I need a simple, reliable inkjet printer for occasional document printing at home.

The Canon PIXMA TS4320 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is an ideal, budget-friendly choice for low-volume, occasional home document printing.

For occasional home use, look for compact, inexpensive models that support wireless printing from phones and laptops. Standard inkjet models under $100 work best when you only print a few pages a week, though you should run a test page every couple of weeks to prevent the ink nozzles from drying out.

Recommended Occasional Home Printers

Watch this overview of top home printers to see how budget inkjet models compare in real-world setups:

Tips for Occasional Printers

• Prevent clogs: Print at least one small page every 10 to 14 days so the liquid ink does not dry inside the tiny print nozzles.
• Consider cartridge size: Entry-level units use smaller cartridges; if you go long stretches without printing, traditional cartridges are cheaper upfront than high-capacity ink tanks that can also stall if neglected.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Do you also need scanning and copying , or just printing?
• Would you prefer a laser printer (which uses dry toner that never dries out during long idle periods)?

For occasional document printing at home, I’d keep it simple and avoid paying extra for a high-volume ink-tank printer.

My pick: Canon PIXMA TR4720

• Canon PIXMA TR4720 - $69.99 (Canon)

It’s a good fit because it gives you wireless printing, scanning, copying, an automatic document feeder, and automatic two-sided printing without being an expensive office machine. Current listings show it around $70 on sale, though prices vary.

The main downside is ink cost: cartridge printers cost more per page than refillable-tank models. But if you're genuinely printing only occasionally, the lower upfront price can make more sense.

Two alternatives

• Canon PIXMA TS4320 - $69.99 (Staples)

• Epson EcoTank ET-2800 - $199.99 (Best Buy)

• HP Envy 6558e - $99.99 (Staples)

• Canon PIXMA TS4320 — cheapest/simple option if you mostly need basic printing, scanning, and copying.

• Epson EcoTank ET-2800 — better if you expect your printing volume to increase; refillable tanks dramatically reduce ink costs, but you pay more upfront.

• HP Envy 6558e — a nice middle ground with an automatic document feeder and automatic duplex printing.

Bottom line: I'd buy the Canon TR4720 for your stated use. If you tell me your approximate budget (e.g. under $75, $100, or $150) and whether you need scanning/copying, I can narrow it down to one.

For simple, occasional document printing at home, the top recommendations include the Epson Expression Home XP-4200 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. for its low price and automatic double-sided printing, and the Canon PIXMA TS4320 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. for straightforward, budget-friendly baseline performance.

Important Note: If you leave an inkjet printer idle for weeks, the liquid ink inside the printheads can dry out and clog. If you only print black-and-white documents every few months, technology reviewers from Wirecutter strongly recommend buying a basic monochrome laser printer instead, as laser toner uses dry powder that never clogs or dries out. However, if you definitely want an inkjet for occasional color usage, here are the best options:

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• Standout Feature : Offers automatic two-sided printing.
• Specifications : Includes print, scan, and copy functions.
• Availability : Currently available at Staples.[1]

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• Standout Feature : Very straightforward design with simple wireless setup.
• Specifications : Black text print speeds up to 14 ipm.
• Availability : Can be purchased through Staples.[1]

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• Standout Feature : Ultra-low entry price point.
• Specifications : 60-sheet paper capacity with flatbed scanning.
• Availability : Sold directly through Walmart.[1]

If you want to ensure the printer fits your specific space and needs, let me know:

• Do you absolutely need color , or is black-and-white okay?
• How many weeks or months usually pass between your print jobs?
• Will you be printing mostly from a computer or a smartphone?

If you’ll only print occasionally, I’d keep this simple: don’t overpay for a high-end ink-tank printer. Inkjet cartridges can clog when left unused, so for very infrequent document printing, a basic model is often the better fit.

My picks

• Brother MFC-J1360DW - $89.99 (Walmart - Staples)

• Canon PIXMA TR4722 - $64.00 (Walmart)

• Canon PIXMA TS4320 - $69.99 (Staples)

• Epson EcoTank ET-2800 - $199.99 (Best Buy)

• Best overall: Brother MFC-J1360DW — about $90 currently. It prints, scans and copies, has automatic two-sided printing and an automatic document feeder. RTINGS calls it its best budget inkjet, particularly praising its document quality.

• Best cheap/simple option: Canon PIXMA TR4722 — about $64 currently. It's a straightforward print/scan/copy/fax machine with an ADF. Good if you want to spend as little as possible.

• Cheapest basic choice: Canon PIXMA TS4320 — about $70 currently. Very simple, compact, and suitable for occasional documents, though cartridge costs are higher over time.

• Best if you'll eventually print a lot: Epson EcoTank ET-2800 — refillable tanks dramatically reduce ink costs, but the higher upfront price doesn't make as much sense for truly occasional printing. Current testing also notes that inkjets generally shouldn't sit unused for long periods.

