Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw Review | Efficient, Versatile

Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw: All-in-One Powerhouse

In the world of home and office printing, efficiency and versatility are paramount. The Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw is an all-in-one printer designed to meet a variety of printing needs—from documents to faxes. With its wireless capabilities and duplex printing, this laser printer aims to simplify your workflow while maintaining quality and speed. Let’s dive into what makes this printer stand out and whether it’s the right fit for your needs.


Product Details – Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw

  • Weight: 48.5 lbs
  • Print Speed: 22 ppm (Color and B/W)
  • Auto Document Feeder: Yes, 50-sheet
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct
  • Display: Touchscreen
  • Toner Type: Toner 067 / 067 High Capacity
  • Paper Capacity: 250-sheet standard cassette
  • Energy Certified: ENERGY STAR, EPEAT Silver

Best For: Home offices and small businesses needing a reliable, all-in-one color laser printer with excellent print quality and versatile functionality.


Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw Review – Pros & Cons

Pros of Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw

  • High-quality prints: Delivers sharp and vibrant color prints.
  • Fast performance: Quick first print in approximately 10.3 seconds.
  • User-friendly setup: Easy installation process for both Wi-Fi and USB connections.
  • Cost-effective toner: Lower cost per page compared to other color laser printers.
  • Duplex printing: Automatic two-sided printing saves paper and time.

Cons of Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw

  • Toner costs: Replacement toner can be pricey, impacting long-term costs.
  • Setup challenges: Initial configuration can be complicated for some users.

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw has received mostly positive reviews for its high-quality prints and user-friendly features. Users appreciate its fast performance and versatility, making it a great choice for both home and office settings.


In-Depth Review of the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw

Performance and Print Quality

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw is designed for those who need quality printing without compromising speed. Capable of printing at speeds up to 22 pages per minute for both color and monochrome, this printer is a workhorse. Users have noted that the first print is ready in just over ten seconds, making it ideal for high-demand environments where time is critical.

The print quality stands out, delivering crisp text and vibrant colors that make documents look professional. Whether you’re printing reports or marketing materials, the MF656Cdw produces outputs that reflect well on your business.

Ease of Use and Setup

Setting up the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw is largely straightforward, although some users report minor challenges. The printer comes with a detailed manual, and many have found the installation process to be quick, especially if following the on-screen prompts. The touchscreen interface makes navigating through settings easy, allowing users to quickly adjust print options or connect to Wi-Fi.

For those who prefer a wireless setup, the MF656Cdw supports Wi-Fi Direct and mobile printing through Canon PRINT Business, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service. This flexibility means you can print from virtually any device, including smartphones and tablets.

Versatile Functionality

This all-in-one printer isn’t just about printing; it also offers copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities. The 50-sheet automatic document feeder allows for quick scanning and copying of multi-page documents, saving users valuable time. Additionally, the duplex scanning feature enables double-sided scans in one pass, further enhancing efficiency.

For users who frequently handle sensitive documents, the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw includes advanced security features to ensure data protection during transmission. This aspect is particularly beneficial for small businesses dealing with confidential information.

Toner Efficiency and Cost

One of the highlighted benefits of the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw is its cost-effectiveness in terms of toner usage. The printer uses Toner 067, which has high-capacity options that can keep printing costs low. Users have reported that the MF656Cdw has some of the most affordable toner cartridges among color laser printers, reducing the frequency and cost of replacements.

However, while initial toner costs are reasonable, some users have expressed concerns over the expense of replacing all cartridges at once, especially if they are buying genuine Canon products.

Drawbacks of the Printer

While the MF656Cdw is highly rated, it does have some drawbacks. The setup process can be frustrating for those who are less tech-savvy, as some users have faced challenges connecting the printer to their network. This has led to frustration, particularly when troubleshooting via Canon’s customer support.

Moreover, although the overall performance is excellent, the printer tends to be a bit noisy during operation. While it’s typical for laser printers, users have noted that the noise level can be distracting in quiet environments.

Who Is the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw Perfect For?

If you’re looking for a reliable, multifunctional printer, the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw is ideal for:

  • ✅ Home office professionals who need high-quality documents.
  • ✅ Small businesses that require versatile printing solutions.
  • ✅ Users looking for a printer with cost-effective toner options.
  • ✅ Teams needing a printer that supports mobile and cloud printing.

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

While the MF656Cdw is a solid choice for many, it may not be suitable for:

  • ✅ Those who require a compact printer for limited spaces.
  • ✅ Users who prefer silent operation during printing tasks.

Customer Experiences with the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw

We have thoroughly researched honest customer experiences with the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Here are some insights into what users love and what they find lacking:

  • Quick setup and use: Users praise the easy installation process and intuitive interface, allowing them to start printing in no time.
  • High-quality output: Many customers appreciate the crisp and vibrant prints, which have exceeded their expectations, especially for color documents.
  • Durable design: Users have reported that the printer feels robust and well-made, suitable for daily heavy use.
  • 🚫 Complicated scanning setup: Some users mentioned that configuring the scan-to-email feature could be tedious and unclear, especially for non-tech-savvy individuals.
  • 🚫 Noisy operation: A few customers have noted that the printer can be louder than expected, which may be a concern in quieter environments.

