Ink printer technology exists on a fine line between efficiency and waste. Printer companies invest millions of dollars in R&D to find the ideal way to use ink and toner.
The two most common types of ink printers are the classic cartridge systems and newer ink tank models. Choosing a suitable answer to the cartridge printer vs ink tank printer debate will influence your experience, from the money you spend on ink to print quality.
So, are ink tank printers better than cartridge models due to their cutting-edge technology, or should you stick with the classics?
When comparing printer ink tank vs cartridge systems, you’ll need to weigh several factors. For example, cartridge models are cost-effective for homeowners who only occasionally need to print, while a busy office that prints 100 pages or more a day will get more value out of an ink tank.
We’ll break down everything you need to know in this guide. Our team at Selltoner.com is familiar with all major brands of ink and toner, as we are the #1 buyback service on the internet. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about cartridges, tanks, and printing equipment.
What is a Cartridge Printer?
Are ink tank printers better than cartridge models? To answer that question, we’ll first need to explore each side of the printer ink tank vs cartridge debate individually.
Cartridge printers refer to any ink printer that uses replaceable ink cartridges. They work with the print head and the software on your printer to bring your pages to life. Once the cartridges run out of ink, you replace them with new ones.
Note that ink cartridge printers are distinct from laser printers. Laser printers use toner cartridges rather than ink. For this article and the cartridge printer vs ink tank printer debate, we’re focusing exclusively on ink-based systems.
Pros of Cartridge Printers
Let’s look at the positives of this side of the cartridge printer vs ink tank printer debate.
Cartridge printers are cheap in terms of upfront cost. You can find reliable models for $100 or less, which is ideal for budget-conscious shoppers.
Ink cartridge printers tend to have smaller and lighter designs compared to other types, which is ideal if you’re tight on desk space. User-friendliness is another highlight of cartridge printers. It’s easy to swap out cartridges without worrying about spills from refills or navigating complex internal machinery.
Ink cartridge printers are relatively common, which ensures a steady stream of supplies. You’ll find replacement cartridges everywhere, from office supply chains to supermarkets, so you won’t have to worry about running out of ink.
Cons of Cartridge Printers
Ink cartridge printers aren’t perfect. The cost of ink cartridges is more expensive per page compared to refillable ink tanks. The price per page can range from $0.10 to $ 0.001, compared to $0.001 for tank printers.
Environmental concerns are also at the heart of the cartridge printer vs ink tank printer debate. Ink cartridges can end up polluting landfills, adding to plastic waste. You have to replace cartridges every few hundred pages, which can become a time-consuming and wasteful process.
Another thing that distinguishes a printer ink tank vs cartridges is the issue of off-brand cartridges. Most printers require the use of cartridges from a specific brand. That means if you see another ink brand on sale, you won’t be able to take advantage of cost savings–you’re stuck buying the more expensive option.
What is an Ink Tank Printer?
Now let’s explore the other half of the cartridge printer vs ink tank printer debate. Ink tank printers are an evolution of the classic cartridge-based machines. Instead of small disposable cartridges, these printers have large refillable tanks.
Many of them are transparent, allowing you to see exactly how much ink you have left. The tank connects to the print head, where it travels a short distance over time.
Are ink tank printers better than cartridge systems, or do the cons outweigh the pros? Let’s take a closer look.
Pros of Ink Tank Printers
Cost is a crucial factor in the cartridge printer vs ink tank printer discussion. Ink tank printers have a remarkably low cost per page, anywhere from $0.01 to $0.001 per page. Over time, this saves you thousands of dollars on ink compared to other printer types.
Similarly, ink tank printers are adept at handling large volumes. You can obtain several thousand pages from a single full tank, which is convenient for home offices and small businesses. Ink tank printers also help mitigate pollution, as they allow you to refill a single container with the equivalent of 10 to 20 plastic cartridges.
Most ink tank printers are compatible with multiple ink types, which frees you from relying on specific printer brands. This allows you to shop for the best deals and avoid supply chain issues.
Cons of Ink Tank Printers
Ink tank printers are more expensive upfront. A standard model might cost $200-$400, whereas a cartridge machine with the same specs has a price tag under $100. Ink tank printers are also larger and bulkier, which can take up desk space.
Ink tank printers may be more efficient per page, but that’s only if you’re dealing with that amount of volume. If you’re only printing a few pages per week, the ink in your system will eventually dry out.
This can cause clogs in your system, leading to expensive repairs. Some companies sell a replacement tank, known as a maintenance cartridge, that is cheaper than the cost of a brand-new machine, but you’ll still end up spending more than necessary.
Cartridge Printer vs Ink Tank Printer: Key Differences to Consider
Now that you are familiar with the benefits and drawbacks of each printer type, let’s compare them directly.
