What printer should I buy?

I have mainly had Canon printer/scanner/copy machines - I have found them very reliable and when one has died have just replaced it with a similar model. The model I choose has 5 inks - three colours and two blacks - one being a much larger cartridge. I always use Canon inks although quite expensive I never have any clogging issues etc. The two blacks are slightly different which gives better photo prints.
The printer themselves are not very expensive. My current one is white and because it is on a shelf below the computer it is easier to see the buttons than on a black model.

I should've mentioned, I need one with the hinges that lift a little to accommodate books in the scanner

Mine is an Epson 2500 ecotank - with refillable bottles. Much more expensive to buy, but much cheaper to run. I've had it 3 1/12 years and only refilled black once - bottles much cheaper than cartridges and presumably more environmentally friendly. I've used it to print photos, with good results. It has flatbed scanner and can be used like a photocopier as well as normal scanning.

Just saw your update about hinges - hinge lifts a little, though not enough for a thick book. There are other models which might lift more.

Another advantage of the bottles is that you can see how much ink is left in each

I have an HP and a monthly subscription for ink. I Pay £2.99 a month. As it's a smart printer, it alerts HP when I need new ink. I saved at least £40 in ink last year.
Your subscription is tailored to how many copies you print. It is also a scanner/copier.

When I used to order printers for school, I always tried to get HP if possible. They were good old work horses!

I have an HP Envy and use their Instant Ink scheme - saves a fortune on ink costs! £1.99 a month, includes 50 copies each month with any not used rolling over ( this month I had the 50 copies plus 100 roll over ones) and new ink arrives in the post before I need it. In less than two years I've had two sets of ink which would have cost me over £50 and another lot is due any day soon.

Interesting topic as my HP 5520 Photosmart needs replacing.
A reliable printer, but cartridges don't last long, and cost around £35 for a multipack of 4 colours, which is expensive.

Carrying on this topic, would anyone recommend laser printers?

I bought the cheapest possible from Tesco, it works fine but the ink is expensive, but I still think we have paid less than if we had bought an expensive one.

HP printers may be more expensive, but in the long run, cheaper printers usually cost more in the end because the ink is so expensive.

I know this from experience as an IT co-ordinator. Our ink bill was extortionate and I was forever going to the HT with a begging bowl, because the LA would try to save money by ordering cheap printers.

My last 2 printers were HP and I’ve found instant ink a real money saver. At one time I was paying £9.99 for 500 copies per month. It’s really easy to change your totals for instant ink and the app helps to solve issues. If you do need help they also provide the usual online on telephone help.

I’ve also found that they have been really reliable. The previous printer lasted for a long time whilst printing up to and above 500 copies per month.

I can’t say the same for the laptops though

I guess you are all printing wirelessly? We are still old fashioned in this but will have to move on with the next printer.

Wireless is great, Bluesky. DH was able to print to mine, when his wasn't working and I can even print from my phone.

This is the wireless one I have. Excellent customer service. And the inks are sent to you when they detect you’re running low. Very cheaply.

PS I use a lot of ink so have a monthly plan. The P&P is free and they send a prepaid bag for you to return empty cartridges.

Over the 3 1/2 years I’ve had my Epson ecotank I’ve spent a total of €14 on ink and still have enough for another few years. It’s a lot less than even the cheapest monthly plan some of you have mentioned. I print quite a lot at times- eg multiple copies of newsletter for organisation I’m secretary of.

libra10 asked about laser printers- based on experience, I wouldn’t recommend

I can tell you one NOT to buy - a Brother! So disappointing. The worst printer I've ever had for photos.

Furret

This is the wireless one I have. Excellent customer service. And the inks are sent to you when they detect you’re running low. Very cheaply.

If use this as well but am on the lowest tariff of £1.99 per month for 50 copies with rollover. I do quite a lot of printing a couple of times a year for my WI and just upgrade to the next level for a month or so. I love the fact that my new ink arrives through the post before I need it! I have saved a lot of money as ink cartridges are so expensive.

Farmor, I'm glad Epsom have improved. We had a few in school and they ate ink and were always clogging up.
It sounds as if you got a bargain!

Another HP printer fan here. Saves us a small fortune with a monthly payment and as importantly reduces stress as ink is sent before it’s needed.

Thanks Marydoll and Furret. Is it easy enough to print wirelessly?

Yes. Simple. You just link your computer, tablet phone.

Our devices link automatically to the two printers. No we are not rich!
When I was still teaching my printer was always in use, so it made sense for DH to have his own in his man cave, as he was always breaking it!.

You need to know your WiFi password to set up the printer and that's it!.
Have a go, we are here if you need help.