If you’ve ever found yourself tearing your hair out over a printer that constantly jams, guzzles ink, or simply refuses to connect, then you know the unique frustration I’ve experienced. For years, I struggled with printers that promised a lot but delivered endless headaches, making simple tasks feel like Herculean efforts. I desperately needed a reliable, efficient solution for my home office, something that could handle everything from everyday documents to more ambitious projects. Without a dependable printer, deadlines get missed, creativity is stifled, and the sheer inefficiency can cripple productivity. That’s why investing in a solid machine like the Brother MFC-J5855DW INKvestment Tank Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer would have saved me countless hours of exasperation.
- UP TO 1-YEAR OF INK IN-BOX¹ – Enjoy long-lasting, uninterrupted printing with up to 1 year of ink included to reduce frequent cartridge replacements.
- PROFESSIONAL LEDGER-SIZE PRINTING – Print up to 11" x 17" documents with vibrant color and crisp text from a 250-sheet paper tray, multipurpose tray, and 50-page ADF².
- BROTHER MAXIDRIVE INKJET TECHNOLOGY – Our fastest and most durable INKvestment Tank print engine yet, built for high-volume, high-quality output.
Essential Considerations Before Investing in a New Printer
Before diving into the specifics of any single model, it’s crucial to understand what makes a printer truly worthwhile for your needs. People typically seek a new printer to solve a range of issues: the inability to print, scan, or copy important documents, the high cost of replacement ink, slow performance, or a lack of specific features like double-sided printing or larger paper support. An ideal customer for a versatile all-in-one printer like this would be a home office user, a small business owner, or even a busy student who handles a significant volume of printing, scanning, and copying. They might need the flexibility to print documents up to 11” x 17” for presentations, blueprints, or creative projects. They also value long-term cost savings on ink and hassle-free operation.
On the other hand, if you print only a few pages a month, have minimal space, or strictly need a monochrome laser printer for text-only documents, this particular model might be overkill. A simpler, more compact printer with a lower upfront cost might suit an occasional user better. Before making a purchase, consider your average print volume, the types of documents you print (text, photos, large formats), your connectivity preferences (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB), and how important features like automatic document feeders (ADF), duplex printing, and ink economy are to your daily workflow.
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Introducing the Brother MFC-J5855DW INKvestment Tank Printer
The Brother MFC-J5855DW INKvestment Tank Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer is designed to be a comprehensive solution for busy households and small offices. This sleek white inkjet printer promises long-lasting, uninterrupted printing with its innovative INKvestment Tank system, boasting up to a year of ink right in the box. Its standout feature is its ability to handle professional ledger-size (up to 11″ x 17″) documents, a rare find in this price range.
When you purchase this all-in-one device, it comes complete with the printer unit, a set of starter ink cartridges (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow), a Quick Setup Guide, Product Safety Guide, Reference Guide, a telephone line cord for fax capabilities, and a Warranty Card. Compared to many competitors that often require frequent and expensive cartridge replacements, the INKvestment Tank system sets it apart, focusing on reducing overall running costs and user inconvenience. While some market leaders might offer similar print speeds, few combine the ink longevity, ledger-size printing, and robust feature set in such a user-friendly package.
This specific Brother printer is ideal for small businesses, home-based entrepreneurs, or creative professionals who need versatile printing capabilities, particularly larger documents, and want to minimize ink costs. It’s also perfect for anyone who values quick setup and reliable wireless connectivity. However, if space is extremely limited or if you only print a handful of pages per month and don’t need advanced features, a more basic, compact model might be a better fit.
Here’s a quick glance at its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
* Up to 1 year of ink included, significantly reducing replacement frequency.
* Professional ledger-size (11″ x 17″) printing capability.
* Fast print speeds of 30 ppm for both color and monochrome.
* Flexible connectivity options including dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB.
* Automatic duplex (two-sided) printing and a 50-page Automatic Document Feeder (ADF).
* Intuitive 3.5″ color touchscreen for easy operation.
Cons:
* Larger footprint and heavier weight (39 lbs) compared to standard home printers.
* Some users report initial Wi-Fi setup challenges or specific compatibility issues.
* Isolated incidents of print quality inconsistency (e.g., banding) after extended use.
* Potential for minor software configuration quirks, such as the scan-to-PC button.
* Customer support experiences can vary, as noted by some users.
