5 Best Home Printers for Occasional Use 2024: Infrequent Printing Guide
/Looking for a printer for occasional use, but find yourself struggling to choose the perfect one? You're not alone.
With so many options available, it can be tough to decide which printer is the right one for you. That's why I've put together this post to help you find the best home printer for occasional use.
But before we dive into the details, let's first define what I mean by "occasional use."
For our purposes, occasional use refers to printing needs that arise infrequently, such as printing out a few pages of a document, a boarding pass, or a photo every once in a while.
Why Having A Printer At Home Is Important (Even if you Only Used it Occasionally)
Having a printer at home can save you time and hassle when you need to print something quickly. No need to drive to the nearest print shop or library, or wait for someone else to print it for you.
Plus, it can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you factor in transportation costs or printing fees.
After researching various options, I've come up with a list of the best home printers for occasional use. From affordable laser printers, to easy-to-use laser printers and photo-friendly inkjets, there's something for everyone. So, let's take a look.
At A Glance: The Best Home Printer For Occasional Use
Short on time? Here’s a quick list of my top printer picks for occasional use. Keep on reading for a full, detailed breakdown of each.
TOP PICK! Best Overall: Brother HL-L2350DW: Compact laser printer with fast printing speeds and wireless connectivity.
Best Color Laser Printer - Brother HL-L3270CDW: High-performance color laser printer with wireless connectivity and automatic duplex printing.
Best All-in-One Printer - HP LaserJet MFP M140w: All-in-one laser printer with wireless connectivity and easy mobile printing.
Best Ink Tank Printer - Canon PIXMA G3260 MegaTank: Inkjet printer with a refillable ink tank system and wireless connectivity.
Best For Photo Printing - Epson Expression Premium XP-7100: Versatile all-in-one inkjet printer with wireless connectivity, photo printing capabilities, and a large touchscreen display.
As you can see, the three main types of printer I’ll be recommending are laser, ink tank, and laser jet. Each has their pros and cons (which I cover in detail below), but in brief:
Laser jet printers use toner that does not dry, even if it’s been months since you printed last. They can prnt super fast and are best for documents.
Inkjet printers use liquid ink that will dry up and clog the printer if not used regularly. They are best at printing photos.
Ink tank printers drip liquid ink a little at a time, preventing the tank from drying up. They print pretty fast and the ink lasts a long time - offering something of the best of both worlds.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Home Printer
Before we get to my detailed look at the best printers for infrequent use at home, let's talk about some of the factors you'll want to consider when choosing the one that's best for you:
Print quality: Look for a printer that can produce crisp, clean text and vibrant, accurate colors.
Print speed: Make sure to choose a printer that can print quickly without sacrificing quality.
Connectivity: Do you need your printer to connect your computer, laptop, and mobile device for easy printing. Consider also whether you'll be using a wired or wireless connection.
Cost of ink/toner: Look for a printer that uses affordable ink or toner cartridges and has a low cost per page, as these costs can really start to add up over time.
Additional features: Do you need a scanner or copier as well as a printer? Would you like the ability to print double-sided documents? All-in-one printers are what you need.
Top 5 Best Home Printers for Occasional Use: A Detailed Guide
Let’s get down to the nitty gritty, with a complete look at my most highly recommended printers for infrequent use, based on form, function, and customer feedback.
Best Overall Printer: Brother HL-L2350DW Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
My top pick for a home printer that you'll use infrequently is the highly-regarded Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer, HL-L2350DW.
One of the standout features of this printer is its fast printing speeds of up to 32 pages per minute. That means you won't have to wait long to get your work done, even if you need to print a large document.
The Brother HL-L2350DW also has a 250-sheet paper capacity, which means you can print more without having to constantly refill the tray. This printer is also equipped with duplex two-sided printing capabilities, making it perfect for the occasional user who wants to save money on paper and ink.
In terms of connectivity, this printer offers versatile options, including built-in wireless and USB interfaces. This makes it easy to print wirelessly from your mobile devices, such as your smartphone or tablet. Plus, with the manual feed slot, you can easily print a variety of paper sizes and types, including cardstock and envelopes.
The Brother HL-L2350DW uses laser printing technology, which means it is capable of producing high-quality monochrome prints. It is designed to work with Brother Genuine high-yield replacement cartridges, which can deliver up to twice the standard print volume, helping you lower your printing costs.
Additionally, this printer is Amazon Dash Replenishment ready, meaning you can enroll in the service and have the printer order replacement ink for you automatically when it starts to run low. And if you're looking for even more savings on ink, you can sign up for the Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, which can save you up to 50% on toner.
Finally, the Brother HL-L2350DW is compact and easy to set up, so it won't take up too much space in your home office. It comes with a 1-year limited warranty and free online, call, or live chat support for the life of the product, so you can rest assured that you'll have help if you need it.
Reasons to Buy
Fast printing speed
Compact design
Duplex printing feature
Reason to Avoid
Limited paper capacity
What Customers Say
“Picked this printer up at the recommendation of a colleague because I am an infrequent printer. Had an all-in-one inkjet that sat for too long between prints drying up the expensive cartridges before I even had a chance to run them down. The setup for this printer was easy - it connected to my wifi and computer seamlessly, and because it's on the network I can even print from my phone. 10/10 would purchase again.”
