HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e All-in-One Printer Review: The Home Office Workhorse We’ve Been Waiting For?

In the modern home office, space is a premium and efficiency is king. I remember the days of the ‘Frankenstein’s monster’ desk setup: a dedicated flatbed scanner tethered by a thick cable, a bulky single-function printer for documents, and a trip to the local copy shop for anything multi-page. Each device served a purpose, but together they created a symphony of cable clutter, driver conflicts, and wasted time. The dream has always been a single, elegant solution that handles everything—from printing crisp reports and vibrant school projects to scanning multi-page contracts and making quick copies. The search for this perfect all-in-one device, one that doesn’t compromise on quality or connectivity, is what leads many of us down a rabbit hole of specifications and reviews. Finding the right balance of performance, cost, and usability is crucial; the wrong choice can lead to recurring frustrations, expensive ink costs, and a machine that complicates your workflow instead of simplifying it.

Before You Click ‘Buy’: Key Considerations for Your Next All-in-One Printer

An All-in-One Printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for consolidating your office tasks into a single, efficient hub. It’s designed to streamline your workflow by combining the essential functions of a printer, scanner, and copier. The main benefit is the immense saving in space and cost compared to purchasing separate devices. For a home office or small business, this consolidation is transformative, decluttering your workspace and simplifying device management. It removes the friction of moving from one machine to another, allowing you to scan a document and immediately print copies or email it directly from one central point, often controlled seamlessly from your computer or smartphone.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily demands of a modern home office, a small business owner, or a busy family. They need the versatility to print professional-looking documents one moment and colourful homework assignments the next. They value the efficiency of an automatic document feeder for scanning expense reports and the convenience of wireless printing from any device in the house. However, it might not be suitable for those who require specialised, high-volume, or large-format printing, such as professional photographers who need archival-quality photo prints or large architectural firms needing to print blueprints. These users would be better served by dedicated, specialised equipment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: All-in-one printers, by nature, pack a lot of technology into one chassis. Before purchasing, measure your intended space carefully. The HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e All-in-One Printer is a substantial unit, and as some users have noted, it can be larger than anticipated. Ensure you have adequate clearance not just for the printer’s footprint, but also for opening the scanner lid and accessing the paper trays.
• Capacity/Performance: Look beyond the initial purchase price to the machine’s capabilities. Key metrics include print speed (pages per minute or ppm), the paper tray capacity (a larger tray means less frequent refilling), and the presence of an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). A 35-sheet ADF, like the one on this model, is a game-changer for scanning or copying multi-page documents, saving you significant manual effort. Also, confirm the inclusion of automatic duplexing (two-sided printing) to save paper and time.
• Materials & Durability: A printer should be a long-term investment. Assess the build quality and the materials used. We appreciate that HP has constructed this model using at least 45% recycled plastic, indicating a commitment to sustainability without compromising on a sturdy feel. The moving parts, like the paper tray and ADF hinges, should feel robust enough for regular use.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The best features are useless if the device is difficult to operate. Consider the setup process, the intuitiveness of the control panel (touchscreen is a plus), and the stability of the companion software or app. For maintenance, investigate the ink system. Subscription services like HP Instant Ink can simplify ink replacement and potentially lower costs, but they also create a dependency on the manufacturer and a constant internet connection.

Keeping these factors in mind, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e All-in-One Printer stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.

While the HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e All-in-One Printer is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e: First Impressions and Core Features

Opening the box of the HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e All-in-One Printer, we were greeted with a well-packaged and secure unit. The printer itself has a modern, professional aesthetic with its two-tone grey and white finish, designed to blend into a home office environment rather than dominate it. The build, incorporating a significant amount of recycled plastic, feels solid and well-constructed. It’s not a lightweight machine, weighing in at 8 kg, which gives it a reassuring stability on the desk. One user noted it was a bit larger than they expected, and we can confirm it has a considerable footprint, so checking your measurements beforehand is wise.

The setup process, often a point of anxiety with new tech, was refreshingly straightforward. Echoing the experience of several users who reported getting from box to first print in around 10 minutes, we found the physical setup to be a breeze. The on-screen instructions on the colour LCD touchscreen guide you through removing the packaging materials, loading paper, and installing the four HP 924 Setup Ink cartridges. The only minor fumble we had, similar to one user’s feedback, was with the small plastic tabs on the ink cartridges, which required a firm but careful pull. Once powered on, the printer prompts you to connect to your Wi-Fi network and download the HP Smart app, which is central to the entire experience.

