Tired of constantly switching paper trays in your busy office? Imagine a printer that handles different paper sizes or types without you lifting a finger. That sounds like a dream for any office, big or small, right?
Choosing the perfect dual-tray laser printer can feel overwhelming. You juggle needs like speed, print quality, and of course, those crucial extra paper trays. Getting the wrong one means wasted time and frustration. We know you need a reliable workhorse that keeps up with your demanding print jobs.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down what makes a great dual-tray printer. You will learn exactly what features matter most for your specific needs. By the end, you will feel confident picking the best machine.
Let’s dive in and explore the world of efficient, dual-tray laser printing!
Top Dual Tray Laser Printer Recommendations
- DUAL PAPER TRAYS: Spend less time refilling paper trays with dual 520-sheet capacitypaper trays, as well as a 100-sheet capacity multipurpose tray for printing on custommedia or envelopes(2). Total capacity is expandable up to 1,660 sheets with an optional tray(3).
- LOW-COST OUTPUT: Help reduce operating costs by using the Brother GenuineTN920UXXL ultra high-yield replacement toner cartridge for 18,000 pages. Includes aBrother Genuine 3,000-page toner cartridge(4).
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY: Features built-in Gigabit Ethernet and dual band wireless networking to seamlessly set up and share on your wired or wireless network. Easily print from a wide variety of mobile devices(5).
- ADVANCED SECURITY FEATURES: Equipped with Triple Layer Security features to help safeguard your network, keep your devices secure, and protect documents in transit to and from print devices.
- FAST PRINTING FOR INCREASED EFFICIENCY: The Brother HL-L6210DWT business monochrome laser printer delivers high-quality output and a print speed of up to 50ppm(1) to help boost productivity and ensure fast, professional quality documents for busy offices.
- FAST PRINTING FOR INCREASED EFFICIENCY: The Brother HL-L5210DWT business monochrome laser printer delivers high-quality output and a print speed of up to 48ppm(1) to help boost productivity and ensure fast, professional quality documents for busy offices.
- DUAL PAPER TRAYS:Spend less time refilling paper trays with dual 250-sheet and 520-sheet capacity paper trays, as well as a 100-sheet capacity multipurpose tray for printing on custom media or envelopes(2). Total capacity is expandable up to 1,390 sheets with an optional tray(3).
- COST-EFFICIENT OUTPUT: Help reduce operating costs by using the Brother Genuine TN920XXL super high-yield 11,000-page replacement toner cartridge. Includes a Brother Genuine 3,000-page toner cartridge(4).
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY:Features built-in Gigabit Ethernet and dual band wirelessnetworking to seamlessly set up and share on your wired or wireless network. Easily print from a wide variety of mobile devices(5).
- ADVANCED SECURITY FEATURES: Equipped with Triple Layer Security features to help safeguard your network, keep your devices secure, and protect documents in transit to and from print devices.
- Brother USA AUTHORIZED - Brother Full USA Warranty | DUAL PAPER TRAYS: Spend less time refilling paper trays with dual 520-sheet capacitypaper trays, as well as a 100-sheet capacity multipurpose tray for printing on custommedia or envelopes(2). Total capacity is expandable up to 1,660 sheets with an optional tray(3).
- LOW-COST OUTPUT: Help reduce operating costs by using the Brother GenuineTN920UXXL ultra high-yield replacement toner cartridge for 18,000 pages. Includes aBrother Genuine 3,000-page toner cartridge(4).
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY: Features built-in Gigabit Ethernet and dual band wireless networking to seamlessly set up and share on your wired or wireless network. Easily print from a wide variety of mobile devices(5).
- ADVANCED SECURITY FEATURES: Equipped with Triple Layer Security features to help safeguard your network, keep your devices secure, and protect documents in transit to and from print devices.
- FAST PRINTING FOR INCREASED EFFICIENCY: The Brother HL-L6210DWT business monochrome laser printer delivers high-quality output and a print speed of up to 50ppm(1) to help boost productivity and ensure fast, professional quality documents for busy offices.
- Print only (Monochrome)
- Print Speed: Up to 52 ppm
- Connectivity: Features USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and automatic duplex printing for fast, reliable network printing
- Print Resolution: Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi
- What’s Included: Comes with a Toner cartridge, power cable, and network/USB cables (where applicable)
- DUAL PAPER TRAYS: Spend less time refilling paper trays with dual 520-sheet capacitypaper trays, as well as a 100-sheet capacity multipurpose tray for printing on custommedia or envelopes(2). Total capacity is expandable up to 1,660 sheets with an optional tray(3).
