Printer Cartridge FAQ

Printer cartridges come in many types. Cartridges with and without printheads, cartridges with high ink volume, cartridges with UV-resistant ink, cartridges from original manufacturers or third-party manufacturers. We aim to clarify some questions here.

Where can I get printer cartridges? Where can you buy them?

If you want to buy printer cartridges, you are in the right place with us. Simply select your device at the top of the page and check out the suitable cartridges.

Can printer cartridges be refilled?

In principle, it is possible. However, we have no ambitions to do so and would advise against it in private households.

Where are printer cartridges on sale?

Printer cartridges are not like sausages or cheese. There are thousands of different cartridges. Even large electronics stores can't carry suitable cartridges for all devices. We are specialists. That's why you’ll find the right cartridge for your device with us. Simply select your device at the top of the page or enter the desired cartridge name in the search field.

Which printer cartridges are the cheapest?

For a good balance between price and quality, the so-called compatible ink cartridges, which do not have a built-in printhead because the technically more complex printhead is built into the device, are worth mentioning. Some online retailers sell cartridges for pennies, but our goal is to sell good products, not extremely cheap ones.

Where should you store printer cartridges?

New printer cartridges are best stored in a desk drawer or something similar, where the temperature does not exceed 25 degrees Celsius. Please do not store printer cartridges in the fridge; it is not useful.

Which printer cartridges last the longest?

Printer cartridges with extra high ink volume last the longest. Some manufacturers call these cartridges "x" or "xl" or "hc". It should be noted that the range indicated on the cartridges refers to 5% page coverage. If the cartridges run out quickly, you should consider purchasing a laser printer. Additionally, each printhead cleaning uses a lot of ink.

Which printer cartridges do not dry out?

Printer cartridges that are still sealed in their original packaging do not dry out. Printer cartridges that are installed in devices will eventually dry out. Depending on the ambient temperature, the water and solvents will evaporate sooner or later, and the cartridge or printhead will dry up.

More info: Cleaning printheads.

Where and how do you insert printer cartridges?

Printer cartridges belong in the printer. Depending on the device, the replacement process is triggered by opening a flap on the device or through a menu option in the printer software or a button on the device.

Printer cartridges are not recognized

Original cartridges should be recognized when inserted – as long as it is ensured that the cartridges are compatible with your device. There are many reasons why compatible cartridges may not be recognized, most of which are related to the chip on the cartridge.

How long can printer cartridges be stored?

Unlike toner cartridges, printer cartridges sometimes have an expiration date. There are also printers that take this date more or less seriously. Generally, we see no problems with proper storage for one to two years. Proper storage means keeping the original sealed cartridge at normal room temperature in a drawer.

How and where can you check the ink cartridge levels?

The ink levels or remaining range can be checked in the printer driver or on-screen menu on the device's display. The level is usually only an estimate. Inkjet printers, like laser printers, estimate the ink level based on information collected during printing.

When using compatible cartridges, the ink level display may not work correctly!

Where to dispose of used, empty, old printer cartridges? How can you best dispose of ink cartridges?

Printer cartridges are generally categorized as either pure ink tanks or cartridges with a printhead. The latter can also be sold to recycling companies. We have written a detailed article on this topic on our website.

You can find it here: Disposing of printer cartridges.