Buying the wrong toner is one of the most common office mistakes. The box looks right, but the cartridge does not fit. Here is how to get it right the first time.
Step 1: Find your cartridge model number
Check one of these places:
- On the old cartridge — usually printed on the label, e.g. “HP 103A” or “W1103A”.
- Inside the printer door — many printers show compatible cartridge numbers.
- In the printer settings or manual — look for “supplies” or “consumables”.
- Your last invoice — if you bought from the same supplier.
Step 2: Match the model exactly
Small differences matter. HP 106A and HP 107A are different cartridges. The letter at the end (A, X) often means standard or high-yield.
Toner vs ink
- Toner — powder, used in laser printers. Best for offices that print a lot of text.
- Ink — liquid, used in inkjet and ink-tank printers (e.g. Epson EcoTank bottles). Good for colour and photos.
Genuine vs compatible toner
- Genuine (original) — made by the printer brand. Consistent quality and protects your printer.
- Compatible — cheaper, but quality varies.
For business documents, genuine toner gives the most reliable results.
Standard vs high-yield
High-yield (“X”) cartridges print more pages. They cost more upfront but usually less per page for busy offices.
Tips to make toner last
- Print drafts in “economy” or draft mode.
- Print double-sided by default.
- Gently shake a low toner cartridge to spread the powder.
- Keep one spare cartridge per printer so work never stops.
- Store cartridges in their sealed box, away from heat and direct sun.
Genuine toner in the UAE
SOL Trading supplies genuine toner and ink cartridges for HP, Canon, Epson, Brother and Samsung printers, delivered UAE-wide. Not sure which one you need? Send us your printer model on WhatsApp.