Laser printers are an invaluable asset to any business. However, not all laser printers are made the same. Different models vary in their output capabilities, color options, printing speed, and overall cost to own.

If you’re in the market for a new or refurbished printer, you need to do your research. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to help you decide on the best laser printer for office use.

The best laser printer depends on your personal needs. By reviewing the following laser printer features, you’ll be better informed on which features matter most to your decision.

Pages Per Minute (PPM)

Pages per minute (PPM) measures the speed in which a printer can produce output. If you only print here and there, this metric won’t make a difference. However, if your printer is running all day long, PPM becomes a much more significant metric to consider during your purchase. 

Laser printers vary greatly in their printing speed:

• Color Printers: 2 to 4 PPM
• Lower End Printers: 25 to 50 PPM
• Higher End Printers: 100+ PPM

While faster printers are more expensive, some consumers require a higher PPM to conduct business properly. 

Monthly Duty Cycle

Every printer has a monthly duty cycle. This is the number of pages a printer can print within a month without causing damage to the machine. Choose a printer with an adequate monthly cycle for your needs to preserve its lifespan.

Start by analyzing how much you print per month. Next, look for printers that can handle that capacity. Printers will state their monthly duty cycle outright, so this should be an easy process. 

Keep in mind that more is not always better in the case of monthly duty cycle. If you have lower printing requirements, purchasing a high monthly duty cycle printer will just be a waste of money. 

Cost Per Page

Another data point to look at is a laser printer’s cost per page. Cost per page takes into account the long-term costs of printing, factoring in the cost of a printer’s toner cartridges. 

Toner cartridges can vary dramatically in price and allow for different page yields. Research which cartridges your potential printers require and calculate their cost per page:

• Price: The cost of one cartridge
• Page Yield: The number of printed pages that one cartridge can produce. 
• Cost Per Page: To calculate a toner cartridges’ cost per page, divide the page yield by the price of the cartridge. 

To maximize your budget, choose a printer with a lower cost per page. This will save you a lot of money over the long run.

Double-Sided Printing Capabilities

Printers that have double-sided printing capabilities are called “duplex printers.” While not necessary, this feature can be attractive to some shoppers. 

Duplex printing saves you money on paper and helps you appear more professional when printing business documents. Most high-end laser printers will have this capability built-in. 

Quality of Paper Handling

Paper handling describes the quality in which your printer physically handles paper. Some printers handle paper smoothly and efficiently. Others handle paper poorly and roughly, resulting in frequent paper jams and printing inconsistencies.

A high-quality printer will offer superior paper handling, saving you time and headaches related to paper jams and repairs. 

Color 

Most printing aficionados know that inkjet printers are the go-to for color printing. However, these days, inkjet and laser printers offer comparable color quality. There are many quality color laser printers on the market that can get the job done well. 

Some laser printers are only available in black and white, but if color is something you require, laser printers can provide that. Simply choose a single-pass color printing laser printer. 

WiFi Connection

Like most devices these days, many laser printers include a Wi-Fi connection. This handy feature allows for easier networking between devices. You can print from anywhere in your office, without needing to get up to connect to an Ethernet or USB cord. 

While a Wi-Fi connection is a convenient feature, an Ethernet connection is known to enhance printing speed. Determine which element is more important to you to decide whether Wi-Fi is right for you. 

Warranty Coverage

Most printers come with a warranty, but not all warranties are made the same. Most new printer warranties last around one year. The great thing about refurbished printers is that they come with more comprehensive warranties, as well as top-notch technical support. 

Take a look at your potential printer’s warranty coverage and note its coverage in terms of:

• Length of time
• Part replacements
• Servicing
• Technical support

Review the warranty offerings of your printer options before making a purchase. By prioritizing your warranty coverage, your future self will save money and enjoy lasting peace of mind. 

So What is The Best Multifunction Laser Printer for the Office?

As you can see, there are many elements to consider before purchasing a laser printer. Tailor your priorities to your personal printing habits. By doing so, you will enjoy lasting satisfaction with your purchase.

To get the most for your money, check out X-Digital’s refurbished laser printers. Xerox has selected X-Digital to be one of the few retailers of their new and refurbished printers. X-Digital’s collection of high-end, industrial printers are made more affordable when refurbished. They also come with a complete warranty and technical support. 

Sources:

Chron. Typical Pages Per Minute of Laser Printers.

https://smallbusiness.chron.com/typical-pages-per-minute-laser-printers-60311.html

Chron. How to Estimate Toner Usage Per Page. 

https://smallbusiness.chron.com/estimate-toner-usage-per-72560.html