Need more ink cartridges - are Epson ones best or is the shops own brand just as good?

[tigwig]

Always wondered if it's worth paying more for the real thing?

[milly143]

Don't buy any cheap ones. Stick to the branded ones. We've had two printers ruined by trying to save money on cheap cartridges.

[RATTER15]

Milly you are so negative!!!

I have used cheap cartridges for many years without a problem often these cartridges are less than a quarter of the price of the original. At the end of the day if it messes up your printer (its never caused a problem for me) just buy a new printer, modern printers for the home are often cheaper than a full set of cartridges and a printer comes complete with cartridges. Its getting to the stage where it will soon be cheaper and more practical to buy a new printer complete with ink than to buy a set of cartridges.

[Davethedog]

Agree with Milly I have found that cheaper brands have poorer quality and don't last as long. Tried refill shops which were better but they don't last nearly as long.

Trial and error for your own needs, I would suggest.

[RATTER15]

Oh, and both of my printers are Epson and one is 9 years old and still working perfect, my other is a an all in one printer, copier, does the hoovering, we paid about £60 complete with cartridges and a new set of Epson cartridges is about £40+

[gingejbee]

Many articles have been written on this subject (eg Which? and Computeractive) and the conclusions are ....well, inconclusive. Some people have no problems with cheaper versions and others have all sorts of problems. So it really is a personal choice and if you're prepared to deal with problems that MIGHT develop.

[milly143]

I think of myself as more of a realist Ratter. :o)

Just going by what we have experienced. The were both HP printers so maybe the issue lies with the brand of printer. We can't use cheap paper either.

[RATTER15]

We pay about £2.00 each for our cartridges, we print a lot of photos, news letters and all manner of things, the photos are excellent and would challenge any printer or ink to print any better.

[NOX]

I use cheap £5 each cartridges in my Epson with no problems and yes they run out slightly quicker but overall you save a fortune, and Y've never had any issues.

[Giggsie]

http://www.cartridgep...PX25qcCFQRP4QodE1LxbA
I have always bought from here never had a problem

[RATTER15]

Maybe thats why I will always use Epson printers :-)

[The-HouseHusband]

I agree with Ratter, if the cartridges cost more than a new printer it aint worth it, I have just brought a brand new kodak all in one with five sets of cartridges for £60, it would have cost me £35 for one set of branded cartridges or £15 for a set of non branded

[VHG]

I have had two Epsons (still got one) and use non-official cartridges like Tesco own brand or similar.

Never had a problem.

I do put an official one in now and again if I see them on offer in a supermakret( would nto pay full price).

I have had a HP in the past and it was VERY particular about cartridges and often rejected compatibile ones.

If you have an Epson it should be fine with compatibles.

[The Cowboy]

My local shop sells me a box of four compatibles for £15. Never had any problems and I have been using Epson,s for over 6 years.

[McMouse]

Mrs McM ran out on Sunday and I picked up a Tesco own brand and it is working a treat.

[tigwig]

thanks guys I think I will give the cheap ones a try as thinking about it the printer did only cost £35 and the cartridges are going to cost £26!
I only use it for printing out word documents and not very often.

[RATTER15]

tigwig, I would print something on your printer at least one a week, even if it is only a test sheet, it apparently stops the ink in the heads from drying up.

[tigwig]

Oh I will keep that in mind, thanks. Ended up getting Epson cartridges after all as I couldnt be bothered to scrutinise the cheaper ones to see which it were I needed! Priced them up at Argos first then went to Staples. They have big signs in the store saying they will match any price guaranteed. I told them that they were nearly £5 cheaper in Argos and they phoned the store to check but then told me I would need the catalogue numbers which I didnt have. They refused to believe me so I said ok I will just walk round the corner to Argos then!