Producing quality documents, images and photos, the purchase of a laser printer has become a must, especially for businesses. However, be aware that there are models that have been specially designed for households. As a device, this machine has not stopped evolving. It is also for this reason that this buying guide is entirely dedicated to it. By way of illustration, let’s take the case of the Canon Image Class Parent MF642Cdw which is an all-in-one model designed for SMEs. Equipped with a manual feed slot, Brother Wireless Color Printer MFCL3710CW is compatible with almost all sizes of paper and envelopes.
Buying Guide – How to Choose a Good Laser Printer?
Before you google where to buy the best laser printer, first find out how it works and what makes a good model. Without this, you risk making the wrong choice and subsequently exceeding your initial budget.
Print speed and resolution
Print speed is the number of pages the machine can print per minute (ppm). This speed may also be expressed in ipm or number of images per page. Variable, print speed differs by machine design.
Unlike a color printer, a so-called monochrome model can only print black and white documents. Generally, the print speed of a laser printer is around 18 ppm. Based on this value, you can now determine which is the best laser printer on the market.
Apart from the printing speed, favor high-capacity printers, that is to say those that can contain 250 or even 500 sheets. Who says printing necessarily says paper size. A printer is qualified as versatile when it adapts to all sizes of paper, but also envelopes.
If it’s a multi-function printer, ask about the quality of the scan. Expressed in dpi (dots per inch) or dpi (dots per inch), this value refers to the number of pixels scanned. For a document to be perfectly readable, the scanning resolution must not be below 300 dpi. For images, a resolution of at least 600 dpi is required. To scan a color photo in the 10 cm x 15 cm format, the scanner should develop a resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi.
Sound level and internal memory
Since laser printers are noisier than inkjet models, the noise level is therefore a parameter not to be neglected. The average being 50 Decibels, a printer that develops a sound level of 48 Decibels is considered silent. It’s not just the noise that can annoy the user. Indeed, each box is intended for a specific use. Also, choose a laser printer based on the size of your office.
Any buying guide for the best laser printers should explain the usefulness as well as how internal memory works. In short, all the information relating to the document to be printed will be stored in this memory. The higher its capacity, the more files the printer will be able to handle at the same time. This is why it is important to establish a comparison or to visit the sites that offer it.
connectors
The printer alone cannot print without a computer, tablet or smartphone. It is for this reason that the connectors installed by the manufacturer are mentioned in the product description. The connection is established either through a USB socket, Ethernet or via Wifi.
Wireless connectivity is very practical when it comes to printing a file saved on your tablet or smartphone. A cheap laser printer can fully integrate all these connectors. Apart from the power cord, some models come with a USB cable. This does not mean that it will be compatible with all operating systems.
The 5 Best Laser Printers (Reviews & Tests) of 2022
Now that the question of how to buy a better value for money laser printer has been answered in the buying guide, let’s take a quick look at the most recommended models of the moment.
1. Canon Image Class Parent MF642Cdw
Whether it’s cameras, photocopiers or printers, the products made by Canon are safe bets. Multifunctional, the MF642Cdw can print, copy and scan documents.
The monthly print volume reported by Canon is in the range of 150 to 2,500 pages with a maximum speed of 22 ppm on letter-size paper and 17.9 ppm on legal paper. The performance of this device justifies Canon’s positioning as the best brand of laser printers on the market.
As easy to use as a Smartphone, this device is equipped with a 5-inch touch screen. In addition to that, it can print the files that are saved on online storage services by citing only Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Printing7 or Canon Print Business.
Compatible with computers running Windows and Macs, the MF642Cdw will suit all user profiles. Through this description, you should know how to choose the best laser printers of 2022.
The 5-inch touch screen greatly simplifies settings and configuration. Note also that its configuration can be done either via a computer or from a Smartphone. No need to look again where to buy a new laser printer, at Canon, you will be served.
The colors are not distorted, which gives an excellent visual rendering. Fast, printing is done in no time.
Apart from duplex printing, the MF642Cdw can also copy and scan documents.
This model is one of the printers that are recognized by the latest smartphones.
Exceeding the 25 kg bar, this printer is relatively heavy.
2. Brother MFCL3710CW Wireless Color Printer
The performance of a laser printer is measured by the time it takes to scan a document or print a file.
Fast, the print speed of the MFCL3710CW can reach 19 ppm. As for the scan, its effectiveness will depend on the presentation of the document. If the latter is written in black, the scanning speed will be estimated at 29 ipm while on a color document, it will turn around 22 ipm.
Apart from the fact that this device is the most powerful in its category, it also produces quality documents, and that, whatever its nature. Well designed, the paper tray of this Brother laser printer can hold up to 250 letter or legal size sheets.
Plus, the feed slot is wide enough for you to feed card stock and envelopes through. Integrating wireless connectivity, you can print a file from a laptop or tablet.
Brother has made sure that its printer is easy to install and we can say that it has won its bet.
Apart from printing and scanning, this model can also shoot photos.
Thanks to Wifi, printing and scanning can be done remotely without any wired connection.
The quality of the printed documents has nothing to envy to that of a high-end printer.
The screen that equips this model is outdated.
Given the size of the device, unpacking will not be a piece of cake.
3. HP LaserJet Pro M180nw Wireless Color Laser Printer
By visiting the various merchant sites, you quickly realize that all types of printers are marketed in Canada. World famous, HP is a brand that has sold a very large number of products in the four corners of the globe.
