Printer Buying Guide: 8 Must-Know Factors

When it comes to buying a printer in Kenya, the choices can be overwhelming. Whether you need one for your home office, business, or school work, selecting the right printer can save you both time and money in the long run. At Paceven, we help you make smart choices by breaking down the key factors you should consider before making your purchase.

We shall look at 8 important factors to consider when buying a printer in Kenya.

1. Purpose of the Printer

Start by asking yourself: What will I use this printer for most?

  • Home use – If you mainly print school assignments or occasional documents, an affordable InkJet printer may be enough. If you only print a few documents occasionally, a DeskJet printer should work for you.
  • Office use – For offices with higher print volumes, a laser printer offers speed, durability, and lower cost per page.
  • Photography/Design – Choose a high-resolution photo printer for vibrant, detailed prints.
  • Business Use– If you are looking to purchase a printer for business use, a cyber for example. You will require to get a printer or printers with very high print volumes and affordable consumables to lower the cost per page.

2. Printing Technology: InkJet vs Laser

  • Inkjet Printers– Ideal for high-quality color prints and images, but cartridges may need frequent replacement.
  • Laser Printers– Best for bulk printing, faster output, and cost efficiency in the long term.
  • Deskjet Printers– Ideal for people who do not print much- They are the cheapest printers available in the market.

3. Print Speed and Volume

Measured in pages per minute (PPM), print speed is critical if you handle large workloads. Offices should consider printers with higher PPM and monthly duty cycles to avoid breakdowns.

For home users, inkjet peinters may be ideal though they may be relatively slower compaered to Laserjet printers

4. Connectivity Options

Modern printers go beyond USB connections. Look for:

  • Wi-Fi & Wi-Fi Direct – Print wirelessly from multiple devices.
  • Mobile Printing (AirPrint/Google Cloud Print) – Send print jobs directly from smartphones or tablets.
  • Ethernet – Reliable wired connections for office networks.
  • USB– If you do not mind running cables, USB connected printers will work for you

5. Running & Maintenance Costs

Don’t just focus on the purchase price—think long-term. Factor in maintenance, such as drum units or spare parts. Check the cost of ink or toner cartridges. Look for printers with high-yield cartridges or refillable ink tank systems for lower running costs.

Generally, Inkjet printers have lower running and maintennace costs

6. Multifunction Features

Do you need more than just printing? A 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 multifunction printer offers scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing, making it perfect for offices and schools.

3-in-1 printer: Print, Copy, Scan. 4-in-1 printer: print, scan, copy, fax

7. Print Quality (Resolution)

If you deal with photos, designs, or professional documents, check the DPI (dots per inch). The higher the DPI, the sharper and more detailed the output. For normal printing, all printers offer an acceptable resolution.

8. Paper Handling

Consider the size and type of paper you’ll be printing on:

  • A4 vs A3 printers depending on your needs. Also, there are A1 and A0 printers
  • Automatic Document Feeders (ADF) for scanning/copying multi-page documents.
  • Duplex printing (double-sided) to save paper and costs.
  • Paper density- Consider the type of printing paper you will use.

Bonus: Availability of Consumables

Ensure the printer you settle for has readily available consumables.

Choosing the right printer depends on your budget, printing needs, and long-term costs. At Paceven, we stock a wide range of printers—from affordable inkjets to heavy-duty laser models—ensuring you get the perfect fit for your home, school, or business.

We stock Epson printers, HP Printers, Kyocera Printers, Bixolon Printers, Zebra Printers, Canon printers, Brother Printers and many more

👉 Visit paceven.co.ke today and explore our collection of printers at the best prices in Kenya.

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