Consumer group compares merits of 98 models.

 

Consumer group CHOICE has published a list of inkjet and laser printers that should be “avoided”, according to its panel of experts.

 

CHOICE tested 98 inkjet and laser printers from brands including Canon, Epson, Brother and HP, with the latter receiving most mentions.

 

The consumer group said it assessed printers for print quality, printing speed, ease-of-use, power consumption and yearly ink and toner costs.

 

Inkjet printers to avoid

 

HP DeskJet 4122e

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 58%

• Price: $87

• Yearly ink/toner cost: $1033

CHOICE commented: This HP will truly drink your ink.

 

Canon Pixma TS3160

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 60%

• Price: $69

• Yearly ink/toner cost: $287

CHOICE commented: This model's chief sins are dismal print quality (it scored 43%) and pretty ordinary copying (55%). 

 

HP Deskjet 3720

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 61%

• Price: $69

• Yearly ink/toner cost: $1192

CHOICE commented: It's so noisy that you wouldn't want to be sitting next to it while it prints.

 

Laser printers to avoid

 

HP Laserjet Pro MFP M428fdw

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 62%

• Price: $875

• Yearly ink/toner cost: $92

CHOICE commented: Despite its $875 price tag, it scored the lowest for print quality but does print super quickly and scores well for scanning and networking.

 

HP Colour LaserJet Pro M283fdw

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 62% 

• Price: $619

• Yearly ink/toner cost: $548

CHOICE commented: It's pretty good at scanning, but not great at photocopying.

 

HP Laserjet Pro M404dn

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 63%

• Price: $445

• Yearly ink/toner cost: $85

CHOICE commented: It may have excellent print speed and very low ink/toner costs, but this printer will guzzle huge amounts of energy.

 

For the full CHOICE report go to: https://www.choice.com.au/electronics-and-technology/computers/scanners-...