Finding the right ink cartridges for your HP Envy 5540 printer can be confusing, with so many options available. Using compatible and original HP cartridges will ensure optimal print quality and performance. This guide will walk you through the OEM and third-party ink cartridges that work with the Envy 5540, along with tips for getting the most out of your cartridges.
HP Envy 5540 Printer Overview
The HP Envy 5540 is an all-in-one inkjet printer released in 2015. It has print, scan, copy and fax capabilities. This wireless printer can print up to 10 pages per minute in black and 7 pages per minute in color. It has a standard paper input tray capacity of 125 sheets.
The HP Envy 5540 is designed for home office and personal use. Key features include:
- Print, scan, copy, fax
- Wireless connectivity
- 125-sheet main paper tray
- Up to 10 ppm black, 7 ppm color print speeds
- Flatbed scanner with 35-sheet ADF
- 2.2” touchscreen display
When it comes to ink, the Envy 5540 has two cartridge bays that take HP 61 or HP 61XL ink cartridges. The specific cartridges needed are:
- HP 61 Black Ink Cartridge
- HP 61 Tri-color Ink Cartridge
OEM HP Ink Cartridges
Original HP ink cartridges are engineered and tested for optimal performance with HP printers like the Envy 5540. Using genuine HP cartridges can prevent printing issues and provide reliable, high-quality printouts.
There are standard and XL high yield options available:
| Ink Cartridge | Yield |
|---|---|
| HP 61 Black Ink Cartridge | ~190 pages |
| HP 61XL High Yield Black Ink Cartridge | ~480 pages |
| HP 61 Tri-color Ink Cartridge | ~165 pages |
| HP 61XL High Yield Tri-color Ink Cartridge | ~330 pages |
The XL cartridges offer up to 2.5x more prints than the standard cartridges. Using XL cartridges reduces the long-term printing costs.
HP ink cartridges can be purchased directly from HP or major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Staples and Walmart. Expect to pay around $13-15 for a standard black cartridge, $20-25 for a tri-color cartridge, and $30-35 for XL cartridges.
Compatible Third-Party Ink Cartridges
Compatible or remanufactured ink cartridges are made by third-parties to work in HP printers. They are reused cartridges that have been cleaned and refilled with new ink. The cartridge housing itself is mostly reused aside from key parts like print heads. Refilling ink cartridges generates much less waste compared to disposable OEM cartridges.
Some popular compatible HP 61 ink cartridge brands include:
- LD
- Inkowl
- Pitney Bowes
- Supplies Edge
- GreenBuy
These ink cartridges are affordable alternatives to OEM HP cartridges, with prices averaging 30-50% lower. However, print quality and page yield can vary more between brands. It’s important to stick to reputable brands known for high compatibility and performance.
When considering compatible or remanufactured cartridges, be sure to:
- Research online reviews of the brand
- Confirm the seller warranty and return policy
- Check cartridge page yield ratings
- Look for deals on multi-packs to maximize value
With some due diligence, compatible ink cartridges can be a money-saving option that still provides quality printing.
Refilling Original HP Cartridges
Another way to reuse Original HP ink cartridges is to have them refilled at a store or with a mail-in service. This involves cleaning out the empty OEM cartridge and injecting new third-party ink.
Advantages of refilling original cartridges:
- Much lower cost than buying OEM cartridges
- Generates less waste since original cartridge is reused
- Can get better quality than compatibles if using high-quality ink
Some things to keep in mind when refilling:
- Refilled OEM cartridges may not match OEM page yields
- Over time the print head can wear out, affecting print quality
- HP warranty does not cover damaged caused by refilled cartridges
As long as you understand the tradeoffs, refilling HP 61 cartridges can be a good option for drastic savings on replacement ink.
Tips for Using Third-Party or Refilled Ink Cartridges
To ensure the best performance when using compatible or refilled ink cartridges in the Envy 5540, follow these tips:
- Reset the printer after installing cartridges: This helps the printer recognize the new cartridges and estimate ink levels.
- Print frequently: Infrequent printing can lead to clogs and drying with third-party inks.
- Use up ink in cartridges: Try not to remove partly used cartridges as exposure to air starts the drying process.
- Store cartridges properly: Keep unused cartridges sealed in a cool, dry place to maximize shelf life.
- Clean the print head occasionally: This clears any dried ink or debris buildup.
Following printer care best practices allows third-party inks to work well in the Envy 5540 and maintain print quality.
Conclusion
The HP Envy 5540 inkjet printer is designed to work with HP 61 and HP 61XL cartridges. While OEM HP ink provides reliable performance, compatible cartridges from reputable brands offer significant cost savings. Refilling originals is another money-saving option. Make sure to reset the printer, print regularly, and properly maintain cartridges when using third-party ink. With some informed choices, you can keep your Envy 5540 printing affordably and efficiently.