Tired of constantly swapping paper trays in your busy office? Imagine printing large reports without ever pausing to refill the paper. Many businesses face this exact challenge. Choosing the perfect dual-tray laser printer can feel overwhelming. You worry about speed, quality, and, most importantly, handling different paper sizes easily.
This is where the dual-tray laser printer shines. It offers flexibility and saves valuable time. But which model fits your needs best? We break down the key features you must consider. You will learn how to compare models based on capacity, speed, and connectivity.
Keep reading to discover the top tips for selecting a reliable, efficient dual-tray laser printer. We will guide you step-by-step toward a smarter purchase. Let’s dive into making your printing tasks smoother than ever before!
Top Dual Tray Laser Printer Recommendations
- 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.
- 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.
- 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)
- Monochrome, Wireless, Duplex 4-in-1: Print, scan, copy, fax.
- Fast Print Speeds: Print up to 42 pages per minute and spend less time waiting with a quick first print time of approximately 5 seconds.
- Easy Wireless Setup: Setup your wireless connection and get up and running in just a few steps.
- 5-inch Color Touchscreen: Get the job done quickly with Application Library - an intuitive and easy to use customizable access to the features you use most.
- Mobile Device Printing: Print on-the-go using your compatible mobile devices with the free Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service.
- 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)
- Wireless 3-in-1: Print | Copy | Scan
- Print up to 30 Pages Per Minute (BW, Letter)
- First Print Out in Approximately 5.3 Seconds (Letter)
- Auto 2-sided Printing
- Uses Toner 071 / 071 High-Capacity Toner
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for small teams printing, scanning and copying professional-quality color documents and reports. Print speeds up to 26 ppm black/color.
- PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTIVITY – Proficiency with every print—next-generation TerraJet toner brings your business to life with more vivid colors.
- ORIGINAL HP TONER CARTRIDGES – This HP printer uses Original HP 218A standard and 218X high yield LaserJet toner cartridges.
- UPGRADED FEATURES – Fast color printing, scan, copy, auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder, and a 250-sheet input tray.
- AWARD-WINNING RELIABILITY – Performance you can count on page after page, and always ready for the high demands of business.
The Dual Tray Laser Printer Buying Guide: Print Smarter, Not Harder
A dual tray laser printer is a fantastic tool for homes or small offices that print a lot, or print different kinds of things often. Having two paper trays means you spend less time loading and reloading paper. 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 a big difference in how you use your printer.
Speed and Volume
- Pages Per Minute (PPM): This tells you how fast the printer works. For busy offices, look for 30 PPM or higher. For light home use, 20 PPM is usually fine.
- Monthly Duty Cycle: This number shows the maximum number of pages the manufacturer says you can safely print each month. Don’t buy a printer whose duty cycle is too low for your printing needs.
Tray Capacity and Flexibility
- Tray Sizes: Check the capacity of both trays. Can one tray hold plain letter paper and the other hold legal size or envelopes? This flexibility is why you buy a dual tray printer!
- Automatic Duplexing: This means the printer can print on both sides of a page automatically. This saves paper and makes documents look more professional.
Connectivity
- Wireless Options: Wi-Fi connectivity lets you print from phones, tablets, and laptops easily.
- Network Ready: If multiple people use the printer, make sure it connects easily to your office network (Ethernet port).
Important Materials and Consumables
Laser printers use toner cartridges, not ink. The quality and cost of these materials greatly affect your long-term experience.
Toner Costs
- Yield: Look at the “page yield” of the toner cartridge. This is how many pages the cartridge can print. A higher yield means you buy replacements less often.
- Cost Per Page (CPP): Always calculate the CPP. Divide the cost of a toner cartridge by its page yield. Lower CPP means cheaper printing over time, even if the cartridge costs more upfront.
Build Quality
Look for durable plastic casing. Since laser printers generate heat, good ventilation is important. Check reviews to see if users report overheating issues during heavy use.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The final print quality depends on a few technical specs.
Improving Quality
- Print Resolution (DPI): Measured in Dots Per Inch (DPI), this is crucial for sharp text and clear graphics. Aim for at least 600 x 600 DPI. If you print detailed charts or images, look for 1200 x 1200 DPI or higher.
- First Page Out Time (FPOT): This is how fast the very first page prints after the printer wakes up. Fast FPOT improves your daily workflow significantly.
Reducing Quality (Things to watch out for)
- Slow Warm-up Time: Some older or budget models take a long time to warm up the fuser unit before they can start printing. This slows down your first print.
- Flimsy Paper Handling: If the paper trays feel weak or the paper guides do not lock tightly, you might experience paper jams, which always reduces quality and increases frustration.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the printer should guide your final decision.
Home Office Use
If you are a freelancer or work from home, prioritize quiet operation and easy wireless setup. You might need duplex printing often for reports. A mid-range speed (25-30 PPM) works well here.
Small Business Use
Businesses need reliability and speed. Look for models that handle heavy workloads (high duty cycle) and offer network security features. The dual tray is essential here—use one tray for standard reports and the other for letterhead or colored paper.
Simple Setup
A good user experience means you can set up the printer quickly. Check if the control panel is easy to read and use. Intuitive software for managing toner and checking printer status is a bonus.
Dual Tray Laser Printer: 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why do I need a dual tray printer instead of a single tray?
A: A dual tray printer lets you load two different types of paper at the same time. For example, you can keep plain paper in Tray 1 and envelopes or colored cardstock in Tray 2. This saves you from swapping paper constantly.
Q: Are dual tray laser printers more expensive than single tray models?
A: Yes, generally they cost a little more because they have more complex paper handling parts. However, the time saved often makes up for the extra cost.
Q: Can both trays print in color?
A: Most dual tray printers are monochrome (black and white) laser printers. Color laser printers with dual trays are usually much larger and more expensive. Check the specifications carefully to see if it is monochrome or color.
Q: Will a dual tray printer handle thicker paper?
A: Most laser printers handle standard paper well. Thicker materials like cardstock usually need to be loaded in the bypass tray (often the second tray). Check the maximum paper weight (measured in gsm) supported by the second tray.
Q: How often do I need to replace the drum unit?
A: The drum unit transfers the toner onto the paper. It lasts much longer than the toner cartridge, often for 15,000 to 50,000 pages. The printer will usually warn you when it needs replacing.
Q: What is a “bypass tray”? Is it the same as the second tray?
A: Sometimes the second tray is a dedicated cassette drawer, and sometimes it is a multipurpose slot called a bypass tray. Bypass trays are great for single sheets of specialty paper but might hold less volume than a full second cassette.
Q: Does having two trays slow down printing speed?
A: No. The PPM speed applies whether you print from Tray 1 or Tray 2. If you print a mixed job (some pages from Tray 1, some from Tray 2), the printer handles them sequentially without slowing the overall rate.
Q: What is the main benefit of duplex printing?
A: Duplex printing prints on both sides of the paper automatically. This cuts your paper use in half and makes your documents look more professional.
Q: Can I connect my dual tray printer to my mobile phone?
A: Yes, most modern laser printers support mobile printing through apps like Apple AirPrint or Mopria Print Service, as long as the printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network.
Q: How do I stop the printer from using the wrong tray?
A: You control the tray selection within the print settings on your computer or phone. Before sending a job, you must select the specific tray that holds the paper you need (e.g., select Tray 2 for letterhead).