Printers play a vital role in the flow of work activities that most businesses engage in. They perform various functions in the workspace, from printing and copying to scanning and faxing of various important documents. And because they bring so many things to the table, or desk, a lot of businesses place a premium on their choice of printer.
Manufacturers of printers arm their products with all the features that can get the job done at the fastest speeds while churning out the biggest yield. They do all these while aiming to cut down on the printer’s running costs, without making any concession on its output quality. So while this looks like a daunting task for any manufacturer, many printers reach this mark and even exceed it.
Our Top Choice Business Printer – The Hp OfficeJet Pro 7740
This printer is a pro at everything it does– printing, scanning, copying, faxing, and every other thing in the memo. Armed with an array of choice features and built like a tank, this all-in-one inkjet printer counts its impressive work speed and output quality among its biggest strengths. Its USB, Ethernet, and built-in Wi-Fi provisions cover wired and wireless printing, and its attractive pricing takes the cake.
The Best Business Printers – Our Reviews
A good printer can make your job at the office much easier and faster. They can perform a range of functions in the office(print, scan, copy, fax) and this type of printer is called a multifunction or an all-in-one printer. These multifunction printers can help you make significant savings in time, space, and money, and it is no surprise that they rank at the top of the pile for the most popular printers in the market.
But before you splash the cash on any of the printers making the rounds, you’ll need to know a couple of things that’ll ultimately help you settle for the right choice. We’ve tested tons of printers using many standard testing setups and arrived at a few product suggestions that make the cut, as outlined below.
1. Hp OfficeJet Pro 7740
Key Specifications
| Size | 15.1 by 23 by 18 inches (HWD) |
| Printer type | Laser |
| Multifunction features | Print, scan, copy, fax |
| Color Options | White/Black |
| Maximum Sheet Size | 11.7 x 17 inches |
| Warranty | Yes, with one year standard warranty |
| Automatic Two-sided printing | Yes |
The Hp OfficeJet Pro 7740 makes it to the top of our list for its strong selection of choice features and work functions. While it is priced on the attractive side, it makes very little concession in the quality of work that it delivers. This is as it churned out print documents at an impressive rate of 22 pages per minute (ppm) for monochrome prints when I took it for a run.
If wireless printing is your thing, the Hp OfficeJet Pro 7740 will not disappoint you. It comes with an Ethernet provision to connect with a wired LAN, and a Wi-Fi feature that’s supported for HP wireless direct.
Pros
- Whether you’re printing, faxing, or copying in black/colored file formats, this inkjet printer is fast enough to keep up with your pace. It took up everything I threw at it with speed, without dropping the quality of the output.
- With a print and copy resolution that maxes out at 1200 by 1200 dpi and 600 dpi, respectively, there’s very little to fault with its quality. It offers clarity that traverses the entire breadth of the printing area ( 297 x 431.8 mm) and retains the print quality after a very long time.
- Its duty cycle of about 18000 print pages per month makes it well suited to businesses with very high demands for printing services.
- With a four-cartridge ink supply provision that can be easily replaced, there is no cause for long periods of stoppages.
Cons
- With a weight of 42.9 pounds and a physical dimension of 15.1 by 23 by 18 inches (HWD), the HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 is very much on the bulky side. So if you have to move it across various sides in your office space, you’ll need another pair of hands to get the job done.
- Its running costs are not the cheapest in its class– 2.1 cents per monochrome page and 8.1 cents per color page.
Verdict
For a printer that spots a very attractive price sticker, the HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 all-in-one inkjet can pass for a good bargain when you put it to work. It will plough through your printing, copying, and scanning tasks with speed and sinew and fax your documents with a transmission speed of up to four seconds per page.
2. The EcoTank Pro ET-5800
Key Specifications
| Size | 13.1 by 16.1 by 19.1 inches (HWD) |
| Printer type | Inkjet, with ink bottles |
| Multifunction features | Print, scan, copy, fax |
| Color Options | White |
| Maximum Sheet Size | 8.5 x 14 inches |
| Warranty | 2 Years Limited Warranty |
| Automatic Two-sided printing | Yes |
True to its name, the EcoTank Pro ET-5800 is a wireless all-in-one printer that uses supersized ink tanks in place of the more popular cartridges. The result is an impressive 80% savings in ink replacements as opposed to laser toner cartridges.
The makers of this printer promise a minimal energy consumption rate, a high-quality and high-volume output, and my checks show that it delivers on all those fronts.
Pros
This printer has a print speed of 25 ppm (ISO) black and a 6000-page capacity. And with a 500-sheet capacity front tray and 50-sheet holding volume for both a rear specialty feed tray and its ADF function, there’s no shortage of supply.
It is a cost-friendly device with a couple of fiscal advantages that make it more attractive for small business owners. From its low cost per page(about 2 cents) to its massive ink tanks that can be filled with low-cost ink bottles, there is no shortage of cost-effective provisions.