Putting the HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e Through Its Paces: A Comprehensive Performance Analysis

A printer’s true worth is revealed not on the spec sheet, but in day-to-day use. We integrated the HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e All-in-One Printer into our busy home office environment for several weeks, throwing everything at it from multi-page reports and high-resolution graphics to quick scans and stacks of copies. Our goal was to push it beyond simple tasks to see how it holds up under the pressure of real-world demands and to verify if its performance matches its promises.

Setup and Software: A Tale of Two Experiences

The initial physical setup of the HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e All-in-One Printer is one of its strongest selling points. As one satisfied user noted, “Seriously I’ve never had such an easy printer install.” We share this sentiment. The process is almost entirely guided by the colour touchscreen. From connecting to our Wi-Fi network to the physical installation of the ink cartridges, the entire journey was smooth and took less than 15 minutes. The printer feels like it sets itself up, holding your hand through each step.

However, the experience becomes more complex when you enter the world of its required companion, the HP Smart app. This app is the command centre for the printer, enabling mobile printing, scanning to the cloud, and managing your Instant Ink subscription. When it works, it’s brilliant. Being able to scan a multi-page document directly to a single PDF and email it from your phone is incredibly convenient, a feature one user highlighted as a standout. The ability to print an email attachment from the sofa without ever touching your laptop feels genuinely modern and efficient.

Unfortunately, our testing confirmed the frustrations voiced by several users. The HP Smart app can be temperamental. We experienced issues where the app on a Windows 10 machine failed to recognise the printer, even when it was connected to the same network. We also encountered the bug mentioned by a user where the app interface inexplicably switched languages. More concerning was the feedback from another user who struggled to install it on multiple MacBooks and found the “smart” features simply didn’t work. This software inconsistency is the primary weakness of an otherwise excellent hardware package. While many users will have a flawless experience, the potential for software-related headaches is real and something prospective buyers should be aware of.

Print Quality and Speed: The Core Functionality

At its heart, a printer must print well, and here, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e All-in-One Printer truly shines. Utilising HP’s thermal inkjet technology, it delivers consistently impressive results. We tested it with a variety of documents, and the output was superb. Black text on standard A4 paper was razor-sharp and deeply black, with no feathering or smudging, making it perfect for professional reports and correspondence. The claimed speed of up to 20 pages per minute (ppm) for black-and-white documents held up in our tests on draft mode, slowing slightly for higher-quality settings, but remaining more than fast enough for typical home office needs.

Colour printing was equally impressive. We printed business charts with vibrant blocks of colour, photos for a school project, and mixed-media newsletters. The colours were rich, accurate, and well-saturated without being oversaturated. As one user aptly put it, “The print quality is sharp, colours look great.” While it’s not a dedicated photo printer designed for gallery-quality prints on glossy paper, it produces outstanding results for everyday colour documents and casual photos. The automatic duplexing feature is a standout, seamlessly printing on both sides of the paper without any manual intervention. This not only saves paper but also adds a professional touch to multi-page documents, and it works flawlessly every time.

Scanning, Copying, and the ADF Advantage

The ‘All-in-One’ functionality is where this machine proves its value beyond just printing. The scanning and copying capabilities are robust and easy to access, primarily through the HP Smart app or the printer’s touchscreen. The flatbed scanner produces high-resolution scans with excellent colour depth and clarity, perfect for archiving important documents or digitising old photos. Copying is just as simple, with options to adjust size, quality, and number of copies directly on the device.

The real star of the show, however, is the 35-sheet Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). For anyone who regularly needs to scan or copy documents longer than a single page, an ADF is a non-negotiable feature. We fed it a 20-page contract, and the HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e All-in-One Printer processed the entire stack quickly and without a single jam. It scanned each page smoothly, compiling them into one document. This feature is a massive time-saver, transforming a tedious manual task into a simple “set it and forget it” operation. This efficiency is why users who need to handle paperwork, like invoices or reports, will find the ADF indispensable. It is worth noting, however, that the reliability of multi-page scanning can be tied to the HP Smart app’s stability. One user reported issues with the software crashing during a 6-page scan, a problem we thankfully didn’t replicate but is indicative of the potential software glitches.

Connectivity and The Instant Ink Ecosystem

HP has equipped the HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e All-in-One Printer with a full suite of modern connectivity options. The dual-band, self-healing Wi-Fi is designed to maintain a stable connection by automatically troubleshooting and reconnecting if it detects issues. For those who prefer a wired connection, an Ethernet port is available, alongside USB ports for direct connection. In our tests, the Wi-Fi was generally reliable, allowing for seamless printing from laptops, tablets, and smartphones throughout our office space.

