Will my printer work if I only replace the "Black" cartridge?

[Fretman]

Hi,

I have the Epson XP-330 model. I think it's also similar to the more popular XP-340 model. The printer status is telling me that my toner cartridges are low in ink right now. However, I only print in black and white. I rarely print in color. Is it possible to only replace the B&W cartridge and still be able to print? I read somewhere that some printers will not work unless all cartridges are at a minimum ink level.

Thanks for your assistance.

 

[Angelo G]

Unfortunately you will need to replace all cartridges just for the black to work. That’s how Epson programmes their machines to make money

 

[Fretman]

Thanks for your feedback. I'll probably wind up going with a different brand that doesn't do that.

 

[Angelo G]

Unfortunately, all companies do this such as Canon, HP, Epson just to name a few. If you want to avoid this problem altogether and print most if not all things in B&W take a look at a laser printer.

 

[Fretman]

Unfortunately, all companies do this such as Canon, HP, Epson just to name a few. If you want to avoid this problem altogether and print most if not all things in B&W take a look at a laser printer.

Thanks...I will do that. I only print in black and white anyways. I guess Laser printers us toner cartridges instead of ink cartridges? Not sure of the price difference but hoping I get a few more sheets before having to refill.

 

[Angelo G]

Thanks...I will do that. I only print in black and white anyways. I guess Laser printers us toner cartridges instead of ink cartridges? Not sure of the price difference but hoping I get a few more sheets before having to refill.

Yes they do use toner cartridges instead of ink cartridges. Laser printers are typically more expensive than inkjet printers but you get more bang for your buck with toner cartridges rather than inkjet cartridges. So basically with laser printers, you pay more at first but save more money in the long run.

 

[Fretman]

Thanks...time to do some research and comparisons.

 

[drc023]

Unfortunately you've received some erroneous information. The Epson XP-330 is an Inkjet printer, not a laser. It uses the T288-XL cartridges which you can replace individually as each cartridge is depleted. You do not have to replace the entire set if only a single cartridge(ink tank) is empty. However if you are refilling then it is good practice to remove the entire set and replace with a fresh set. Only on low end Inkjets are there integrated cartridges that require replacement if a single color runs low. Mid priced and above inkjets have individual ink tanks and separate printheads. If b/w printing is the predominant use of your printer then a low cost laser such as a Brother might be your best solution. A Brother HL-2300 is currently $59.99 on Amazon. I bought two of them some time ago for $39.88/ea w/free shipping from Newegg. Do your shopping and you may beat Amazon's prices. These are great little lasers, very fast and third party toner cartridges are dirt cheap on Amazon and eBay.

 

[Fretman]

Unfortunately you've received some erroneous information. The Epson XP-330 is an Inkjet printer, not a laser. It uses the T288-XL cartridges which you can replace individually as each cartridge is depleted. You do not have to replace the entire set if only a single cartridge(ink tank) is empty. However if you are refilling then it is good practice to remove the entire set and replace with a fresh set. Only on low end Inkjets are there integrated cartridges that require replacement if a single color runs low. Mid priced and above inkjets have individual ink tanks and separate printheads. If b/w printing is the predominant use of your printer then a low cost laser such as a Brother might be your best solution. A Brother HL-2300 is currently $59.99 on Amazon. I bought two of them some time ago for $39.88/ea w/free shipping from Newegg. Do your shopping and you may beat Amazon's prices. These are great little lasers, very fast and third party toner cartridges are dirt cheap on Amazon and eBay.

Thanks. I will look into the laser printer you mentioned. That is a good price too. The other poster who replied about the toner cartridge was responding to my question about laser printers so everything is OK.