Best Printer for Infrequent Use – 07 Options to Choose From

Though people are looking for ways to go paperless in offices or businesses, we still need to print black-and-white documents or color images.

It means the use of printers is infrequent or occasional nowadays. In this case, the demand for printers specifically manufactured for infrequent use is rising gradually. 

But we don’t want to compromise on the print results while keeping the operation cost less. This is where the best printer for infrequent use comes in handy.

These printers feature decent printing speed to minimize the printing cost. Moreover, some models can print, scan, and copy, allowing users to get the best out of them.

In this comprehensive guide, I highlighted 7 printers for infrequent print consumers. If you are confused about buying the right one, here is what you need to know!

In a Hurry? Our Top 3 Best Printer for Infrequent Use

1. Best for Print Speed – LexMark B2650dw Monochrome Laser Printer

This printer is promised to give you crisp and dark black printouts at a minimal cost with 50 pages per minute – [Check Price]

2. Best for Efficiency – Brother L2350 DW Compact Monochrome Laser Printer 

Dynamic features fulfill every requirement of infrequent users and improve efficiency with minimal paper refills – [Check Price]

3. Best for Color Printing – Brother HL-L8360CDW Color Laser Printer

If your priority is high-quality color printing, put your hands on it. It also maintains operational cost low with a 33 ppm printing speed – [Check Price]

07 Best Infrequent Use Printers

I reviewed these printers based on their performance, print quality and speed, operation cost, size, and design. 

1# LexMark B2650dw Monochrome Laser Printer – Best for Students

The LexMark B2650dw is a great mono laser printer featuring fast printing speed. The chance of color drying up is less for its monochrome technology, which is ideal for students who need to print infrequently.

Why is This Suitable for Infrequent Use?

The inkjet doesn’t tend to dry quickly. Also, the nozzle remains block-free if you use it infrequently.

With good page yield, this is an affordable printer for the long run. It means the printer performs with consistent efficiency if you use it occasionally. 

Print Quality, Speed & Cost

When discussing the printing quality, it can print 1200 x 1200 dpi, 2400 x 600 dpi, 600 x 600 dpi, and 1200 x 600 dpi resolution. You will always get detailed graphics and clear text documents. 

Since it is designed to be used infrequently doesn’t mean you are bound to print a few media types. It handles plain papers, card stock, specialty media guides, envelopes, paper labels, etc. Printing quality remains consistent and satisfying with every media type. 

Regarding print speed, this is the CHAMPION! Get mono printing at a maximum of 50 ppm at a reasonable price.

While it is also capable of printing two-sided documents at 24 ppm. This printing speed makes it suitable for home offices or small businesses. Overall, it doesn’t take much time to produce a satisfying text document. 

Undoubtedly, the printing cost is the most satisfying feature of this mono laser printer which is $0.0142. In order to keep the cost minimal, it is packed with valuable features.

High page yield, duplex printing, faster print speed, and low energy consumption perform together to let you save a few bucks. Plus, long-life parts keep the maintenance cost low.

Connectivity

It is compatible with Wi-Fi, gigabit Ethernet connections, and USB. Whatever mode you choose to connect your PC, smartphone, or tablet, connections are always secure and convenient. 

In addition, I liked the Lexmark Mobile Assistant app. It lets me set up my smartphone quickly and easily with this printer.

Size & Design

Good quality hard plastic construction gives a well-built impression. An intuitive control panel permits you to use it effortlessly.

A convenient front USB port, 2.4” color LCD and 2-sided printing make the printing task a breeze.

It measures 18.5” X 16.93” X 16.61” and weighs 34.8 lbs., requiring large space to set up.

Specification

• Printing Technology: Monochrome Laser
• Connectivity Technology: Wireless
• Max Print Speed (Monochrome): 50 ppm
• Form Factor: Print Only
• Paper Size: 8.5 X 14

Key Feature

• Incorporated Wi-Fi
• Duplex printing support
• True workhorse

2# Brother L2350 DW Compact Monochrome Laser Printer – Best for Efficiency

Featuring class-leading prints up to 32 ppm, the Brother L2350 DW Compact Monochrome Laser Printer requires fewer refills of papers and inks.

