At Printerland, we've been a prominent face in the printer industry for decades, so it's fair to say that we're experts at what we do! This comprehensive guide should help you make the correct decision about buying your next printer.
If you need a little more advice, our friendly advisers are on hand to help throughout the day, so don't hesitate to get in touch and we'll help to guide you in the right direction.
What Is an MFP Printer and What Does It Do?
A multifunction printer (MFP) carries out a wide variety of functions that would otherwise require separate devices. With an MFP printer, you can:
- Print
- Photocopy
- Scan (even directly to email!)
- Fax
MFP printers are incredibly versatile pieces of kit, allowing you to streamline your office activities. One MFP printing device takes up much less room in the office than purchasing additional flatbed scanners and fax machines.
Modern models tend to have advanced multifunction productivity details, allowing for a whole host of other capabilities. Newer models have internet connectivity and can even scan directly to email addresses , as well as printing via the use of Wi-Fi. A wireless multifunction printer can use mobile connectivity to allow services such as AirPrint to connect to mobile devices, for an easy printing transition.
The rise of modern technology means that new MFP printers have an even faster print speed than before, particularly if you decide to go for a mono version. Office environments often have a high volume of documents to print that don't require colour, making a mono multifunction printer ideal for many workplaces.
As you can clearly see, MFP printers have a huge range of functions that allow users to increase productivity at an affordable price point, making them perfect for both home and office settings.
The History of the All-In-One Printer
Printing devices have been around for centuries. The original printing press was invented by Johannes Gutenberg in 1436, although it's thought that primitive forms of printing originated thousands of years before that. However, the printer as we know it today wasn't invented until the 20th century, with the invention of the tiny EP-101 printer from Epson, which was introduced onto the market in 1968.
Since then, a variety of different printers have been created, including inkjet and laser models - the two most popular printer types we see today. Standalone scanners, photocopiers and fax machines have also become very popular, with printer scanners (devices that allow users to scan documents as well as print) becoming the new normal within the industry.
Digital technology and the rise of the internet have since led to the invention of the MFP printer, with most models now having advanced machinery designed to connect to email servers and the internet. Modern all-in-one printers are now compatible with cloud-connected apps and storage, which are able to assist with document digitising - making them perfect for any office environment.
The Different Types of MFP Printers
Like any other printer model, there are several different types of multifunction printers available on the market, with each one giving the user a slightly different experience.
Whichever type you choose to go for will depend largely on your needs, as well as whether you're wanting to use the device for home or office use.
Mono vs Colour All-In-One Printers
The first thing to decide is whether you want to go for a colour or mono printer. Black and white MFPs are the traditional form of the device, printing only in black and different shades of grey. Whilst they may seem limited at first, mono multifunction printers can actually be a fantastic addition to an office as they tend to have lower running costs than colour printers.
Most of the black and white MFPs we sell include automatic duplex printing (printing on both sides of a piece of paper), keeping productivity high and making your print jobs more sustainable in the long run. If your office doesn’t require more than black and white printing and you’re wanting to keep costs low, then a mono version should be suitable to service your business’s needs.
However, if you expect to be printing colour regularly (particularly if you work in a creative industry, such as graphic design), a colour MFP printer is a must. You can still print in black and white with a colour printer, giving you the best of both worlds.
Our all-in-one colour printers contain intuitive menus and LED displays to make the process of using every feature as easy as possible. Whichever model you choose to buy, you're sure to be left feeling satisfied with your purchase as there's so much a multifunction printer can do!
Should You Get a Laser Printer or an Inkjet Printer?
The next decision to make is whether to get a laser printer or an inkjet printer. The difference? As is clear from the name, a laser printer uses lasers to print documents whereas an inkjet printer uses - you guessed it - ink.
Each method can affect the printer’s speed and image quality, so it’s important to check the spec is suitable for your needs.
It’s worth weighing up the cost of the printer consumables, such as cartridges, if you're finding it hard to choose between the two. For example, laser printers use toner instead of ink cartridges (unlike inkjet printers), which tends to have a higher capacity, making them more sustainable and slightly cheaper to replace.
However, whilst their running costs tend to be cheaper overall, laser models are often more expensive to purchase. If you've got a particular budget you need to stick to, then an inkjet model may be preferable. Our low-cost range of colour multifunction printers includes both inkjet and laser varieties, so you should be able to find something to fit your chosen price point.
Inkjet printers usually have a slightly better colour definition than their laser equivalents, so are often preferable for those wanting to print professional photos and images. On the other hand, laser printers are generally more efficient, boosting productivity along the way. This is due to their increased print speed, which is another advantage they have over inkjet printers.
Wireless Multifunction Printers
Another popular option at the moment is wireless printers, designed to make life as convenient as possible.
Our wide selection of wireless MFP printers come with connectivity in mind. In these all-in-one devices, you’ll have the choice of:
- Wi-Fi
- Several USB ports
- Mobile apps such as AirPrint
Wireless Printing Made Even Quicker with Mobile Connectivity
Mobile printers can be used to print remotely, increasing general productivity within the office as it means people don't have to queue up around the printer in order to use it. Simply fire over your printing request from a few clicks on your mobile phone.
Our mobile printers will work with both Apple and Android phones:
- Apple devices: Use the AirPrint utility
- Android devices: Use the Mopria Utility
Most printer manufacturers now have their own apps that are specifically designed for printing with their models, so it's worth searching first to see if a compatible version exists for your mobile device.
