Based on the Reddit post, this is a very common printer dilemma: you print nothing for months, then suddenly need 50–70 pages in a few days.
And this is exactly where most people get burned.
The issue isn’t just “which printer is best,” it’s which printer survives being ignored most of the time without turning into a frustrating mess.
That’s why your friends warning you about inkjets isn’t completely wrong—but it’s also not the full story.
Here’s what actually matters.
Why Infrequent Use Breaks Most Home Printers
Most cheap home printers fail for one simple reason:
They’re not designed to sit idle.
When a printer goes unused for weeks or months, two things happen:
- Ink dries in the printhead (classic inkjet problem)
- Automatic cleaning cycles waste ink just to stay functional
- You end up replacing cartridges just to print a few pages
This is why people say “avoid inkjets.”
But the real truth is more specific:
👉 Cheap cartridge-based inkjets are the problem—not all inkjets.
For infrequent users, you want one of two things:
- A low-maintenance laser printer (best reliability)
- Or a well-designed modern inkjet with ink tank systems or strong maintenance design
Now let’s go through what actually works on Amazon right now.
What Actually Works for Your Use Case
You said:
- Color printing required
- Wireless + phone printing
- Sometimes nothing for months, then 50–70 pages in bursts
- You want reliability more than “printer hobby features”
So the goal is simple:
👉 Minimal drying risk + easy setup + no constant maintenance headaches
Here are the best options.
1. Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer (MFC-J1360DW)
Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer (MFC-J1360DW)
Best Overall for Most Infrequent Home Users
This is the safest “normal person” choice if you want color printing, scanning, and simple wireless setup without overthinking it.
Why it works well:
- Reliable wireless printing from phones and laptops
- Built-in scanner for documents
- Automatic duplex (double-sided printing)
- Designed for light-to-moderate home use, not constant office duty
The key advantage here is balance. It’s not over-engineered, but it also avoids the worst “cheap inkjet” problems when used occasionally.
What to know:
- Still an inkjet (so don’t ignore it for years)
- Best if you print at least something every few weeks
Verdict:
👉 Best all-around pick if you want simple + affordable + color printing without stress.
2. Canon PIXMA TR8620a
Canon PIXMA TR8620a Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer
Best for Higher Quality Color + Photos
If you care more about print quality (photos, graphics, nicer color documents), this is a strong upgrade.
Why people like it:
- Better color detail than budget inkjets
- Strong scanning and copying system
- Automatic document feeder (useful for 50–70 page bursts)
- Good wireless/mobile printing support
Downside:
- Ink costs can add up if you print a lot in one burst
Verdict:
👉 Better “quality-focused” home printer for occasional but important printing.
3. HP OfficeJet Pro 8139e
HP OfficeJet Pro 8139e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer
Best for “Business-Style” Reliability at Home
This is closer to a small office printer than a casual home device.
Why it stands out:
- Faster printing than basic inkjets
- Strong scanning + copying workflow
- Built for heavier short-term bursts (like your 50–70 page scenario)
- Solid mobile printing features
Downside:
- Ink subscription ecosystem may push ongoing costs
Verdict:
👉 Best if you want something that feels more “serious” and less fragile.
4. Brother INKvestment Tank MFC-J4555DW
Brother INKvestment 4555 MFC-J4555DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
Best Long-Term Cost Control (Less Dry-Out Stress)
This model uses a tank-style ink system instead of standard cartridges.
Why that matters:
- Ink lasts much longer before drying becomes a problem
- Much lower cost per page
- Designed for sporadic but larger printing sessions
- Strong scanning and document handling
Verdict:
👉 One of the best “I barely print but need it to work instantly when I do” options.
5. HP DeskJet 2855e
HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer
Best Budget Option (But With Tradeoffs)
This is the cheapest functional all-in-one on the list.
Why people buy it:
- Very low upfront cost
- Easy wireless setup
- Compact for small spaces
- Basic scan + copy included
But here’s the catch:
- Most prone to ink drying issues if left unused
- Slower and less durable than others
Verdict:
👉 Only worth it if price is your main concern.
Inkjet vs Laser for Your Situation (Important)
This is where most Reddit threads split opinions.
Inkjet (what most of these are)
Good for:
- Color printing
- Photos
- Occasional use
Risk:
- Ink drying if left unused too long
Laser printers
Good for:
- Long gaps between use
- Text-heavy printing
- Zero drying issues
Downside:
- Color laser printers cost more
- Photo quality is weaker
The Real Answer for Infrequent Use
If your usage pattern is truly:
“Nothing for months, then a burst of printing”
Then the hierarchy is:
- Best balance → Brother Work Smart 1360
- Best reliability mindset → HP OfficeJet Pro / Brother INKvestment Tank
- Best budget → HP DeskJet (only if needed)
- Best quality → Canon PIXMA TR8620a
Final Thought
The biggest mistake people make isn’t buying the “wrong brand.”
It’s buying a cheap inkjet expecting it to behave like it’s always being used.
If you want the least frustration:
👉 Don’t go ultra-cheap
👉 Don’t ignore maintenance completely
👉 Pick a model built for either “office-style bursts” or “low-maintenance ink systems”
That’s what actually prevents the “it doesn’t print when I need it” problem people complain about online.