Comprehensive Review of Brother MFC-L8850CDW Cartridges

The Brother MFC-L8850CDW is a high-performance color laser multifunction printer designed for small to medium-sized offices. It boasts a variety of features, including printing, copying, scanning, and faxing, all of which rely on its toner cartridges. This review will provide an in-depth analysis of the Brother MFC-L8850CDW cartridges, including their types, installation process, performance, cost, and environmental impact. We will also explore common issues and troubleshooting tips, as well as compare these cartridges with those of competitors.

1. Overview of Brother MFC-L8850CDW Cartridges

The Brother MFC-L8850CDW uses four separate toner cartridges: black (TN336BK), cyan (TN336C), magenta (TN336M), and yellow (TN336Y). These cartridges are designed to work seamlessly with the printer, ensuring high-quality prints and reliable performance.

2. Types of Cartridges

Standard vs. High-Yield Cartridges

Brother offers both standard and high-yield toner cartridges for the MFC-L8850CDW:

1. Standard Yield Cartridges:
   • Black (TN331BK): Approximately 2,500 pages.
   • Cyan (TN331C): Approximately 1,500 pages.
   • Magenta (TN331M): Approximately 1,500 pages.
   • Yellow (TN331Y): Approximately 1,500 pages.
2. High-Yield Cartridges:
   • Black (TN336BK): Approximately 4,000 pages.
   • Cyan (TN336C): Approximately 3,500 pages.
   • Magenta (TN336M): Approximately 3,500 pages.
   • Yellow (TN336Y): Approximately 3,500 pages.

The choice between standard and high-yield cartridges depends on the volume of printing. High-yield cartridges are more cost-effective for higher print volumes due to their larger capacity.

3. Installation Process

Installing toner cartridges in the Brother MFC-L8850CDW is straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Turn Off the Printer:
   • Power off the printer and unplug it to ensure safety.
2. Open the Front Cover:
   • Pull down the front cover to access the toner cartridges.
3. Remove the Old Cartridge:
   • Pull out the drum unit and toner cartridge assembly for the color that needs replacing.
   • Push down the green lock lever and remove the old toner cartridge from the drum unit.
4. Unpack the New Cartridge:
   • Unpack the new toner cartridge. Gently shake it from side to side to distribute the toner evenly inside.
5. Install the New Cartridge:
   • Insert the new toner cartridge into the drum unit until it clicks into place. Ensure it is securely seated.
6. Reinstall the Drum Unit:
   • Insert the drum unit and toner cartridge assembly back into the printer.
7. Close the Front Cover:
   • Close the front cover of the printer.
8. Power On the Printer:
   • Plug in the printer and turn it on. The printer will automatically recognize the new cartridge.

4. Performance and Print Quality

The performance and print quality of the Brother MFC-L8850CDW cartridges are critical factors for any office printer.

Print Quality

1. Text Documents:
   • The black toner (TN336BK) produces sharp, clear text with consistent density, making it ideal for professional documents and reports.
2. Color Documents:
   • The color toners (TN336C, TN336M, TN336Y) deliver vibrant and accurate colors, suitable for marketing materials, presentations, and graphics.
3. Image Quality:
   • Photos and detailed images are printed with high resolution and precise color reproduction, thanks to the fine toner particles and advanced laser technology.

Performance

1. Reliability:
   • The cartridges are designed to work seamlessly with the printer, minimizing the risk of jams and other issues. They offer consistent performance over their lifespan.
2. Yield:
   • The high-yield cartridges provide a significantly higher number of pages compared to standard yield, making them more economical for businesses with high print volumes.

5. Cost Analysis

The cost of toner cartridges is a major consideration for businesses. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:

Standard Yield Cartridges

1. Black (TN331BK): Approximately $70
2. Cyan (TN331C): Approximately $70
3. Magenta (TN331M): Approximately $70
4. Yellow (TN331Y): Approximately $70

High-Yield Cartridges

1. Black (TN336BK): Approximately $110
2. Cyan (TN336C): Approximately $120
3. Magenta (TN336M): Approximately $120
4. Yellow (TN336Y): Approximately $120

Cost-Per-Page Analysis

1. Standard Yield:
   • Black: $0.028 per page
   • Color: $0.046 per page
2. High-Yield:
   • Black: $0.0275 per page
   • Color: $0.034 per page

High-yield cartridges offer a lower cost per page, making them more cost-effective for heavy users.

