Last Updated on February 5, 2023
The ability to print is an essential skill for crafters, but many hobbyist DIYers do not own the right printer for their projects. Throughout this blog, you will discover the best crafting printers with high resolution that can print on various paper thicknesses. The printer must be capable of printing on thick paper without jamming or malfunctioning. Additionally, the print resolution must be high, measured in dots per inch (DPI). A higher DPI value will result in more vibrant and streak-free colours.
Printing is a great way to create custom designs on paper, card stock, fabric, and vinyl. If you are looking for a printer that you can use to create your designs and eye-catching crafts cards, or if you wish to add a new dimension to your crafting hobby, you can find the best crafting printer below. We’ve rounded up the 5 best printers for crafting that are guaranteed to get you crafts in no time with premium quality.
5 Best Printers for Crafting
1. CANON TS3320 – Crafting Printer
I have chosen the Canon PIXMA TS3320 as the first printer on my list because it features built-in wireless connectivity, an automatic duplexer for printing on both sides of the page, and a 3″ touchscreen display.
One of my favorite features of this printer is its Fine Hybrid Ink System, which combines dye-based black ink with pigment-based color ink to create high-quality prints. Furthermore, the XL cartridges are more affordable than standard cartridges and are easy to replace.
Canon TS3320 is a reliable and best all-in-one photo printer. The printer is easy to use and produces high-quality photos.
Moreover, it features a built-in scanner that allows you to scan documents and photos quickly and easily. Additionally, it has a USB 2.0 port to connect a flash drive or external hard drive to it.
2. HP OfficeJet Pro 8025 – Printer for Crafters
As a result of my testing, I found that the HP Pro 8025 is an all-in-one printer with all the features one would require to begin crafting at any level.
It comes with an automatic document feeder, which makes it easier to scan multiple pages in a single go, and a large paper tray that can hold up to 330 sheets. It can also print up to 11×17 inches, so you can easily fit in more pages for a bigger document.
As I was printing and scanning photos on this HP Envy printer, I was attracted to the 2.5-inch LCD. Additionally, you can adjust the image’s brightness, contrast, color balance, margins, and orientation.
Wi-Fi, USB, or Ethernet cables can be used to connect to this printer. We also accessed HP’s cloud services, such as HP ePrint, HP Scan to Cloud, HP Print app, and HP eReceipts.
It comes with an easy-to-use interface compatible with all iOS and Android devices, making it easier to manage your documents and share them with others. It also allows printing double-sided designs in one go with the automatic two-sided printing feature.
3. Kodak Step Wireless Photo Mini Printer
The KODAK Printer is one of the best wireless mobile printers we’ve tested. It is easy to carry around with little hassle. You can print directly from smartphones, tablets, or other compatible devices using the built-in Bluetooth connection. Your photos can be viewed on the app, and you can edit them before printing.
KODAK printer has a matte finish that gives it a professional feel, and it’s incredibly durable. The KODAK Printer doesn’t need ink cartridges or ribbons. So if you want to print photos without the hassle, this is the printer for you.
I particularly enjoyed the fact that the device prints on ZINK paper, which has a protective polymer overcoat that is resistant to water and tear (dry to the touch).
The only con is that the printer doesn’t work with every device. You need to pair it with your device via Bluetooth. Also, you’ll need to have a micro USB cable with a standard power supply to connect the printer to your phone or tablet. In contrast to the convenience of printing directly from your phone, these inconveniences are minor.
4. Canon PIXMA TS5320 – Best Inkjet Color Printer
All-in-one printers and multifunction devices can be cumbersome, but the PIXMA TS5320 meets your needs with ease. It’s compact, stylish, and offers great value, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality.
The printer prints crisp photos and documents and have an easy-to-use interface. AirPrint enables you to print from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac without requiring additional software.
The PIXMA TS5320 includes wireless 4×6” photo printing on the go. A convenient 1.44″ OLED screen with a built-in status bar lets you know what is happening with your printer.
We found PIXMA TS5320 printer is easy to connect and use. Just download the free PIXMA Cloud App onto your smartphone, and then it’s ready to go. Simply scan the QR code, which will allow you to start printing from anywhere.
It is a high-end printer perfect for your crafting needs. It can easily be used for bulk printing intended for businesses and commercial use.
5. HP Smart Tank Plus 651 – with Ink Tank
The final printer in my review list is the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 printer which comes with a 2-year warranty. It has got a sleek design that doesn’t look too bulky. It’s also easy to use and has a large touch screen, so you can navigate through all of your settings without any problems.
The HP Smart Tank Plus 651 printer supports both wireless printing and scanning, so you can save time by eliminating the need to set up wired connections. I also connected multiple devices at once, and it worked with a phone, tablet, and laptop.
A great advantage of this printer is its low running ink costs compared to cartridges. When the printer is about to run out of ink, you buy four ink bottles and pour each color into an equivalent high-capacity tank. Since tanks have clear front panels, it is possible to observe ink levels and become psychologically prepared by estimating when ink will run out.
Recommendations
We have concluded and finalized three printers based on many reasons like print media versatility, duty cycle, durability, and quality of printed colors.
Overall, if you are looking for a multifunction printer that can handle any type of paper, we highly recommend HP Smart Tank Plus 651 Ink Tank Printer. It is a perfect choice for all your crafting needs.
This printer is capable of printing on plain paper and specialty papers like glossy, matte, and coated papers. It can also print on envelopes, labels, and tags.
Another great advantage about this printer is its auto document feeder (ADF), which accelerates your crafting process. You don’t have to manually feed paper into the printer anymore.
Another best printer that stands second in our choice is PIXMA TS5320. It is an ideal printer to use because of its ability to print thick materials.
However, if you intend to have a lightweight printer that can be carried along anywhere, the KODAK printer meets your requirement without costing you a fortune.
Best Crafting Printer Buying Guide
Printer Type
There are two basic types of printing materials you’ll find on the market today – Inkjet and laser.
If you need to print thicker materials, you’ll need an inkjet printer since the laser printer will get stuck. Before using design sheets, always read the instructions provided. An inkjet printer is best for printable vinyl.
Laser printers work by firing tiny lasers that strike a piece of paper and transfer ink from an ink ribbon to it. Laser printers are faster than thermal printers and can produce higher-quality documents, but they’re not very versatile. They typically come in black or white only and cannot be used to print on many other surfaces, including plastic, vinyl, metal, and glass.
Diversity in Connections
You’ll want to think about the versatility of your printer when choosing a model. Does it come with a USB port, so you can easily connect it to other computers? Does it have an SD card slot so you can easily upload pictures? What is the maximum print size it supports? These are just some examples of how you should be thinking about connection versatility when choosing a printer.
Quality of Printable
One of the most important things you’ll want to look at when buying a printer is what color quality it produces. If you’re printing documents for the office, your printer will need to produce professional-quality documents. If you’re printing labels, envelopes, or tags, then you may need to compromise on the color quality, as your labels or tags won’t need to look as nice as your business documents.
Compatibility
Most printers are compatible with any type of media – paper, card stock, labels, stickers, and envelopes. Some can even handle special types of media, such as vinyl stickers, metal, glass, and plastic. However, not all printers can do this, so make sure to check before you buy. If a printer has a rear feed tray, it is the best printer for printable vinyl.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the past five years, I have been working as a printer service supervisor in a printing press that serves customers with tailor-made designs and prints. My job involved dealing with printers five days a week, so I decided to take up printing as a hobby.