Best Home Printers Consumer Reports, Tips, Ratings, Reviews, and Guides in 2022
Printers are something most of us take for granted. We simply go to the store, purchase one, and bring it home. However, if you’re in the market for a new printer – either because your old one is on its last legs or you’re looking for an upgrade – knowing which model to buy can be daunting.
That’s where Consumer Reports comes in. CR’s experts have tested hundreds of printers and compiled their findings into this year’s list of the best home printers.
Whether you need a printer that is affordable, fast, or versatile, there’s sure to be a model that fits your needs. So what are you waiting for? Check out CR’s top picks and find the perfect printer for your home today!
Top 10 Best Home Printers to Buy in 2022:
Below is the list of top 10 Best Home Printers that you can have a look at and buy. Check one by one carefully before purchasing.
![Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer [Print,Copy,Scan], Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61x6KTFR8yL._SS520_.jpg)
*Note: Score is based on our AI score (Editor’s choice and rating)
What is Home Printers?
A home printer is a peripheral device that produces hard copy documents, typically in the form of text or graphics, from a computer.
Home printers are typically low-cost consumer devices designed for relatively low-volume printing.
Many home printers also include features such as scanning and photocopying.
Some newer models also support wireless printing from mobile devices.
Home printers are generally small and light enough to be moved around easily, making them well-suited for use in a home office or small business environment.
They typically connect to a computer via a USB cable, although some models also support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.
Most home printers use inkjet technology, which is well-suited for producing high-quality text and graphics documents.
Some models also support photo printing, typically at resolutions of up to 4800 dpi.
Laser printers are generally more expensive than inkjet printers, but they tend to be faster and more suitable for heavy-duty printing tasks.
Home printers are typically designed for occasional or light-duty use, and as such they usually have a relatively low cost per page.
Home printers work by connecting to a computer or other device and using that connection to print documents and images. Many home printers are also capable of scanning documents and images, which can be saved to the computer or other device.
Home printers come in many different types, including wireless and all-in-one models. Some home printers also have built-in fax machines.
What are the Different Types of Home Printers?
The three most common types of home printers are inkjet printers, laser printers, and thermal printers.
Inkjet Printers: Inkjet printers use a series of tiny nozzles to spray ink onto a page. Inkjet printers are typically less expensive than laser printers and are ideal for printing photos and other graphics.
Laser Printers: Laser printers use a laser beam to draw an image onto a drum, which is then transferred to paper. Laser printers are typically faster and more efficient than inkjet printers, making them ideal for office use.
Thermal Printers: Thermal printers use heat to transfer images or text to paper. Thermal printers are typically smaller and quieter than other types of printers, making them ideal for home use.
Pros and Cons of Home Printers
Pros:
– Home printers are becoming increasingly affordable, making them a great option for those who want to print occasional documents or photos.
– Home printers offer the convenience of being able to print from the comfort of your own home, without having to leave the house to go to a printing shop.
– Home printers have come a long way in terms of quality, and now offer comparable output to that of professional printers.
– Home printers offer a wide range of features, such as wireless connectivity and the ability to print on a variety of different paper types.
Cons:
– Home printers can be slower than professional printers, so if you’re in a hurry to get your prints, it’s best to go to a professional printer.
– Home printers may not offer the same range of features as professional printers, so if you need something specific like large format printing or special paper types, you’ll need to go to a professional printer.- Home printers can be less reliable than professional printers, so if you’re printing important documents, it’s best to use a professional printer.
– Home printers can be tricky to set up and use, so if you’re not tech-savvy, it’s best to go to a professional printer.
What are the Benefits of Home Printers?
The best home printers are those that fit your specific needs. If you plan to use your printer primarily for printing photos, an inkjet printer would be a good choice. If you need a fast and efficient printer for office use, a laser printer would be a better option. And if you’re looking for a small and quiet printer for at-home use, a thermal printer might be the best choice.
How to Use Home Printers?
1. Connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Install the printer driver software that came with your printer.
3. Open the document or image you want to print.
4. Select the print option from your application’s File menu.
5. Choose your printer from the list of available printers.
6. Click the Print button.
7. Wait for your document or image to print.
Common Mistakes When Using Home Printers?
One common mistake when using home printers is not connecting the printer to your computer correctly. Make sure you follow the instructions in your printer’s manual to ensure proper connection.
Another mistake is using low-quality or incompatible ink or toner cartridges, which can cause problems with print quality and reliability.
Always use high-quality, compatible cartridges from a reputable source.
How to Maintain Home Printers?
1. Keep your printer clean: Dust and debris can build up on the internal components of your printer, causing it to malfunction. Use a soft, dry cloth to dust off your printer regularly.
2. Use high-quality paper: Cheap paper can cause jams and ink smears. Invest in high-quality paper that is designed for use with your specific printer.
3. Use the correct ink cartridges: Using the wrong type of ink can damage your printer. Be sure to use only the type of ink that is specified for your printer model.
4. Avoid excessive heat and humidity: Extreme temperature and humidity can damage your printer. Store your printer in a cool, dry place to keep it in good working condition.
5. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Be sure to read the owner’s manual for your printer and follow all of the manufacturer’s recommendations for care and maintenance.
Factors to consider before buying Home Printers?
