Skip to content

Welcome guest

Please login or register
Top 5 most economical printers for early childhood documentation

Top 5 most economical printers for early childhood documentation

Selecting the right printer is crucial for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) settings, where documentation is both frequent and essential. Balancing cost-efficiency with functionality ensures that educators can maintain thorough records without straining budgets. Below are five economical printers well-suited for ECEC documentation:

1. Canon Maxify GX3060 MegaTank leading the way for most economical printer for early childhood documentation

This multifunction colour inkjet printer is designed for high-volume printing needs. It boasts an exceptionally low annual ink cost of approximately $30, making it a cost-effective choice for settings that require extensive documentation. The printer delivers quality prints and offers features tailored to streamline tasks in busy environments. 

2. HP Smart Tank 7605 came in 2nd for most economical printer for early childhood documentation

The HP Smart Tank 7605 is a multifunction colour inkjet printer that combines efficiency with quality. With an annual ink cost around $33, it provides a balance between upfront investment and long-term savings. Its design caters to the demands of educational settings, ensuring reliable performance for daily documentation tasks.

3. The 3rd most economical printer for early childhood documentation is the Canon PIXMA G3620 MegaTank 

Designed for high-volume printing, the Canon PIXMA G3620 MegaTank offers an affordable solution with easy ink tank refills. Its multifunction capabilities make it suitable for various documentation needs, and its economical operation ensures that printing extensive records remains budget-friendly. 

4. And in 4th place for economical printers is the Brother HL-L2445DW

For those primarily printing monochrome documents, the Brother HL-L2445DW is a standard laser mono printer that offers reliability and efficiency. With an annual toner cost of about $150, it provides a cost-effective solution for black-and-white printing needs, ensuring crisp and clear documents. 

5. And finally, the last economical printer option for early childhood documentation we will mention, Canon PIXMA TR7060a

This multifunction colour inkjet printer is both affordable and versatile. Priced at $139, it offers quality printing suitable for various documentation requirements. While its annual ink cost is approximately $572, it remains a viable option for settings with moderate printing volumes. 

Considerations for Choosing a Printer:

  • Printing Volume: Assess the average number of pages printed monthly to determine whether a high-capacity printer is necessary.

  • Colour vs. Monochrome: Decide if colour printing is essential for your documentation or if monochrome will suffice, which can lead to cost savings.

  • Functionality: Features like scanning, copying, and duplex printing can enhance efficiency in managing documentation tasks.

  • Long-Term Costs: Consider both the initial purchase price and ongoing maintenance expenses, including ink or toner replacements.

Consider ways you can reduce the amount of printing needed by using Butler Diaries to simplify your documentation and pair it with our Print-Ready Templates and Sticker Pack for any photo evidence you need.

Information from choice.com.au.

Related Blog Posts

Streamlining and Reducing Duplication in Documentation
Top 5 Programming Methods for Early Childhood Education and Care

Latest Articles

  • How to show evidence of updated practice for the 2025–2026 NQS changes

    How to show evidence of updated practice for the 2025–2026 NQS changes

    For many services, the pressure point won’t be doing the work — it will be proving the work has changed, and that it is not just a policy update sitting in a folder. This is where your Exceeding Guidance Summary becomes a genuine strategic tool: it helps you capture, organise, and clearly communicate how your practice is being reviewed, improved, embedded, and sustained — especially in relation to new expectations around child safety, governance, and leadership.

  • What to Include in Each Programming Box (and Why There’s No “Wrong” Box)

    What to Include in Each Programming Box (and Why There’s No “Wrong” Box)

    “What actually goes in each programming box?” This post breaks down ideas for what to include in each programming box, links them clearly to the EYLF, and — most importantly — explains why the same experience can legitimately sit in different boxes, depending on your purpose.

  • NQS 2026 Updates and 2025 Policy Guidelines: Downloadable Resources

    NQS 2026 Updates and 2025 Policy Guidelines: Downloadable Resources

    Learn about the upcoming NQF child safety changes coming into effect in September 2025 and January 2026, and download your NQS 2026 Update Pack, including NQS Summary, Service Leader Checklist, National Model Code Checklist, and Staff Handout. 

Your Cart

Free gift with 2026 Diary purchases, choose your free gift.


Join the 35,000+ customers who have trusted Butler Diaries to help them in their roles.

Your Cart is empty
Let's fix that

You might like...

Powered by Omni Themes