Printer without cartridge

The term cartridge-free printer seems quite inconceivable when you know that on some printers, the cost of consumables can be more expensive than the entire device. However, in recent years, printers recharging with ink bottles are beginning to invade the market and revolutionize the field of printing .
The main known printer brands have already started to build this type of printer, such as Epson, HP and Canon, while others are in the process or have not yet started to take an interest in it.

Cartridge-free printers resume the traditional operation of inkjet printers with the main difference being consumables . It is no longer ink cartridges but rather ink bottles. These bottles contain liquid ink and are placed in reservoirs in large quantities . As for the cartridges, the printer needs the 3 primary colors (yellow, cyan and magenta), but also the color black and sometimes even photo black.

What can also be noted with this type of printer is the ease of replacing the bottles . Simply open the tank and pour the ink from the bottle of the missing color. Much simpler than with classic cartridges, where some users may find it difficult to place them.

• Print quality
  

Just because you want to print intensively doesn't mean you don't want good print resolution. Here you should know that these printers can all print in color and generally with professional quality . Obviously the quality won't be as sharp as a photo printer, but will do fine even for printing color images/photos.

• Print speed

Inkjet technology is obviously much slower than laser printers. For this type of model, we will look for a speed greater than 10 pages per minute at least. This number will help avoid wasting too much time on a long print run. A speed higher than 20 is ideal but rare for an inkjet. Above 30 is almost too much and only present on laser models.

• Sustainability

Even if these printers all offer a guarantee of at least one year, we are looking for a durability of at least 3 years. Rest assured for printers without cartridges, they are designed to last over time and generally resist well over 3 years. However, we encourage you to look at testimonials from past users to see how long their printers last.

• Connectivity

Visually, most ink bottle printers look quite old. However, all these printers are equipped with wifi connectivity, even bluetooth to print from a telephone or a laptop for example. So make sure that the cartridge-free printer you want to buy can be configured via wifi and/or is compatible with AirPrint or Mopria.

Pros
The main advantages of this type of printer are obviously the printing cost which is incredibly low. For example, the price of an average bottle of ink is around €10, so almost the same price, or even cheaper, than a conventional ink cartridge. However, this bottle of ink can generally print more than 5000 pages, against 200 to 500 max for an ink cartridge. We can see that the cost per page is much lower than all other types of printers.

Another positive point will also be the lifespan of this type of printer. Indeed, as they are models designed to print a lot, they are also made to last over time . In the same perspective, it must be understood that these printers can collect more than 10,000 impressions per month for the standard models, against 1,000 for a classic inkjet multifunction.

example of ink bottles
Added to this, the advantage pointed out by the users of these printers is obviously autonomy. With just one refill, you'll be able to print over 10,000 pages, so one refill will last for years . In addition, these models also prevent the ink cartridges from drying out and therefore being unusable, a common problem on inkjet printers. Finally, the advantage is also ecological , because the ink bottles are recycled much more easily than standard cartridges.

Cons
One of the few disadvantages of cartridge-free printer models is their acquisition cost. Indeed, as the consumables are very inexpensive, the price of the printers are higher than the average. However, this high cost can only be a problem if a user does not print much. Because even with inexpensive consumables, he will not be able to make his investment profitable. Conversely, someone who buys a cartridge-free printer and prints very regularly, will quickly recoup his investment and a cartridge-free printer will be much more profitable than a much cheaper inkjet printer.

Certainly the best-known cartridge-free printer on the market, the Canon Pixma G6050 is ultra economical and offers professional print quality. The print speed is 13 pages per minute in black and white as well as 7 pages per minute in color. The print resolution is 4800 x 1200 dpi , which promises quality rendering on documents, but also for color photo prints.

The dual paper tray can hold 350 sheets of plain paper in total, but can also accommodate envelopes and specialty papers like photo paper. Besides that, the printer can easily connect to wifi to print/scan/copy from a phone for example.

The autonomy of this printer is an advantage over the competition, as the ink bottles can print 7700 pages for colors and 6000 pages for black. Last important point, the model includes automatic duplexing for printing, to make life easier for users.

Buy the Canon PIXMA G6050 printer at the best price

The multifunction printer from the Epson range offers high -performance ink bottles for printing with good quality on a daily basis. Although not very fast (10.5 pages per minute in NB), this model offers printing with a resolution of 5,760 x 1,440 dpi , which allows among other things to offer high quality prints , in color or black and white. Printing is also automatic double-sided and the printer connects via wifi, but also has its own applications such as Epson Print.

One bottled ink refill can deliver over 7,500 black and white prints and over 6,000 in color. In itself, the printer offers incredible autonomy, all for consumables that are ultimately very inexpensive. The printer is compact (34.7 x 37.5 x 18.7 cm / 5.5 kg) unlike other printers capable of printing a lot.