Cons
It requires extra care in the handling of its strictly pigment ink. This is also as using other inks like dye inks may result in damage levels that span outside the coverage area of the Manufacturers’ warranty.
Failure to “charge” the ink before firing it up for use may prevent it from operating optimally. However, this only happens on very rare occasions, so I don’t consider it to be much of a deal breaker.
Verdict
If you want to try out ink tanks instead of cartridges and the economic benefits that come with them, the EcoTank Pro ET-5800 All-in-One is a great option. And if you like to carry out your work with relative ease and top speed, it can also make the cut.
3. The Epson Expression ET-3700 EcoTank
Key Specifications
| Size | 17.8 x 18.3 x 15.4 inches (W x D x H) |
| Printer type | Inkjet |
| Multifunction features | Print, scan, copy, fax |
| Color Options | White |
| Maximum Sheet Size | 8.5 x 11 Inches |
| Warranty | One year standard return to base warranty |
| Automatic Two-sided printing | Yes |
This multifunction printing machine is widely acknowledged to have one of the lowest running costs in the Epson printer line and the larger printing device industry. It employs an innovative system of filling in ink for your printer, by pouring ink from bottles into reservoirs housed inside the printer.
From its equally impressive printing speed (about 15ppm for monochrome prints) to the economical running costs (per-page ink costs), everything about this machine points to cost-effectiveness. And when you factor in the above-decent quality of its output, it becomes even more remarkable.
Pros
For a very attractively priced printer, the ET-3700 produced crisp and clear outputs in black and white, and in colors. The detail in the pictures is pretty explicit, and the color accuracy is even more impressive.
With a print speed rated at 8ppm for color pages and 15 pages per minute (ppm) for monochrome pages, the ET-3700 lived up to its billing when i subjected it to real-life testing. The latter is a pretty decent return, about 6.7ppm faster per monochrome page than its predecessor, the ET-3600, which I’ve also previously tested.
Its low running costs rank at the very top levels of its highlight reel. You can make significant savings in the cost of purchasing its ink bottles when you go for its combo package–containing cyan, magenta, and yellow ink bottles.
Cons
The biggest design concession in this machine is the omission of the ADF feature. This means users have to manually execute multiple page scan requests, which can be time-consuming.
It also has no memory device support (USB or SD card). Users of this machine will have to rely on other storage options.
Verdict
If you can deal with a few design concessions in exchange for considerable savings in running costs, the Epson Supertank ET-3700 will be a very good pick. It might not boast the features of its higher-priced counterparts on our list, but it makes up for it with an impressive output quality that belies its more impressive price.
4. The Canon imageClass MF445dw
Key Specifications
| Size | 18.3 x 17.8 x 15.4 (HWD) |
| Printer type | Laser |
| Multifunction features | Print, scan, copy, fax |
| Color Options | White/Black |
| Maximum Sheet Size | 8.5 x 14 inches |
| Warranty | Three year limited warranty |
| Automatic Two-sided printing | Yes |
The imageClass MF445dw is an all-in-one machine that prints only in black and white format. It intends to cater to the needs of small and medium-sized business spaces and presents its users with a reasonable running cost.
For what is arguably its biggest highlight, the single-pass, auto-duplexing, automatic document feeder (ADF) holds sway. It can cut back significantly on the time and effort spent manually turning over the page before scanning ensues.
Pros
It has a provision to expand its paper capacity from its two-tray setup totaling 350 sheets to 900 sheets with an extra 550-sheet cassette injection.
When I tested it with a word document, it delivered a print output at a speedy rate of nearly 40 pages per minute (ppm) for single-sided pages. This figure rises to 45ppm for one-sided pages. And in duplex mode, it returned a print output at an impressive 24.4ppm.
With its single-pass ADF feature and a corresponding capacity of 50 sheets, it can simultaneously scan both sides of any print paper. With this provision, multipage documents can be more conveniently and quickly processed.
Cons
The quality of its photo output is not the best, and you can spot the whiff of a streak in some darker fill areas. However, this does not significantly detract from the overall quality of its output, at least from my point of view.
It can not be used to make colored prints. With this printer, there’s provision for black toner only so you’ve to look elsewhere if colored printing is your thing.
Verdict
Small businesses will surely appreciate the operational speed of the Canon imageClass MF445dw. Its paper handling capacity is extensive, and its duplex printing is a choice provision. While a slight nudge in the quality of its output will serve it well, it impresses on other fronts.
5. Canon ImageClass MF743Cdw
Key Specifications
| Size | 18.8 x 18.8 x 18.4 inches (HWD) |
| Printer type | Laser |
| Multifunction features | Print, scan, copy, fax |
| Color Options | White |
| Sheet Size | 8.5 x 14 inches |
| Warranty | Three year limited warranty |
| Automatic Two-sided printing | Yes |
If you want an all-in-one color laser printer for your small or medium sized business, this printer can foot the bill. It churns out print outputs in fast breaks at a modest running cost.
