7 Universal Paper Trays for Mixed Media Printing Options

Finding the right printer for a home craft room or creative space often feels like balancing a checkbook—the options are endless, but the space and budget are finite. Whether printing invitations for a neighborhood gathering or framing family photos for the hallway, having a machine that handles various paper types is essential. This guide helps navigate the maze of paper handling technology to find a solution that actually fits the daily rhythm of a busy household.

Epson SureColor P700: For the Serious Hobbyist

The Epson SureColor P700 serves those who view printing as a deliberate craft rather than a chore. It is designed for individuals who demand gallery-grade precision for photography and fine art prints.

Because this unit features a professional-grade feed system, it handles thick fine art papers with ease. The output quality remains consistent, but the trade-off is a larger physical footprint that requires a dedicated desk or craft area.

Bottom line: Invest in this model if fine art quality is the priority and there is enough dedicated room to house a professional-grade machine permanently.

Canon PIXMA Pro-300: Best for Vibrant Art Prints

For those who spend weekends creating custom cards, labels, or high-end photo prints, the Canon PIXMA Pro-300 offers a reliable middle ground. It produces remarkably vivid colors and deep blacks that bring digital files to life.

This printer features a specialized manual feed tray that prevents thicker papers from bending during the printing process. While it is quite wide, it is significantly more compact than larger professional units, making it suitable for a home office.

Bottom line: Choose this if color accuracy and professional-looking results on thick cardstock are the primary goals for hobby projects.

Canon PIXMA TS9521C: The All-in-One Craft Room Hub

The TS9521C acts as the workhorse for a household that tackles diverse creative projects. It handles standard document printing, scanning, and crafting tasks like printing on 12×12 inch scrapbook paper.

The layout is compact enough for a shelf or a smaller secondary desk in an apartment or shared room. Because it handles everything from envelopes to large-format craft paper, it removes the need for multiple machines in one space.

Bottom line: This is a versatile, space-saving choice for families who need one device for everything from school reports to personalized craft projects.

Epson EcoTank ET-8550: For High-Volume Creativity

Ink costs can become a major burden for households that print frequently, such as those running home businesses or hobby blogs. The EcoTank ET-8550 replaces traditional cartridges with large refillable ink tanks, drastically lowering the cost per page.

Despite the focus on volume, the print quality is exceptional, and the rear feed tray accommodates thicker media, including heavy cardstock. It is a smart long-term investment that reduces the constant need to buy and install new ink cartridges.

Bottom line: Opt for the ET-8550 if the priority is managing long-term printing costs without sacrificing the ability to print high-quality creative projects.

Brother MFC-J6955DW: A Workhorse for Thick Paper

In a busy household where printing is a daily utility, reliability and paper capacity matter more than fine-art nuance. The Brother MFC-J6955DW features a robust design capable of handling ledger-sized paper and heavy cardstock for business or school use.

The front cassette is generous, but the rear manual feed slot is the standout feature for heavy-duty cardstock or custom paper types. It is a large machine, so ensure there is adequate clearance on the printer stand for the rear path.

Bottom line: If the daily routine involves heavy document printing mixed with occasional thick paper projects, this is the most durable choice.

HP Envy Photo 7855: Easy Printing for Cards & Photos

For the household that values simplicity above all else, the HP Envy Photo series offers a user-friendly experience for printing casual photos and home invitations. It utilizes a separate dedicated tray for photo paper, which makes switching between standard documents and snapshots very convenient.

This printer is small, quiet, and fits easily into tight storage spaces or on a living room bookshelf. While not intended for professional-level artistic production, it perfectly handles the volume and variety needed for daily home tasks.

Bottom line: Buy this for straightforward, stress-free printing of family memories and occasional project needs.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000: For Gallery-Quality Work

The PRO-1000 is an enthusiast-level powerhouse designed to turn a home studio into a professional print shop. It utilizes a sophisticated ink system to achieve remarkable detail and texture on almost any paper surface.

Because of its significant weight and size, this unit is not for a temporary setup; it requires a stable, dedicated surface. It offers unparalleled control over paper handling, ensuring heavy, expensive fine art papers never jam or misfeed.

Bottom line: Only select this for serious, high-end production where the quality of the print justifies the substantial space and budget required.

Rear Feed vs. Front Cassette: What You Need to Know

Most printers utilize a front cassette for standard copy paper, which keeps the machine compact. However, this path involves a sharp U-turn, which can cause thick paper to jam or crease.

A rear feed, or “straight-through” path, allows paper to enter from the back and travel in a nearly flat line. Always choose a model with a rear feed if the plans involve heavy cardstock, watercolor paper, or card-making supplies.

Bottom line: For any creative project involving materials thicker than standard bond paper, a rear-loading tray is not just a convenience—it is a necessity.

A Guide to Paper Weight and Printer Compatibility

Paper weight, usually measured in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm), is the primary indicator of how difficult a paper is to feed. Most standard home printers handle up to 20lb or 24lb paper with ease.

If the project requires heavier materials like 80lb or 100lb cardstock, always check the printer manual for the maximum media weight capacity. Exceeding these limits often results in “paper feed errors” or, worse, damage to the internal rollers.

Bottom line: Before buying specialty paper, double-check the printer’s specifications to ensure it can actually pull the weight of the sheet through the mechanism.

Simple Steps to Prevent Jams With Thicker Paper

1. Use the correct setting: Always select the specific media type (e.g., “Heavyweight” or “Cardstock”) in the print dialog box, as this changes how the printer feeds the page.
2. Limit quantities: Never stack multiple sheets of thick paper in a rear feed; insert them one at a time to give the rollers a clean grip.
3. Fan the paper: Briefly fanning the stack before loading prevents static electricity from causing multiple sheets to stick together and jam the tray.
4. Clear the path: Ensure the area behind the printer is clear of cables and clutter, as heavy paper needs room to exit the machine without meeting resistance.

Bottom line: Consistent maintenance and using the software settings correctly can add years of life to a printer and significantly reduce frustration.

Selecting the right printer is a balance of understanding what the household needs today and what projects might be on the horizon. By focusing on how a machine handles paper, the most common headaches associated with home printing can be avoided entirely.