Splurge Wisely: Choose the Right Printer, According to Stiftung Warentest
Printer Suitable for Foundation Operations
Navigating the plethora of printers in the market can be overwhelming, especially with the price range stretching from 50 to 500 euros. The prime factor influencing the device's worth is the frequency of usage and the purpose for which it's utilized. Stiftung Warentest simplifies this decision for you.
If you primarily print text and the color capability isn't a priority, the photo print function comes into play. If color is vital, you might still be satisfied with a monochrome output.
The importance of a device's usage frequency cannot be overstated. If you rarely print, consider economical printers with high printing costs to be cost-effective. Conversely, investing in an expensive device with low printing costs could pay off quickly if you use it extensively.
Multifunction printers that can scan and copy are common in the market, especially cheaper models. Except if you never need the added features, you might end up spending less with a print specialist. Despite their lower price differences, versatile price-performance winners are usually the better choice.
Stiftung Warentest's test list aids in making a focused, targeted selection, considering the extensive range of printers available, with 213 currently purchasable devices. Among these, 28 devices have received good overall rankings, with the cheapest priced around 190 euros and the most expensive around 560 euros.
Inkjet printers
The top-rated multifunctional inkjet printer is the Canon Maxify GX6550, with a quality rating of 1.9. It delivers excellent printing, scanning, and copying performance and has environmentally-friendly properties, including power consumption. Stiftung Warentest offers an average online price of 525 euros for the device, but it can often be found for less than 450 euros. Regular use ensures that its printing costs are very competitive, making it a worthy investment.
Another exceptional performer is the Epson Ecotank ET-4850, boasting the same overall score. At around 380 euros, it is significantly less expensive and more user-friendly than the Canon contender while being the top-performing photo printer.
The Epson Ecotank ET-2860 is an affordable but equally effective alternative for printing alone, priced starting at around 180 euros. Other printers with the same overall rating include the Ecotank ET-2864 and 2865 models, some of which are identical in construction. In a dilemma, choose the cheapest offer after checking the bestseller list.
The top-performing print specialist among inkjet printers is the Canon MAXIFY GX5550, with a quality rating of 1.9. It offers superior performance, minimal power consumption, and economical ink costs. Its unique advantage over multifunction devices is its compact size, with prices starting at around 370 euros.
For occasional printing, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9110b is an interesting economical alternative, priced around 120 euros. Its results, ink costs, and environmental properties received satisfactory ratings.
Color multifunction laser printers typically score less impressively than inkjet printers. The Canon i-Sensys MF657Cdw barely cleared a good overall quality rating with an overall score of 2.5. Its printing and copying performance were praised, but its copying features, toner costs, and environmental properties received only satisfactory ratings. Its high price of around 400 euros makes it an uncommon find below 400 euros.
In the realm of laser printers that can only print, the Canon i-SENSYS LBP633Cdw outshines the competition with an overall score of 2.3. Tolerable ratings for its toner costs, environmental properties, and price (well below 300 euros) make it an attractive option for users seeking a more affordable laser printer.
Black and White Printers are Budget-Friendly
Overall, black and white laser printers offer a more cost-effective option. The top-rated multifunctional device in this category is the Canon i-Sensys MF264dw II with a quality rating of 2.2. It excels in both printing quality and economical running costs, priced around 330 euros.
The top black and white print specialist is the Canon i-SENSYS LBP246dw, priced just under 230 euros. It achieved an overall score of 2.0 and delivered exceptional performance in all individual disciplines.
For highly infrequent printing, the Canon i-SENSYS LBP122dw is a cost-effective alternative, priced around 175 euros, despite having only satisfactory ratings for its environmental properties and toner costs. Its top print results and low price make it an attractive proposition for occasional users.
Sources: ntv.de, kwe
- Stiftung Warentest
- Homeoffice
- Technik-Tests
Additional Insights
- Top-rated refillable ink tank printers offer significant cost savings in the long run due to lower ink costs per page. These include Epson EcoTank and Canon Maxify models.[1][3]
- When considering a multifunction device, it's essential to evaluate the importance of additional features like copying and scanning. Saving money by opting for a print specialist may not provide significant cost savings if these functions are indispensable.[2]
- If photo quality is critical and large-format printing (A3 size) is required, the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 offers the best photo printing at a slightly higher price.[1]
- The Stiftung Warentest recommends considering community aid and vocational training when deciding on a printer, taking into account economical options with high printing costs for infrequent users, or choosing more expensive devices with low printing costs for heavy users.
- The top-rated inkjet printer, the Canon Maxify GX6550, offers both environmental and cost-effective advantages, with an average online price around 450 euros, but often found cheaper.
- In the budget-friendly black and white laser printers category, the Canon i-Sensys MF264dw II is top-rated for its printing quality and economical running costs, priced around 330 euros.