6. Environmental Impact

Brother emphasizes environmentally responsible manufacturing and disposal practices.

Recycling Program

1. Return Program:
   • Brother offers a cartridge return program where users can send back used cartridges for recycling. This program reduces landfill waste and conserves resources.
2. Eco-Friendly Design:
   • The cartridges are designed with recycling in mind, using materials that are easy to separate and recycle.
3. Energy Efficiency:
   • The MFC-L8850CDW is ENERGY STAR certified, ensuring it uses less energy during operation and standby modes, contributing to lower carbon emissions.

7. Common Issues and Troubleshooting

While the Brother MFC-L8850CDW cartridges are generally reliable, users may encounter some issues. Here are common problems and their solutions:

Issue: Low Toner Warning

Solution:

1. Shake the Cartridge: Remove the cartridge and gently shake it from side to side to redistribute the toner. Reinstall it and continue printing.
2. Override Setting: If the toner is not completely empty, use the printer’s override setting to continue printing until the toner is fully depleted.

Issue: Streaks or Lines on Prints

Solution:

1. Clean the Drum Unit: Remove the drum unit and clean it using a lint-free cloth. Avoid touching the drum surface directly.
2. Check for Damage: Inspect the toner cartridge for any visible damage or leaks. Replace if necessary.

Issue: Faded Prints

Solution:

1. Check Toner Levels: Ensure the toner cartridge is not nearing the end of its life. Replace if needed.
2. Print Density Setting: Adjust the print density settings in the printer’s menu to increase toner usage for darker prints.

Issue: Cartridge Not Recognized

Solution:

1. Reinstall Cartridge: Remove and reinstall the cartridge to ensure it is properly seated.
2. Firmware Update: Check for and install any firmware updates for the printer that may address recognition issues.
3. Contact Support: If the issue persists, contact Brother support for further assistance.

8. Comparison with Competitors

Comparing the Brother MFC-L8850CDW cartridges with those from other manufacturers helps highlight its strengths and weaknesses.

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdw

1. Print Quality:
   • Both printers offer excellent print quality, but Brother’s color cartridges provide slightly more vibrant colors.
2. Cartridge Cost:
   • HP’s cartridges tend to be more expensive, making Brother’s high-yield options more cost-effective.
3. Eco-Friendly Practices:
   • Both brands have robust recycling programs, but Brother’s focus on eco-friendly design gives it a slight edge.

Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw

1. Print Quality:
   • Canon’s color accuracy and photo printing capabilities are comparable to Brother’s, but Brother often performs better with text documents.
2. Cartridge Cost:
   • Canon’s cartridges are generally in the same price range as Brother’s, but Brother’s high-yield options offer better value for high-volume users.
3. User Experience:
   • Users often find Brother’s cartridges easier to install and replace, enhancing the overall user experience.

9. User Feedback and Reviews

User feedback provides valuable insights into the real-world performance and reliability of Brother MFC-L8850CDW cartridges.

Positive Feedback

1. High Print Quality: Users frequently praise the sharp text and vibrant colors produced by the cartridges.
2. Easy Installation: Many users appreciate the straightforward installation process, reducing downtime.
3. Cost-Effective: High-yield cartridges are often highlighted for their cost-effectiveness in high-volume printing environments.

Negative Feedback

1. Low Toner Warnings: Some users report premature low toner warnings, although this can often be mitigated by using the override setting.
2. Compatibility Issues: A small number of users experience compatibility issues with third-party or refilled cartridges.

10. Conclusion

The Brother MFC-L8850CDW toner cartridges are a crucial component of this multifunction printer, offering high-quality prints, reliable performance, and cost-effective options for various printing needs. Whether choosing standard or high-yield cartridges, users can expect consistent results and a straightforward installation process.

Summary of Key Points

1. High Print Quality: The Brother MFC-L8850CDW cartridges provide sharp text and vibrant colors, making them suitable for a variety of printing tasks, including professional documents, marketing materials, and photos.
2. Ease of Installation: The straightforward installation process reduces downtime and ensures users can quickly replace cartridges without technical assistance.
3. Cost-Effective Options: High-yield cartridges offer a lower cost per page, making them an economical choice for businesses with high print volumes.
4. Environmental Responsibility: Brother’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices includes a cartridge return program and ENERGY STAR certification, promoting sustainable printing.
5. Troubleshooting Support: Common issues such as low toner warnings, streaks, and faded prints can often be resolved with simple troubleshooting steps or by contacting Brother support.