Brother DCP-J1800DW Ink Cartridges

OEM vs Recycled Ink Cartridges

When shopping for Brother ink cartridges for your Brother DCP-J1800DW, you’ll come across two main types: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) cartridges and Recycled (Remanufactured) cartridges. Both options have their advantages, and the right choice will depend on your printing needs and budget.

OEM Cartridges:

OEM cartridges are manufactured by Brother specifically for the DCP-J1800DW printer. These cartridges ensure the best compatibility and print quality since they are designed to work seamlessly with your printer.

• High print quality
• Fully compatible with Brother printers
• Lower likelihood of printer errors (e.g., unrecognised cartridge)
• Support from Brother’s warranty
• Higher cost compared to remanufactured cartridges

Recycled Cartridges:

Remanufactured cartridges are OEM cartridges that have been cleaned, refilled, rechipped and tested for reuse. They offer a more environmentally friendly and budget-conscious option.

• Lower cost, which is ideal for high-volume printing
• Environmentally friendly, reducing landfill waste
• Warranty with IJT Direct

How to Choose the Right Brother DCP-J1800DW Ink Cartridges

The Brother DCP-J1800DW supports the Brother LC421 ink cartridges available in both standard and high capacity:

Standard Capacity Ink Cartridges:

Standard cartridges are best suited for users with light printing needs, such as occasional document printing or school projects. These cartridges are lower in cost upfront but require more frequent replacements.

• Cartridges: LC421 Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
• Page Yield: Black yields approximately 200 pages, colour cartridges yield about 200 pages each based on a 5% page coverage

High Capacity (XL) Ink Cartridges:

High capacity cartridges are ideal for users who print regularly or in higher volumes. These cartridges offer more pages per cartridge, making them more cost-effective over time.

• Cartridges: LC421XL Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
• Page Yield: Black yields approximately 500 pages, colour cartridges yield around 500 pages each based on a 5% page coverage

Which Cartridge Should You Choose?

• Standard Capacity: If you print infrequently and don’t mind replacing cartridges more often, standard yield is a good option.
• High Capacity (XL): If you print a lot or want to save in the long run, XL cartridges provide better value by lowering the cost per page.

How to Install and Replace Brother DCP-J1800DW Ink Cartridges

Replacing ink cartridges in your Brother DCP-J1800DW is a simple process, but doing it correctly ensures your printer operates smoothly and maintains print quality.

1. Turn on the Printer:
   Make sure your Brother DCP-J1800DW is turned on.
   
   
2. Open the Ink Cartridge Access Cover:
   The cover is usually located on the front of the printer. Open it to access the ink cartridges.
   
   
3. Remove the Empty Cartridge:
   Press the release lever on the empty cartridge and gently pull it out.
   
   
4. Unpack the New Cartridge:
   Remove the new cartridge from its packaging. Be sure to remove any protective seals or tape covering the ink nozzles.
   
   
5. Insert the New Cartridge:
   Slide the new cartridge into the correct slot until it clicks into place. The black cartridge goes into the black slot, and colour cartridges go into their respective colour slots.
   
   
6. Close the Ink Cartridge Cover:
   Once the cartridges are properly installed, close the cover and let the printer initialise the new cartridges.
   
   
7. Print a Test Page:
   Print a test page to ensure that the new cartridges are installed properly and working correctly. Use our free downloadable printer test page to avoid issues such as misalignment or cartridge recognition errors.

Following these steps ensures a smooth replacement process, minimising errors such as "cartridge not recognised."

Best Printing Settings for Brother DCP-J1800DW to Save Ink

To maximise the lifespan of your ink cartridges and reduce printing costs, it’s important to adjust your printer settings based on what you’re printing.

Draft Mode:

For documents that don’t require high-quality output, use the draft or eco-mode. This setting uses less ink by printing in a lighter shade.

• How to Enable: In the print settings dialog, look for the "Print Quality" option and select "Draft."

Grayscale Printing:

When colour isn’t necessary, print in black and white. This helps preserve your colour cartridges for when you need them.

• How to Enable: Select "Grayscale" or "Black and White" in your printer settings before printing.

Duplex Printing:

Double-sided printing not only saves paper but can also help conserve ink by reducing the number of pages needed for long documents.

• How to Enable: Choose the "Two-Sided" or "Duplex" printing option in your print settings.

Paper Type Settings:

Make sure to select the correct paper type for your print job. Using the wrong setting (e.g., printing photos on plain paper settings) can waste ink and reduce print quality.

• How to Enable: In your print settings, choose the appropriate paper type based on the paper you’re using.

By adjusting these settings, you can significantly reduce your ink usage and lower your overall printing costs.

How to Check Ink Levels on the Brother DCP-J1800DW

Knowing when your ink is running low is essential for avoiding interruptions during important print jobs. Here’s how to check your ink levels:

1. On the printer display: Navigate through the printer's menu to find the "Ink Management" or "Ink Levels" section. This will show a visual indicator of how much ink remains in each cartridge.
2. Using Brother printer app: Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your smartphone or tablet. Connect the printer to your device via Wi-Fi, and the app will display your ink levels.
3. Via printer software on your computer: If you're printing from a computer, you can check ink levels through the Brother ControlCenter software. Open the software, navigate to the "Ink" or "Maintenance" tab, and view the current ink levels.

By regularly checking your ink levels, you’ll know when to order new cartridges, avoiding the frustration of running out mid-print.

What Are These Ink Cartridges Best For Printing?

The Brother DCP-J1800DW is designed to handle a wide variety of print jobs, making it a versatile option for home and office users. Here’s what each type of cartridge is best suited for:

• Both standard and high capacity black cartridges are ideal for printing text-heavy documents like reports, essays, and invoices. The crisp, sharp black ink ensures professional-looking results.
• If you need to print flyers, posters, or colourful presentations, the colour cartridges provide vibrant, rich hues that stand out. These cartridges are ideal for small business marketing materials.
• The high capacity colour cartridges excel at producing high-quality photo prints, especially when used with glossy photo paper. The ink dries quickly, preventing smudging and preserving the quality of your photos.
• For home offices, the high capacity cartridges are best for handling the regular printing of documents, spreadsheets, and occasional colour projects. The cost efficiency of XL cartridges makes them a smart choice for home office users who print frequently.

By understanding what these cartridges are best for, you can select the right ink for your specific printing needs.