Multifunction Printer Review

All-in-one or standard printer?

Multifunction printers (MFPs) -- also called multifunction devices and all-in-one (AIO) printers -- are inkjet or laser printers that, in addition to printing, can scan, copy and, in some cases, send and receive faxes. Some newer MFPs also offer web connectivity, so they can connect to and print from web pages without being hooked up to a computer. Prices of MFPs have fallen in recent years, with many excellent models selling for under $200. As a result, MFPs now account for the majority of printers sold for home use.

However, while MFPs may appear to be do-everything devices, reviews show that they are not equally adept at printing, scanning, copying and faxing. Often, a model that excels in one aspect falls short in others. Still, if you only occasionally need to fax, copy or scan in addition to printing, a multifunction machine can save you having to buy two or three separate devices, particularly if you don't need the very best output quality. On the other hand, if you don't think you really need to scan, fax or print from the Internet, you can save a bit of money by going with a standard inkjet printer. You can also save desk space, since MFPs generally take up more room than a standard printer (although not nearly as much as a separate printer, scanner, and copier). ConsumerSearch covers inkjet printers in a separate report.

ConsumerReports.org conducts thorough and well-documented tests for printers, as it does for most products. Its website currently lists test results for more than 60 inkjet MFPs and 15 laser MFPs (including a few discontinued models). However, the results are reported only in chart form, and they cover only such basic stats as speed and quality; there's no information about ease of use. Computer-specific publications such as PCMag.com, PC World and CNET provide more detailed reports. We found PCMag.com the most useful because it offers direct comparisons between printer models. Then again, most reviews in computer publications cover the basics and give a good overall picture of a printer's performance. For information about how printers hold up under real-world conditions, we consulted user reviews at Amazon.com, as well as a reader survey from PCMag.com that rates different printer brands in terms of reliability.