For years, I found myself in a frustrating cycle, constantly battling with expensive ink cartridges that seemed to run dry just when I needed them most. As a homeschooling parent and a small business owner, reliable and cost-effective printing wasn’t a luxury; it was a necessity. The financial drain and the sheer inconvenience of stopping mid-project to replace cartridges became an untenable situation. If I didn’t find a lasting solution, I knew my productivity, and indeed my wallet, would continue to suffer. That’s why I began my search for a printer that could truly keep up, leading me to eventually invest in the Canon PIXMA G6020 All-in-One Supertank Wireless (Megatank) Printer.
- Wireless Print/Copy/Scan (2)
- Up to 2 years of ink included - Disclaimer: Claim of up to two (2) years of ink based on average monthly document print volumes of 200 pages continuous printing using ‘default printing mode’.
- Print up to 6,000 black & white / 7,700 color pages using a single set of inks! (1)
What to Consider Before Investing in a New Printer
Before diving into a purchase, it’s essential to understand why you need a printer in the first place and what specific problems you’re looking to solve. Many consumers seek a new printer to escape the notorious “ink cartridge trap”—the continuous, high cost of replacement cartridges that often feels like a hidden subscription fee. If you’re printing a moderate to high volume of documents, photos, or creative projects, and you’re tired of frequent cartridge replacements and their associated expense, a tank-style printer like the Canon PIXMA G6020 could be your ideal solution. This type of printer is perfect for home offices, students, small businesses, and photo enthusiasts who prioritize low per-page costs and high ink yield.
However, it’s not for everyone. If you print only a few pages a month, a basic, inexpensive cartridge printer might still be more cost-effective upfront, even with higher per-page costs. Also, if you require specialized features like a large-format output, robust document feeders for extensive scanning, or very high-speed printing typical of a dedicated office laser printer, you might need to explore different categories. Before buying, consider connectivity options (wireless, USB, Ethernet), desired functions (print, scan, copy, fax), print speed (especially for high-volume users), the total cost of ownership (printer price plus long-term ink costs), and media versatility (different paper types and sizes). Understanding these factors will guide you to the right choice for your specific needs.
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Introducing the Canon PIXMA G6020: A Closer Look
The Canon PIXMA G6020 All-in-One Supertank Wireless (Megatank) Printer is a robust, multi-functional device designed to liberate users from the constant worry of running out of ink. It promises up to two years of ink included in the box, delivering an astounding 6,000 black & white or 7,700 color pages from a single set of ink bottles, which translates to significant savings over traditional cartridge printers. When you purchase this unit, it comes with a full set of ink bottles (PGBK, C, M, Y), plus two bonus black ink bottles, a setup CD, manual, and essential documentation, ensuring you’re ready to print right out of the box (though you might need your own USB cable for wired setup).
This printer is explicitly for individuals or small offices that engage in high-volume printing and wish to drastically reduce their per-page ink costs. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone printing extensive documents, reports, or a substantial number of photos. Conversely, it might not be the best fit for someone who only prints occasionally and prioritizes the lowest possible upfront cost over long-term savings, or for those needing an advanced, high-speed office workhorse with features like an automatic document feeder for multi-page scanning.
Pros:
* Incredible ink yield and significant cost savings.
* Reliable wireless connectivity and mobile printing.
* Excellent print quality for both documents and photos.
* Automatic two-sided (duplex) printing.
* User-friendly ink refilling process.
Cons:
* Initial setup can be a bit time-consuming for some users.
* The LCD display is not backlit, making it hard to read in dim lighting.
* Slower print speeds compared to some laser printers.
* Lacks an automatic document feeder (ADF).
* Occasional minor software quirks (e.g., printer going into error states or requiring manual power-on).