Cost Breakdown
The cost side of the cartridge printer vs ink tank printer debate isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Cartridge printers are generally cheaper than ink tank models, typically costing around $100-$200 less. The dynamic flips around for long-term costs.
Filling an ink tank printer is equivalent to buying anywhere from 10 to 20 ink cartridges. The print cost per page for an ink tank system is approximately $0.001, while cartridge models can cost between $0.01 and $0.10 per page.
This is a cost advantage of 10 to 100 times for ink tank models. Note that the actual cost of ink is quite similar – cartridges may cost around $20 to $80, while refillable bottles cost $50 to $80. The cost savings stem from the fact that ink refill bottles can handle several thousand pages, whereas cartridges typically dry out after a few hundred.
You’ll typically reach a break-even point around 1,000 to 2,000 pages, where the upfront cost of ink tank printers balances out with the long-term cost of ink cartridges.
Print Quality
Ink tank printers and cartridge systems are both capable of producing high-quality results. However, there are a few specific niches where one shines over the other.
For example, there are ink cartridges with special formulations, like photo ink cartridges. While it is possible to find refillable tank ink for the same purpose, the technology is relatively new. Thus, you might experience slight inconsistencies or supply issues with a tank printer.
If you’re a professional photographer or design firm in need of high-quality prints, a high-end cartridge printer will be a better choice. But for general use, the difference is essentially negligible.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Learning how to put ink in a printer can be a tricky process, especially with refillable ink. Cartridges are relatively simple–you just pop them into their designated space, align the printer in a few seconds, and you’re ready to print. With an ink tank model, you must fill the tank precisely while avoiding spills. You also need to clean the print head to prevent clogging.
Conversely, cartridges can be more cumbersome if you have large print volume requirements. You’ll need to replace your cartridge every few hundred uses, while ink tanks can last for thousands of pages. Ink tanks are also easier to inspect visually, allowing you to prepare for replacement. For cartridges, you’re relying on your printer monitoring ink levels, which can lead to ‘surprise’ low ink moments.
Environmental Impact
Printer cartridges occupy landfills in droves. Ink and toner cartridges take several hundred years to decompose. Millions of ink cartridges end up in landfills each year, creating an environmental nightmare.
Recycling mitigates some of this waste, but there’s no denying that ink cartridges are wasteful. Ink tank bottles can replace 10 to 20 cartridges. They also don’t contain electronic chips and circuit boards that are difficult to recycle.
In addition to the impact of physical cartridges in landfills, ink tank bottles are also lighter and have fewer parts. This reduces their ecological footprint by lowering shipping emissions and industrial processing.
Think About Print Volume
How many pages do you print per year?
If you’re just printing 10 to 50 pages per month with your home desktop, a cartridge printer offers the best efficiency. You’ll only need to buy a new cartridge a few times per year.
If your print volume exceeds 100 pages per month, ink tanks become the more economical choice. You’ll break even on the upfront costs within half a year, and save money on ink afterwards.
And if you’re dealing with print volumes over several hundred pages per month (or even per day), there’s no comparison: ink tank printers are the best option for cost savings.
Are Ink Tank Printers Better Than Cartridge Printers?
We’ve shown you how each printer type works, so it’s time for a definitive answer. Which printer type should you choose?
Cartridge printers are a good choice for small home offices. If you’re only printing a few pages per month, you won’t break even on ink costs for a while. Cartridge printers can also be convenient, since they don’t take up desk space and are easy to use.
However, for most cases, we recommend ink tank printers. They are both eco-friendly and cost-effective for average or higher print volumes. You’ll recoup the initial cost premium by saving money on ink in the long term – you get 10 to 20 times the number of pages per ink tank compared to cartridges.
Of course, ink cartridge printers and ink tank printers aren’t your only two choices. There are also laser printers that use toner. They are typically more expensive than cartridge printers but have higher print quality, faster print speeds, and long-term durability.
Laser printers are a better option for high-volume, primarily black-and-white printing, while ink tank machines are ideal for high-volume color printing.
To learn more about how different printer technologies compare, visit our blog at Selltoner.com. We’ve provided detailed explanations of various printer types and components, including pigment vs. dye ink printers, how to transfer ink from one cartridge to another, and printer drum cartridges vs toner cartridges. You can also talk to our team with any questions you may have about the industry.
Wrapping Up Our Printer Ink Tank vs Cartridge Comparison
Overall, ink cartridges and ink tanks have key differences you need to consider. Ink cartridge machines are cheaper upfront, but more expensive at higher print volumes, and have a harsh environmental impact.
Ink tank models are more expensive, but have a lower cost per page, making them ideal if you’re printing lots of pages per month.
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