Choosing The Best Printer for Small Business UK

In the fast-paced world of small business, having a reliable printer is essential. Whether best small business printers you need to produce invoices, marketing materials, or important documents, the right printer can save you time and money. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best printers available for small businesses in the UK to help you make an informed choice.

Best Printer for Small Business UK: Factors to Consider

Before we dive into our top picks, let’s consider the key factors to keep in mind when choosing a printer for your next small office or business:

1. Printing Needs

Assess your specific printing needs. Do you primarily need high-quality colour printing, or is black and white sufficient? Do you require a multifunction printer that can make colour printer also scan and copy documents?

2. Print Volume

Consider how much you’ll be printing on a daily or monthly basis. Different printers are designed for different volumes, and printing speeds, so choose one that matches your workload.

3. Cost Efficiency

Factor in not only the upfront cost of the printer but also ongoing running costs, like ink or toner cartridges. Some printers offer cost-effective subscription services for ink, which can be budget-friendly for small businesses.

4. Connectivity

Ensure the printer has the connectivity options you need. Many modern printers offer wireless printing via Wi-Fi or mobile apps, making it convenient for multiple users.

5. Size and Space

Consider the physical size of the printer and whether it fits comfortably in your workspace.

Top Printers for Small Businesses in the UK

Now, let’s explore some of the best printers for small businesses:

1. Brother HL-L5100DN

• Type: Monochrome Laser Printer
• Features: Fast printing speed, high-quality prints, duplex printing, wired network connectivity.
• Why We Like It: This printer is known for its reliability and fast printing speed, making it ideal for small businesses with moderate printing needs.

2. Epson Eco Tank ET-4750

• Type: Inkjet All-in-One Printer
• Features: Exceptional ink efficiency, wireless printing, scanning, copying, and faxing.
• Why We Like It: The Eco Tank system reduces ink costs, making it an economical choice for businesses with high-volume printing needs.

3. HP Office Jet Pro 9025

• Type: Inkjet All-in-One Printer
• Features: High-quality color printing, wireless connectivity, scanning, copying, and faxing.
• Why We Like It: This printer offers professional-quality color prints and versatile features, making it suitable for businesses that require impressive marketing materials.

4. Canon image CLASS MF445dw

• Type: Monochrome Laser All-in-One Printer
• Features: Fast printing and scanning, wireless connectivity, duplex printing, and large paper capacity.
• Why We Like It: Its speed and reliability make it a great choice for small businesses that need efficient document management.

5. Xerox VersaLink C405

• Type: Color Laser All-in-One Printer
• Features: High-quality color printing, advanced scanning capabilities, wireless connectivity.
• Why We Like It: While it’s a bit pricier, it offers top-notch color printing and scanning, making it perfect for businesses that require vivid marketing materials.

What is an Inkjet Printer?

An inkjet printer is a type of inkjet or laser printer, that sprays tiny droplets of ink onto paper or other print media to create text or images. These printers are known for their ability to produce vibrant and detailed prints, making them suitable for various applications, from standard documents to high-quality photos.

Advantages of Inkjet Printers

1. High-Quality Printing: One of the standout features of inkjet printers is their ability to produce sharp, colourful, and detailed prints. They excel at both colour laser rendering images and graphics with precision, making them ideal for tasks that require excellent print quality.

2. Affordability: Inkjet printers are generally more affordable upfront compared to other printer types, such as laser printers. This makes them an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers and small businesses with low running costs.

3. Versatility: Inkjet printers can handle a wide range of print media, including regular paper, photo paper, labels, envelopes sheet paper back, and more. This versatility allows you to print everything from documents and presentations to high-resolution photographs.

4. Compact Size: Many inkjet printers are compact and designed to fit comfortably on desks or in home office spaces. Their smaller footprint makes them suitable for home use best small business, and smaller work environments.

