How to Pick The Right Multifunction Printer
Gone are the days where printers could do just one thing – print! In recent times, due to the advancement of technology, we can now access printers that will not only print but are also capable of photocopying, scanning and emailing, alongside the jaw-dropping 3D printers that can build near enough anything.
The features that all-in-one printers possess have made them increasingly popular for the efficient multi-tasking that’s so necessary in our modern workplace, or home office, environments.
With prices to suit every budget, we’ve put the best selling all-in-one printers through their paces to bring you our top selection.
1) Canon imageCLASS D1620
Overview
Topping our list of the best all in one printer is this Canon. This is an inkjet all-in-one printer with the ability to print, scan, photocopy, and fax. It is purposely designed to handle both home and office work with good output quality and speed.
What We Like
This printer is able to print and scan automatically on both sides of a page without having to turn it manually which is perfect for time efficient individuals. It’s also WiFi enabled and ID compatible with the majority of mobile devices such as iOS, Android and Windows. Hardcore multitaskers are able to print hundreds of high quality documents a day wirelessly, even directly from Google Cloud, if you so wish.
What Needs Improving
Although it comes with perfect features, the cables could be a little longer; however that doesn’t detract from the quality and performance.
2) HP OfficeJet 250
Overview
This inkjet HP printer is ideal for handling all of your business applications, offering, as it does, the ability to print, copy, fax and scan accurately and efficiently. Solidly built, with well considered features, HP have done it again!
What We Like
In addition to its ability to automatically print on both sides of the paper, the scan to email feature is a real asset, and coupled with the reproduction quality for both text and images, perfect for formal brochures and more, we like the all-round skills this HP offers. It also has the advantage of a straightforward and very user-friendly touch screen interface, the option to go wireless, and Amazon’s Dash Replenishment – a unique feature that automatically reorders your ink cartridges when they become low.
What Needs Improving
It took a little while to personalize the WiFi connection, but once achieved, it worked perfectly.
$399.99 in stock
33 used from $276.18
3) Canon MX492
Overview
The Canon MX492 is very reasonably priced and capable of offering everything you’d expect and a little bit more. Printing, scanning and photocopying can all be achieved wirelessly, from your smart phone, tablet or laptop remotely, making it ideal for the busy commuter. The compact design allows for easy home printing, or wherever space is a priority.
What We Like
For an all-in-one inkjet printer, this little baby is fast and efficient, producing high quality printouts, with crisp, clear images and text. Compatible with Windows, iOS and other sytems, there are a multitude of printing options, including wireless, via USB or direct from your smart device. The integrated Auto Document Feeder is a real time saver, eliminating the need to hang around and wait, while the high speed fax can handle up to 50 incoming pages.
What Needs Improving
It would have been thoughtful of Canon to include a USB cable – next time, eh Canon? But these are cheap and easy to acquire, so this isn’t a deal breaker.
1 used from $657.75
4) HP OfficeJet 200
Overview
This all-in-one printer has all the power and commitment to quality you’d expect from industry giants HP. Compact, with a touch sensitive screen, this can scan, copy, fax, and print at speed, producing impressive workmanship every time.
What We Like
With the ability to print direct from your smart device, the output is fast and efficient, increasing workplace productivity and the quality of printed materials produced. Images are vibrant and crisply enhanced, allowing brochures to attract new clientele, and everything is carried out in near silence, thanks to HP’s Quiet Mode, making this the ideal printer for the home office, too.
What Needs Improving
HP’s Instant Ink optional extra sends out more cartridges when yours are getting low. However, their version of low, and ours, are a little different. This isn’t an issue, but opt for the custom re-order service, and adjust it according to your own useage.
24 used from $180.90
5) Brother Monochrome Laser Printer
Overview
Brother’s all-in-one laser printer is a beast of a machine, designed to increase productivity whether in a home office or a busy professional workplace. Offering multiple connectivity options, including ethernet, USB and WiFi, remote printing is simple via AirPrint, Cloud, Brother iPrint&Scan, and plenty more.
What We Like
With the ability to automatically print 2-sided, choosing this machine is good for you and the environment, while the unique Toner Save Mode, Amazon Dash Replenishment, and printing speeds of up to 36ppm make this great for your budget, too.
With easy to follow instructions, the installation was simple, and within minutes we were producing high gloss images, printing envelopes, and cards, which this impressive Brother handled with consummate ease.
What Needs Improving
Although compact, with a neatly sized footprint, this is a heavy duty printer, with the weight to match. We recommend that once placed in situ, it remains there – at least until you’ve had a chance to recover from carrying it.
3 used from $263.57
Have you ever wondered how printers actually transfer an exact electronic image onto a piece of paper? Check out some interesting facts about how different printers work if you’re a nerd who always wants to know more!
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