Its 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF) can execute two-sided scanning at the same time and can accommodate an additional 550-sheet paper cassette. Users of this printer have a choice of using black toner cartridges of different-grade yields.
Pros
It produces copies and scans at fast speeds, with a color scan finished in no time at 600 dpi and a JPEG file generated in under just 25 seconds–nearly 10 seconds faster than the average time.
Its 5-inch color touchscreen is customizable and can be used to create several on-screen buttons. These buttons can now be used to execute vital printer functions like the printing of templates, scanning, and other key actions.
The quality of its printed text is very satisfactory. From the sharpness of text copies to the smoothness of the details in the grayscale-printed graphics, there’s very little to complain about the quality of its print output.
Cons
With a massive weight of 64 pounds and physical dimensions of 18.8 x 18.8 x 18.4 inches, this machine is quite the bulk. This means that it’ll require the help of two people to move it around the office floor.
It is not the fastest machine for duplex printing. It recorded a somewhat underwhelming speed of 3.9 ppm with its duplexer for all types of documents.
Verdict
The Canon ImageClass MF743Cdw is a good fit for businesses dealing with lots of paperwork. While its paper-handling provision is top-notch, it operates at low running costs and delivers quality output at impressive speeds. Overall, this is a pretty remarkable multifunction printer with pros that outweigh the cons by far, barring the massive heft.
6. Canon MAXIFY GX7020, Wireless MegaTank All-in-One Supertank Printer
Key Specifications
| Size | 15.8 x 16.2 x 12.4 inches (HWD) |
| Printer type | Inkjet |
| Multifunction features | Print, scan, copy, fax |
| Color Options | White |
| Sheet Size | 8.5 x 14 inches |
| Warranty | Three year or 80,000 pages warranty |
| Automatic Two-sided printing | Yes |
This all-in-one printer uses an ink tank provision for its ink refilling and it is one of its biggest highlights. It also comes with a host of features that make it an easy pick for high-intensity workspaces.
Its 600-sheet handling capacity is a notable feature, and its 2/7″ LCD touchscreen comes to the fore with a flourish of colors and an array of use functions. It responded in a flash to my request for a quick scan and helped me set up a wireless connection in no time
Its makers tout a 3300 page yield. And while I couldn’t stick around to confirm this for myself, the signs were immediately obvious, that, and the feelers we’ve gotten from other users of this machine.
Pros
It has an auto duplex printing feature that allows for the quick printing of multi-paged documents in a single pass. I found its duplex printer to print out a word text document at nearly 10.8 images per minute. This Duplex printing and single-pass duplex scanning provision will make for a greater speed and accuracy of operation throughout its serviceable life.
Its handling capacity is another strong point. With a couple of 250-sheet letter-size drawers and a rear tray with a holding capacity of 100 sheets, totalling 600 sheets, it has enough to go round for a while.
With its refillable ink tank provision, users of this printer will be ultimately saving up on operational costs. I tried my hands at filling the ink tanks and I daresay it was easy as pie. The four ink bottles key into the designated ink tanks and empty out without a chance of spilling.
Cons
It is admittedly priced on the high side. But this high initial outlay will be offset by the significantly lower cost of operation that mostly comes from refilling the ink.
Wi-Fi Direct is disabled as soon as the Ethernet network connections is made. However, you can work around this small snag by printing from a phone or tablet that’s linked to the same network through Wi-Fi.
Verdict
The Canon Maxify GX7020 inkjet AIO is admittedly not the fastest in its class and certainly not the cheapest. But it makes up for those demerits with an impressive feature set, chief among which is its massive paper handling capacity and the refillable ink tank provision.
7. Brother Monochrome Laser Printer MFCL2710DW
Key Specifications
| Size | 12.5 x 16.1 x 15.7 inches (HWD) |
| Printer type | Laser |
| Multifunction features | Print, scan, copy, fax |
| Color Options | White |
| Sheet Size | 8.5 x 14 inches |
| Warranty | One year limited warranty |
| Automatic Two-sided printing | Yes |
This machine is every bit as tough as it looks and it operates with an efficiency that maximizes all of its design provisions. It uses a laser printing technique and it is impressive for the most part.
Its notable features include a 250-sheet paper carrying capacity and a 50-sheet automatic document feeder. And its smart toner technology will warn you before it is depleted and even go as far as to place orders for you.
Pros
Its paper handling provision includes a 50-sheet automatic document feeder(ADF). This printer helps to cut back on the time that is spent in manually placing the paper on either side for a multipage scan. It also ensures that you don’t quickly run out of paper on the thick of action.