Key Attributes and Advantages
Having spent a considerable amount of time with the Brother MFC-J5855DW, I can confidently break down the features that make it stand out and why they matter in a real-world setting. This isn’t just a collection of specifications; it’s about how these elements translate into a smoother, more productive experience.
The INKvestment Tank System & Exceptional Ink Yield
One of the most revolutionary aspects of this printer, and indeed one of the main reasons I initially considered it, is the INKvestment Tank system. Unlike traditional cartridge-based printers that force you into a cycle of frequent, expensive replacements, the Brother MFC-J5855DW utilizes larger, internal ink tanks. The claim of “up to 1 year of ink in-box” is genuinely impressive. From my experience, while actual mileage can vary based on your printing habits, the longevity of the initial ink supply is significantly better than any cartridge printer I’ve owned. For instance, even with fairly heavy use, the black ink lasted for several months before needing a replacement, and the color tanks are still holding strong.
This system effectively solves the constant headache and financial drain of buying new ink every few weeks. It provides an uninterrupted printing experience, allowing you to focus on your work rather than scrambling for cartridges. The cost savings over time are substantial, and the environmental benefit of producing less plastic waste from discarded cartridges is an added bonus. While one user noted a discrepancy between “up to 1 year” and “3000 pages of ink not 3600 pages,” even 3000 pages is a considerable amount, reinforcing the value proposition of this innovative ink delivery method. This commitment to ink economy is a primary driver for long-term satisfaction with this particular model.
Professional Ledger-Size Printing (11″ x 17″)
The ability to print up to 11″ x 17″ documents is a game-changer for many users, myself included. Before owning the Brother MFC-J5855DW, printing anything larger than standard letter size meant either stitching together multiple pages or making a trip to a print shop. This printer eliminates that inconvenience entirely. It features a robust 250-sheet paper tray capable of handling various media types, alongside a multipurpose tray for specialty paper. Whether it’s detailed architectural plans, large spreadsheets, intricate craft patterns, or vibrant posters, this machine handles them with ease, delivering crisp text and vibrant colors.
This feature is particularly beneficial for professionals in fields like engineering or graphic design who frequently work with larger formats. As one engineer user happily stated, this addition was a “total must” for printing plans on job sites. It dramatically enhances productivity and professional presentation, allowing you to produce high-quality, larger documents right from your home or small office. The print quality on these larger formats has consistently been excellent, making presentations and drafts look truly professional.
Brother MAXIDRIVE Inkjet Technology
At the heart of the MAXIDRIVE Inkjet Technology lies a print engine built for speed and durability. The MFC-J5855DW boasts impressive print speeds of up to 30 pages per minute (ppm) for both color and monochrome documents. In practice, this means less waiting around for your prints. Even a full-sheet color photo prints remarkably quickly, while black and white documents fly out in just a couple of seconds. This high-volume capability is crucial for keeping workflows smooth, especially when dealing with large reports or multiple users sharing the printer.
Beyond speed, the MAXIDRIVE technology also contributes to the printer’s overall durability. It feels like a robust machine, designed to withstand the demands of regular use, rather than feeling flimsy. This is a significant improvement over some other consumer-grade printers that feel like they’re on the verge of breaking with every print job. This combination of speed and build quality ensures that the printer remains a reliable workhorse for years, contributing to its long-term value.
Versatile Connectivity Options
In today’s interconnected world, flexible connectivity is non-negotiable. The Brother MFC-J5855DW offers a comprehensive suite of options: dual-band wireless (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, and USB. For the most part, setting up these connections is remarkably straightforward. Many users, including myself, have found the Wi-Fi connection to be quick and hassle-free, often taking mere minutes to link to phones and computers. The Brother Mobile Connect App further extends this flexibility, allowing you to print or scan documents directly from your smartphone or tablet, a feature I frequently use when working remotely.
However, it’s worth acknowledging that, like any advanced piece of tech, connectivity isn’t universally flawless for everyone. Some users have reported challenges, particularly with initial Wi-Fi setup, sometimes due to network specificities or software glitches. One user’s frustrating experience trying to connect to a 5G network, despite the printer being designed for dual-band, highlights that while the capability is there, occasional troubleshooting might be necessary. It’s a testament to the robust options, though, that if one method proves difficult, alternatives like Ethernet or USB are readily available, ensuring you can almost always get connected.