In short, a good model of printer without cartridge , guaranteed by the know-how of the Epson brand, which will last over time.

Buy the Epson EcoTank ET-2750 printer at the best price 

The big brother of the EPSON ECOTANK 2750, this model is a high-end inkjet printer, designed to print high-quality photos , for a reduced price. The print resolution is 5,760 x 1,440 dpi and the model supports prints up to A3 size. This printer displays better print quality due to its design but also thanks to the presence of 5 different colors, with photo black in addition, unlike conventional models.

Overall, this model is more suitable for photo enthusiasts who want to print high quality and color photos very regularly , while keeping a low cost per page. This is the advantage that this printer offers, because other models could do this job but would offer them a much higher cost per page.

Besides that, it is also one of the rare models with a beautiful 6.8cm touch screen, ideal for making life easier for users and adding a touch of design at the same time.

The printer also connects via wifi and has the same applications provided by the Epson brand, allowing you to manage the printer from your smartphone. Several features are also highlighted, such as automatic duplexing or the ability to scan to the Cloud.

Buy the Epson EcoTank ET-7750 printer at the best price

It's sort of the most basic model in Epson's Ecotank range, and therefore the cheapest. However, the Epson Ecotank L3111 remains very efficient and capable of printing with professional quality, always intensively. Also connected via wifi, the printer lacks a small LCD screen that would make it easier to manage, which makes it less practical to use than the higher models.

The ink bottles are a little less efficient but still offer to print up to 4500 pages . Like the other models, the print resolution is 5,760 x 1,440 dpi , which ensures quality renderings and the print speed of around 10 pages per minute in black and white and 5 pages per minute in color. Duplexing is not automatic here, but the printer has Epson applications to facilitate remote printer management.

Clearly, an entry-level model that will do the trick and will print a lot with a still very low price per page.

Buy the Epson EcoTank L3111 printer at the best price

We now move on to the HP brand, which also produces printers without cartridges, with the HP SmartTank Plus 570 , which is the highest-end model. Overall, it has nothing to envy to other brands and offers quite incredible performance while remaining economical on a daily basis.

The print resolution is 4,800 x 1,200 dpi , which allows quality prints, even on color photo prints. In terms of print speed, it's not top but acceptable, with 11 pages per minute in Black&White and 5 in color. This model also has reliable wifi connectivity and access to applications like HP Print, which as its name suggests allows you to print from your phone.

It's not the most compact printer (44.9 x 37.3 x 25.9 cm / 6.18 kg), but remains unobtrusive for its performance, unlike large laser printers. Here, a small non-touch screen is available for easy access to printer settings. The paper tray is quite low in capacity (max 100 sheets) unlike the Canon G6050 printer but can however allow you to place cards or envelopes to print on it.

Buy the HP SmartTank Plus 570 printer at the best price

Clearly, a good model that benefits from the reliability of the HP brand , but also from an autonomy worthy of a good printer without cartridge.

The brand's smallest ink bottle printer model, the HP Smart Tank Plus 555 stands up to the competition by offering remarkable ink savings and longevity . This model offers 4 functions (print, copy, scan and fax) and easily connects to wifi, in addition to benefiting from HP applications.

The printer is one of the largest (40.3 x 36.9 x 23.5 cm), which can be awkward to place on a desk. The paper capacity is larger with a total quantity of 250 sheets of plain paper. The speed is also a rather disappointing point with around 10 ppm in BW and 5 ppm in color. As for the print resolution, it remains at 4800 x 1200 dpi to allow quality prints, even in color.

In short, it's a good model, certainly not the best, but which will still allow you to take advantage of the system without cartridges to benefit from great ink savings .

Buy the HP SmartTank Plus 555 printer at the best price

The most complete cartridge-free printer, the HP Smart Tank Plus 655 enables intensive printing with professional quality, while remaining accessible and easy to use . Autonomy is also good and connectivity is simplified by the LCD screen and HP brand applications (HP ePrint, HP Smart).

The dimensions are 44.9 x 37.3 x 25.9 cm and the weight is 6.8 kg, like the neighboring model Tank Plus 570, which sometimes remains cumbersome if you lack space. The print speed is the same as the other models, ie 11 pages per minute in BW and 5 ppm in color. The resolution is also 4800 x 1200 dpi and the renderings are therefore qualitative, whether on color photo prints or more classic documents.

In itself, it is the perfect model for fans of printers without cartridges and enjoying the reputation of the HP brand.