Offering sharp text and reliable prints for the money, making it the best home printer for infrequent use.

Why is This Suitable for Infrequent Use?

This compact laser is efficient and full of multiple features to meet the needs of infrequent users. Two-sided printing capability saves paper and valuable money. It is a reasonably priced printer with reliable performance and crisp text quality. 

Print Quality, Speed & Cost

Keep in mind it is not engineered to provide glossy documents and sleek images. But while testing, I received reasonably attractive black-and-white output. I could read the texts comfortably without magnification.

I printed a few PowerPoint handouts and full-page Excel charts as well. The outcome was good enough for infrequent uses.

Providing 32 pages per minute, this printer is one of the fastest printers out there. If you ever need to print many pages within a short time, its high speed will get the job done efficiently. 

Similar to other standard monochrome lasers, cost-per-print is outstandingly low at $0.009.

This laser printer cartridge is also based on toner instead of ink, offering extended shelf life. Thus, no worries, even if you plan to print frequently. 

Connectivity

It features Wi-Fi connectivity with support for Wi-Fi direct. Moreover, the printer works with a USB cable as well. So, you are covered if you ever need to connect it to a PC or laptop using USB. 

Overall management is convenient as the Brother iPrint & Scan application is available on iOS and Android devices. 

Size & Design

Solid plastic and tough material are used in manufacturing this unit. Thus, it looks durable and sturdy. Also, due to the innovative design, accessing the toner and drum units is trouble-free.

Moreover, the paper tray accommodates 250 sheets. Such a capacity is also high compared to other printers of its print range. This high speed helps it to compete with top-rated laser printers for infrequent use.

Another feature that I liked most was the easy-to-open back panel. This feature helps me clear paper jams without hassle. 

Specification

• Printing Technology: Laser
• Connectivity Technology: USB
• Printer Output: Monochrome
• Maximum Print Speed (Monochrome): 32 ppm
• Operating System: Windows 10 Home

Key Features

• Duplex printing capability
• 250-sheet paper capacity
• Fast and efficient

3# Brother HL-L8360CDW Color Laser Printer – Best for Color Printing

The Brother HL-L8360CDW is a sturdy beast. I didn’t face any difficulty installing it after unboxing it.

Duplex and fast printing put a smile on my face. I recommend it to those seeking the best color printer for infrequent use. 

Why is This Suitable for Infrequent Use?

An outstanding print-only model meets every printing requirement of infrequent users. Its upfront cost and large sizes make it a good choice for small businesses that go through occasional printing. 

Print Quality, Speed & Cost

Generating crisp, sharp, and well-saturated images is the prime feature of this printer. I found that this performance is consistent with any images and charts. 

The text quality is dark, and I barely found imperfections here and there after printing 100 pages. However, it has a flaw, making all photos darker than on the desktop or laptop screen. 

Printing speed above average with 33 ppm for both color and monochrome prints. But this speed decreases to 12 ppm when printing duplex. 

Furthermore, hefty printing cost is another crucial feature of this unit. It prints black and white at a rate of $0.02/page and color pages at $0.10/page. Additionally, its toner cost is low, making it a better value for money. 

Connectivity

It allows wireless printing from your smartphone. Gigabit Ethernet network interface also facilitates the printing experience from a mobile device. Moreover, the printer can directly print from a USB drive. 

Size & Design

I found it one of the most trouble-free printers on the market. The 2.7” color touchscreen display offers easy menu navigation and printing from known business cloud services. 

Moreover, you can easily adjust the 250-sheet paper tray for legal or letter printing. Additionally, a 50-sheet capacity multi-purpose tray for envelopes and alternative media.

It is a beast printer in terms of weight and size. This is also much quieter than other laser printers.