Intuitive 3.5″ Color Touchscreen
Navigating the various functions of an all-in-one printer can sometimes be cumbersome, but the Brother MFC-J5855DW addresses this with its bright and responsive 3.5″ color touchscreen. This display makes managing print, copy, scan, and fax functions incredibly easy and intuitive. Instead of fumbling with small buttons or needing to access software on your computer for every task, the touchscreen provides direct control at your fingertips.
From initiating a scan to a specific network folder, adjusting copy settings, or sending a fax, the interface is user-friendly and clearly laid out. This direct control enhances efficiency, especially for standalone tasks, and contributes to the printer’s overall ease of use, even for those less technologically inclined. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in daily interactions, making complex functions feel simple and accessible.
Built-in Security and Cost Savings
In an age where data security is paramount, the MFC-J5855DW doesn’t cut corners. It incorporates triple-layer security features designed to protect your documents and sensitive data during printing, scanning, and network transmission. This provides peace of mind, especially for small businesses handling confidential information.
Beyond security, the printer is also engineered for further cost savings and environmental responsibility. Features like Eco Mode and Ink Save Mode help optimize ink usage without significantly compromising quality for draft documents. Crucially, its automatic duplex printing capability allows for easy two-sided printing, significantly reducing paper consumption. These thoughtful additions underscore Brother’s commitment to providing a machine that is not only powerful but also economical and sustainable in the long run. Features like duplex printing and Ink Save Mode make this all-in-one printer a smart choice for any user conscious of their operational costs and environmental impact.
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) & Duplex Printing
For anyone who frequently scans, copies, or faxes multi-page documents, the 50-page Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) is an absolute lifesaver. Instead of manually placing each page on the flatbed scanner, you can simply load a stack of documents into the ADF and let the printer handle the rest. This feature alone saves immense amounts of time and effort, transforming tedious tasks into quick, automated processes. The auto-duplex printing complements this by allowing you to print on both sides of a page without manual intervention, further enhancing efficiency and paper conservation.
While one user did report an issue with the ADF making dark lines on scans after nearly ten months of use, they also noted that Brother provided an easy-to-understand tutorial to solve the problem, which ultimately worked. This highlights that while occasional maintenance or troubleshooting might be needed, the printer is generally supported with solutions. Its ability to handle large scanning and copying jobs with ease makes it an indispensable tool for office productivity.
Build Quality and Design
From the moment you unbox the Brother MFC-J5855DW, its robust build quality is apparent. It feels substantial and well-constructed, a stark contrast to the flimsy, plastic-heavy feel of some other brands. While it does have a larger footprint, weighing 39 pounds, this is a reasonable trade-off for its advanced capabilities, especially the ledger-size printing. Its white finish gives it a clean, professional look that blends well in most office or home environments. This solid construction suggests a printer built to last, offering durability that many users crave after experiencing the premature failures of cheaper models. Its sturdy design contributes to the overall reliability and longevity of the machine, making it a sound investment.
Customer Perspectives and Real-World Experiences
Having scoured numerous online forums and product pages, it’s clear that the Brother MFC-J5855DW generally garners positive feedback, though a few consistent criticisms emerge. Many users laud its quick and straightforward setup, particularly praising its seamless Wi-Fi connectivity to various devices as a refreshing change from frustrating experiences with other brands. The print speed, large paper tray, and the invaluable ledger-size printing capability are frequently highlighted as major advantages. Several individuals expressed long-term satisfaction, noting the printer’s quality and speed, even after many months of heavy use. However, a minority reported frustrating experiences with initial Wi-Fi setup, or inconsistent print quality (like banding) developing after extended use. Isolated incidents of damaged delivery, missing parts, or challenges with customer service were also mentioned, indicating that while generally robust, individual experiences can vary.
Final Verdict: Is This Brother Printer for You?
The struggle with an underperforming printer can be a constant source of frustration, leading to wasted time, unexpected expenses, and missed opportunities. If you’re tired of running out of ink, dealing with slow print speeds, or being limited to standard paper sizes, then the Brother MFC-J5855DW INKvestment Tank Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer offers a compelling solution.
This printer stands out for several key reasons: its exceptional ink economy, promising up to a year of ink in the box, liberates you from frequent and costly cartridge changes. Its versatile ledger-size printing capability allows you to handle a wider range of professional and creative projects right from your home. Furthermore, its robust build and fast print speeds, backed by Brother’s MAXIDRIVE technology, ensure it’s a dependable workhorse for high-volume demands. It’s an investment that pays off in productivity and peace of mind. To discover more and make this powerful printer yours, Click here to check it out!
Last update on 2025-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API