My recommendation for you: the Brother MFC-J1360DW. It hits the sweet spot of low upfront cost, good document quality, scanning/copying, and useful automatic duplex printing without paying EcoTank prices.

One caveat: if by “occasional” you mean only a few times a year, I'd actually steer you toward a small monochrome laser printer instead. Toner doesn't dry out the way ink can, making it substantially more reliable for long periods of non-use.

For simple, occasional document printing at home, the top recommendations include the Epson Expression Home XP-4200 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. for its low price and automatic double-sided printing, and the Canon PIXMA TS4320 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. for straightforward, budget-friendly baseline performance.

Important Note: If you leave an inkjet printer idle for weeks, the liquid ink inside the printheads can dry out and clog. If you only print black-and-white documents every few months, technology reviewers from Wirecutter strongly recommend buying a basic monochrome laser printer instead, as laser toner uses dry powder that never clogs or dries out. However, if you definitely want an inkjet for occasional color usage, here are the best options:

Add to list

• Standout Feature : Offers automatic two-sided printing.
• Specifications : Includes print, scan, and copy functions.
• Availability : Currently available at Staples.[1]

Add to list

• Standout Feature : Very straightforward design with simple wireless setup.
• Specifications : Black text print speeds up to 14 ipm.
• Availability : Can be purchased through Staples.[1]

Add to list

• Standout Feature : Ultra-low entry price point.
• Specifications : 60-sheet paper capacity with flatbed scanning.
• Availability : Sold directly through Walmart.[1]

If you want to ensure the printer fits your specific space and needs, let me know:

• Do you absolutely need color , or is black-and-white okay?
• How many weeks or months usually pass between your print jobs?
• Will you be printing mostly from a computer or a smartphone?

For occasional document printing at home, I’d avoid paying extra for a high-end office printer. The best fit is usually a simple wireless all-in-one inkjet (print/scan/copy), or an ink-tank model if you want to keep it for years.

Here are the models I’d consider:

• Canon PIXMA TR4720 Wireless All-in-One Printer - $69.99 (Canon)
• Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless All-in-One Supertank Printer - $199.99 (Micro Center)
• Brother MFC-J1360DW Wireless All-in-One Color Printer - $89.99 (Walmart - Staples)
• HP DeskJet 2852e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer - $59.00 (Walmart)

Best choices for your use case

• Best overall for occasional forms, letters, and documents:

• Good balance of price, simplicity, and features.

• Includes scanning/copying, Wi-Fi printing, and an automatic document feeder.

• Good if you print a few pages a month and don’t want to spend much upfront.

• Best if you want fewer ink headaches:

• Uses refillable ink tanks instead of small cartridges.

• Higher upfront cost, but much lower ink cost over time; ink tanks are often a better fit for people who want a printer that can sit around and still be economical.

• Best “quiet workhorse” option:

• Adds useful features like automatic two-sided printing and a document feeder.

• A good pick if you occasionally scan or copy multi-page documents.

• Cheapest simple option:

• Fine for very light use.

• Best if the main goal is “print a form once in a while,” not heavy printing.

My recommendation

For a few documents per month, I’d pick:

1. Canon PIXMA TR4720 if you want the lowest hassle and lower purchase price.
2. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 if you expect to keep it 5+ years or dislike buying cartridges.

One thing to keep in mind: inkjets can clog if they sit unused for very long periods, so even an occasional printer benefits from printing a small test page every few weeks.

If you tell me your approximate budget (for example under $100, $100–$200, or best long-term value) and whether you need scanning/copying, I can narrow it to one model.

For occasional home document printing, I’d prioritize simple setup, good text quality, and reasonable ink costs over photo features or high speed.

My pick: Epson EcoTank ET-2800

• Epson EcoTank ET-2800 - $199.99 (Micro Center)

It’s a particularly good fit if you might go weeks between print jobs but still want to avoid expensive cartridge replacements. Its refillable tanks provide very high page yields and low ongoing ink costs, and it prints sharp documents.

Why I'd choose it:

• Refillable ink tanks rather than small cartridges
• Very low cost per page
• Print/scan/copy
• Wi-Fi and AirPrint
• Compact and straightforward

One caveat: it doesn't have automatic two-sided printing or an automatic document feeder, and like most inkjets, leaving it unused for long periods can lead to clogged nozzles.

If you want the cheapest upfront option

• Canon PIXMA TR4722 - $64.00 (Walmart)

The Canon PIXMA TR4720/TR4722 is inexpensive and adds an ADF plus automatic duplex printing, which is useful for documents. Canon U.S.A. However, its cartridge costs and low page yields make it considerably less attractive if you print more than occasionally.