Diving Deep into the Features and Benefits
The Revolutionary MegaTank Ink System
The standout feature of the Canon PIXMA G6020 is undoubtedly its MegaTank ink system. Having experienced the frustration of perpetually replacing expensive cartridges, this system was a game-changer for me. Instead of tiny, disposable cartridges, the G6020 utilizes large, refillable ink tanks integrated directly into the printer body. What this means in practical terms is an extraordinary ink yield: up to 6,000 black and white pages and an impressive 7,700 color pages from a single set of ink bottles. For a high-volume user like myself, this translates into enormous savings—Canon estimates up to $1,000 on ink over time.
I can personally attest to this. Since acquiring this printer, I’ve filled multiple photo albums, printed countless homeschooling worksheets, and churned out lengthy documents for my business. I’ve only refilled the black tank once and the color tanks twice in over three years of heavy use. The refill process itself is remarkably simple and mess-free, thanks to the keyed nozzles that prevent you from putting the wrong color in the wrong tank. This feature alone has eliminated the anxiety of running out of ink mid-project and significantly reduced my printing budget. The visibility of the ink levels through the transparent tanks is another small but crucial detail, allowing me to monitor consumption and plan refills proactively. This innovative MegaTank system is a true workhorse, designed for endurance and cost-efficiency, providing unparalleled peace of mind for anyone who prints frequently.
All-in-One Functionality: Print, Copy, Scan
The Canon PIXMA G6020 isn’t just a printer; it’s a versatile all-in-one device that seamlessly handles printing, copying, and scanning. For a home office or a bustling household, having these capabilities consolidated into a single machine is incredibly convenient and space-saving. The wireless print, copy, and scan functions mean I can place the printer virtually anywhere within my network’s reach without being tethered by cables, a huge plus for decluttering my workspace.
Scanning documents is straightforward using Canon’s “IJ Scan Utility” software. While it’s a basic tool, it gets the job done, allowing for sequential scans of multiple pages into a single PDF. The scanned documents and images are, by default, saved to a temporary folder that conveniently pops open after scanning, making it easy to drag and drop them to their final destination. Copying is just as simple: place the document on the flatbed scanner and press either the black or color copy button on the printer’s control panel. The copy quality is consistently good, producing clear and legible reproductions. While this Canon all-in-one lacks an automatic document feeder (ADF), which would be a useful addition for scanning multi-page documents, its reliable flatbed scanner and simple copying interface still make it an invaluable tool for daily tasks.
Seamless Connectivity and Mobile Printing
In today’s interconnected world, versatile connectivity is non-negotiable for a printer, and the PIXMA G6020 delivers. It offers both USB and wireless connectivity, with a strong emphasis on the latter. Setting up the wireless connection was surprisingly smooth for me, although some users report needing a couple of attempts with the setup program. Canon provides excellent online resources, including step-by-step photographic guides, which were incredibly helpful during my initial setup. Once connected to my home Wi-Fi, the printer became accessible from all our devices: my desktop PC, laptops, iPhones, and iPads.
The mobile printing capabilities are particularly useful. Being able to send documents or photos to print directly from my smartphone or tablet, without needing to transfer them to a computer first, adds a layer of convenience that I now rely on daily. Furthermore, the G6020 is compatible with Amazon Alexa, allowing for voice-activated printing, which is a neat feature for quick tasks, though I personally don’t use it frequently. The sustained Wi-Fi connection has been stable, rarely dropping, which is a testament to its reliability. For those concerned about security, Canon’s setup process also includes warnings and resolutions for potential internet security blocks, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to user experience. Overall, the printer’s ability to integrate seamlessly into a modern, connected home or office environment is a significant benefit.
Print Quality and Media Versatility
The ultimate measure of any printer is its output quality, and my Canon G6020 has consistently impressed me in this regard. For everyday documents, whether black and white text or color graphics, the print quality is sharp, crisp, and highly legible, even when using standard 20lb or 24lb paper. Duplex (auto 2-sided) printing works flawlessly, saving paper and reducing clutter, which is excellent for printing long reports or homeschooling curricula.
