Quick Answer
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is our top pick for caterers in 2026. Beautiful color printing showcases menus and food photography, ultra-low ink costs handle busy event seasons, and wireless printing works from your commercial kitchen or office.
Table of Contents
Top Picks for Caterers
Best Overall
Epson EcoTank ET-2850
Perfect for catering businesses. Color printing makes menus and event proposals stunning, while ultra-low ink costs handle busy wedding and event seasons. Wireless printing works from anywhere in your facility.
- Vibrant color for menus
- Ultra-low ink costs (~$30/year)
- 2-year ink supply included
- Wireless from any device
- Compact design
Budget Pick
Brother HL-L2460DW
Affordable workhorse for basic catering needs. Fast monochrome laser prints invoices, contracts, and internal documents quickly. Perfect for operations where menus are printed externally.
- 36 ppm fast printing
- ~2 cents per page
- Auto duplex for contracts
- Compact footprint
- Very affordable
Menu Cards Pick
Canon PIXMA iX6820
Essential for caterers creating impressive menu presentations. Print stunning 13x19" menu boards, buffet station signs, and large event signage. Photo-quality output showcases your food beautifully.
- Wide format up to 13x19"
- Photo-quality output
- 5-ink color system
- Menu board printing
- Professional results
Food Labels Pick
Brother QL-820NWB
Perfect for allergen labels and food identification. Quickly print ingredient lists, dietary warnings, and date labels for buffet items. Wireless operation works throughout the kitchen.
- Fast label printing
- Allergen warning labels
- Date coding capability
- Wireless/Bluetooth
- Various label sizes
Event Company Pick
Epson EcoTank ET-4850
Complete solution for busy catering companies. Print, scan, copy, and fax from one machine. Scan signed contracts and digitize event orders while producing high-volume menus at minimal cost.
- Print/scan/copy/fax
- 30-sheet ADF
- Ultra-low ink costs
- Color output
- Large touchscreen
What Caterers Need in a Printer
Vibrant Color Output
Beautiful menus, food photography, and event proposals showcase your culinary creations. Color printing helps win competitive bids and impress event planners.
High-Volume Capability
Large events mean printing dozens or hundreds of menus. Ink tank printers handle volume affordably without running out mid-event preparation.
Speed & Reliability
Last-minute menu changes are common in catering. Fast, reliable printing ensures you're never caught without updated materials before an event.
Label Printing
Allergen warnings, ingredient lists, and food identification labels are essential for food safety compliance and guest safety at events.
Comparison Chart
| Printer | Best For | Color | Wide Format | Ink Cost | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank ET-2850 | Most caterers | Yes | No | Very Low | $$ |
| Brother HL-L2460DW | Basic invoicing | No | No | Very Low | $ |
| Canon PIXMA iX6820 | Menu boards | Yes | Yes (13x19) | Medium | $$ |
| Brother QL-820NWB | Food labels | B/W + Red | No (Labels) | Medium | $$ |
| Epson EcoTank ET-4850 | Event companies | Yes | No | Very Low | $$$ |
Catering Business Buying Guide
Software Integration
Modern printers work with catering business software:
- Total Party Planner: Print event orders, BEOs, and client contracts
- Caterease: Print proposals, invoices, and production reports
- Better Cater: Print event summaries and kitchen prep sheets
- Canva: Print custom menu designs and event materials
- QuickBooks: Print professional invoices and financial reports
Business Type Guide
Personal Chef / Small Catering
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 prints beautiful menus and proposals at minimal ongoing cost.
Corporate Catering
The Brother HL-L2460DW handles high-volume invoices and contracts efficiently.
Wedding & Event Catering
The Canon PIXMA iX6820 creates stunning large-format menu displays and signage.
Full-Service Event Company
The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 provides complete print/scan/copy capability for complex operations.
Common Printing Tasks
Event Menus
Custom menus for each event with dishes, descriptions, and dietary info.
Proposals & Quotes
Professional proposals with menu options, pricing, and terms.
Buffet Station Signs
Food identification cards with dish names and allergen warnings.
Kitchen Prep Sheets
Production schedules, recipes, and plating guides for staff.
Invoices & Contracts
Professional billing and event agreements for client signatures.
Food Labels
Allergen warnings, ingredient lists, and date labels for compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What printer is best for catering businesses?
The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 is ideal for most caterers - color printing creates beautiful menus and proposals, ultra-low ink costs handle high-volume event printing, and reliable performance supports last-minute changes.
Do caterers need color printing?
Yes, color is essential for catering. Professional menus, event proposals with food photos, and branded materials all benefit from vibrant color printing that showcases your culinary offerings.
What about food label printing for caterers?
For allergen labels and ingredient lists at events, a standard printer with label sheets works well. High-volume food labeling may benefit from a dedicated label printer like the Brother QL-820NWB.
Can I print menus on cardstock?
Yes, most inkjet and laser printers handle cardstock up to 110lb. For thicker menu cards, check your printer's maximum paper weight specification. The Epson EcoTank handles heavy cardstock well.
How much should a catering business spend on printing?
Budget $250-350 for a quality color printer with low running costs. Add $150-200 for a label printer if you do high-volume food labeling. The investment pays off through professional-quality materials.
Should I outsource menu printing?
For everyday menus and last-minute changes, in-house printing is more practical. Consider outsourcing only for large quantities of specialty items like laminated permanent menus or complex die-cut pieces.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Printer?
Our top recommendation for caterers is the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 for its color capability, ultra-low costs, and reliable performance.
View Top Pick on Amazon