Compare Inkjet Cartridges

Most printers that are used in home offices across the country are now inkjet printers, according to Consumer Reports. Since only name-brand and one or two generic ink cartridges are usually compatible with each brand and model of inkjet printer, you should compare the cost and the output of inkjet cartridges before purchasing a printer to ensure that the "good" upfront deal turns out to be a bad investment, paid for in expensive, subpar cartridges. However, if you already have an inkjet printer, you'll still want to compare whether the name-brand or generic replacement cartridges are best for you, and whether you need to purchase photo cartridges for a higher-quality image.

• 1

  Include the future cost of inkjet cartridges into the cost of an inkjet printer if you have not purchased a printer already. For example, a printer that is $50 more than another printer you are considering may end up being cheaper if its compatible cartridges cost significantly less than its competitor's cartridges. Read the label for the number of pages each cartridge claims to print. A low price may not be all that low if you'll need to replace the cartridge frequently because of a low page count.

• 2

  Match your inkjet printer to the available inkjet cartridge it needs. Keep in mind that you need more than a brand name to make the match. For example, if you have a Hewlett-Packard inkjet printer, you need to go to the HP ink section of a supply store and then match the cartridge to the specific model number. Your instruction manual will also tell you which cartridge to choose.

• 3

  Consider what you plan to use the inkjet print cartridges to print. You can purchase color cartridges, black cartridges or photo cartridges, which cost more than color cartridges but print with a higher resolution. Some brands also sell each individual color as a separate cartridge, which may save you money if you tend to use the same color a lot.

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  Buy one cartridge at a time if you want to try out a generic brand of inkjet cartridge. According to PC World, these cartridges are often cheaper, but can be a risk to clog your printer or run out of ink quicker. However, if you take the chance and a specific generic brand works well for you, you may be able to save some money in the long run. This cautious strategy also applies to brands that have refillable cartridges.

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  Look for value packs when buying cartridges you have already tried out. Some brands offer black and color inkjet print cartridges in one pack for one price, or you can purchase several inkjet print cartridges at once. This tends to add up to more savings than buying cartridges one at a time.