If printing in color is a requirement for you, then another Brother printer is my top recommendation The Brother HL-L3270CDW Compact Wireless Digital Color Printer is printer is compact and easy to use, yet powerful enough to handle your printing needs with ease. Expect it to give you professional-quality prints that are crisp, clear, and vibrant.
As mentioned, the standout features of this printer is its ability to print in color. This is particularly useful if you need to print out marketing materials, presentations, or other color documents from time to time. With a maximum print speed of 25 pages per minute, you won't have to wait long for your documents to be ready either.
The printer has a maximum paper output of 150 sheets, so you won't have to refill the paper tray too often. Plus, the manual feed slot allows you to print on a variety of paper types and sizes, including card stock and envelopes.
In terms of connectivity options, the Brother HL-L3270CDW printer has built-in wireless, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi Direct interfaces, as well as a USB port for local printing. This means that you can easily connect to the printer from your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer, and print wirelessly from anywhere in your home.
Another great feature of this printer is its NFC "touch to connect" printing capability. This allows you to quickly and easily print documents from your smartphone or tablet simply by tapping your device on the printer.
Finally, the Brother HL-L3270CDW printer is also cost-effective to run. It uses high-yield toner cartridges that deliver up to 3,000 pages for black and 2,300 pages for color, which means that you won't have to replace the cartridges too often.
Reasons to Buy
High-quality printing
Wireless connectivity
Duplex printing feature
Reason to Avoid
Limited paper capacity
What Customers Say
"We were tired of buying inkjet cartridges that would then dry out from infrequent use more often than from just running out of ink. We got a recommendation to go laser instead of inkjet. So far we are happy that we switched. Yes, the toner is expensive you don't have to replace it very often so if you think of the cost versus inkjet cartridges over the same period of time it works out better."
If you're someone who needs to print, scan and copy, then the HP LaserJet MFP M140w All-in-One Wireless Black & White Printer is an excellent choice.
This printer is an all-in-one laser printer produces high-quality black & white documents and forms, all while being the world's smallest multifunction laser printer in its class.
One of the key features of this printer is its fast print speed of up to 21 pages per minute, so you won't have to wait long for your documents to be ready.
Additionally, it has a compact design that is easy to set up and will fit into tight workspaces, making it perfect for those working from home.
You can print wirelessly with built-in Wi-Fi, which means you can print from anywhere in your home. You can also use the HP Smart app to print from Dropbox and Google Drive, order more ink, and endit your documents.
When it comes to the ink type, the HP LaserJet MFP M140w uses black toner cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry. If you enroll in the optional subscription to Instant Ink for lasers, cartridges will ship to you automatically so you never run out, and you'll save up to 50% on toner.
Reasons to Buy
Scanning and copying features
Wireless connectivity
Compact design
Reasons to Avoid
Slower printing speed compared to other laser printers
What Customers Say
"Best printer if you don’t use one often. No ink to dry up. I suspect the free 6 month supply of toner will last much longer for me. Set up was easy. B&W only."
If you are in the market for a printer that won't break the bank, but still delivers a ton of quality prints, the Canon PIXMA G3260 Wireless MegaTank All-In-One Printer might just be what you're looking for.
What makes this printer a great option for occasional use is its ink tank system. Unlike traditional inkjet printers, the G3260 has front-mounted reservoirs that you can easily refill with ink bottles.
This means you can print up to 6,000 black pages or 7,700 color pages from just one set of ink bottles! You'll also save money on ink costs with the included ink bottle set and 2 bonus black ink bottles.
With its hybrid ink system, you can print both documents and photos on a variety of paper types, using pigment black for sharp black text and dye-based colors for vivid, borderless photos up to 8.5” x 11”.
And with a maximum print speed of 10.8 monochrome pages per minute and 6 color pages per minute, it’s certainly not as fast as a laser printer, but still no slouch.
Connectivity options are plentiful too, with built-in Wi-Fi that allows you to print wirelessly from your computer or mobile device using the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, or Mopria support for Android devices. And with the 2-line LCD, you'll have an easy user interface experience.
Reasons to Buy
High-quality photo printing
Large ink tanks for cost-effective printing
Wireless connectivity
Reason to Avoid
Slower printing speed compared to laser printers
What Customers Say
"Using this printer for home use - occasional printing. Print quality is excellent. The cost compared to cartridges like I've bought for years for my old (HP) printer is MUCH LESS. I’m sure of this, though I don’t know how to precisely calculate the different in cost. With the old printer, I got VERY tired of buying cartridges every few months for about $35 to $40 each."
When it comes to a home printer for occasional use, the Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 Wireless Color Photo Printer is a great option to consider.
One of the key features of this printer is its superior photo quality, making it perfect for printing photographs. It has the option to print borderless photos up to 8" x 10", or on specialty paper and to DVDs.
Of course, it functions just as well as an ordinary all-in-one document printer, with a 30-page auto document feeder, auto 2-sided printing, copying and scanning.