As one of the most popular household devices, this HP laser printer has a photocopy function, black and color printing as well as a scanner mode. As with most printers of its generation, the M180nw benefits from wireless connectivity.
Powerful, this model can print more than 17 pages per minute with an output time ranging from 11.6 to 13.4 s. As for the capacity of the tray, know that it can hold 150 sheets.
Thanks to the HP Smart App, you can now configure it from your phone and print documents stored in your dropbox, Google drive or iCloud account. Also note that it will come with original HP ink cartridges.
Each ink cartridge corresponds to a distinct color, which simplifies replacements. In addition, access to the cartridges is easy.
The prints are made in record time and with a quality worthy of a professional printer.
Since this is a laser printer, the ink cartridges last longer and there is no risk of drying out.
11.5″ high and 16.5″ wide, this model won’t take up too much space.
Despite the efforts made by HP, the interface is not always clear. Because of this, the setup will take much longer than usual.
4. Brother DCPL2550DW Monochrome Wireless Printer
Certainly, the vast majority of wireless printers are designed in the same way, however, the performance differs from one model to another.
Replacing the DCP-L2540DW, this new model is equipped with an automatic document feeder with a capacity of 50 sheets. Also note that the printing speed of the monochrome laser printer has increased to 36 pages per minute.
The paper tray can not only hold 250 sheets, but it is also suitable for letter and legal size paper. In terms of functionality, automatic two-sided printing facilitates the creation of documents such as newsletters. That’s why this model is presented as the best laser printer in its class.
In terms of display, Brother has equipped its printer with an LCD screen. To connect with devices such as Smartphones and desktop or laptop computers, this model has Wifi connectivity, a USB and Ethernet socket. To top it off, the manufacturer said that his machine is recognized by computers running Windows and Mac OS.
At the price at which it is sold, it will be very difficult to find a printer as efficient as this model.
The OCR digitization as well as the automatic loader make this equipment an exceptional model. If necessary, know that it is able to convert a document into a PDF file.
Ready to use, this printer will come with a cartridge. In addition, the assembly will not take more than 10 minutes.
If you use an incompatible cartridge, the printer will not recognize it and prompt you to change it.
5. Lexmark 40N9010 C3326dw Color Laser Printer
When you haven’t taken the time to get informed, it’s quite normal not to know which laser printer to choose. Compact, the C3326dw from Lexmark is above all a small device. That said, the capacity of its tray remains quite correct since it is around 250 sheets.
Embedded in a 1 Ghz multi-core processor and 512 MB of RAM, this color laser printer can produce 26 pages per minute. Economical, this machine supports double-sided printing. For your information, Lexmark has implemented a Spectrum security system whose sole purpose is to protect your personal data.
Composed largely of plastic, the case remains easy to move. Discreet, the 1-inch LCD screen is perfectly integrated into the control panel. In terms of compatibility, be aware that this printer is only used on computers running Windows.
Despite the size of the screen, it still displays information about the progress of printing. As a result, it will allow you to follow the operation of the machine in real time.
The quality of the documents it prints is just excellent.
The C3326dw is not recognized by devices running Chrome OS.
Unlike other models, the USB cable is not included with the purchase of this printer.
frequently asked Questions
Q1: How does a laser printer work?
Before explaining how a laser printer works, you should already know the parts that make it up. As a reminder, know that this device is composed of an image drum or photoconductor, a transfer roller, a fusion unit, a laser as well as mirrors. To print a document, the machine will use the toner cartridges. Generally, a laser printer is connected either to a computer, a tablet or a smartphone.
As soon as you click on the “print” command, all the information relating to the document will be transferred to the printer’s internal memory. Once done, the machine or more precisely the corona wire will start to heat up. A positive static charge is then imparted onto the surface of the drum(s). Indeed, the printer may be equipped with 4 drums, one of which is for black, yellow, magenta and cyan.
Next comes the activation of the laser. The light it emits will be projected against the mirrors and then reflected on the drum. By using a negative electrical charge, the photoconductor will print the shape of the document. Once done, carbon toner particles will be released from the toner cartridges as well as the hopper. It is up to the transfer belt to roll the paper. As for the fuser unit, this element will take care of melting the toner. Remember that a wireless laser printer also works in the same way.
Q2: Laser printer or inkjet? What are the differences ?
On an inkjet printer, the contents of the cartridge are deposited on the paper in small droplets. For its part, the printing process of a laser printer is based on an electrostatic process. Despite this difference, nothing prevents you from comparing them.
Q3: How to recharge a laser printer?
Before refilling, you will need to buy a toner kit, cloths to protect your work surface and a pair of gloves. Then locate the filler cap of each cartridge. Once you have located them, empty the contents of the cartridge by piercing it. When refilling, make sure the funnel is securely attached to the toner bottle. Once the cartridge is full, shake it before putting it back in the printer.
If you don’t feel able to do this, call a professional. This will save you time while refilling your printer with quality toner powders.
Q4: How to clean a laser printer?
First, consider limiting the airflow in the room where you will be cleaning your printer. To do this, simply close the doors, windows and turn off appliances such as fans and air conditioners. Also wear a protective mask that filters out fine particles and don’t forget latex gloves.
By following these tips, you will not inhale the toxic particles present in the cartridges. Before cleaning your printer, make sure the power is unplugged. Remove the toner cartridge and wipe clean. To clean the inside of the case, it is best to use a vacuum cleaner. Once everything is clean, put the cartridges back in place and close the case. Designed to identify the cheapest model on the market, it is not a price comparison that will tell you how to maintain your laser printer.
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