels extremely robust and durable. On top, we have a scanner that allows for scanning, copying, and faxing.

Though the device comes with a smaller footprints, it weighs about 40 pounds, which is a bit on the heavier side. It comes with a 2.8-inch color touch screen display that lets you easily navigate through the different functionalities of the printer. Besides this, you will also find different icons on the control panel that let you carry out different functionalities.

Connectivity

When it comes to networking capabilities on the Lexmark MC3224dwe, the device offers a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connection along with a USB 2.0 PC connection. In terms of wireless functionality, you get to see Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n with support for Wi-Fi Direct. If you are into cloud printing protocols, the device offers the most popular printing protocols that include Apple AirPrint, Mopria Photo Printing Service, and Lexmark’s Mobile Print and Cloud Connector apps available for both iOS and Android.

Ease of Usage and Setup Process

The setup process on the Lexmark MC3224dwe is pretty much straightforward, with most of it being self-explanatory thanks to the on-screen guide. As this printer shares support for cloud printing, assigning print jobs remotely is a cakewalk. Overall, the usability factor is pretty strong on the MC3224dwe.

Print Economy, Speeds, and Quality

The device offers pretty decent speeds, both in terms of color and black and white printing. In our testing, the device could print up to 24 one-sided pages, about 18 pages when it comes to two-sided (duplex) printing. Speaking of the print economy, the toner cartridges on the Lexmark MC3224dwe offer a lower page yield compared to most other close competitors in the market. This makes this printer a bad fit for those who need to print a lot. However, if you are only looking for a printer for occasional use, this could be your best bet.

It does a decent job when it comes to printing black-and-white documents with a lot of text. Even the color images turned out to be decent, with rich details. However, as this is a laser printer, you cannot expect it to do wonders when it comes to photo printing.

Pros
  • Excellent connectivity
  • Decent printing quality
  • Best for occasional use
  • More paper capacity
Cons
  • Can be costly in the long run
  • Low page yield
  • No automatic document feeder technology

Verdict

The Lexmark MC3224dwe is a pretty impressive color laser printer with all-in-one functionality. Be it in print quality or connectivity, it does fairly well. However, the only area where it lacks is in terms of print economics. Nevertheless, if you are a casual user or you only plan on printing occasionally, the MC3224dwe can be the cherry on your cake.


#6. HP OfficeJet 3830 – Best Printer for Infrequent Photo Printing

HP OfficeJet 3830 Best Printer for Infrequent Photo Printing
HP OfficeJet 3830 Best for Infrequent Photo Printing

Of all the infrequent-use printers that we have tested here, the HP Offcejet 3830 is our personal favorite for a lot of things. Having gained over 30,000 positive reviews on Amazon and tons of mentions from most tech blogs, the 3830 has won many hearts.

BrandHP
ModelOfficeJet 3830
Weight5.76 kg (12.7 pounds)
Product Dimensions14.33 x 17.72 x 8.54 inches
Printer typeInkJet
Connectivity802.11 b/g/n – 2.4-GHz networks only, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, popular cloud print services
Display Type2.2-inch monochrome touch screen
Maximum Resolution1200 DPI
Supported Paper Sizes‎3 x 5 to 8.5 x 14, Letter, Legal, Envelope

Unboxing and Package Contents

Inkjets are usually smaller than their laser counterparts. However, the HP OfficeJet 3830 is even smaller to fit most desk spaces easily. It came well-packed inside a white and blue-colored carton. Upon opening the box, we are greeted with the very obvious user manual, a power cord, two starter ink cartridges, and the printer.

Design Overview and Build Quality

Though the entire body is made of plastic, the material used is of good quality. It doesn’t feel flimsy or of low quality in any part of the build. The flatbed scanner on top is a very good addition, enabling the device to perform scan and copy actions onboard.

The HP OfficeJet 3830 comes equipped with a 2.2-inch monochrome display with touch functionality. Though the display is a monochrome display, it still feels very intuitive thanks to its touch sensitivity.

Cartridge System

The HP Instant Ink subscription is indeed a lifesaver. It can let you save a lot in the long run by cutting down on the printing costs to a greater extent. You can now print worry-free as much as you can. It is so generous of HP to offer a free Instant Ink subscription for the first three months. Later, you are charged based on your printing usage.

Connectivity

It offers both Wi-Fi and USB 2.0. The Wi-Fi functionality is only limited to the 2.4 GHz band. Make sure if you are also using a 2.4GHz band before planning on buying this. There is no Ethernet port, which is also kind of a bummer for many who find it necessary.

