Best Printer?

[akkiakwe]

I'm looking for recommendations for a good printer, please. Preferably one that only uses black ink.  I have a Canon that prints well (most of the time) but even though I print ONLY in black always, uses up the color ink at the same time. What? I've tried different settings but it doesn't change.  Canon ink is expensive and no matter what I try it will not print with the color cartridges not installed.  Any suggestions would be most welcome, please and thank you!

[pennysdream]

I got an Epson eco-tank few months ago. I LOVE IT!

[onefootflipper]

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@chapeau-noir wrote:

I use a Zebra thermal printer - small footprint and durable.  It only needs quick maintenance after every roll or two of labels, and you don't have to worry about taping anything or ink running.  There are other brands, too.

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I also use Zebra, I am wondering what maintenance you are talking about though? I never do anything to mine and I don't ever remember us doing anything to the ones we used at the hobby shop, one of which was doing about 300 labels a day.

I also suggest Zebra, just buy a used one, there are commonly available used. I keep a spare one on hand just so I don't have any down time in case of a printer problem.

[prestigewoodmodels]

I ran a Staples for years and highly recommend the Brother HL-2390DW machine for black only. Print, scan, and copy. It comes with an initial toner cartridge that is good for 2,000+ pages. Replacement cartridges are cheap and easy to find. It is a workhorse and will give you a quality product every time.
I have used the same Zebra thermal printer for my labels since 2007 with no issues but, it is just for shipping labels.
Epson Eco-tanks are fantastic, low cost for ink bottles, and have very few issues. The cost per page is close to that of a laser printer and you print color when needed.

[bmeexchange]

I scrolled through and didn't see this in the other replies so if it's redundant I apologize.

We use HP printers but there is a slight caveat. Newer (2019 -) HP printers have an updated firmware that blocks non-HP ink through the chip in the cartridge. You can't use cheaper inks because of the block so you're stuck paying the high prices for HP brand ink.

Just something to keep in mind.

[vintagepl]

Agree! I've had mine for about 3 years now, best purchase ever!

[krazzykats]

I have always used an HP laserjet/printer since the 4 models.  Currently, it's an HP P2035N, and I use only generic cartridges. 

It does pop up a message/warning about using Genuine HP, but I click the warning closed, and it continues printing a few seconds later.

[the-hook-and-the-loop]

I have the same exact printer. It is one of three. Each of the printers serve a different purpose. The HP 2035n is a beast. A real workhorse meant for lawyer offices and medical offices for printing tens of thousands of pages per month. I only use it for when I need an 8 1/2 x 11 B & W page.

  I use an HP OfficeJet 4650 for color. HP has a program called InstantInk that I don't pay for ink if I only print 15 pages per month then it's only $1 for another 10 pages. (Never paid anything for ink) They have other tiers for more pages at affordable prices.

  Rollo thermal printer for 4 x 6 labels has been one of the best purchases I ever made. I load 4,000 labels and for get about it for 4 months. No maintenance. If you travel, it's easy to bring along. They just released a wireless version and an adapter to make the wired one........wireless.

[monster-deals]

Why do you want an ink printer for?

If you are just printing shipping labels you might as well flush $50 or more down your toilet every month and save money.

[kabilab]

I switched to a Brothers laser printer 21 yrs. ago and have never regretted my decision.