Brother MFC-J4335DW review is this the best inkjet printer for home?

Description

Compact Design and Build Quality

The Brother MFC-J4335DW INKvestment Tank All-in-One Printer surprised me with its sleek and compact design. At just 14.2 x 17.1 x 7.1 inches, it fits snugly into my crowded home office setup without taking over the entire desk. While its 17.6-pound weight might seem hefty for its size, it feels sturdy and well-built. The 1.8-inch LCD display is small but functional, making it easy to navigate through menus and settings. I appreciated the simplicity of its layout—no frills, just a practical printer that blends into the workspace.

Performance That Matches Expectations

This device didn’t just sit pretty; it delivered consistent print quality whether I was working with text documents or photos. Its 600 dpi resolution isn’t professional-grade for photographers, but it’s more than adequate for everyday needs like school projects, business documents, or occasional photo printing. I tested the automatic duplex printing, and it worked flawlessly without any jams. The 20-page automatic document feeder was a lifesaver during bulk scanning tasks, saving me from the tedious one-by-one manual feeding process.

Its speed was another highlight. At 20 pages per minute for black and white documents, it kept up with my workload without making me wait around. However, the color prints were slightly slower, but that’s expected for an inkjet printer.

Key Benefits

• All-in-one functionality: Handles printing, scanning, copying, and faxing effortlessly.
• Automatic duplex printing: Saves both time and paper.
• Generous ink capacity: The up to 1-year ink supply was a game-changer for someone like me who hates frequent cartridge replacements.
• Wireless connectivity: I could print directly from my smartphone with the Brother Mobile Connect app.

Downsides

Not everything about this printer is sunshine and rainbows. A few things stood out that might be deal-breakers for some users.

• The LCD screen is small and lacks touch functionality, which can make navigation less intuitive.
• While the 150-sheet paper tray was sufficient for me, it might not be enough for high-volume users.
• The build, although sturdy, uses a lot of plastic, which might not feel premium to some.

Revolutionary Ink Technology

The INKvestment Tank system deserves a shout-out. Unlike traditional cartridges, this system uses internal ink tanks with front-loading cartridges, which eliminates the messiness of manual refills. I found it incredibly convenient that the printer came with enough ink for an entire year, saving me both time and money. It’s not just marketing fluff; the ink lasted significantly longer than I expected. The built-in smart reordering feature through Alexa was a small but useful touch, ensuring I never ran out of ink unexpectedly.

Usability for Different Users

This printer feels like it was designed with home offices and small businesses in mind. Its versatility to handle letter and legal-size paper, along with envelope printing, makes it practical for a range of tasks. For students, the flatbed scanner and compatibility with glossy photo paper are ideal for creative projects. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for larger businesses with heavy-duty printing requirements, as the 150-sheet tray might be limiting.

Market Rivals

Comparing this to competitors like the Epson EcoTank ET-2760 and HP Smart Tank 7301, the Brother model holds its own. The INKvestment Tank system is less messy than the refillable tanks on the Epson, and the one-year ink supply outshines HP’s default offerings. However, Epson’s higher print resolution and touchscreen interface might appeal to those prioritizing photo quality and ease of use. The HP model, on the other hand, offers a slightly larger paper capacity, which is a boon for busier offices.

What sets the Brother printer apart, though, is its Alexa integration, which I haven’t seen in many other models. It’s a small but modern feature that adds convenience.

Quality for Price

This printer feels like it strikes the perfect balance between affordability and functionality. You’re not just paying for a basic printer; you’re investing in a device that’s built to last with low maintenance costs. The cost-per-page is incredibly low thanks to the extended ink capacity, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers. It’s rare to find such a feature-rich printer at this price point without sacrificing quality or performance.

Areas for Improvement

• The 1.8-inch LCD screen could be upgraded to a touchscreen for easier navigation.
• Adding a second paper tray would make it more appealing to high-volume users.
• Color print speeds, while decent, could use a boost for those who frequently print graphics.

Final Thoughts

After putting this device through its paces, I can confidently say it’s a solid choice for home and small office users. While it’s not perfect, the INKvestment Tank technology, combined with its reliable performance, makes it a standout option in the crowded printer market. Just keep in mind the limitations of the LCD screen and paper capacity, and you’ll find it’s worth considering.

Additional information