Value Analysis of the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw offers a blend of functionality, speed, and quality, making it a formidable contender in the all-in-one laser printer market. With a robust design and features geared toward both home and small office users, it delivers impressive performance across various printing tasks.

Key Strengths: Durable and Versatile

  • Durability: Built with quality materials, the MF656Cdw is designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use, ensuring longevity in a busy workspace.
  • Versatility: The all-in-one capabilities provide a range of functions—printing, copying, scanning, and faxing—making it a one-stop solution for various office needs.
  • Mobile Connectivity: With features like Apple AirPrint and Wi-Fi Direct, users can print from their smartphones and tablets seamlessly, enhancing convenience.

Considerations: Setup and Cost

  • Setup Complexity: While most users find the setup process manageable, those less familiar with technology may face challenges during initial installation. This could necessitate additional time or assistance.
  • Cost of Toner: Although the toner price per page is competitive, the total cost of replacing all cartridges at once can add up, leading some to consider third-party toner options.

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw is an excellent investment for those seeking a reliable, multifunctional printer. With its solid build, high print quality, and user-friendly features, it offers great value for both casual and business users.


Final Thoughts: Is the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw Worth It?

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw is a cost-effective, reliable printer that delivers high-quality performance for home and office environments. Its fast printing speeds and versatile functionality make it a strong contender in the laser printer market, though some users may find initial setup a bit challenging.


FAQs – Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw Review

Is the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw easy to set up?

Yes, the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw is known for its straightforward setup process. The printer includes a detailed instruction manual and offers options for both wireless and USB connections. The Canon PRINT app also simplifies setup, enabling users to print from multiple devices effortlessly. Additionally, the touchscreen interface helps users navigate through initial configurations, ensuring a smooth start.

What are the printing speeds of the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw?

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw boasts impressive printing speeds of up to 22 pages per minute for both color and monochrome documents. This speed allows for efficient printing in high-demand environments, reducing wait times for users. The printer also features a quick first print time of approximately 10.3 seconds, ensuring that important documents are ready almost instantly.

Can the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw handle double-sided printing?

Absolutely! The Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw comes equipped with automatic duplex printing capabilities. This feature allows users to print on both sides of the page without manual intervention, saving time and paper. It’s an excellent option for those who frequently print reports or documents, contributing to environmentally friendly practices.

What is the maximum paper capacity of the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw?

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw has a standard paper capacity of 250 sheets in its main cassette. Additionally, it features a 1-sheet multipurpose tray, allowing users to print on various media types, such as envelopes and labels. This capacity is ideal for small to medium-sized offices, where frequent printing is required without constant paper replenishment.

What kind of toner does the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw use?

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw utilizes Toner 067 cartridges, which are available in high-capacity options. These high-capacity cartridges provide a lower cost per page, making it more economical for users who need to print frequently. Many users appreciate that the toner replacement process is straightforward, contributing to the overall ease of use of the printer.

Does the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw support mobile printing?

Yes, the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw supports a variety of mobile printing options, including Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and the Canon PRINT Business app. These features enable users to print directly from their smartphones or tablets, enhancing flexibility and convenience for those who often work on-the-go.

Is there a warranty for the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw?

Yes, the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw comes with a 3-year limited warranty. This warranty provides peace of mind for users, knowing that they are covered in case of any defects or issues with the printer. Canon’s customer support is also available for assistance, ensuring users can get help when needed.

What are the dimensions of the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw?

While the exact dimensions are not specified, the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw is a substantial printer, weighing approximately 48.5 pounds. Its robust build is designed for durability, making it suitable for both home and small office environments. Users should ensure they have sufficient space to accommodate the printer’s footprint.

What are the drawbacks of the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw?

One noted drawback of the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw is the complexity some users face during the initial setup. While the overall performance is highly rated, the scanning setup can be tedious for less tech-savvy individuals. Additionally, the printer’s operational noise may be higher than expected, which could be a concern in quieter settings.

Can I use third-party toner cartridges with the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw?

Yes, users can opt for third-party toner cartridges compatible with the Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw. While Canon recommends using genuine toner for optimal performance and quality, many users have found success with compatible options. However, using third-party cartridges may affect the warranty, so it’s advisable to check the terms before making a decision.


Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw – Conclusion

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw is a versatile all-in-one laser printer that efficiently handles a range of tasks, making it suitable for home offices and small businesses. With its high-quality print output, fast performance, and multifunction capabilities, this printer has garnered positive reviews from users who appreciate its reliability and efficiency.

Though the initial setup may pose challenges for some, the overall benefits of the MF656Cdw outweigh the drawbacks. Its robust design and cost-effective toner options further solidify its position as a smart investment for those seeking a dependable printing solution.