Don’t Waste Another Drop: How to Choose the Right Printer Ink & Save Big Every Time You Print

Posted by CartridgeX Team on 1st Aug 2025

Let’s be honest — buying printer ink isn’t exactly thrilling. Most of us don’t think about it until that little warning pops up: "Low Ink."

Suddenly, you’re in a panic. You’re mid-way through printing your kid’s school project, a last-minute return label, or a stack of work documents. You hop online, type in your printer model, and… boom — a sea of options.

OEM, compatible, remanufactured… What's the difference? And why does one cartridge cost more than your actual printer?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This guide is here to help you choose the right printer ink without wasting money, time, or your sanity.

Know Your Printer — It Matters More Than You Think

Before anything else, know your printer model. Not just “an HP” or “a Canon.” You need the full name and number — like HP Envy 6055e or Canon PIXMA TS8350.

Why? Because ink cartridges are incredibly specific. A cartridge that works in one model might not fit another in the same brand.

Pro tip: Open your printer, look for a label near the ink bay, or check the settings menu to find the model number. Write it down. Keep it handy when shopping.

OEM, Compatible, or Remanufactured? Here’s the Breakdown

Now that you know your model, the real question is: which type of cartridge should you buy?

1. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

These are made by your printer’s brand — think HP cartridges for HP printers. They’re reliable, but pricey. You’re paying for brand assurance and consistent quality.

Best for: Business printing, photo printing, and anyone who values perfect output over price.

2. Compatible Cartridges

These are made by third-party brands to work with your printer. They’re new, cost less, and often perform just as well — if you buy from a reputable supplier.

Best for: Everyday home use, students, small offices. Just make sure you buy from trusted sources like CartridgeX to avoid duds.

3. Remanufactured Cartridges

These are recycled OEM cartridges that have been cleaned, refilled, and tested. Environmentally friendly and more affordable than OEMs.

Best for: Eco-conscious users who want a balance between cost and quality.

Price Isn’t Everything — But It Matters

Let’s talk money.

An original HP 304 black ink cartridge might cost around £18. A compatible version? Maybe £10 or less. That’s nearly 50% savings — per cartridge.

But here’s the kicker: buying the cheapest option isn’t always cheaper in the long run.

Low-quality ink can cause printer jams, streaky prints, or worse — damage to your printer. Suddenly, that “bargain” ink costs you a whole new printer.

So how do you balance quality and cost?

Look for trusted sellers with good reviews, return policies, and clear warranty info. CartridgeX.co.uk, for example, guarantees their compatibles — so you’re not taking a gamble.

Page Yield: The Hidden Number You Should Care About

Not all ink is created equal. Some cartridges print 120 pages. Others can handle 400 or more.

This number is called page yield. It tells you how many pages you can print before the ink runs out.

Check the yield before buying — especially if you print often. A higher-yield cartridge may cost more upfront, but it’ll save you money over time.

Quick example:

Standard cartridge: £12, prints 150 pages → £0.08 per page
High-yield cartridge: £18, prints 400 pages → £0.045 per page

You’re saving nearly 50% per page with the high-yield one.

Think About What You Actually Print

Do you mostly print black-and-white text? Go for a monochrome cartridge and skip the expensive colour ones.

Only print a few pages here and there? A standard cartridge might be all you need.

Print school projects with graphics or run a home office? Consider XL cartridges — they’ll last longer and cost less per page.

Tailor your ink to your actual printing habits. You’ll save money and avoid waste.

Real Talk: Is It Safe to Use Non-OEM Ink?

This is one of the most common questions we get:
"Will using compatible or remanufactured ink void my warranty or break my printer?"

Short answer: No, not if you buy smart.

In the UK, manufacturers can’t void your warranty just because you use third-party ink. That’s protected under consumer law. And as long as the cartridge is well-made (like the ones from trusted suppliers), your printer will be fine.

Just avoid rock-bottom deals from unknown marketplaces. That’s where trouble starts.

A Few Final Tips to Stretch Every Drop

Even with the right cartridge, you can still waste ink without realising it. Here’s how to avoid that:

Print in draft mode when quality doesn’t matter
Don’t power your printer on and off too often — it uses ink to clean the heads
Keep unused cartridges sealed until you need them
Store ink in a cool, dry place — heat and light can dry it out

And if your printer warns you the ink is low? Don’t panic. Often, there's still plenty left. Keep printing until quality starts to drop.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right printer ink doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With a little know-how, you can save money, avoid stress, and keep your prints looking sharp.

Whether you’re printing invoices, essays, or your kid’s latest masterpiece, the right cartridge makes all the difference.

Need help finding the perfect ink for your printer? CartridgeX.co.uk has you covered — with affordable, high-quality cartridges that won’t let you down.