5. User-Friendly: Inkjet printers are known for their user-friendly interfaces and ease of use. Most models come with intuitive software that simplifies printing tasks, making them accessible even to those with minimal technical expertise.

6. Photo Printing: If you’re an avid photographer or simply enjoy printing your favourite snapshots, inkjet printers are an excellent choice. They can produce lab-quality photo prints, allowing you to showcase your memories in stunning detail.

Epson Ecotank ET

The Epson EcoTank ET series has taken the UK by storm, redefining the way we think about printing. With its innovative approach to ink delivery and its commitment to eco-friendliness, this series of printers has become a game-changer for homes and for small business printers and businesses across the country.

Automatic Document Feeder

An automatic document feeder (ADF) is a feature in printers, copiers, fax machines, and scanners that allows multiple pages to be fed into the machine automatically, one after the other, without the need for manual intervention. This feature is particularly useful when scanning mono printing, copying, or faxing multi-page documents.

Inkjet Printers Tend

Inkjet printers may have been around for decades, but they continue to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of consumers and businesses in the UK. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to deliver high-quality prints, versatility, and affordability. As technology advances, inkjet printers remain a reliable choice, reflecting the UK’s appreciation for both tradition and innovation. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a small business owner, or a household in need of a dependable printer, inkjet technology continues to serve the UK with distinction.

HP Color Laserjet

The HP Color LaserJet is a line of color laser printers produced by Hewlett-Packard (HP). These printers are designed to produce high-quality color prints using laser technology, making them suitable for both personal and professional use. Over the years, HP has released various models under the Color LaserJet series, catering to different market segments and printing needs.

Here are some key features and points to consider about the HP Color LaserJet series:

1. Performance: The HP Color LaserJet series is known for producing sharp, high-resolution prints. The color reproduction is often vibrant, making them suitable for printing graphics, photos, and documents.
2. Speed: Depending on the model, some Color LaserJet printers can have fast print speeds, suitable for high-volume printing tasks.
3. Cost-per-Page: While the initial cost of a laser printer might be higher than that of an inkjet printer, the cost per page, especially for black-and-white printing, is often lower for laser printers.
4. Connectivity: Many models in the Color LaserJet series come with multiple connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and wireless connections. Some newer models might also support mobile printing capabilities.
5. Duplex Printing: Some HP Color LaserJet models offer automatic duplex (double-sided) printing, which can help save on paper costs.
6. Toner: HP Color LaserJet printers use toner cartridges, which are typically more expensive than inkjet cartridges but can yield more pages, leading to a lower cost per page.
7. Maintenance: Laser printers, in general, are built for longevity and can handle large print volumes. However, they might require occasional maintenance like cleaning or replacing the drum unit.
8. Models: HP has released various models under the Color LaserJet series, ranging from more compact, personal-use printers to larger, enterprise-level machines. Examples include the HP Color LaserJet Pro series, HP Color LaserJet Enterprise series, and others.
9. Software and Drivers: HP provides proprietary software and drivers for its printers, which can offer features like printer management, toner level monitoring, and more.
10. Environmental Impact: Some HP Color LaserJet models are designed with energy-saving features and may be ENERGY STAR® certified.

All in One Printers

All-in-one printers, also known as multifunction printers (MFPs), combine the functions of several devices into one unit, providing multiple functionalities including printing, scanning, copying, and often faxing. These devices are popular in both home and office printers for small business and settings due to their versatility and space-saving design.

Ink Tank Printer

An ink tank printer is a type of inkjet printer that utilizes a refillable ink tank system rather than disposable ink cartridges. This design has grown in popularity because it can offer significant cost savings over the long run, especially for users who need to print frequently.

Business Printer

A business printer is designed to meet the demands of a corporate or office environment. When selecting a business printer, various factors come into play, including print speed, print quality, cost of ownership, and additional features that can enhance productivity.

