10 Best Printer For Occasional Use 2025 in the UK

The HP DeskJet 2810e All-in-One Printer is well-suited for occasional home use, offering essential functions like printing, scanning, and copying in a compact and lightweight design. Its print quality is decent with a maximum resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi for both black and color prints, making it adequate for everyday documents and casual photo printing. Connectivity is straightforward with Wi-Fi, allowing wireless printing which adds to its convenience.

The setup is made easy through HP's user-friendly print app, reducing the hassle for those who are not tech-savvy. It has a relatively slow print speed of 7.5 pages per minute for black and white and 5.5 pages per minute for color, which might be a drawback for users needing to print larger volumes quickly. The initial cost is reasonable, and the inclusion of 3 months of Instant Ink can help manage ongoing ink costs. Users should be aware of the monthly fees following the trial period.

Additionally, it's made with 60% recycled plastic, which is a nice eco-friendly touch. Maintenance is simple, but the max input sheet capacity of 60 pages might require more frequent paper refills. This printer is best for users who need a reliable and easy-to-use printer for light, occasional tasks at home, rather than for high-volume or professional printing needs.

The HP Envy 6120e All-in-One Printer is a versatile option ideal for occasional home use, particularly for those who print photos and documents intermittently. Its key strengths include the wireless capability and easy setup process, which make it convenient for users who prefer connecting their devices over Wi-Fi. The dual-band, self-healing Wi-Fi ensures a reliable connection, minimizing downtime. The printer delivers decent print quality, with resolutions up to 4800 x 1200 DPI for color, which is suitable for printing family photos and creative projects.

Its compact size and sleek design mean it won’t take up much space, fitting well in most home settings. The inclusion of features like automatic duplex (double-sided) printing and a user-friendly touchscreen adds to its appeal by enhancing usability and reducing paper waste. Additionally, the three-month Instant Ink subscription can be a cost-effective perk for infrequent users, which helps in managing the typically higher cost of consumables associated with inkjet printers.

However, the Envy 6120e may not be the best choice for users who require fast printing speeds, as it offers a modest 10 pages per minute for monochrome and 7 pages per minute for color. This might be too slow for users who need to print large volumes in a short time. Furthermore, while it supports borderless photo printing, the printer's capabilities are limited to standard A4 paper size, which could be a drawback for those needing more paper size versatility. Users should also be mindful of potential long-term costs, as inkjet cartridges can become expensive if printing needs increase over time.

This printer provides a good balance of print quality, ease of use, and modern connectivity options for those seeking a reliable, occasional-use home printer. Its value is enhanced by features that simplify and personalize the printing experience, although it's best suited to those who do not require high-volume or high-speed printing.

The HP DeskJet 2820e is an all-in-one printer designed for basic home use, ideal for those who need to print, scan, and copy occasionally. Its compact design makes it a practical choice for home settings with limited space. Despite its small size, it supports wireless printing through reliable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to print directly from smartphones or tablets, which adds to its convenience factor. The printer's print quality is adequate for everyday tasks, with a maximum color resolution ranging between 4800 x 1200 dpi and 5760 x 1440 dpi, suited for casual needs such as recipes or return labels.

However, with print speeds of 7.5 pages per minute for black and white and 5.5 pages per minute for color, it may be slower compared to other models, which could be a consideration if speed is a priority. The cost of consumables is potentially cut down by the inclusion of three months of Instant Ink, a subscription service that can save you up to 70% on ink costs. However, users should be aware that a monthly fee will apply after the trial period unless canceled. Maintenance is straightforward with the help of HP's user-friendly print app, which simplifies setup and ongoing use. Additionally, the printer is eco-friendly, being manufactured with 60% recycled plastic and participating in HP's sustainability efforts.

A possible downside is the lack of dual-sided printing, which might be a drawback for those who frequently need to print double-sided documents. In summary, the HP DeskJet 2820e is an affordable and efficient option for those seeking a versatile printer for occasional home use, balancing functionality with ease of operation and environmental considerations.