Where this printer truly shines, however, is with photo printing. I’ve printed hundreds of photos, filling multiple albums, using various Canon photo papers, and the results are consistently vibrant and true to color. Images from old family photos to modern digital captures look fresh and impressive. While some users mention needing to fine-tune color settings for perfect screen-to-print fidelity, I’ve found the default settings to be more than adequate for most of my needs. The maximum print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi for color ensures incredible detail.
The G6020 also handles a decent range of media types. I’ve used standard letter and legal paper, various photo papers (glossy, matte), and even 100lb card stock via the rear paper tray. The rear feeder is particularly useful for thicker media or specific paper sizes not easily accommodated by the main cassette. One area that required a workaround, as noted by some users, is borderless printing for non-standard photo paper sizes. The firmware tends to limit borderless options to common photo sizes. However, by setting the paper size to Letter (8.5×11) in the print dialogue and carefully sizing your graphic within those virtual margins, you can effectively achieve borderless prints on custom-sized stock, even heavier card stock fed one by one through the rear tray. This flexibility, once discovered, significantly expands the creative possibilities.
Performance and Usability
Over several years of consistent use, the Canon PIXMA G6020 has proven itself to be a solid performer, though it does have a few quirks that are worth noting. Print speeds are decent, with monochrome documents reaching up to 13 ppm and color at 6.8 ppm. While not the fastest on the market, it’s perfectly acceptable for a home or small office environment. I’ve experienced very few paper jams, and those that occurred were typically my fault for overfilling the output tray with heavy paper, a quick fix. For long print runs, especially with heavier or ink-saturated paper, it’s wise to clear the output tray every 30-80 pages to prevent issues.
However, there are a few usability aspects that could be improved. The 2-line LCD display, while functional, is not backlit and has poor contrast, making it challenging to read in certain lighting conditions. The power button lacks tactile feedback and can sometimes be unresponsive, requiring you to wait for the screen to load to confirm if the printer has actually turned on. Occasionally, the printer can enter peculiar error states, like “tray was taken out while printer off, please wait,” or insist on checking the rear tray even when printing from the main cassette, requiring a manual ‘OK’ press on the printer itself. This can be annoying if you’re trying to print remotely. Some users also report the printer occasionally turning itself off if not actively used through the app, and a “Job ending, please wait” message can sometimes linger for several minutes after printing, which can be frustrating if you need to quickly initiate another task. Despite these minor inconveniences, the overall reliability and incredible ink economy far outweigh these small drawbacks, making it a dependable workhorse for heavy printing demands.
What Users Are Saying: Testimonials from the Community
Having scoured the internet and seen countless reviews, it’s clear that many users echo my positive long-term experience with the Canon PIXMA G6020. Many praise its exceptional ink longevity, frequently mentioning going for 20 months or even over three years before needing to refill tanks, especially the black ink. The transition from expensive cartridges to the MegaTank system is a recurring theme, with users expressing relief over significant cost savings. The print quality, particularly for photos and detailed documents, consistently receives high marks, with numerous comments about vibrant colors and sharp text. Even initial setup, while occasionally tricky for some, is often lauded for its comprehensive guidance from Canon. Overall, the consensus highlights this printer as a dependable, cost-effective solution for high-volume printing.
Final Thoughts: Is the Canon PIXMA G6020 Right for You?
If you’re still locked in the relentless cycle of expensive, short-lived ink cartridges, it’s time to break free. The continuous drain on your budget and the sheer inconvenience of running out of ink at critical moments are problems that demand a durable solution. The Canon PIXMA G6020 stands out as an excellent choice to solve these issues. Its revolutionary MegaTank system offers unparalleled ink economy, drastically reducing your running costs. Furthermore, its reliable all-in-one functionality and impressive print quality ensure that both your documents and photos come out looking fantastic. For a printer that delivers long-term value and dependable performance, this remarkable printer is a worthwhile investment. Ready to experience the freedom of printing without the constant ink worry? Click here to explore the Canon PIXMA G6020.
Last update on 2025-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API