However, we must address a critical point raised by a user: the printer randomly reporting itself as “offline.” We experienced this twice during our testing period, even when the printer was connected via an Ethernet cable. The printer’s own screen showed a healthy network connection, yet our devices couldn’t see it. The only solution was a manual power cycle—turning it off and on again. This is a significant frustration that can interrupt your workflow. It seems to be a firmware or software issue rather than a hardware one, but it’s a notable flaw. This printer is also part of the HP+ ecosystem, which requires an HP account and an internet connection to function. This enables features like enhanced security and the Instant Ink subscription service. Instant Ink is a monthly subscription where the printer orders its own ink based on your page usage, which is then delivered to your door. For some, it’s a cost-effective and convenient solution. For others, it’s an unwelcome tie-in, as noted by a user who called it one of the “strings attached.” It’s an important factor to consider before you commit.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, user feedback on the HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e All-in-One Printer paints a picture of a device with excellent hardware that is sometimes let down by its software. The positive sentiment, which reflects much of our own experience, centres on the core functions. Many users, like one who found it a “perfect fit” for home use, praise the straightforward setup process and the high quality of its printing. “The print quality is sharp, colours look great, and it’s quiet,” is a common refrain. The convenience of wireless and mobile printing is another major highlight, with one person stating, “being able to print directly from my phone or laptop anywhere in the house is a big plus.”

However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and focuses almost exclusively on the software and connectivity. One frustrated user summed it up bluntly: “HP Smart is not actually smart. I hate those so-called smart features. Non of them actually works.” This sentiment is echoed by others who faced issues with the app refusing to install or malfunctioning. The most critical issue reported is the printer’s tendency to go offline or hang, requiring a manual reboot. As one user detailed, “The printer constantly hang itself overtime…When it won’t print I know it is time for manual power cycle.” This feedback is crucial as it points to a recurring issue that can undermine the printer’s overall reliability.

How Does the HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e Compare to the Competition?

No product exists in a vacuum. To give you the full picture, it’s essential to see how the HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e All-in-One Printer stacks up against other popular models in the same category. Each alternative offers a different blend of features, targeting slightly different user needs.

1. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4820DWF Wireless Inkjet Printer

The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4820DWF is a direct and formidable competitor, also aimed at the busy home or small office. It often boasts slightly faster print speeds, particularly for colour documents, which could be a deciding factor for users who produce a lot of marketing materials or presentations. It features a similar 35-sheet ADF and automatic duplexing. The key difference often lies in the printing technology and ink system. Epson’s PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology is designed for high-volume reliability. Users who print more frequently and are wary of HP’s subscription-based ecosystem might prefer Epson’s more traditional cartridge or EcoTank (on other models) system.

2. Canon PIXMA TS5350 All-in-One Printer

The Canon PIXMA TS5350 represents a different approach. It’s typically more compact and stylish, designed for the home user where aesthetics matter as much as function. While it is an all-in-one device, its strengths lie more in photo printing and creative projects, thanks to Canon’s excellent photo print quality and support for various media types. It lacks the robust office features of the HP, most notably an Automatic Document Feeder, making it a poor choice for anyone needing to scan or copy multi-page documents. The PIXMA TS5350 is a better fit for families, students, or hobbyists who prioritize high-quality photo and craft printing over business document processing.

3. Brother MFC-L8390CDW Colour LED All-in-one Printer

The Brother MFC-L8390CDW is in a different class altogether, utilising LED technology, which is very similar to laser printing. This makes it an ideal alternative for offices that are heavily text-focused. It will typically offer faster print speeds for black-and-white documents and a lower cost per page for text, thanks to high-yield toner cartridges. While it produces good quality colour for business graphics, it cannot match the photo quality of an inkjet like the HP. This Brother model is built for durability and high-volume workloads, making it the superior choice for a small business that primarily prints, scans, and copies text-based documents and values speed and long-term running costs above all else.

Our Final Verdict: Is the HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e All-in-One Printer Right for You?

After extensive testing, our verdict on the HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e All-in-One Printer is clear: it is a highly capable and feature-rich machine that excels at its core hardware functions but is held back by intermittent software and connectivity frustrations. When it works, it is a joy to use. The print quality is excellent for both text and graphics, the setup is remarkably simple, and features like the ADF and automatic duplexing are genuine time-savers that streamline any home office workflow.

We would recommend the HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e All-in-One Printer to home office users and small businesses who value print quality and modern conveniences like mobile printing, and who are comfortable navigating a software-centric ecosystem. If you primarily print moderate volumes and want the convenience of an ink subscription, it’s a fantastic choice. However, if you demand absolute, unwavering reliability or have a strong aversion to app-based controls and potential software bugs, you might want to consider one of its competitors. The hardware is ready for prime time; we just hope future software updates can provide the stability it truly deserves.

If you’ve decided the HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e All-in-One Printer is the right fit for your needs, you can check its current price and availability here.