Specification

• Printing Technology: Laser
• Connectivity Technology: USB, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi
• Printer Output: Color
• Maximum Print Speed (Color): 33 ppm
• Maximum Print Speed (Monochrome): 33 ppm

Key Features

• Super high-yield replacement cartridges
• Color LCD touchscreen
• Direct printing from Cloud services

4# HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e Color Printer – Best for Home Offices

The print quality is good whether I print color photos or black-and-white text documents. I used it for printing roughly 700 pages of official documents and homemade Christmas cards and never experienced a problem.

Still, I haven’t changed the cartridge, meaning the ink lasts longer than others.

Why is This Suitable for Infrequent Use?

With a medium print volume of 2,000 pages/month, it is one of the best solutions for persons who use printers infrequently. Its scans are high quality, and automatic duplex scanning is a godsend.

Print Quality, Speed & Cost 

Text prints seem sharp and dark. Also, you will get smooth, contrasting, and fine-detailed results when printing graphics. Photo prints come with an attractive, natural, and well-saturated look. 

I am most impressed with its print speed. It takes 24 ppm of a text document. Moreover, the printing speed of mixed graphics is quick, taking roughly 20 ppm. It means print speed is decent enough to meet your regular printing requirement. 

Additionally, this printer will let you save money on printing costs. Ink cost is 3.3 cents/text page and 13.2 cents per color graphic and mixed text.

Impressively, using high-yield ink cartridges lower printing costs to 2.3 cents/text page and 8.8 cents per color graphic and mixed text.

Connectivity

A cable connection is not always necessary while printing from a smartphone or tablet. However, it uses Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet connectivity, allowing you to print anywhere.

One of the unique features is the Self-healing Wi-FiTM. This feature detects and resolves connection problems automatically. 

Size & Design

It is bigger compared to other home office printers, with 12.5 x 17.2 x 15.6 inches. The printer takes up enough space on my 48” computer desk. 

The build feels robust. It is designed with a 2.65” large color touch screen for convenient use. 

Specification

• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet
• Maximum Print Speed (Color): 20 ppm
• Maximum Print Speed (Monochrome): 24 ppm
• Input/Output Capacity: 500 sheets/100 sheets

Key Features

• All-in-one functionality
• Two 250-sheet input trays
• Black and white prints up to 24 pages/minute

5# HP LaserJet M140w All-in-One Printer – Best Feature-packed Printer

While looking for the best all in one printer for infrequent use, I found it a great deal. It fits all my purposes, and I can connect it easily to my laptop/PC/iPhone. The unit helped me print nice black ink prints.

Why is This Suitable for Infrequent Use?

Get your hands on this printer if you must complete printing tasks infrequently. It feeds the printer perfectly and can be asleep for several weeks. Then when you need it, the device wakes up to give professional and reliable quality output. 

Print Quality, Speed & Cost

Similar to all other standard laser printers, its print quality is damn good. Smooth and detailed text will surely satisfy you.

Also, it produces smoother curves, sharper edges, and more uniform type text. You can also copy small documents and ID cards without trouble. 

The printer supports fast printing speeds, allowing users to print up to 21 pages per minute. You can print many documents in no time, making it ideal for a home office. Laser printers are good at printing with excellent speed; this printer is also no exception.

Moreover, its printing cost is decent enough. It is one of the most economical laser printers I have ever reviewed. Thanks to its high page yield, it features an impeccable cost-per-page value at $0.127. 

Connectivity

You can enjoy this printer’s full capability with the HP Smart App. The app lets you access and print documents promptly from your mobile through Google Drive or Dropbox. 

After getting the high-quality scan, you can effortlessly share them to Google Drive, Dropbox, Email, or the cloud.

Size & Design

This printer is unbeatable regarding its design. Accessing the toner and drum unit is effortless.

The front paper tray has a holding capacity of 150 sheets. Moreover, it features a letter-size flatbed scanner that captures all document elements. 

In addition, it is one of the smallest laser printers in its class. It doesn’t take up much space on the desk or other areas and is also easy to carry for a lightweight structure.  