- LOW-COST OUTPUT: Help reduce operating costs by using the Brother GenuineTN920UXXL ultra high-yield replacement toner cartridge for 18,000 pages. Includes aBrother Genuine 3,000-page toner cartridge(4).
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY: Features built-in Gigabit Ethernet and dual band wireless networking to seamlessly set up and share on your wired or wireless network. Easily print from a wide variety of mobile devices(5).
- ADVANCED SECURITY FEATURES: Equipped with Triple Layer Security features to help safeguard your network, keep your devices secure, and protect documents in transit to and from print devices.
- FAST PRINTING FOR INCREASED EFFICIENCY: The Brother HL-L6210DWT business monochrome laser printer delivers high-quality output and a print speed of up to 50ppm(1) to help boost productivity and ensure fast, professional quality documents for busy offices.
- FAST PRINTING FOR INCREASED EFFICIENCY: The Brother HL-L5210DWT business monochrome laser printer delivers high-quality output and a print speed of up to 48ppm(1) to help boost productivity and ensure fast, professional quality documents for busy offices.
- DUAL PAPER TRAYS:Spend less time refilling paper trays with dual 250-sheet and 520-sheet capacity paper trays, as well as a 100-sheet capacity multipurpose tray for printing on custom media or envelopes(2). Total capacity is expandable up to 1,390 sheets with an optional tray(3).
- COST-EFFICIENT OUTPUT: Help reduce operating costs by using the Brother Genuine TN920XXL super high-yield 11,000-page replacement toner cartridge. Includes a Brother Genuine 3,000-page toner cartridge(4).
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY:Features built-in Gigabit Ethernet and dual band wirelessnetworking to seamlessly set up and share on your wired or wireless network. Easily print from a wide variety of mobile devices(5).
- ADVANCED SECURITY FEATURES: Equipped with Triple Layer Security features to help safeguard your network, keep your devices secure, and protect documents in transit to and from print devices.
- BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES – Engineered for extraordinary productivity, the Brother DCP-L2640DW Monochrome (Black & White) 3-in-1 combines laser printer, scanner, copier in one compact footprint and delivers high-quality black & white prints
- FAST PRINTER WITH EFFICIENT SCANNING – Produces documents quickly with print speeds up to 36 ppm(2) and scan speeds up to 23.6/7.9 ipm(3) (black/color). A 50-page auto document feeder(4) allows for convenient, time saving multi-page scanning and copying
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTION OPTIONS – Easily navigate the changing demands of your business with secure multi-device connectivity via built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz) and Ethernet. Or connect locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Print, scan, and manage your wireless printer anytime, from almost anywhere from your mobile device. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(5)
- CHOOSE BROTHER GENUINE TONER – When it’s time to replace your toner, be sure to choose Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL replacement toner. And with Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, you’ll never worry about running out of toner again and you’ll enjoy savings of up to 50%(6) on Brother Genuine Toner. Get started with Refresh today with a Free Trial(1)
- Optimize business productivity. Built for dependable performance and professional results with print speeds up to 33ppm(1), vibrant color, and sharp black output. Durable design ensures reliability to support busy offices and work teams.
- Dual paper trays. 250-sheet and 520-sheet capacity trays offer the flexibility of mixed media and higher capacity for fewer refills. Total capacity can be expanded to 1,340 sheets with an optional tray. Print custom media and envelopes with the 50-sheet capacity multipurpose tray(2).
- Maximize printing budgets. Offers built-in value with included Brother Genuine 3,000-page black and 1,800-page color toner cartridges. Help lower printing costs by using the TN635XXL super high yield replacement toner cartridges, providing 7,500 pages black and 6,500 pages color(3).
- Productivity-enhancing features. Flexible connectivity and a 2.7” color touchscreen enables seamless menu navigation and direct printing from popular business could services(4) and mobile devices(5). Default two-sided printing helps reduce paper use and lower costs.
- Triple Layer Security. Advanced security features to help keep devices secure, protect documents in transit to and from print devices, and safeguard networks. Includes an integrated NFC card reader for easy badge authentication.
The Smart Buyer’s Guide to Dual Tray Laser Printers
Choosing the right printer can feel tricky. A dual tray laser printer offers fantastic speed and crisp text. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important features. They make your printer work better for you.
