Recommendations for MFC Compatible with Cheap 3rd Party Consumables

bamzero on 15/07/2024 - 11:57
Last edited 16/07/2024 - 18:02 by 1 other user

Hi OzBargain fam..I've been tasked with finding a replacement MFC for the in-laws, and prices are a lot different to when buying the previous one.

Basic requirements are scan/copy/print, duplex not a necessity. Colour preferred and open to either laser or ink at this stage (though concerned inkjets will just use up ink with cleaning and calibration every time even when not printing). Not looking for high quality long lasting prints, just everyday stuff.

So from what I've seen colour laser MFCs seem to be starting out around $500.

I came across the Brother DCP-L3560CDW for $371 at GGC but looking into it further the consumable prices are ridiculous, even 3rd party (just reset chips from AE are way too expensive) plus I've become aware of Brother locking down the recent firmware on some models making 3rd party cartridges not work at all (though I assume chipped ones would).

So what's a good go to these days? If $500 odd is what it'll be that's ok providing can make it up on cheap consumables (and preferred if it's easy replacements like cartridges from eBay etc, not manually refilling) I see many cheaper inkjets but would be great to get a head start knowing which ones to look at or eliminate as far as 3rd party consumables go.

Thanks

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In the end have gone with Epson Ecotank ET-2811 after seeing this post and some helpful comments from soyea and RockyRaccoon to learn the Officeworks version is the same with an extra bottle of black ink.

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  spackbace on 15/07/2024 - 12:38

  https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/852105

  That was a recent post for one, seems to now be around $468 etc.

  The main thing is how often do they scan/copy stuff? As just laser printers can be had for a decent bit cheaper than that

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    bamzero on 15/07/2024 - 12:48

    Thanks, I did see that one but the set of replacement cartridges cost almost as much as the printer (even being 3rd party.)

    It's pretty much the same (I think that's the same toner cartridges) as the DCP-L3560CDW but with fax which they (or almost anyone else) don't need.

    Currently they have a Fuji Xerox CM225fw and ebay carts are about $30 for a set (2000/1400 pages vs 3000/2300 but can buy 10 sets for less)

    I think the scan/copy is something they want, might be able to convince them to go mono but then inkjet might be a better alternative in that case.

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  CyberMurning on 15/07/2024 - 13:10

  am i right that older model of brothers are still able to use cheap 3rd party laser toners ? (from ebay $12) mine is. MFC L2740DW
  and since when this changed? and why the 3rd party manufacturer cannot keep up or get around it?

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    bamzero on 15/07/2024 - 13:11

    I'm not sure which models but if you don't update the firmware it won't change.