Best printers when it comes to cheap ink cartridges?

Tunstallstoven

Hi all

I am in the market for a new printer. To be honest, my partner is doing all the looking and she is keen on the Canon Pixma TS5051 (or TS5050 for the black version). She did some review checking etc of printers before narrowing the choice to this one, but one thing I don't think she considered was the cost of replacement inks.

So I wondered if there are any "go-to" MSE brands of printers when it comes to the cost of replacement ink cartridges?

Also, if or when using non-genuine third party inks, are there any problems with the cartridges communicating with the software to say when they are getting low etc? And if so, how do you know when they need replacing?

In terms of the printer, we are not heavy users. We tend to print black docs more than anything. Other requirements are for it to be wifi/wireless, as small as possible, and to allow for scanning and copying.

Many thanks

Max

dipsomaniac

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing-accessories/printers-scanners-and-ink/printers/hp-envy-5544-all-in-one-wireless-inkjet-printer-10149665-pdt.html?awc=1599_1511887156_27306e746ef57ade481850f61dabefeb&srcid=369&xtor=AL-1&cmpid=aff~HotUKDeals~Communities%20%26%20UGC~47868&awid=47868

dipsomaniac

I have been using hp instant ink now for a couple of years - best home printing decision i ever made

cajef

I have a Canon MG5650 which uses five separate ink cartridges, I have never had a problem using third party inks, I buy from https://refreshcartridges.co.uk/ they work just the same as using Canon cartridges and are considerably cheaper.

There is an option in the printer menu to disable software updates which I have done just in case Canon tried to stop use of non Canon inks.

[Deleted User]

I use a budget Samsung laser printer I got about 7 years ago and use cheap pre-refilled toner cartridges off eBay. They last ages too.

Robisere

I have the best printer I have ever used: a HP Photosmart C5380. Unfortunately, it is almost 8 years old and 5-cartridge printers are no longer produced by HP. All their "photo" printers are now "Tri-cartridge" which means all the colour inks are in one cartridge. That means of course, that when one colour runs out, the cartridge is u/s, no matter how much of the other inks are left. I will have to probably buy a Canon to get the same 5-cartridge function.

This is annoying for more than just the cartridge dilemma: I have always enjoyed a good relationship with HP, which has continually supplied software updates and upgrades for my 5380. Also, I have produced some wonderful work over the years with it. I have photographs that I printed over 7 years ago, indistiguishable from photo printing shop efforts. Several are framed and in sunlight, they have not faded. I have always used genuine HP 'Vivera' cart's and I look after the 5380. I just hope it lives long and keeps on doing its thing!