Paper Capacity and Tray Flexibility
- Dual Trays: This is the main reason you are looking! One tray holds plain paper. The second tray can hold special paper, like envelopes or thicker cardstock. Check the capacity of each tray. More capacity means less refilling.
- Automatic Duplexing: This feature lets the printer print on both sides of the paper automatically. It saves paper and time.
Speed and Connectivity
- Pages Per Minute (PPM): This tells you how fast the printer prints. For busy offices, look for 30 PPM or higher.
- Connectivity Options: Ensure the printer connects easily. Wi-Fi is a must for wireless printing. USB and Ethernet connections offer reliable wired options.
Toner and Maintenance
- Toner Yield: How many pages can one toner cartridge print? High-yield cartridges cost more upfront but save money over time.
- Drum Unit Separation: Some printers separate the drum and toner. Replacing just the toner often costs less than replacing the entire unit together.
Important Materials and Build Quality
Laser printers use toner powder, not liquid ink. The quality of the machine’s build matters a lot for long-term use.
Internal Components
- Fuser Unit: The fuser melts the toner onto the paper. A durable fuser handles high-volume printing better.
- Paper Feed Rollers: Good quality rollers grab paper smoothly. Cheap rollers cause frequent paper jams.
Exterior Durability
Look for sturdy plastic housing. If you plan to move the printer often, check the overall weight and feel. A well-built machine lasts longer under heavy use.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Laser printers generally produce sharp text. However, some factors affect the final output.
Improving Quality
- Print Resolution (DPI): Higher Dots Per Inch (DPI) means sharper images and finer lines. For professional documents, look for 1200 x 1200 DPI or better.
- Toner Quality: Always use genuine or high-quality compatible toner. Cheap, low-quality toner can result in smudging or faded prints.
Reducing Quality (Watch Outs)
- Paper Type Mismatch: Using very thin paper in a tray meant for thick paper can cause the print to look uneven.
- Warm-up Time: Some older or budget models take a long time to warm up before the first page prints. This slows down quick jobs.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you will use the printer. This guides your final choice.
User Experience
A good user interface makes a big difference. Look for a clear LCD screen. Navigating menus should feel simple. Setup should be straightforward, especially setting up the Wi-Fi connection.
Best Use Cases
- Home Office: If you switch between printing reports (Tray 1) and mailing letters (Tray 2 for envelopes), the dual tray saves you time switching paper constantly.
- Small Business: Businesses needing fast, high-volume text printing benefit most. The speed keeps workflows moving quickly.
- School/Education: Teachers can load plain paper for homework in one tray and use the second tray for handouts on colored paper or cardstock covers.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dual Tray Laser Printers
Q: Is a dual tray laser printer better than a single tray model?
A: Yes, if you frequently switch between different paper sizes or types (like envelopes and letter paper). It saves you from manually swapping paper every time.
Q: Do dual tray printers print in color?
A: Most dual tray laser printers are monochrome (black and white only). Color laser printers with dual trays exist, but they are usually more expensive.
Q: How much faster are laser printers than inkjet printers?
A: Laser printers are much faster, especially for large documents. They often print 20 to 50 pages per minute (PPM), while inkjets might only manage 10 to 15 PPM.
Q: Can the second tray hold a different size paper, like legal size?
A: Yes, many models allow the second tray to be adjusted for different standard sizes, including legal or A4 paper, depending on the model specifications.
Q: Are toner cartridges expensive for laser printers?
A: The initial cost of toner can seem high. However, because one cartridge prints thousands of pages, the cost per page is usually lower than with inkjet ink cartridges.
Q: What is the main advantage of automatic duplexing?
A: Automatic duplexing prints double-sided documents without you touching the paper. This cuts your paper use in half and saves money.
Q: Do I need to use the same type of paper in both trays?
A: No. That is the point of having two trays! You can put standard 20lb paper in Tray 1 and heavy cardstock or envelopes in Tray 2.
Q: Will a dual tray printer handle heavy cardstock?
A: Yes, most laser printers handle medium cardstock well, especially if you load it into the secondary multipurpose tray. Check the maximum paper weight (measured in gsm) listed by the manufacturer.
Q: How easy is it to set up wireless printing?
A: Modern printers usually have simple setup wizards right on the control panel. Connecting to your home or office Wi-Fi network is generally quick.
Q: What does “duty cycle” mean for a laser printer?
A: The duty cycle is the maximum number of pages the manufacturer recommends printing per month. Choosing a printer with a higher duty cycle ensures it lasts longer if you print a lot.