We’ve all been there. It’s 10 PM, a critical proposal is due by morning, and your old printer decides to stage a protest. It flashes cryptic error codes, claims to be offline despite being plugged directly into your network, or simply refuses to acknowledge the existence of its brand-new, shockingly expensive ink cartridge. The modern home office, a space that doubles as a business headquarters, a classroom, and a creative studio, demands a reliable nerve center. A flimsy, temperamental printer isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a bottleneck that can derail productivity and add unnecessary stress to an already packed day. The search for a machine that can seamlessly switch from printing a 50-page business report to scanning signed contracts, and then printing a high-quality photo for a school project—without a fuss—is a modern-day quest for many. This is precisely the challenge the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer aims to solve.
- FROM CANADA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The OfficeJet Pro 8135e is perfect for home offices printing professional-quality colour documents like business documents, reports, presentations and...
- UPGRADED FEATURES – Fast colour printing, scan, copy, fax, auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder, and a 225-sheet input tray
What to Consider Before Buying an All-in-One Inkjet Printer
An All-in-One Inkjet Printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for consolidating tasks and saving space in a compact work environment. Instead of cluttering your desk with a separate printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine, an all-in-one device combines these functions into a single, cohesive unit. The primary benefit is efficiency. It streamlines workflow, allowing you to digitize documents, make copies, and print materials from a single interface, often controllable directly from your smartphone. This integration is crucial for anyone running a small business from home, managing a busy household’s administrative needs, or navigating the demands of remote work and online schooling.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a consistent, varied workload. Think of the freelance graphic designer who needs to print proofs, the real estate agent printing flyers and scanning contracts, or the family juggling work reports with homework assignments. They value print quality for both text and images, require reliable scanning, and appreciate the convenience of wireless printing from any device. Conversely, this might not be the right fit for those who print very infrequently or only need to print simple, black-and-white text documents. For them, a basic monochrome laser printer might be a more cost-effective choice in the long run, offering a lower cost-per-page for text and faster single-task speeds.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: An “all-in-one” can still command a significant footprint. Measure your intended space carefully. The HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer measures 46 x 33.8 x 23.3 cm, which is relatively compact for its feature set, but you’ll still need to account for clearance for the paper trays and opening the scanner lid.
- Capacity/Performance: Look beyond just the print speed. Consider the paper input capacity (225 sheets on this model is generous for home office use), the output capacity (60 sheets), and the capabilities of the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). Also, features like automatic duplex (two-sided) printing are massive time and paper savers for multi-page documents.
- Materials & Durability: A printer should feel solid, not flimsy. Look for sturdy plastics and well-constructed trays. We appreciate that the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer is made with over 45% recycled plastic, indicating a commitment to sustainability without, in our experience, compromising on build quality.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The setup process, user interface, and long-term maintenance are critical. A responsive touchscreen, intuitive mobile app (like the HP Smart app), and simple ink replacement process can make or break the user experience. Consider the ink system—is it traditional cartridges or a subscription service like HP Instant Ink, which automates delivery before you run out?
While the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Wireless All-in-One Inkjet 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:
- Print, Copy, Scan: The PIXMA TS3720 is a true colour printer scanner copier all in one that is compact, versatile and easy-to-use with a 60 sheet rear tray that reduces the need to refill paper as...
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges (2)
- FROM CANADA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The DeskJet 2855e is perfect for homes printing to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes. Print speeds up to 5.5 ppm colour, 7.5 ppm black.
Unboxing the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e: First Impressions and Core Features
Pulling the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer from its box, the first thing we noticed was its thoughtful packaging. The unit is secured in a large bag with built-in handles, a simple but brilliant touch that makes lifting it out of the box far easier than the usual awkward shuffle. At just under 18 pounds, it’s substantial without being excessively heavy. The “Light Cement” color is a refreshing departure from the typical office black or beige, offering a modern aesthetic that fits well in a contemporary home office. The build feels solid and well-engineered, a sentiment echoed by users who described it as “very good quality” and “not cheap and flimsy.” The 2.7-inch color touchscreen is bright and responsive, providing a familiar, phone-like interface for direct control. It’s a well-designed machine that makes a strong first impression before it even prints a single page.
Key Benefits
- Excellent print quality for both sharp documents and vibrant color photos.
- Streamlined setup and powerful mobile printing via the HP Smart App.
- Comprehensive all-in-one features including an ADF and automatic duplex printing.
- Sustainable design using over 45% recycled plastics.
Potential Drawbacks
- Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) does not support duplex (two-sided) scanning.
- Full functionality is heavily reliant on the HP Smart App and a required HP+ account.
