An image forming apparatus can be so set as to allow or not to allow a low price consumable cartridge to operate with it. It can take a status where “00” is stored in the apparatus status recording memory thereof that allows it to be loaded with an ordinary toner cartridge or a low price toner cartridge supplied by the same manufacturer such that it operates normally when it is loaded with an ordinary toner cartridge but only limitedly when loaded with a low price toner cartridge and a status where 01 is stored in the apparatus status recording memory thereof so that it operates normally regardless if it is loaded with an ordinary toner cartridge or a low price toner cartridge.