Buy the HP SmartTank Plus 655 printer at the best price

Epson offers another model from the Ecotank range, which is also efficient and easy to use, although it offers a small non-touch screen. Epson's personal applications will facilitate remote printing and as far as printing is concerned, it is done automatically on both sides , in order to save paper and ink.

The dimensions are also impressive, with 34.7 x 37.5 x 23.1 cm and 6.9 kg but fall within the average of this type of printer, ie a device still quite bulky. The print speed is around 10 pages per minute in BW and 5 ppm in colour, all with a resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi.

In terms of ink bottles, the yield is approximately 3,500 pages for black bottles and 6,500 pages for color bottles. Like other printers of this type, the performance is quite incredible and the cost per page is bound to be very low. Plus, the paper tray can hold 250 sheets of plain paper , ideal for long prints. Another important point, this printer has the fax function.

Buy the Epson EcoTank ET-4700 printer at the best price

Big sister of the G6050, this model offers almost the same functionalities by adding an automatic document feeder. Concretely, the printer is able to collect a lot of printing and offers the 4 functions of a complete multifunction.

Total paper capacity is 350 sheets , with a standard 250-sheet tray and an additional 100-sheet tray. Speed level, the printer is average with 13 pages per minute in B&W and 7 ppm in color. The print resolution is also 4800 x 1200 dpi, and the printer can take into account specialized papers (photo paper, matte paper) in order to print on them.

The ink bottles are very efficient and will print up to 6000 pages for black bottles, and 6500 for color bottles. Connectivity is also present but less easy to install, due to the complexity of the interface, where a touch screen might be missing.

Clearly, this model is one of the most efficient cartridge-free printers , with the main drawback of having a fairly basic design.

Buy the Canon PIXMA G7050 printer at the best price

The smallest model of the Canon brand, the G3501 does not demerit and offers pleasant performances. In terms of print quality, the printer uses the resolution of the top models, ie 4800 x 1200 dpi. On the other hand, the printing speed is quite reduced with 8 ppm in BW and 5 ppm in color.

Autonomy is for once surprising with 12,000 pages for a black bottle and 7,000 pages for color bottles. The paper capacity is a maximum of 100 sheets and it will also be possible to place specialized paper, in particular photo paper, in order to print in better quality . Looking less imposing in the photo, this model has dimensions of 44.5 × 33 × 16.3 cm for a weight of 5.5 kg, which makes it almost as bulky as the higher models.

In itself, it is a model almost as good as its big brothers but a little cheaper.

Buy the Canon PIXMA G3501 printer at the best price

Arguably the most successful model in the MegaTank range , the Canon Maxify GX7050 is the perfect cartridge-free printer for businesses . Although quite bulky, this model is very easy to use and includes many features. Professional print quality, this model displays a resolution of 600 x 1200 dpi.

For an ink tank model, this printer is particularly fast, with a speed of 24 pages per minute . Printing is automatic double-sided and this printer also has an ink saving mode. The latter makes it possible to increase the yield of the ink bottles. With this mode, we can expect to print around 9000 pages with a single refill.

As you will have understood, this is one of the best inkless printers on the market. It is suitable for companies that have intense and regular printing needs. Above all, it's a good way to save money and not go broke on ink, a budget that is sometimes too high and that many companies would like to reduce. Clearly, a serious alternative to laser printers .

Buy the Canon Maxify GX7050 printer at the best price

It is surely the most efficient cartridge-free printer in the Epson EcoTank range. This model is indeed designed to print photos with exceptional rendering, all for a low cost per page , thanks to cartridge-free technology. In addition to being efficient, it is a very stylish and easy-to-use printer, thanks to a large 10.9 cm touch screen.

The print resolution of 5,760 x 1,440 dpi makes it possible to obtain high quality renderings on both color and black and white photo prints. Print speed is nice at around 15 pages per minute. The yield is quite impressive too, with around 1800 prints for a refill in ink bottles.

Clearly, this model is ideal if you want to print photos regularly for an affordable price. If you only print a few photos from time to time, it is better to turn to a less efficient model.

Buy the Epson EcoTank ET-8500 printer at the best price

Last but not least, the Canon Maxify GX6050 is a high-performance professional cartridge-free model. Capable of printing more than 9000 pages with a single refill of ink bottles (10€/unit), it is the ally of all companies wishing to reduce their printing costs .

The 350-sheet paper capacity is decent and means you don't have to replace reams of paper too often. The print speed is similar to the GX7050 model, so is the print resolution.

In summary, the Canon Maxify GX6050 is an ideal model for companies that want a printer with professional quality, and high performance to save money. Compared to the top model, only the paper tray is smaller. It is therefore suitable if you do not want a larger paper tray, which the GX7050 model offers (about 600 sheets).

Buy the Canon Maxify GX6050 printer at the best price