A Deep Dive into the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e’s Performance
A printer’s value is ultimately determined by its real-world performance. Over several weeks of testing, we put the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer through a gauntlet of tasks designed to simulate a demanding home office environment. We printed multi-page reports, scanned stacks of documents, copied invoices, and even printed custom greeting cards on heavy cardstock. Our goal was to push beyond the spec sheet and understand how this machine truly integrates into a daily workflow.
Setup and Connectivity: From Box to First Print in Minutes?
For many, the setup process is the first major hurdle. HP has clearly invested heavily in making this as painless as possible, and for the most part, they’ve succeeded. The primary method involves scanning a QR code with your smartphone, which directs you to download the HP Smart app and guides you step-by-step. During our testing, this process was remarkably smooth. The app automatically discovered the printer on our Wi-Fi network, guided us through removing the packaging tape, and walked us through installing the four individual ink cartridges (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow). This positive experience was shared by many users, with one noting, “I am fairly certain almost anyone can set this up with ease.”
However, the process isn’t universally flawless. We noted, as did some users, that the physical instructions for installing the ink cartridges were purely pictorial and could be slightly confusing for a first-timer. A few users also reported significant difficulties with the initial Wi-Fi connection, sometimes requiring lengthy calls to support or multiple printer restarts to resolve. This highlights the double-edged sword of app-based setups: when they work, they’re brilliant, but when they fail, they can be frustrating. Once connected, though, the self-healing dual-band Wi-Fi proved robust, maintaining a stable connection throughout our testing. The HP Smart app itself is the true command center, allowing you to print, scan, and copy from anywhere, a feature users lauded as a major advantage, stating, “I’m able to print from my phone and my iPad and anywhere essentially.”
Print Quality and Speed: The Heart of the Matter
This is where the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer truly shines. HP claims speeds of up to 20 pages per minute (ppm) for black and 10 ppm for color. In our tests, standard text documents came close to this mark, firing out of the machine at a brisk pace perfect for large reports. Full-page, high-quality color prints were naturally slower, but the results were well worth the short wait. Text, even at small font sizes, was exceptionally sharp and crisp, thanks to the 1200 x 1200 rendered dpi for black prints. This makes it an excellent choice for any professional documents where clarity is paramount.
Where we were most impressed was the color performance. With a maximum resolution of 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi, photos and graphics were vibrant and detailed, with excellent color accuracy. This was confirmed by multiple users, one of whom stated, “Every document and photo comes out clear and vibrant… The color accuracy of photos is excellent.” We tested this versatility by printing on various media, including standard paper, glossy photo paper, and even heavy card stock for greeting cards. The printer handled the heavier stock without any jamming issues, a task that trips up many lesser models. This flexibility makes it a fantastic all-rounder, equally adept at producing professional flyers for a small business as it is at printing cherished family photos. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its capabilities.
All-in-One Functionality: A True Office Hub?
A printer’s utility in an office setting is defined by its multitasking prowess. The copy function is straightforward and effective, producing clear duplicates at speeds of up to 12 cpm for black and white. The flatbed scanner delivers high-resolution scans with great color depth, perfect for digitizing photos or single-page documents. However, the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) is the source of this machine’s most significant and surprising limitation.
While the ADF is a crucial feature for scanning or copying multi-page documents, the one on the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e is single-sided only. This means if you need to scan a double-sided contract, you must scan one side of the stack, then manually flip the entire stack over and scan the other side. For a printer marketed as an “OfficeJet Pro,” this is a major oversight. One user expressed this frustration perfectly: “Everything about this printer/scanner is great but I was surprised to learn that it does not have dual side scanning. It’s the newer version of what I had previously that did.” This omission contrasts sharply with its excellent automatic duplex printing capability and feels like a missed opportunity. For users who frequently handle double-sided documents, this could be a deal-breaker. For others who primarily scan single-sided pages, it will be a non-issue.
The HP+ Ecosystem: Instant Ink and Added Features
Opting for the “e” model of this printer enrolls you in the HP+ ecosystem. This requires an active internet connection and an HP account but unlocks several benefits. The most prominent of these is the eligibility for HP Instant Ink, a subscription service where the printer monitors its own ink levels and automatically orders new cartridges before you run out. The printer comes with a 3-month trial, which is a great way to test the service. We found it to be incredibly convenient, eliminating the “Oh no, I’m out of magenta” panic. For predictable printing volumes, it can also be more cost-effective than buying cartridges retail.
Beyond ink, HP+ includes enhanced security through HP Wolf Essential Security, which helps protect your network from threats targeting the printer. It also enables advanced features in the HP Smart app, like mobile faxing and multi-item scanning. Another perk is the “Quiet Mode,” which slows down printing to reduce noise—a handy feature for late-night work sessions in a shared living space. While some users dislike being tied to an online ecosystem, the practical benefits, especially the seamless ink delivery, offer a compelling vision of what a “smart” printer can be. The value proposition is strong, especially when you check the latest price and availability and factor in the initial ink savings.