In terms of speed, the printer can print borderless 4" x 6" photos in as fast as 12 seconds. It has a maximum print speed of 15.8 pages per minute for monochrome and 1 page per minute for color. This makes it a great option for occasional use, as it can handle small printing jobs efficiently.
The printer is also designed with convenience in mind. It has a large, intuitive 4.3" touchscreen which allows you to view, edit and print photos directly from USB or SD card slot. The printer is also wireless and includes Wi-Fi Direct for network-free printing. You can easily print photos and documents directly from your tablet or smartphone, with or without a router, making it a great option for those who work from home.
As I mentioned above, do keep in mind is that inkjet printers can have issues with the ink drying up if they are not used frequently. So, if you are an occasional user, make sure to use the printer at least once a week to prevent this issue.
Reasons to Buy
High-quality photo printing
Scanning and copying features
Wireless connectivity
Reason to Avoid
Smaller paper capacity
What Customers Say
"This printer's capability to print photos is AMAZING! The regular printing is great as well, but I really can tell a difference with the photos on the glossy type paper."
Best Home Printer for Occasional Use: A Comparison
Here’s a handy comparison chart of all my recommended printers above, detailing their main features in an easy-to-digest way.
| Printer Name | Type | Print Speed | Special Features | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother HL-L2350DW | Laser Printer | 32ppm | Automatic duplex printing, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB |
| Brother HL-L3270CDW | Laser Printer | 25ppm | Automatic duplex printing, NFC, color printing | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, NFC |
| HP LaserJet MFP M140we Wireless All-In-One Laser Printer | All-In-One Laser Printer | 22ppm | Wireless printing, scanning, copying and faxing | Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet |
| Canon PIXMA G3260 MegaTank | Inkjet Printer | 10ppm (color), 3ppm (black) | MegaTank ink system, borderless printing | Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet |
| Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 Wireless Color Photo Printer | Color Photo Printer | 15ppm (color), 30ppm (black) | Automatic duplex printing, six-color Claria Photo HD ink, CD/DVD printing | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, SD Card Slot |
Best Printer Type For Occasional Use: InkJet vs Laserjet vs Ink Tank Printers
When you shop for printers, the three main types you will come across are inkjet, laser, and ink tank. Let’s define each type and look at their pros and cons for occasional use.
a laser printer in a home office
Laser Printers
Laser printers use a toner cartridge and a laser beam to print text and images onto the paper.
Known for their efficiency, reliability, and low maintenance.
Use long-lasting toner that doesn't dry up, so you can go for months between print jobs.
Typically faster at printing than inkjet printers.
Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers use liquid ink that is sprayed through tiny nozzles onto the paper.
Great for printing high-quality color images and photos.
Their ink cartridges can dry up if not used regularly.
Tend to have a slower printing speed compared to laser printers.
Ink Tank Printer
An ink tank printer is similar to an inkjet printer, but instead of using cartridges, it has refillable tanks that hold more ink.
The ink tanks continuously supply ink a little at a time, which helps prevent them from drying out.
A low-maintenance color printing alternative that may is more practical than inkjet printers for occasional use.
Ink tank printers are ideal for printing high-quality photos and images.
So on balance, laser printers and ink tank printers are the best for infrequent use. Inkjet printers are still an option, but you will have to print something once a week or so, to prevent the ink from drying out.
Best Printer for Occasional Use: Frequently Asked Questions
Need answers about home printers? Here are some of them to the most frequently asked questions.
What printer is best for infrequent use?
A laserjet printer is usually the best option for infrequent use, since their ink does not dry or clog the printer like an inkjet, and they require less maintenance.
How long can a printer go without being used?
Printers can go for a few weeks without being used, but leaving inkjet printers unused for extended periods can cause ink to dry out and clog the print head. For these, it's recommended to use the printer at least once a week to keep the ink flowing and prevent clogs.
Are laser printers better for occasional use?
Yes. Laser printers are recommended for occasional use since their toners do not dry up or clog like inkjet printers, even after months without use.
Do printers need to be used regularly?
It depends. Inkjet printers should be used regularly to prevent ink from drying out and clogging the print head. It's recommended to print at least one page per week to keep the ink flowing and prevent clogs. Laserjet printers can go for months without use and without any issues.
Best Printer for Occasional Use: Conclusion
Having a printer at home is essential for work, even if you only use it occasionally. It saves time, money, and offers the convenience of being able to print anything you need without leaving the house.
When choosing the best home printer for occasional use, it's important to consider factors such as print quality, print speed, connectivity, and cost of ink or toner. Laser printers and ink tank printers are the best options for infrequent use, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Ultimately, the choice of the best printer depends on your specific needs and preferences. The Brother HL-L2350DW is my overall top pick, but any of the choices above will be great, depending on your particular needs.
Want more? Check out these articles for products to help you build the best home office setup in the world:
Andrew Macarthy has worked from home for over a decade. He is a social media consultant and the author of the #1 Amazon Web Marketing Bestseller, 500 Social Media Marketing Tips - with over 150,000 copies sold to date.
