Ever since I have used a home printer, I have used an ink jet cartridge unit where you have to buy individual replacement black and multi-colored cartridges. That can get expensive if you find yourself printing a lot. Some cartridges can be as high as $40-$50 and may last for about 70-80 printed pages.
Choosing between an ink cartridge printer and an ink tank printer depends on your usage, budget, and maintenance preferences. Here’s a comparison to help you decide:
🖨️ Ink Cartridge Printers
Best for: Low to moderate usage (e.g., home, occasional printing)
✅ Pros:
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Lower upfront cost: Cheaper to buy initially.
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Easier to set up: Plug-and-play with minimal maintenance.
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Compact: Smaller footprint, fits easily in home setups.
❌ Cons:
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Higher cost per page: Cartridges run out quickly and are expensive to replace.
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Frequent replacements: Cartridges dry out if not used regularly.
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Less eco-friendly: More plastic waste from frequent cartridge changes.
🖨️ Ink Tank Printers (e.g., Epson EcoTank, Canon MegaTank)
Best for: High-volume printing (e.g., home offices, students, small businesses)
✅ Pros:
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Very low cost per page: Ink lasts longer and is cheaper over time.
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Less frequent refills: Tanks hold more ink and need refilling less often.
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Eco-friendly: Refillable tanks reduce plastic waste.
❌ Cons:
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Higher upfront cost: More expensive to purchase initially.
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Bulkier size: Takes up more space.
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Potential for mess: Refilling ink tanks can be messy if not done carefully.
🔍 Recommendation:
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If you print occasionally and want something affordable short-term: Ink cartridge printer
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If you print frequently (hundreds of pages/month) or want lower long-term costs: Ink tank printer
Other types of home printers allow for an ink tank which holds more of the liquid ink and can be refilled that can save a lot of money in the long run. Here are two specific examples. As seen on FOX 7 Austin: