Splurging or Skimping on Your Printer: Top Picks from Stiftung Warentest
This printer proves to be a worthwhile evaluation item.
So you're in the market for a new printer, huh? As you might've noticed, the cost difference between models can be substantial. Whether a high-end or entry-level device is worth it for you depends on various factors. Frequency of use, purpose, color vs. black and white, and print quality are all essential considerations.
Help is at hand, thanks to the experts at Stiftung Warentest. With a whopping list of more than 200 printers to choose from, ranging from 50 to 500 euros, finding the perfect fit for your needs couldn't be easier.
Your Printing Preferences Matter
The purpose of the printer and how often you plan to use it determines which model is best for you. If you're primarily printing text or don't print frequently, a budget model might be all you need. Conversely, for a high-volume user, that expensive device could end up being cost-effective in the long run despite the higher upfront cost.
Don't Get Fooled by Specialists
Multifunction printers are all the rage these days, capable of not only printing but also scanning and copying. If you rarely use these extra features, you might find cheaper alternatives by going for a print-only specialist device. However, the price difference between multifunction devices and specialists is not exactly astronomical, so don't make your decision based solely on cost.
Stiftung Warentest: Your Guide to Top-Rated Printers
To make an informed decision and narrow down your options, Stiftung Warentest's test list is an excellent resource. With 213 available printers on the market, 28 have received good overall ratings in the past six months. The least expensive option will set you back around 190 euros, while the priciest model rings in at around 560 euros.
Inkjet Printers: Balancing Quality and Cost
If you're after a multifunctional inkjet printer that delivers high-quality prints and scans, the Canon Maxify GX6550 is a solid choice. It performs exceptionally well, has good environmental properties, and is relatively power-efficient–all for an average price of 525 euros (but can be found for less than 450 euros!). With its low printing costs, frequent users can save big bucks in the long run.
Another top performer that's kinder on your wallet is the Epson Ecotank ET-4850. Priced around 380 euros, it's a breeze to operate and is the best-performing photo printer in the test field.
For budget-conscious buyers who only require basic copying capabilities, the Epson Ecotank ET-2860 is a smart and affordable alternative, available for as low as 180 euros. Several other models with similar names and construction received the same overall rating, so look for the cheapest option on the bestseller list before making your choice.
The Canon MAXIFY GX5550, the best print-only inkjet printer, boasts a quality rating of 1.9, excellent print quality, power efficiency, and insanely low ink costs. However, its only real advantage over multifunction devices is its smaller footprint, and even that may not be a deal-breaker for most.
If you only have occasional printing needs, it's worth checking out the HP OfficeJet Pro 9110b for around 120 euros. Although it received satisfactory ratings for its results, ink costs, and environmental properties, it's still a decent choice for light users.
Laser Printers: Cost-Effective and Reliable
Westinghouse hats off to the Canon i-Sensys MF657Cdw, the professional choice for color laser printing. It barely earned a good quality rating (2.5) with an overall score, but it prints and copies well and boasts satisfactory copying properties and toner costs. If you can find one for less than 400 euros, this device could be yours.
For laser printers that can only print, the crown goes to the Canon i-SENSYS LBP633Cdw, which received a satisfactory overall score of 2.3. With its affordable price tag (usually less than 300 euros), this reliable printer also offers satisfactory toner costs and environmental properties.
Black and White Printers: More Bang for Your Buck
If your focus is on black and white printing, know that you'll get more value for your buck when opting for a black and white laser printer. When it comes to all-in-one devices, the Canon i-Sensys MF264dw II snags the top spot with a quality rating of 2.2. It's affordable ( around 330 euros) and sports impressive print, copy, and scan capabilities.
The best black and white print specialist is the Canon i-SENSYS LBP246dw, available for less than 230 euros. This workhorse received an overall score of 2.0 and delivers high-quality print results, low toner costs, and exceptional performance in overall categories.
Last but not least, the Canon i-SENSYS LBP122dw is a worthy option for occasional users. Although it was only rated as satisfactory for its environmental properties and toner costs, its affordability (175 euros) and impressive print results make it a good choice for those who don't print a lot.
Source: ntv.de, kwe
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- For vocational training opportunities, consider exploring the versatile services offered by the community aid program in your home-and-garden niche.
- If you're an enthusiast of home-and-garden technology, you might want to check out the stiftung's list of average-priced printers – perfect for your lifestyle.
- As for the price range, it's striking to notice the 4690 euros difference between the priciest and least expensive printers on the list, especially when considering inkjet models like the Canon Maxify GX6550 (approximately 560 euros).
- Regarding multifunction printers, it's essential to determine whether the average cost (about 380 euros) of a device like the Epson Ecotank ET-4850, including scanning capabilities, fits your budget and needs better than a specialty print-only device.