Bottom line

• Best overall for occasional home use: Epson EcoTank ET-2800
• Best if you want a very cheap printer and don't mind cartridge costs: Canon PIXMA TR4722
• If you literally print only a handful of pages a month: I'd also consider a small monochrome laser printer instead of an inkjet—it can be a better "leave it alone and print when needed" solution.

If you tell me your approximate budget (e.g. under $100, $150, or $200) and whether you need color, scanning, or automatic double-sided printing, I can narrow it to one model.

For occasional home document printing, traditional inexpensive inkjet printers often frustrate users because the liquid ink tends to dry out or clog the print heads if left sitting for weeks at a time. However, if you need color capability or scanning at a low initial price point , a few reliable, budget-friendly options fit the bill.

• Best for: Ultra-low upfront cost.

• Why it fits: It's a compact 3-in-1 (print, copy, scan) that handles light, sporadic duties without a steep price tag. It uses a simple 2-cartridge system (one black, one tri-color), making maintenance straightforward. Tip for occasional use: Run a quick test page every couple of weeks to keep the nozzles from drying out. [1][2]

• Best for: Simple wireless setup and basic tasks.

• Why it fits: Very affordable with integrated mobile printing and a flatbed scanner. It is compact, easy to tuck away, and frequently bundled with introductory ink services if you prefer automated delivery.[1]

Alternative Consideration: A Monochrome Laser Printer (like the Brother DCP-L2640DW Go to product viewer dialog for this item.)

• If you only print black-and-white documents and don't need color, a budget laser printer is vastly more reliable for occasional use. Laser toner never dries out, meaning it will print instantly even if it sits unused for six months.

To help narrow this down, tell me:

• Do you strictly need color printing , or would black-and-white work?
• Do you need a built-in scanner/copier , or just a standalone printer?

For occasional home document printing, you want a compact, budget-friendly all-in-one printer that doesn't take up much space and is easy to connect via Wi-Fi. For very infrequent use, traditional cartridge-based inkjets are usually better than high-capacity "supertank" models, as you won't have to worry about liquid ink sitting too long in a tank system if left unused for months.

Here are three reliable, straightforward, and budget-friendly options well-suited for light home duty:

1. Epson Expression Home XP-4200 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

• Why it fits: This is a compact 3-in-1 (print, scan, copy) that regularly sits at a very affordable price point (≈ $60). It features a bright color LCD screen, easy wireless setup via the Epson Smart Panel app, and automatic double-sided (duplex) printing to save paper. It uses individual 4-color ink cartridges, meaning you only replace the specific color that runs out. Check out details and purchasing options on the Epson Store.[1]

1. Canon PIXMA TS6520 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (or the simpler TS4320 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.)[1][2]

• Why it fits: Canon's PIXMA line is widely praised as a reliable, no-fuss choice for light domestic use, homework, and recipes. It provides sharp text documents, clean wireless connectivity (including Apple AirPrint), and a space-saving footprint. It uses a hybrid 2-cartridge system (one black, one tri-color), which is exceptionally low-maintenance for occasional users. You can explore specifications on the Canon Store.[1][2]

1. HP DeskJet 2955 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

• Why it fits: A ultra-budget staple for basic printing, scanning, and copying. It handles dual-band Wi-Fi with self-healing capabilities to keep dropouts to a minimum. It's small, cheap to buy, and often bundled with trial offers for delivery ink services like HP Instant Ink if you ever transition to predictable printing. You can view listing details via retailers like Staples.[1]

Do you prefer a model that uses individual ink cartridges (replace only the color you run out of) or a two-cartridge setup (one black, one color) for ultimate simplicity? Let me know and I can help you narrow down the choice.

For occasional home document printing, I’d keep it simple and avoid paying for a high-end office printer.

My pick: Epson Expression Home XP-4200

• Epson Expression Home XP-4200 - $59.99 (Best Buy)

It’s a good fit because it’s inexpensive, compact, prints/scans/copies, supports Wi-Fi, and has automatic two-sided printing. RTINGS specifically recommends the XP-4200 as its best cheap printer for occasional printing, noting that it produces solid document quality and is straightforward to use.

Current price: about $60 at Best Buy in the result I found.

Another good choice: Canon PIXMA TS4320

• Canon PIXMA TS4320 - $69.99 (Staples)

This is even more basic and currently around $70. It's a sensible choice if you want a simple print/scan/copy machine and don't print very often. RTINGS also considers this newer PIXMA family a good option for occasional use.

One thing I'd consider instead

If by "occasional" you mean only a few pages every month, an inkjet isn't necessarily the most reliable technology. Inkjet printheads can clog when the printer sits unused for long periods; a small monochrome laser printer avoids that problem.

But if you specifically want color, I'd get the Epson XP-4200 and print a small color page roughly once a week to keep the ink system healthy.

Bottom line: Epson XP-4200 for the best balance of cheap, simple, and capable. If you tell me your budget (e.g. under $75, $100, or $150) and whether you need color/scanning, I can narrow it to one model.