Specification

• Printing Technology: Laser
• Connectivity Technology: USB
• Printer Output: Monochrome
• Maximum Print Speed (Monochrome): 21 ppm
• Input/Output Capacity: 150 Sheets/100 Sheets 

Key Features

• Intuitive control panel
• HP auto on/off technology
• Easy printing, copying, and scanning

6# HP LaserJet Pro M15w – Best for Connectivity

First, I am impressed by its connectivity options. It is compatible with a USB port and Wi-Fi, and I never struggled with printer connection.

Next is the reliable printing performance, delivering much better output than ink-sucking color printers. 

Why is This Suitable for Infrequent Use?

The HP M15w is an inexpensive yet powerful printer suitable for those who print occasionally. I was surprised by its super compact size. If space and simplicity are your concern, this will be great.

Print Quality, Speed & Cost

The printer is designed for churning text documents. I used it to print a couple of color images from my smartphone. Happily, I was satisfied with the image print quality.

When it comes to black and print quality, I didn’t experience any problems. There was zero-character fuzziness, spacing, or other flaws.

It prints promptly and swiftly up to 19 ppm throughout my test. The first page takes only 8.1 seconds to be printed.

Being a small and portable printer, such printing speed makes it one of the best printers for occasional use, I reviewed. However, the printer delivers slow performance when printing on DL envelopes. 

In addition, running cost is comparatively low than most other monochrome laser printers. For 1000 pages of print volume per month, it costs $15.

Connectivity

A printer must be accessed from a wide range of devices for home offices or small businesses.

Keeping this point in mind, it is manufactured with standard wireless connectivity. As a result, you can connect it directly with various devices like smartphones, tablets, desktops, and notebooks.

Besides, HP smart apps compatibility lets you use the smartphone camera as a scanner.

Size & Design

Toss it into any office, home, or tight space for its small size. The printer is virtually unnoticed and lights enough to carry to trade shows and other areas. It is 35% small compared to its competitors. 

The input tray holds 150 sheets, while the output bin accommodates 100 sheets at a time. Thus, frequent refilling of the paper tray is unnecessary.

Specification

• Printing Technology: Laser 
• Printer Output: Monochrome
• Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi, USB
• Maximum Print Speed (Color): 19 ppm
• Maximum Print Speed (Monochrome): 19 ppm

Key Feature

• Intuitive LED control panel
• HP auto on/off technology
• Compact design

7# Canon G7020 All-in-One Printer – Best for Small Apartments

Save ink using the Canon G7020 All-in-One Printer. Print full-color flyers, excel charts, office reports, etc., and worry-less running out of ink or quickly refilling the ink cartridges.

It functions as printer, copier, scanner, and fax machine, giving the flexibility to save space.  

Why is This Suitable for Infrequent Use?

This printer is designed specifically for small businesses. It efficiently meets medium print volume and promises high productivity while ensuring low operating costs. 

Print Quality, Speed & Cost

It is equipped with Canon FINE inkjet technology, having a 1792 nozzle configuration. So, you will get detailed printing all the time. It supports 4800 X 1200 dpi print resolution, facilitating crisp, sharp black texts and well-saturated color images.

I printed 13 images/second and 6.8 images/second for mono and color, respectively. This speed dropped tremendously when I did duplex printing.

For mono, it took 2.9 images/second; for color, I received 2.8 images/second. Based on this test, this printer’s speed is relatively low.

On top of that, printing costs are incredibly affordable at $0.0067. The ink reservoir holds more consumables, letting you easily print thousands of pages. Remember, the more pages you print, the lower the cost.

Connectivity

This printer’s wide range of connectivity options will take your printing experience to the next level. 

Wi-Fi, USB, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet are the standard connectivity features, allowing you to connect your tablet or smartphone securely.

More importantly, it enables users to print from mobile via Canon Print App, Google Cloud Print, and Apple AirPrint.

Size & Design

Solid plastic construction gives it a sturdy look. Also, the black glossy finish makes a statement in your home office.

Moreover, it measures 15.9” x 14.6” x 9.3″, taking enough space in my computer desk. 