What Are the Benefits of Buying an MFP Printer?
When buying an all-in-one printer, one of the main things you'll want to do is compare its features to see which device offers you the most benefits.
With an MFP printer, the opportunities are truly boundless, as there's so much that you can do with them. We've listed some of the main advantages of buying an all-in-one printer so that you can make the right decision for your office.
Reduced Costs
Buying a multifunction printer will allow you to reduce overall costs when working. The fact that you don't need to buy different devices to scan, copy, fax and print means you will start to save money immediately, but the savings don't end there!
You can also cut costs on maintenance and servicing fees due to only having one device, which can save you a lot of money over the years.
Energy Star certification is extremely common with multifunction printers, making sure they meet the energy efficiency criteria. This helps to reduce overall energy consumption, which will make using your device naturally cheaper in the long run.
Due to everything being contained within one device, running costs are a lot easier to track, with the cost per print generally being cheaper with multifunction printers. Most modern printers now have energy-saving services built into them such as sleep modes, allowing you to save money when your printer is not being used.
Sustainability
Sustainability is becoming more and more common, with businesses finding new ways to try and decrease their impact on the planet due to the current climate crisis.
MFP printers with Energy Star certification are more sustainable. These printers also come with eco-friendly settings, such as automatic sleep mode, which puts the printer into a reduced power state for periods of non-use.
Using one multifunction printer instead of several different devices also means less energy will be used overall, as well as fewer consumables.
Deciding to use a laser printer over an inkjet model will also have an impact, as laser printers tend to need less cartridges - at Printerland, we make a range of high-capacity toner cartridges that need replacing less than normal ink cartridges. These cartridges allow you to use fewer consumables, also making them more cost effective in the long run.
Improved Productivity
Another major benefit of using an all-in-one printer is that they help to increase productivity, making them perfect for any work environment. Using one device to complete multiple tasks means the employee is able to program it to complete these tasks in order, instead of having to manually complete them all one by one. This makes an office MFP a must-have for any productive workplace.
Multifunction printers are also able to print at high speeds with large page volumes, allowing them to print heavy workloads quickly and efficiently.
Choosing an all-in-one printer with mobile and wireless connectivity will lead to an even more productive workplace, as workers can set tasks for the printer from their desks, instead of having to queue up at the device itself.
Tools such as Mopria Alliance and Apple AirPrint can be used to print documents and images directly from a mobile device, with most printer brands also having their own apps to seamlessly use mobile printing.
Increased Security Measures
Security has never been more important within the technological world than it is today, with most modern printers having built-in programs to protect the data of those using them.
Multifunction printers are particularly handy in these cases, as newer models come with an array of cutting-edge security features, specifically designed to protect your work.
Using wireless networks means there is always a chance of someone attempting to hack your printer. It's important to make sure that your Wi-Fi connection is secure, but you can also prevent security issues by buying a multifunction printer with advanced security capabilities.
User-based security parameters like password protection and pull-to-print printing can be used, with the latter ensuring that print jobs are processed only when the person who ordered the printing is able to collect them.
Multifunction Printers Are Easier to Use
All-in-one printers can do multiple tasks, which automatically makes them easier to use (as opposed to having to utilise different devices to get your work done).
The all-in-one function allows the user to take full control over their work activities, making the process less time consuming too. Workflows can be organised easily, whilst extra parameters and restrictions - such as on paper size and print volume - can be introduced to increase overall productivity.
Our multifunction devices also feature large touchscreens, so print jobs can be programmed easily and effectively.
If you're struggling for space within the office environment, buying a multifunction printer instead of several devices will help to free up more room, allowing for a more comfortable and spacious workspace. You'll also have less wires trailing around, making it easier to adhere to health and safety guidelines.
Are Multifunction Printers Suitable for the Home?
We've already covered some of the reasons why having a multifunction printer can be beneficial for the office, as they're fantastic machines for the working environment. However, if you're a remote/hybrid worker or want to use an all-in-one printer for home use, an MFP printer could be for you.
If your job requires you to copy, scan, fax, and print, a multifunction printer makes for a great purchase. Home office spaces (and houses in general) tend to have less space than work environments, so using an MFP printer could be ideal, allowing you to complete a wide range of tasks comfortably. For something a little smaller, our combined printer scanners have a variety of functions suitable for any home.
If you decide to go for one of our wireless MFP printer options, you can connect your printing device to your mobile phone from anywhere in the house, allowing you to multitask effectively. All-in-one printers are fantastic for use within both the office and the home, having a wealth of different features and programs to suit day-to-day life.
Our Range of High-Quality MFP Printers
If you're wanting to buy a multifunction printer, you've come to the right place. At Printerland, we have a huge variety of printer models available, with different brands including HP, Kyocera, Epson and Xerox, giving you the best quality for your money.
We've been in the printer industry for decades. Our advisors have a wealth of knowledge about all things printing and will be able to help you decide which model is best for you or your business. All our printers are available to buy instantly from our website - we also have managed print services to help you reduce costs whilst still retaining the same fantastic quality within your print work.
If you'd like to find out a little more about our managed print services or just feel like you need a bit more help choosing which model to go for, contact the Printerland team of experts today and we'll be able to give you an answer in no time!
