10 Best All-in-One Printer, Scanner, Copier, Fax for Office Use

How to Choose a Multifunctional Printer and Fax Machine

As its name suggests, an all-in-one machine can print, send, and receive fax messages. Not only that but it can also scan physical documents and convert them into digital files that are stored in the machine.

The thing with these all-in-one machines is that they are not created equal. The differences in features, speeds, and quality can be confusing if you don’t know what to look for.

Here’s what you need to consider before making a purchase:

List down the features you need

One of the essential features to look for is a machine with duplex printing. This will allow you to print on both sides of the paper automatically, saving you time and money in the long run.

Additionally, a printer with a large paper tray can hold more sheets at once so you won’t have to refill it as often. If you plan to scan or copy a lot of documents, you should also look for printers, scanners, and fax machines with a large scanning or copying area.

Evaluate your budget

Another important thing to consider is your budget. All-in-one multifunctional fax machines come in a wide range of prices, so it’s up to you to determine how much money you are willing to spend.

You should also check if any special offers are available when purchasing this type of product. Sometimes, manufacturers give discounts for all-in-one multifunctional fax machines with specific features or bundled together with other products that can be helpful for your business or home office.

How much should you expect to spend? Prices range from $400 and above for heavy-duty printers with unique refillable ink tanks and wireless connectivity features. Meanwhile, entry-level and basic printers may be cheaper, but factor in that they may have limited features compared to more expensive models.

Measure the available space

Avoid buyer’s remorse by making sure that your new printer will fit well into your existing setup. Aside from measuring the counter or desk space, consider how you will position the machine so that it is within range of power outlets, cables, and other computers.

If you have limited space, go for an all-in-one fax machine that is easy to move around. If you have more space, you can choose a printer with a larger paper tray and other features.

Choose a printer type

This feature is often the deciding factor when buying office equipment, as it impacts both the cost of the machine and the speed of printing.

• Inkjet printers use liquid ink droplets from a print head which is held over the paper while it moves past on a roller. Inkjets are one of the most common types of printing technology because they offer fast printing speeds at an affordable price point.
• Laser printers differ from other technologies in design by using a laser beam rather than an inkjet or toner cartridge to create images on paper. This type of technology is generally more expensive than inkjet printers, but they produce higher-quality printouts.
• Laser multifunction printers are designed to combine the functionality of multiple types of devices into one product. For example, laser multifunction printers typically offer printing, copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities with an inkjet printer’s high-speed printing at a fraction of the price.

Remember: You also have to consider printing capacity, compatibility with existing tools, warranty, and maintenance costs in your decision.