Specification

• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Printer Output: Color
• Maximum Print Speed (Color): 6.8 ppm
• Maximum Print Speed (Monochrome): 13 ppm
• Connectivity Technology: USB

Key Features

• Big and bold design
• MegaTank holds more consumables
• Wireless performance

Types of Printers for Infrequent Use

The printer for infrequent use comes in 3 different types: inkjet, laser, and all-in-one. They have their own set of advantages and drawbacks. 

1. Inkjet Printers

Inkjet printers use inks to print documents, images, and graphics. They are mostly used in homes or offices.

Advantages

• Low start-up cost
• Versatile for printing on a wide range of papers 
• They don’t require warm-up time before printing
• Inkjet cartridges are convenient to refill and reuse
• Easy to maintain

Disadvantages

• Inkjet printers use water-based ink. Thus, printouts tend to fade over time

2. Laser Printers

Laser printers are well-known for providing a sharp and crisp outcome. They are widely used for desktop publishing.

Advantages

• Faster printing speed
• Prints sharp text documents
• Efficiently handles small fonts and fine lines
• Conveniently tackles high-volume printing jobs
• The best option for infrequent users

Disadvantages

• Needs a lot of upkeep

3. All-in-One Printers

Printers that can do multiple tasks like scanning, copying, and faxing are called all-in-one printers. They are a good option for small apartments.

Advantages

• Buying a separate printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine is unnecessary
• Saves space
• Decent speed
• Highly flexible to use
• Convenient maintenance

Disadvantages

• Black and white print only

Benefits of Using a Printer for Infrequent Use 

A printer for infrequent use offers the below benefits.

• Printers for infrequent use are inexpensive while producing eye-catchy prints. 
• Infrequently used printers are smaller and more compact, taking less space
• They are less expensive to use as they consume less power, helping you save electric bill

Buying Guide for the Best Printer for Infrequent Use

Considering a few factors will help you precisely choose the best printer for infrequent use. Read the below factors intently.

Printing Needs and Volume

Knowing the frequency of printing and volume before buying the best inkjet printer for infrequent use is important.

Thus, you can determine the paper tray capacity.

If you need to print many pages at a time, high paper tray capacity and printing speed will benefit you.

Considering the printing speed is also crucial. 

A printer for a home office or small business has to have a decent enough printing speed. It is always best to choose a printer that can handle many documents within a short time.

Print Quality and Resolution

Everyone wants the best quality printing outcome. 

Generally, laser models offer better quality text and image printing than the all-in-one and inkjet types. Select one, depending on your preference. 

Moreover, high-resolution printers are best for printing images. So, check the resolution as well if you are printing images infrequently. 

Connectivity Options

Printers for infrequent use come with different connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, etc. Choose the connectivity feature based on your usability. 

Cost Efficiency

Sadly, many users only look at the price of the printer to know whether it is within their budget. They don’t consider the ink cost. 

Don’t be happy only looking at the price tag; consider learning the ink cost of a model. 

Select a model with an easily replaceable ink cartridge and compatible with other cheap ink cartridges. The ink cost of such printers is less.

Maintenance and Replacement Cost

Printers require regular maintenance to avoid repairs or poor performance. 

If you don’t clean the printheads and the inside of the printer, you will experience paper jamming problems frequently.

Moreover, your printer will consume more ink for printing. Thus, the cartridge will finish quickly, requiring replacement.

So, ensure regular maintenance to avoid frequent cartridge replacement costs.

Compatibility with Devices and Operating Systems

Nowadays, people not only want to print from desktops or laptops but also directly from smartphones or tablets. 

Check the compatibility with devices before deciding on a model. You will get added benefits if the model has desktop, laptop, mobile, tablet, and notebook compatibility. 

Also, make sure the printer is compatible with the latest operating system/

Paper Handling Capability

Your selected printer should come with good paper-holding capacity. If you use it for the home office, the paper tray should always be filled with paper.

At the same time, learn what paper type is needed for printing. A regular printer can handle A4 papers efficiently. While for printing bigger-sized papers, a larger printer is required.

Size and Portability

Compact and small printers are always good options. They can be carried and installed in different places as per requirements.

However, if you don’t need to carry the printer, you can go with a large and bulky model.

