Choosing a Printer Type
Choosing the right printer type for your needs is one of the most important factors to consider before making your purchase.
Laser Printers
For business and office use Printerland’s range of laser printers are perfectly suited to tackling high volume print jobs at high speeds.
Laser printers use high speed lasers combined with microscopic particles of ink called toner which are melted at high temperatures to produce high resolution prints at far higher speeds than inkjet equivalents.
With laser printing solutions designed for all working environments from home offices to large businesses, every user can benefit from the outstanding results they deliver.
Boasting impressive print quality and low running costs a laser printer provides consistent, reliable results making them a valuable addition to any busy workplace.
Our range of wireless printers are available with comprehensive connectivity options making them a fantastic addition any modern workplace.
Laser printers offer significantly lower running costs than other printing technologies, meaning they are well-suited for high volume, text-based printing.
Printerland stock’s a huge range of laser printers from leading manufacturer’s including Xerox, Kyocera, HP and more.
With each brand offering their own unique features and attributes and models available to suit all budgets, you can find a laser printer perfectly matched to your needs.
Inkjet Printers
For printers for home users, an inkjet printer offers high quality printing with low initial hardware costs.
Inkjet printers use highly pigmented liquid inks to deliver vibrant, high-resolution prints. Suited to photographic and image-based printing inkjet printers provide a low-cost alternative to laser models.
A3 inkjet printers are also available, geared towards producing professional quality A3 prints perfect for creative and commercial projects.
Due to their lower print speeds and higher long-term running costs compared to laser printers, inkjet printers are well-suited to low volume home printing.
Paper Size
The size of the prints you require is an important factor to be considered before making a purchase.
With most printers capable of printing up to A4, users can produce a varied range of prints on a range of standardised and custom media sizes.
However, for those looking to print beyond the limits of A4, Printerland stocks a wide range A3 and large format printers.
Offering a huge range of commercial, creative, and cost saving benefits, A3 printers allow users to print larger documents quickly and efficiently.
Our range of large format printers are capable of printing beyond the confines of A4 with support for A3, A3+, SRA3 and wide format media sizes.
Colour or Mono?
The choice between colour or mono printing is a key factor to consider based on your printing requirements.
Whether you require full colour printing or a mono only solutions, Printerland stocks a broad range of colour and mono models available in both single and multifunction varieties.
Colour Printers
Colour printers allow you to produce vivid, high quality colour prints at home or in the office.
Using a 4 cartridge CMYK setup, colour printers accurately recreate photos and images for attention grabbing results.
A powerful tool for increasing readership and boosting brand recognition, a colour printer helps you elevate your printing to new levels of professionalism.
Printerland stocks a broad range of colour printers from leading manufacturers including Xerox, HP, Kyocera, and Epson.
Mono Printers
Mono printers print exclusively in black and white with the ability to reproduce images using varying shades of grey.
Popular with both SME’s and larger businesses, mono printers provide a cost-effective printing solution for those who do not require colour printing.
Available in both laser and inkjet variations, mono printers are perfect for high-speed document printing, mono printers are at home in any busy work environment.
Thanks to a simpler design compared to colour counterparts, mono printers are capable of higher print speeds than colour equivalents.
Their single cartridge design also provides lower running costs compared to colour models.
Whether you’re looking for a colour or mono printing solution, Printerland stocks a wide range of models with a solution available for every need.
Single Function or Multifunction
Another factor to consider is whether you require a single function printer or a multifunction model.
Work environments that need a central hub for a variety of office tasks can benefit from a multifunction printer with Print/Scan/Copy/Fax capabilities.
For those requiring print functionality only, a single-function printer is a cost-effective choice.
Available in both colour/mono as well as inkjet and laser varieties, our range of single-function printers boast a range of impressive features including double-sided printing, Windows and Mac compatibility and more.
If you require additional functionalities to printing alone, a multifunction printer can provide a range of benefits.
Combining multiple roles into a single device, a multifunction printer includes the same high-quality printing of a single-function machine with added Scan/Copy/Fax capabilities.
Whilst a multifunction printing solution may have a higher initial hardware cost when compared to a single-function printer, the long-term cost-saving benefits can be considerable.
Consolidating the roles of several appliances into a single device, a multifunction printer can drastically reduce the number of resources required.
With lower levels of consumables, media and energy consumption when compared to separate single-function machines, a multifunction printer can significantly reduce overall running costs.
In addition to the economical benefits of owning a multifunction printer, an MFP takes up far less space than individual appliances making a multifunction printer an attractive choice for workplaces where space is at a premium.
Printerland stocks a comprehensive range of multifunction printers from leading manufacturers ensuring you can find an all-in-one solution that meets all for your requirements.