With a record print speed of nearly 32 pages per minute for monochrome prints, this printer is a speed machine. I personally tested this to confirm for myself and I found it to be true. In no time, I had a flurry of papers springing out in my direction, to my utter delight.
Its wireless connection is very fast and seamless. I connected it to my tablet and printed out a couple of text documents in no time. This Wi-Fi printing can also be done with a smartphone or a laptop, as long as it is compatible with the printer.
Cons
As soon as this printer’s toner looks to run its course, the printer will stop working, as if by default. This can be a bummer if you’re in the middle of something urgent. However, a simple maneuver that revolves around opening the cartridge door and following the clear and reset on screen commands can do the trick.
Its lack of a fine scan control can place limitations on scanning documents with print objects around the edge. You’ll have to very carefully align the paper at the screen’s lip to work around this.
Verdict
Small businesses and people that work from home will like the portable frame, high yield and multifunction capacity of this laser printer. It has a few notable hitches that you can work your way around, but they are put to the shade by the array of vital features that it possesses.
Buyers Guide To Choosing The Best Business Printer in Australia
In this section, we discuss many of the factors that need to be considered before you making your first move in the printer market.
How do I choose a printer for my business?
If you’re looking to purchase a printer for your business, there are a couple of things you should look out for. Whether you’re going for a laser, Inkjet, or any other type of printer, the considerations are pretty much the same as you’ll see below.
1. Print Quality
Measured in dots per inch, printer quality is a measure of the clarity and picture quality of prints that are produced by a printer. While the minimum accepted resolution mark is at 1200 x 1200 ppi, the bar rises up to 4800 x 2400 ppi and 600 x 600 dots per inch for a good-quality color and monochrome print, respectively.
2. Running Costs
A printer’s running costs are typically measured by the quantity of ink it uses up on a page leading up to the number of pages printed before it runs out of ink( the expected yield). On average, inkjet printers take around 7 cents and 20 cents to print monochrome and colored copy respectively. A value above this mark is considered uneconomical in the long run.
3. Printer Volume Capacity
A printer’s volume capacity refers to the maximum number of prints it can process over a period of time, usually a month. It is also known as the printer’s duty cycle and is important to the cost-effectiveness of the printer. A monthly print capacity in the range of 18,000 to 25,000 pages is acceptable for office use.
4. Multifunction Features
Multifunction capacity is the gold standard in office printer technology, and the reason is not farfetched. Printers that can undertake all printing, copying, scanning, and faxing tasks are widely referred to as all-in-one printers.
5. Print Speed
The faster a printer can churn out printed works, the more efficient it can be considered to be. A decent printer should be capable of printing a minimum of 10 and 20 pages per minute for colored and black-and-white pages, respectively, per minute.
6. Copy Speed
Business owners have to reproduce copies of memos, meetings, and other documents for record-keeping and distribution to team members at certain times. A good printer should keep up with the steady demand of file copies in the office space, and the standard is about 25 pages for an all-in-one printer.
7. Automatic Document Feeder
This is an important convenience feature that most people tend to ignore. With a feeder tray that allows for the placement of a stack of papers, you can fax a couple of pages all at the same time when you so desire. Without this provision, you would have to place each page of your fax document in isolation, and this can be quite tasking for anyone.
8. Wi-Fi or Network Connectivity
The increased ease of operation that comes with a wireless connectivity operation for your all-in-one printer can boost your business’s operational efficiency. Whether you set up a home or office business network to your phone or PC, wireless access to your printer can speed up all your documentation and filing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few of the most commonly asked queries that most business owners make concerning the purchase of printers.
What is the most popular printer for business use?
Inkjet printers are more popular with business owners owing to their ease of use, flexibility, and pricing. For a quick example, look no further than the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5800. From its impressive 6000-page yield capacity to a duo of 250-sheet capacity front trays and its 50-sheet ADF capacity, it has some striking numbers to claim top stakes with.
Which all-in-one printer is best for small businesses?
Small businesses look to find the sweet spot in efficiency and running cost when looking out for printers in the market and the all-in-one EcoTank Pro ET-5800 and the Hp OfficeJet Pro 7740 satisfy this requirement. Their printing speed for both colored and non-colored pages gives them an edge, along with their running costs and high page yields.
Are inkjet printers good for business use?
If your business relies on image-heavy documents and printing on different media, an inkjet printer will better serve you. Other than that, they are flexible, less expensive to purchase, and their cartridges are cheaper to refill or replace than other printer types.
Final Thoughts
Printers are a constant feature around most homes and offices, and they service businesses of all types with the array of functions they perform. And while there are a good number of decent options in the open, some of them stand out from the mix.
This article discusses a number of the most impressive all-in-one printers, examines their merits and demerits, and tops it off with a verdict on each option. And while we’ve made several suggestions on the top choices, the HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 tops the list with a strong selection of features and specifications.
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