Feedback from the Field: What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings are largely consistent with the broader user experience. The positive feedback overwhelmingly centers on the printer’s core strengths. One user summed it up, saying, “Color and monochrome documents and photos are very good quality. Text is crisp, bright and legible and the color accuracy of photos is excellent.” Another highlighted the setup: “The online steps were easy to follow, took me 10 mins to setup.” The convenience of the HP Smart app and the Instant Ink program are also frequent points of praise for those who embrace the subscription model.
On the other hand, the negative feedback provides a crucial reality check. The most common technical complaint, outside of the single-sided ADF, involves software and connectivity bugs. One user, an ex-HP certified technician, reported their printer would freeze in sleep mode, requiring a full power cycle each time they wanted to print. Others detailed frustrating, multi-hour setup processes due to Wi-Fi recognition issues. While these experiences appear to be in the minority, they underscore that network-dependent devices can sometimes be temperamental. It’s a reminder that while the wireless, app-driven experience is fantastic when it works, it can introduce new points of failure compared to a simple USB connection.
How Does the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Compare to the Competition?
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer operates in a crowded market. To understand its position, it’s essential to compare it against some key alternatives, each of which caters to a slightly different user need.
1. Epson EcoTank ET-3850 Wireless Supertank Printer
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges (2)
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough to print up to 7,500 pages black/6,000 color (3)
The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is a direct challenger that tackles the ink problem from a different angle. Instead of cartridges, it uses large, refillable ink tanks that you fill from bottles. This “Supertank” system dramatically lowers the long-term cost per page and is ideal for high-volume users who despise the recurring cost and waste of cartridges. While its upfront cost is typically higher than the HP, the included ink can last for up to two years. For a busy office or family that prints constantly, the Epson EcoTank ET-3850’s total cost of ownership is its main selling point, making it a better choice for those prioritizing long-term running costs over a lower initial purchase price.
2. Epson Expression Photo XP-970 Wireless Photo Printer
- Epson printing system is specifically designed to be used with Epson Genuine Cartridges. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. wnty.
- Brilliant, borderless photos up to 11" x 17" — 6-colour Claria Photo HD Inks deliver smooth gradations and amazing skin tones
If your printing needs lean more towards creative pursuits than office documents, the Epson Expression Photo XP-970 is a compelling alternative. This printer is specifically designed for photo enthusiasts. It uses a six-color ink system (compared to HP’s four) to produce superior photo quality with smoother gradations and more accurate skin tones. It can also handle wide-format printing up to 11×17 inches, making it perfect for printing large photos or art proofs. While it includes scan and copy functions, it lacks the business-centric features of the HP 8135e, like a robust ADF and fax capabilities. This is the choice for photographers, scrapbookers, and artists who prioritize image fidelity above all else.
3. Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Wireless All-in-One Supertank Printer
- Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― No more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; each ink bottle set is equivalent to about 80 individual cartridges (4)
- Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough to print up to 7,500 pages black/6,000 colour (3)
The Epson EcoTank ET-15000 is for the user who wants it all: the low running costs of the EcoTank system and the versatility of wide-format printing. It combines the refillable ink tank philosophy with the ability to print on media up to 13×19 inches, a feature usually reserved for professional photo printers. It also includes all the standard office functions: print, scan, copy, and fax, with a 250-sheet paper capacity. This makes it a powerful, albeit more expensive, option for small businesses, architects, or designers who need to print larger-than-standard documents like spreadsheets, blueprints, or marketing materials without sacrificing the long-term economy of the EcoTank system.
The Final Verdict: Is the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e the Right Printer for Your Home Office?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer is a superb and well-rounded machine for the vast majority of modern home office users. Its strengths are significant and directly address the core needs of this demographic. The print quality is top-tier for both professional documents and vibrant photos, the setup is largely intuitive, and the HP Smart app provides a level of mobile convenience that genuinely enhances workflow. It successfully consolidates the functions of multiple office machines into one sleek, reliable, and modern-looking unit.
Its primary weakness, the lack of duplex scanning in the ADF, is a curious omission that will be a deal-breaker for a specific subset of power users who frequently digitize two-sided documents. For everyone else, it’s a minor footnote on an otherwise excellent feature set. If your priority is outstanding print quality, seamless wireless and mobile integration, and the all-in-one convenience needed to run a busy home or small business, this printer is an exceptional choice that delivers fantastic value. If you’re ready to upgrade your home office hub to a machine that just works, we highly recommend you explore the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e and check its current price.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API