Energy Efficiency

Although printers don’t consume high electricity, having an energy-efficient printer will definitely be beneficial.

Some printers feature auto-on/off functionality. They consume less energy as these printers turn off automatically when not in use. 

Moreover, auto duplexing is another feature that uses both sides of the page for printing. This feature helps in saving paper and valuable money. 

Additional Features Such as Scanning and Copying

Most printer models are now eligible for printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. 

Your purpose will let you decide how many functions you need in your selected printer.

For example, you may need to copy or scan a page while doing home office or small business. In such cases, an all-in-one printer is a good option.

Maintaining Your Printers for Occasional Uses

Ensuring maintenance is key if you want long-term service from your printer. Here are a few tips for you.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Use soft cotton fabric to clean the inside of the printer. The print head also needs to be cleaned properly. This will prevent paper jamming or printhead clogging.

Keeping the Printer Dust-Free

Cover the printer with a fabric when not in use. Also, avoid covering when the printer is in operation mode. This way, the printer will remain dust-free.

Proper Paper Handling

Learn the capacity of the paper tray before filling or refilling it. Always keep 20 – 30 papers less than their capacity. Moreover, always use fresh paper in the tray.

Keeping the Ink/Toner Fresh

Ink can dry quickly if it is exposed to heat. So, keep ink away from heat. Also, fresh toner reduces waste and saves bucks. 

Software and Firmware Updates

Unfortunately, many users don’t consider updating the printer’s software. Keep the software and firmware up to date. By ensuring this, your printer will deliver excellent performance every time. 

Avoiding Overuse

Everything comes with a limitation, and printers are also no exception. People think the more you use the printer, the more productive it will be.

This is a misconception. If your printer is not designed to handle heavy-duty tasks, avoid overusing it.

Storing the Printer Properly

Choose a leveled surface and well-ventilated area to store your printer. Don’t leave it in an overly dusty area. Such an act will lessen your printer’s lifespan. 

Using Genuine Supplies

Always look for the best deals and supplies for your money when replacing the components. Buy compatible inks and avoid using super-cheap supplies.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Constant paper jams, the printer is offline, slow Wi-Fi printing, etc., are a few common printer problems. Learn to troubleshoot these complications. It will help you save money as well.

Scheduling Professional Maintenance

Printers for infrequent use require professional maintenance annually. Thus, smooth performance from your printer will be guaranteed. 

FAQs

Which Printers Are Best for Infrequent Use?

Laser printers are best for infrequent use. The reasons are,

• Use toner cartridge
• Ink doesn’t dry up if you leave it for 1 week
• Always delivers satisfying quality prints

Is Laser or Inkjet Better for Occasional Printing?

If you want an occasionally used printer, go laser instead of inkjet. The reason is that toner lasts more days compared to ink cartridges. However, if proper maintenance is not done, both can stop working properly.

What Happens If Printer Is Not Used for A Long Time?

Printing maintenance, like dust cleaning and covering the printer is a must when you leave the unit for a long time. Dust can accumulate on the print heads and nozzles, clog cartridges, cause less ink flow, etc. problems may appear. 

Do Laser Printers Dry Out If Not Used?

Laser printers use toner for printing text documents, excel charts, images, etc. Toner is basically dry powder made of plastic components and doesn’t dry. A toner cartridge can be kept in a printer for a week without touching, and you will still get a quality print. 

Which Printer Uses the Least Amount of Ink?

The LexMark B2650dw Monochrome Laser Printer uses the least amount of ink. Its replacement cartridge yields a maximum of 15,000 pages with the highest input capacity of 2300 pages. 

Recap

Hopefully, now you can choose the best printer for infrequent use from the above list. I discussed the key features with their benefits, helping you make a long-term investment.

If you are in a hurry, I suggest you unfold the features of the Brother HL-L8360CDW Color Laser Printer. It provides fast color and black print speeds of up to 33 ppm.

This printer is renowned for low-cost printing and business-quality output. Also, its paper handling options are flexible and enable the user to print from a mobile device.