Key Features to Consider in a Business Printer:

1. Type of Printer:
   • Inkjet Printers: Suitable for businesses that need high-quality color prints, especially graphics or photos. They can be slower and have a higher cost-per-page compared to laser printers.
   • Laser Printers: Ideal for businesses that prioritize speed and lower cost-per-page. They excel at text documents and offer consistent print quality.
2. Print Speed: Measured in pages per minute (PPM), a higher PPM indicates a faster printer, which is crucial for high-volume printing tasks.
3. Print Quality: Depending on your business’s needs, you may require high-resolution prints, especially if producing marketing materials or detailed graphics.
4. Duplex Printing: Automatic two-sided printing saves paper and is a feature many businesses appreciate.
5. Connectivity: In addition to standard USB and Ethernet connections, consider printers that offer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC for more flexible printing options. Cloud printing capabilities can also be advantageous.
6. All-in-One Features: Many business printers are multifunctional, offering scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities.
7. Paper Handling: Look for printers with multiple paper trays, high-capacity feeders, and the ability to handle various paper sizes and types.
8. Monthly Duty Cycle: Represents the number of pages the printer can handle per month without any issues. Ensure the printer’s duty cycle exceeds your business’s printing needs.
9. Cost of Ownership: While the initial cost of the printer is one factor, consider the long-term costs, including the price of ink or toner, replacement parts, and potential repair costs.
10. Security Features: In a business environment, printer security is essential. Look for features like secure print release, user authentication, network security, and the ability to disable unnecessary ports or services.
11. Mobile Printing: The ability to print directly from mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, can be beneficial for many businesses.
12. Ease of Use and Management: A user-friendly interface, touchscreen controls, and remote management capabilities can streamline the printing process and device maintenance.

Scanning and copying are two essential functions of multifunction printers (MFPs) or all-in-one devices. These processes allow for the digitization of physical documents and the reproduction of physical copies, respectively.

1. Scanning:

• Process: Scanning involves converting a physical document or image into a digital format using a scanner. This digital version can be saved, edited, emailed, or used for various other purposes.
• Resolution: Measured in dots per inch (DPI), resolution determines the quality and clarity of the scanned image. Higher DPI settings result in clearer images but produce larger file sizes.
• Color Mode: Scanners can operate in different modes such as black & white, grayscale, or color.
• File Formats: Common file formats for scanned documents include JPEG, PNG, PDF, TIFF, and BMP. The choice depends on the intended use of the scanned image.
• Software: Scanning software often comes with the scanner or printer and allows for features such as optical character recognition (OCR), which converts scanned text into editable text.
• Connectivity: Some modern scanners offer cloud or network scanning, allowing users to directly save scanned documents to cloud storage or a network location.

2. Copying:

• Process: Copying involves both scanning and printing functions. The machine scans a document and immediately prints a copy.
• Resolution: Like scanning, the quality of the copied document can be influenced by resolution settings.
• Color Mode: Copiers can produce black & white or color copies, depending on the model and settings.
• Duplexing: Some copiers have the ability to produce double-sided copies automatically.
• Scaling: Many copiers allow users to resize the copied image, making it larger or smaller than the original.
• Number of Copies: Users can typically specify the number of copies they want to produce.
• Additional Features: Some advanced copiers offer features like booklet creation, watermarking, and stapling.

Scanning vs. Copying:

• Purpose: Scanning is primarily for digitizing documents, while copying is for producing physical duplicates.
• Output: Scanning results in a digital file, whereas copying produces a physical document.
• Flexibility: Scanned documents can be edited, shared electronically, or stored digitally. Copied documents can be physically distributed, filed, or read in physical form.

Choosing the best printer for your small business in the UK depends on your specific needs and budget. Be sure to carefully evaluate the factors mentioned earlier and consider the ongoing costs of consumables. Additionally, read user reviews and consult with fellow small business printer owners to get insights into the reliability and performance of the printer models you’re interested in. With the right printer by your side, you can streamline your business operations and produce high-quality documents that make a lasting impression.