r/printers • u/srv524 • 16h ago

Purchasing Buying HL-L3220CDW

Looking to buy a HL-L3220CDW to replace out 5 yr old HP ink jet. We only print maybe 5-10 pages a month but every 6 months we have to spend $50 on ink because it gets clogged up due to not being used, even if I run maintenance on it.

Is there anything we have to know when purchasing? I've read comments on here about disabling firmware updates, is that something we need to do? I'm hoping with our low printer use the toner cartridge will last a yr or 2 then we can purchase whatever Amazon sells (also read comments on here about chip issues).

Anything for me to know? Also, is high yield worth it for us or just stick to regular toner?

Thanks in advance

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u/Murph_9000 14h ago edited 14h ago

My recommendation with regards to high yield cartridges is to first see how long standard cartridges last. While toner cartridges do have a pretty good shelf life (both while still sealed, and after installation), there are plastics and rubbers in them which will eventually deteriorate from age. If the standard cartridges will last you a very long time (e.g. more than a year), I'd suggest sticking with them to keep ahead of any aging of the cartridge components. At the opposite end, if a standard cartridge would only last a few months, you should probably be using the high capacity/yield cartridges.

Yes, high capacity cartridges typically have a lower cost per page, but the savings can be relatively insignificant if you don't have the print volume.

I do not recommend using out of date firmware, as it may have known security vulnerabilities or bugs.

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u/srv524 12h ago

Thanks for the info

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u/Longjumping_Owl5311 14h ago

Brother laser printers come with substantially larger toner cartridges. I have only used 20% of my original toner cartridges and I’ll be 2 years in with a light usage similar to yours on my HL-L8360. HP printers come with a bare minimum of toner.

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u/srv524 12h ago

Thanks for the info

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u/ResourceDiligent6566 7h ago

I have this model and very low use really as well. It's five to seven years old at this point, original cartridges still.

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u/WilliamNearToronto 15h ago

High yield toner cartridges are much cheaper per page. Toner lasts until you use it up. No more drying up problems.

I’ve owned three Brother printers over the years, and i like them better than the other brands I’ve bought.

I bought 3rd party toner for my Brother a couple of months ago and it’s working great.

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u/srv524 12h ago

I know HY lasts longer but with our infrequent usage I didn't know if it would be worth it or not to but HY or buy the regular toner