Ease of Usage and Setup Process

The device is fairly easy to use with the included 2.2” monochrome touch screen. It can be set up in a few simple steps. Remove all the protective covers on the device, connect the power cord to the printer, and connect the other end to a wall socket. Press the power button on the device to power it. You should now see the display lighting up, indicating power.

In the next step, complete the initial setup by selecting the language and region. Insert the cartridges and connect the device to a Wi-Fi network. You are good to go! If you are not sure of how you can connect to the Wi-Fi network, follow the on-screen instructions or refer to the manual provided with the device.

Pros
  • Compact
  • Inexpensive
  • Decent print quality
  • Wireless connectivity
Cons
  • Printing costs are high
  • No Ethernet
  • No ADF

Verdict

The HP OfficeJet 3830 is by far the best occasional printer for photo printing. It has everything that you would typically look for in a printer. The HP mobile application is a very good addition to the printer, which essentially lets you do almost everything on the device right from the comfort of your fingertips. Speaking of the scanner on the device, it lets you copy, scan, and fax right from the device. In terms of cloud support, it has everything, including the popular Mopria print service and Apple AirPrint.


Best Printer for Infrequent Use – Buying Guide

Now that you are here, it is important for you to understand how we have concluded that the above-recommended products are the best in the market. When it comes to picking a printer for occasional use, the following factors should be taken into consideration.

Brand and Service Support

When choosing an electronic device, it’s important to think about both the brand and the service. As recognition doesn’t come without hard work, a renowned brand is more likely to provide good service. It is essential to go with a brand that is familiar to you and whose service centers are in the closest proximity.

InkJets, InkTanks, or Lasers

If you only use your printer once in a while, you probably won’t use it for longer periods of time. Depending on your printer type, you might end up clogging your print head, or even worse, your ink might dry up.

InkJets are much more susceptible to the above-mentioned conditions than InkTanks. On the other hand, use toner cartridges instead of ink. This leaves them over the edge when it comes to occasional printing.

Connectivity

Connectivity is yet another important factor when picking the right printer. Choose between Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or USB, depending on your use case.

Budget

The budget is yet another factor to be taken care of while planning on purchasing anything. Remember, there is always the best product for whichever budget you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which printers are best for infrequent use?

Usually, laser printers have an edge over inkjets and inktanks when it comes to infrequent use. Inkjets tend to dry up very quickly when not used for longer durations.

Do laser printers dry out if not used?

Unlike inkjets and inktanks, laser printers use toner ink cartridges that are in solid powder form. Technically speaking, they do not dry out. However, they can absorb ambient moisture and clump up if not stored properly.

Which printer is best for seldom use?

The Brother HL-L2350DW Monochrome Laser is by far the best printer for occasional use.

What happens if we don’t use printers for a long time?

That entirely depends on the type of printer you are talking about. Often, the cartridges on the inktanks and the injets dry up quickly when not used for longer durations. However, as the laser printer uses toner cartridges, they do not dry up. Nevertheless, there is still a fair chance of clogging of print heads if the toner cartridges are not stored properly, as the toner cartridges can react with moisture to form clumps.

How long can a laser printer sit unused?

Unlike traditional ink printers, a laser printer uses toner cartridges. They do not dry up as they exist in power form. However, exposure to moisture can cause the formation of clumps and lead to damage.

Should I turn off my laser printer when not in use?

If you do not plan to use your printer in the coming 10 – 15 minutes, it is a good practice to turn it off. Turning off your printer not only saves energy, but also improves your device life. However, when you turn it back on, you should give it a good time to warm and prepare itself for the first print.

How long can a printer sit without being used?

Inkjets and InkTanks tend to become non-functional in about 3 – 4 months of non-usage. However, this is subjective to different printers. Laser printers, on the other hand, can go up to years when stored well.

Tony Hoffman is a seasoned technology expert with over a decade of experience specializing in printing and scanning technologies. His in-depth knowledge covers everything from troubleshooting common printer issues to the latest innovations in printing technology, making him a trusted source for both consumers and industry professionals. Tony's expertise lies not only in understanding the complex nuances of printing equipment but also in his ability to convey these concepts in an easily understandable and practical manner. His articles provide valuable insights for individuals looking to solve printer issues or explore the best products on the market. Outside of his work as a tech writer, Tony enjoys tinkering with electronics and staying up-to-date with the latest tech trends. He is also an outdoor enthusiast, always ready for the next hiking or camping adventure.