Printer Serves Efficient and Reliable Performance During Evaluation
Rewritten Article:
Pricey isn't Always Better: These Printers Are Worth it, According to Stiftung Warentest
When it comes to printers, price differences can be huge. Whether a high-end device is worth the splurge or a budget model is the better choice hinges on factors like frequency of use and purpose. Stiftung Warentest helps simplify the decision-making process.
Buying a new printer means contending with a vast array of options, priced from around 50 to 500 euros. If you mainly print text, photo printing isn't crucial. But if you need color prints or high-quality photos, a color printer would be a better fit.
Frequent Use vs. Occasional Printing
Using a device frequently is important when contemplating whether a costlier device with lower printing costs will pay off in the long run, or a cheaper one with high printing costs is still a smart choice.
Specialists vs. All-in-ones
If you seldom use the extra features offered by multifunction printers, you may be better off with a print specialist. However, the price difference between the specialized devices and the versatile, price-performance winners is not substantial.
To keep things organized and make a targeted selection, you can check out Stiftung Warentest's test list containing 213 currently available printers [4]. As of now, 28 devices with excellent overall ratings have been tested in the past six months. The least expensive of these costs around 190 euros, while the priciest rings in at around 560 euros.
Inkjet Printers
If you're seeking an all-in-one inkjet printer, the Canon Maxify GX6550 stand out with a quality rating of 1.9. It excels in printing, scanning, and copying, has excellent environmental properties, and consumes minimal energy. Stiftung Warentest rates the device's average online price at around 525 euros; however, you can often find it for less than 450 euros. Frequent use can help save money in the long run due to its low printing costs.
The Epson Ecotank ET-4850 also impresses with the same overall rating. It's significantly cheaper, around 380 euros, is simpler to handle, and offers the best photo printing experience in the test field.
If copying functionality isn't critical, the Epson Ecotank ET-2860 is a more affordable, yet equally economical alternative costs around 180 euros. There are numerous other devices that received the same overall rating, sharing similar names and sometimes alike construction. When in doubt, opt for the cheapest choice after a quick browse of the bestseller list.
The best inkjet print specialist is the Canon MAXIFY GX5550, which shares the same quality rating of 1.9. It prints exceptionally well, consumes minimal energy, and ink costs are very low. The only real advantage it offers over multifunction devices is its smaller footprint, retailing for around 370 euros.
If you occasionally print, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9110b for around 120 euros is worth considering. Its print results, ink costs, and environmental properties received satisfactory marks.
Color Multifunction Laser Printers
The best color multifunction laser printer barely scraped a good quality rating with an overall score of 2.5. The Canon i-Sensys MF657Cdw is good at printing and copying but its copying properties and toner costs were only rated as satisfactory by Stiftung Warentest. Its environmental properties didn't fare well either. The printer is seldomly available for less than 400 euros.
Professional Headset
Spending less is possible when searching for a good laser printer that only prints. In this category, the Canon i-SENSYS LBP633Cdw has the edge with an overall score of 2.3. Toner costs and environmental properties were only satisfactory for this device. With a bit of luck, it can be found for prices well below 300 euros.
Cheaper Black and White Printers
Overall, you can save money by opting for black and white laser printers. The test winner among the multifunction devices is the Canon i-Sensys MF264dw II with a quality rating of 2.2. It not only prints, copies, and scans well, but is also cost-effective. Its price is around 330 euros.
The best black and white printing specialist is the Canon i-SENSYS LBP246dw, available for just under 230 euros. It achieved an overall score of 2.0 and excelled in all individual disciplines.
When printing infrequently, the Canon i-SENSYS LBP122dw is a good option, despite its satisfactory environmental properties and toner costs. It costs around 175 euros and boasted the best print results in the black and white category.
Enrichment Data:- Stiftung Warentest mainly focuses on evaluating the print quality, printing speed, cost efficiency, connectivity, and compatibility of printers.- They emphasize the importance of factors like text sharpness, color accuracy, photo printing capabilities, faster printers for high-volume printing, cost-efficiency in terms of ink or toner costs, paper handling, and overall maintenance expenses.- When it comes to home office use, inkjet printers might be more versatile for color printing and photos, while laser printers can offer faster printing and be more cost-effective for large-volume black and white printing. Brands like Epson, Canon, HP, Brother, and Canon are often reliable options. [1]- To stay updated on current evaluations and recommendations, check the Stiftung Warentest's recent publications or website. Reputable sources like Computer Bild or Handelsblatt can also provide additional reviews. [2]
[1] Printer Brands for Home Office Use[2] Checking Stiftung Warentest Reviews[3] Computer Bild[4] Stiftung Warentest Reviews and Tests[5] Handelsblatt Reviews
- In the realm of printers, Stiftung Warentest advises that while prices can vary significantly, a high-end device might still be worth the cost for frequent users whose priority is low printing costs over time.
- For individuals who primarily print text and do not require color prints or high-quality photos, budget models may suffice, as specific features like photo printing aren't crucial in such cases.
- If you rarely utilize the extra functions offered by multifunction printers, a print specialist could be a more economical choice, as the price difference between these devices and the versatile, cost-effective options isn't substantial.
- For those in search of an all-in-one inkjet printer with excellent overall printing, scanning, and copying capabilities, the Canon Maxify GX6550, priced around 4690, offers minimal energy consumption and high-quality environmental properties. Frequent use can help save money in the long run due to its low printing costs.