Size: Home printers come in a variety of sizes, from small, compact models to large, all-in-one devices. Consider the size of your home and the amount of space you have available for a printer before making your purchase.
Print quality: If you need to print high-quality documents or photos, look for a printer with high print resolution. Laser printers typically have higher print quality than inkjet printers.
Print speed: If you need to print large documents or photos quickly, look for a printer with high print speed. Laser printers typically print faster than inkjet printers.
Cost: Home printers vary in price, from budget-friendly models to high-end, all-in-one devices. Consider your budget and your printing needs before making your purchase.
Compatibility: Make sure the printer you choose is compatible with your computer and mobile devices. Many printers have Wi-Fi connectivity, which lets you print wirelessly from your home computer or mobile device.
Brand: There are many different printer brands to choose from, including HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother. Consider the brand of your other home office devices and choose a printer from the same brand for compatibility.
Design: Home printers come in a variety of designs, from small, compact models to large, all-in-one devices. Consider the design of your home and the aesthetic you want for your printer before making your purchase.
Style: Choose a printer that matches your personal style. Most home printers come in black or white, but some models are available in other colors.
Warranty: Home printers typically come with a one-year warranty. Consider the length of the warranty and the type of coverage before making your purchase.
Material: Home printers are typically made of plastic. Some models may have metal parts, such as the paper tray. Consider the material of your printer before making your purchase.
Ease of Use: Home printers vary in terms of ease of use. Some models are very user-friendly, while others require more setup and configuration. Consider your level of tech-savviness before making your purchase.
Setup: Home printers typically come with everything you need to get started, including the power cord and ink or toner cartridges. Some models may require additional setup, such as connecting to a Wi-Fi network. Consider the amount of setup you’re willing to do before making your purchase.
Customer Service: If you have any problems with your printer, you’ll want to make sure the company has good customer service. Look for a company with a toll-free customer service number and 24/7 support.
FAQs about Home printers
1.How do I connect my home printer to the internet?
There are a few different ways that you can connect your home printer to the internet. One way is to connect it directly to your router with an Ethernet cable. Another way is to connect it wirelessly to your router. Finally, you can also use a USB cable to connect your printer to your computer and then share the connection with other devices on your network.
2.What are the benefits of connecting my home printer to the internet?
There are a few different benefits of connecting your home printer to the internet. One benefit is that you will be able to print from anywhere in your home, as long as your printer is connected to the internet. Another benefit is that you can also use apps and services that require an internet connection, such as Google Cloud Print or Apple AirPrint. Finally, by connecting your printer to the internet, you will be able to receive firmware updates and security patches automatically.
3.How do I troubleshoot connectivity issues with my home printer?
If you are having trouble connecting your home printer to the internet, there are a few things you can try.
First, make sure that your printer is properly connected to your router. If you are using a wireless connection, make sure that the printer is within range of your router.
Second, restart your printer and your router. Finally, if you are still having trouble, you can contact your ISP or the manufacturer of your router for further assistance.
4.What are some common problems with home printers?
There are a few different problems that can occur with home printers. One problem is that the printer may not be able to connect to the internet. Another problem is that the print quality may be poor. Finally, some home printers may not have all of the features that you need.
5.How can I improve the print quality of my home printer?
There are a few different ways that you can improve the print quality of your home printer. One way is to use high-quality printer paper. Another way is to adjust the settings on your printer. Finally, if you are still having trouble, you can contact the manufacturer of your printer for further assistance.
6.How can I save money on printer ink?
There are a few different ways that you can save money on printer ink. One way is to buy compatible or remanufactured cartridges. Another way is to use refill kits. Finally, some printers come with features that allow you to print in draft mode or black and white only.
7.What are the environmental impacts of printing?
The main environmental impact of printing is the use of paper and ink. Paper is made from trees, which are a renewable resource. However, the process of making paper uses energy and water, which can have negative environmental impacts. Ink is made from petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource. In addition, the manufacturing of ink and the disposal of ink cartridges can also have negative environmental impacts.
8.What are some tips for reducing paper waste when printing?
There are a few different ways that you can reduce paper waste when printing. One way is to print on both sides of the paper. Another way is to use recycled paper. Finally, you can also set your printer to print in draft mode, which uses less ink.
9.What are some tips for reducing ink waste when printing?
There are a few different ways that you can reduce ink waste when printing. One way is to print in black and white only. Another way is to use draft mode. Finally, you can also set your printer to print at a lower quality setting.
10.Are there any health risks associated with printing?
The main health risk associated with printing is the inhalation of toner dust. Toner dust can contain harmful chemicals, such as lead, which can be harmful if inhaled. In addition, some printers use ozone to fix images onto paper, which can also be harmful if inhaled.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a new printer, be sure to check out the latest Consumer Reports ratings. The best home printers can be found there, and you’ll know what to look for when shopping. Buying a printer doesn’t have to be difficult- just use our guide to help you make the right decision for your needs
I’m Georgie Barton, a reviewer for various magazines and consumer reports. I’ve been testing and writing about household products and electronics for years, and have become quite the authority on the subject. My goal is to help people make informed decisions when purchasing these items, so they can get the most value for their money.
My hope is that through my work, everyone will be able to find a quality and satisfactory product. Thank you for reading!