Low Running Costs
Finding a printer with low running costs is imperative for home and business users alike. Whilst a printer may have low initial hardware costs this does not necessarily equate to low overall cost of ownership over the long term.
To ensure you find a printer that delivers the lowest running costs for your needs, you will need to factor in a variety of attributes including cost of supplies, printer technology and the length and terms of the warranty.
Printers from Printerland
Hopefully, this guide will have shed some light on the key features to look out for when researching your next printer purchase.
All our printers are available for purchase directly from our website and if you have any questions or queries regarding choosing a printer, why not contact one of our printer experts for professional advice to help you find the best printer for your needs.
Printers - Frequently Asked Questions
Which paper sizes and types will my printer use?
Most printers handle standard A4 and Letter sizes, and some can print larger formats like A3. Supported paper types often include plain, recycled, glossy, and specialty papers. Most rpinters these days will also print on smaller and custom sizes below the maximum size. For example a
A3 printers will likely print on A3, A4 and even A5 if not smaller. Check the 'supported media sizes' tab within the detail spec section of the product page for a detailed breakdown.
Can my printer print on both sides automatically?
Many modern printers have automatic double-sided printing (also known as duplex printing), letting them print on both sides without user intervention. Entry-level models may require manual duplexing, where you flip the paper yourself. Always check the product details before buying if double-sided printing is important, or use our filters to narrow your search to all
printers with double-sided printing.
What connection options are available for printers?
Printers most often include USB and Ethernet ports, with many also supporting Wi-Fi and mobile printing services like
Apple AirPrint or Mopria.
What type of ink or toner do printers need?
Each printer uses specific ink or toner cartridges designed for its range. To find
ink and toner cartridges you can use our handy tools which will take you to the correct page with all available cartridges for your printer.
How much does it cost to run a printer?
Running costs depend on cartridge yield, page coverage, and maintenance needs. High-yield cartridges generally provide a lower cost per page. If you print heavily, look for printers with lower running costs, we display the average cost per page alongside each printer (based on roughly 5% page coverage)
How many pages per minute can a printer print?
Print speeds vary by type and model. Laser printers often produce 20–50 pages per minute, while most home inkjets average 5–15 ppm. Many things affect the relative print speed including the type of document printed and the page coverage; a more detailed or image-rich page will take long to process and print than a typical letter or invoice for example. Printing at higher quality settings will also impact output speeds.
How good is the print quality of most printers?
Laser printers excel at sharp, professional-looking text, making them ideal for business documents. Inkjets usually produce more vibrant colours and smoother gradients, which are better for photo printing. Match your printer type to your primary printing needs.
Can my printer handle labels, envelopes, and other specialty media?
Many printers can print on labels, envelopes, card stock, and other specialty media. You can check our product pages for a more detailed breakdown of the media types supported within the detailed specification section on each printer.
Do printers also scan, copy, or fax?
Multifunction printers (MFPs) or All-in-one printers combine printing with scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing. They save space and can be more cost-effective than separate devices. Whilst these are more common than ever before we also off single function, 'print only' printes for those users who wish stick to basic printing features.
How easy is it to set up a printer?
Most printers come with quick-start guides and software for easy setup, in-fact the vast majority are now 'plug-and-play' at least for basic functionality. Wireless models may require connecting to your home network during installation. The manufacturer website will readily have download links for the latest drivers and software to help get the most out of your device.
What warranty and support do printers include?
Printers typically come with a one-year manufacturer warranty. Some brands offer extended coverage or on-site service for an additional fee. Keep a look out for and special offers which may include free extended coverage when registered after the initial purchase.
Are there eco-friendly printer options?
Yes, many printers are designed with energy-saving features like low power modes. Look for eco-labels such as Energy Star. Some manufacturers also run cartridge recycling programmes to reduce waste. Kyocera's ECOSYS range is designed with long-life components, only requiring the toner cartridge to be replaced over the printer's typical lifespan.
How much space will a printer take up?
Printer sizes range from compact desktop units to large office machines. Check dimensions before buying to ensure it fits your workspace, especially for A3 or multifunction models that can be bulkier. You can use our sorting option to display your filtered results by size,
smallest printers to the largest.
How do I choose the best printer for my needs?
Compare print quality, speed, running costs, and features. Read our reviews for real-world performance insights. If in doubt, our printer experts are on hand to guide you through the options and will ensure you find the perfect match for your home or office. Just give them a call on 0800 840 1992.
Author Details
Joining in 2005, Christian has built up 20 years of printer knowledge and has become a key member of our 30+ Printer Experts team
Call our experts for printer advice for free on 0800 840 1992