By stocking and selling compatible and refillable cartridges, we have noticed that printers are not lasting as long as they used to. Metal components have been replaced with cheaper plastic ones. The life-span of an inkjet printer now seems to be around 2 years, compared to older models which could still be functional after more than 10 years.
With the Epson Expression XP range you get a lot of printer for your money, but if you are a frequent to heavy user, we recommend you buy a heavier duty printer. Currently the Epson Expression Premium XP540 retails around the £80 mark and uses the 33 and 33xl cartridges. Compatible and refillable cartridges are available for this model, however they are a little more expensive than older versions. In addition, the XP900 (£145) also uses the 33 series cartridges and offers A3 printing from a manual rear feed.
If cheap printing is your main requirement, there are are number of new Epson printer models that currently should be avoided. The Workforce WF-2750WF can struggle with compatible cartridges and will not entertain the use of refillable versions. In addition, the new Expression Photo XP-8500 uses 6 x 378 Squirrel cartridges. Compatible generic cartridges remain very expensive (£10 each), and empty refillable versions are not yet available. Similarly, replacement inks are expensive for the new Workforce Pro WF-3725 which uses Golf Ball 34 / 34xl series cartridges. To add to the confusion, the Workforce Pro WF-4725 uses 35 (£19.49 each) / 35xl (£30.99 - 50.49 each) Durabrite Ultra Inks.
Fortunately there is light at the end of the Epson tunnel for the refilling community with the Epson Workforce WF-7510DWF A3 printer (£149.99). This printer uses the Alarm Clock 27 series ink cartridges. Refillable and compatible versions to replace T2711-4 are available at a good price for this machine.
Part 3 - Canon inkjet printers that may be suitable for cheap printing.