How to choose a cheap and reliable MFP for home use

In the age of computer technology, almost every home has a laptop, computer, tablet or other modern technology. One of them is a multifunctional device (BFP). Of course, many users use conventional printers, but if you need to not only print, but also periodically scan, copy, then the MFP will be the best purchase. About that, how to choose an MFP for home, and will be discussed in this article.

What is an MFP

MFPs are a combination of such techniques, as a printer, photocopier and scanner. Some device models include additional telephone and fax. Many features often have to be used at home - it's printing text, copying printed or handwritten material, document scanning and high-quality photo printing.

Buying a separate printer, scanner, copier or fax, you will spend much more money, than to buy all the necessary devices in one device.

in addition, buying an MFP will give you many other benefits.

1. Compactness. A set of individual devices will take up a lot of space.
2. Reliability. In case of breakage of working parts, repairs will be much cheaper.
3. Multitasking. Work with documentation, photos, etc.. P.
4. Economical use of paints.
5. Easy to install and configure - all you need is one outlet. One cable is included, driver, as well as installation instructions.
6. Ease of operation. Usually, The MFP is equipped with a modern LCD display.

Choose the type of MFP

Laser or inkjet? This question is of interest to a large number of buyers. And the first, and the second have their advantages and disadvantages. Having studied them in more detail, you will be able to make the right choice.

laser

First, consider the benefits of laser MFPs.

1. Laser models for the home perform fast printing. On them, unlike inkjet, you can perform large amounts of work (print speed up to 25 pages per minute).
2. Simplicity of the device. Repairs are extremely rare, since the device almost does not break.
3. The device is simple to operate. Even an untrained person can cope.
4. The multifunction device works almost without noise and vibration. After refilling the cartridge is enough for a long time, on average from 1000 to 2000 sheets.
5. Drying of paint is excluded, since inside the toner powder.
6. Cheap models are available in a wide range.
7. The machine accepts paper of various qualities. It is also possible to print on stickers, films and dense fabric.

Colored laser models for the home have some drawbacks. First of all, it is the high cost of the device. in addition, although the device has the ability to print in color, don't buy it for photos. But for documents and drawings, you can choose a laser. The disadvantages of black and white laser models for the home include the high cost of the device and frequent refilling of the cartridge.

inkjet

Inkjet MFPs, mainly, are color models. Their advantages include the following:

• affordable price of the device;
• easy cartridge refilling;
• possibility to connect to CISS (ink savings);
• photos, printed on photo paper, are of high quality.

The disadvantages of the nozzles are also many.

1. The main disadvantage of inkjet MFPs is the frequent drying of ink (if you do not use the boiler for more than a month). This may cause the print head to dry out, which threatens expensive repairs.
2. The ink in the cartridge runs out quickly, so it needs to be refilled often, and that, in turn, affects print quality. Black bars appear, there is a blurring of letters.
3. Vibration during the operation of the device - this is due to the movement of the print head to the right and left.
4. Printing time on inkjet MFPs is longer, and the print speed is lower, than laser (in a minute from 10 to 15 pages).
5. Each sheet should be protected from drops of water, because the spread of the text is possible.

Briefly about the benefits of CISS

This system is used only for injectors. CISS are cartridge and capsule. The difference is the installation on the print head according to the cartridge unit or lightweight capsules.
Economical ink consumption is ensured by the supply of ink from refillable tanks to the print head. Cartridges (or capsules) connect to ink jars with a multi-channel silicone cable. The CISS system is completely hermetically sealed, except for the compartment, in which there is a stabilization of pressure.

CISS with cartridge unit and chips

CISS with capsules

What to look for when choosing an MFP

If you decide to buy a multifunction device, you don't have to choose expensive models. It is quite possible to buy cheap, but a reliable MFP. To do this, you must consider important criteria. If you need a multifunction device with the ability to print in color, then stop the selection on the inkjet printer. It is perfect for amateur printing of images on photo paper in small volumes. By connecting a continuous ink supply system, you will significantly reduce the cost of printing, while maintaining good quality. High speed printing for home use of the All-In-One, usually, it is not necessary - the jet device perfectly fits into this criterion. And when choosing black and white (monochrome) devices pay attention to laser models of MFPs. When printing a large amount of material consumes a minimum of ink.

The presence of a copier is in all models, using one-sided copying reduces the cost of the device.

The print format for normal use applies to A4. Some models are designed for printing on A1 paper, A2, A3 and A5. Printing is done as on plain paper, and on photo paper. The printing of business cards of booklets is provided. WiFi is important to make it easier to work with, USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth.

Canon PIXMA MG3040 з WiFi

However, not all of the above features may be useful when working at home, therefore, when choosing an MFP, some of them can be excluded.

1. Large paper sizes are not required, example, A1, A2.
2. Blutooth and Enthernet are also not relevant in home use.
3. High print speeds are rarely required, so you can do with a little speed.
4. Faxing and duplexing are unlikely to be needed at home.

Excluding the above characteristics, you can buy MFPs much cheaper.

Top 5 best MFPs for home

Thanks to the positive feedback from experts and, of course, users, take a look at the best MFPs 2016-2017 years. The rating includes five models of multifunction devices - there are many to choose from.

Epson Expression Home XP-335

• ink of four colors;
• inkjet high quality photo printing;
• supports printing from memory cards, devices on android and iOS;
• universal scanner and copier;
• low-noise unit;
• high print speed and performance;
• appliances are easy to connect and configure;
• has the opportunity to join the CIS;
• low ink price.

• infrequent use will cause the ink to dry out;
• you need to use only quality ink.

Xerox WorkCentre 6025

• LED printing provides clear lines and accurate color reproduction;
• suitable not only for home use, but also for the office;
• ideal for printing color images;
• color printing on film is possible;
• business card printing, postcards, labels at a professional level;
• a distinctive feature of the device is its long service life;
• cartridge with colored paint is enough, to print 1000 colored pages, and the black ink cartridge will last twice as long;
• toner is used for printing, which does not dry up at long rest of the device.

The disadvantages of the model include complex management and settings.

Samsung Xpress M2070W

• black and white laser printing;
• the device is easy to operate and configure;
• high speed printing;
• refilling and reflashing of the test cartridge is possible;
• compact device.

The disadvantage is the high cost of new cartridges.

Brother DCP-9020CDW

• possibility of color double-sided printing;
• the presence of a touch panel;
• excellent print quality;
• printing booklets, postcards, postcards, business cards at a professional level;
• printout from memory cards, bypassing the computer;
• color cartridge life 1400 pages, and black - 2200 pages of text;
• reusable cartridge;

• rather voluminous unit;
• emits moderate noise;
• high power consumption of the device.

Canon PIXMA MG7740

• inkjet printer;
• Six-color ink;
• excellent print quality, including photos;
• can be printed on disks;
• perfectly conveys the entire color scheme;
• equipped with a color touch screen, wi-fi, lan, card reader;
• it is possible to save scanned documents in the pixma cloud link cloud;
• double-sided printing.

Unfortunately, such a device also has its drawbacks. First of all, this is the high cost of ink. Also not included is a USB cable. Glossy plastic case is also not a virtue, but it's a trifle compared to excellent print quality.