Canon MAXIFY MB5160 Ink Cartridges
Your Canon MAXIFY MB5160 uses the PGI-2600 / PGI-2600XL ink cartridge series, a four-colour individual ink system designed for high-speed business documentation. We have been supplying consumables for this printer since 11 September 2016, supporting its role as a workhorse in small to medium office environments. Because the MB5160 utilises Dual Resistant High Density (DRHD) ink, the replacement behaviour typically favours the high-capacity XL cartridges to maintain momentum in busy workflows. Using individual tanks ensures you only replace the specific colour that has been depleted during heavy report or invoice runs.
Understanding page output for office workflows
The PGI-2600XL series is engineered for the demands of a high-volume office, where the primary focus is minimising the cost-per-page. Canon calculates these yields based on the ISO/IEC 24711 standard, which uses a continuous printing methodology with a five-page standard document set. In a real-world office setting, your actual mileage may vary based on how often the printer performs maintenance cycles and the density of text versus graphics. For this specific printer, the XL black cartridge is significantly larger than the colours, reflecting the typical business reliance on monochrome text documents.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGI-2600BK | Standard | Black | 1,000 | $0.039 |
| PGI-2600C | Standard | Cyan | 700 | $0.039 |
| PGI-2600M | Standard | Magenta | 700 | $0.041 |
| PGI-2600Y | Standard | Yellow | 700 | $0.018 |
| PGI-2600XLBK | High Yield | Black | 2,500 | $0.021 |
| PGI-2600XLC | High Yield | Cyan | 1,500 | $0.028 |
| PGI-2600XLM | High Yield | Magenta | 1,500 | $0.028 |
| PGI-2600XLY | High Yield | Yellow | 1,500 | $0.028 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Genuine vs compatible cartridges
We offer both genuine Canon and third-party compatible options for this series. Our compatible PGI-2600XL cartridges are designed to match the fit and performance of the original units while offering a lower entry price for cost-conscious businesses. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. If you are looking for more information on how these compare to the manufacturer's version, you can read our guide on genuine vs compatible cartridges.
Selecting the right cartridges for your volume
If you print mainly text-heavy documents like contracts or emails, the PGI-2600XL Black is your most critical consumable. For businesses looking to reduce overheads, we suggest compatibles; these have a money back guarantee if they do not work as expected. You can find more options on our Canon ink cartridges page. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99 (conditions apply), and to ensure you aren't left without ink mid-job, we ship from warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. For peace of mind regarding your purchase, please view our Returns policy.
Pro Tip
The MAXIFY series uses a unique ink-locking mechanism. To prevent the printhead from drying out, always use the printer's power button to turn it off rather than a power board switch. This allows the printer to properly "cap" the PGI-2600 cartridges, preventing air exposure and wasted ink during the next startup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix genuine Canon PGI-2600 cartridges with compatibles in the same MB5160?
Yes, the MAXIFY MB5160 will accept a mix of genuine and compatible cartridges simultaneously. The printer's internal monitoring system will still track the individual levels of each tank, regardless of whether it is an original or a third-party unit.
Does the MAXIFY MB5160 stop printing if one colour runs out?
Because the MB5160 uses a thermal inkjet printhead, it generally requires ink in all chambers to prevent heat damage to the nozzles. If a PGI-2600XL colour cartridge is completely empty, the printer will usually prompt for a replacement before allowing further print jobs to proceed, even if you only intend to print in black.
What is the benefit of the 'XL' version over the standard PGI-2600?
The physical dimensions of the XL and standard cartridges are compatible with the same slots in your printer. However, the PGI-2600XL contains a much higher volume of ink. For an office environment, the XL is almost always the better choice as it offers a significantly lower cost-per-page and reduces the number of times you need to open the printer for replacements.
