5 Essential Printers for a Small Business Office

A reliable printer is the unsung hero of any small business office. From printing invoices and marketing materials to scanning signed contracts, the right printer can streamline your workflow, project professionalism, and save you money. But with so many types available, how do you choose?

We’ve narrowed down the options to five essential printers, each catering to a different core business need. Whether you’re prioritising cost-saving, all-in-one versatility, or specialised point-of-sale functions, this guide will help you find your perfect match.

1. Epson EcoTank L3210: The Cost-Saving Champion

Ideal for: Startups and small businesses that print frequently and want to slash their running costs.

If your business generates a high volume of documents like reports, drafts, and internal communications, the cost of ink cartridges can quickly spiral. The Epson EcoTank L3210 solves this problem brilliantly. This multifunction printer comes with supersized ink bottles in the box, good for up to 4,500 black pages and 7,500 colour pages.

Why it’s essential for business:

• Drastically Lower Cost-Per-Page: Say goodbye to constant cartridge replacements and save up to 90% on ink costs compared to cartridge-based models.

• All-in-One Convenience: It handles printing, scanning, and copying, covering all your basic document needs.

• Epson’s Heat-Free Technology: This means less energy consumption, faster first prints, and fewer maintenance issues due to clogged printheads.

Choose the EcoTank L3210 if: Your top priority is minimising ongoing printing expenses for high-volume, everyday document printing.

2. HP Smart Tank 580: The Reliable All-Rounder

Ideal for: General office use where wireless connectivity and dependable performance are key.

A trusted name in offices worldwide, HP brings its tank-style efficiency to the Smart Tank 580. This wireless all-in-one printer is built for everyday reliability. It offers a great balance of print speed, smart features, and the cost benefits of an integrated ink tank system.

Why it’s essential for business:

• Wireless Freedom: Built-in Wi-Fi allows your entire team to print seamlessly from their laptops, phones, or tablets.

• HP Quality and Reliability: Benefit from HP’s reputation for producing durable office equipment that just works.

• Efficient Ink Usage: The smart tank system delivers a high page yield, keeping your operational costs low and predictable.

Choose the Smart Tank 580 if: You need a dependable, brand-name workhorse for a small office that values wireless connectivity and consistent performance.

3. Epson EcoTank L4260: The Connected Office Hub

Ideal for: Modern, tech-savvy businesses that rely on mobile printing and cloud workflows.

The Epson EcoTank L4260 takes the tank concept and supercharges it with connectivity. It includes all the cost-saving benefits of the EcoTank system but adds a suite of features designed for the contemporary, flexible office.

Why it’s essential for business:

• Advanced Wireless & Cloud Printing: With support for Epson Connect, Apple AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print, you can print directly from your smartphone or send prints via email from anywhere.

• Automatic Duplex Printing: This paper-saving feature prints on both sides of the page automatically, reducing paper costs and waste.

• User-Friendly Colour Display: The built-in 1.4-inch LCD screen makes setup and everyday tasks intuitive and straightforward.

Choose the EcoTank L4260 if: Your team is often on the move and you need a feature-rich, connected printer that supports modern, mobile workstyles.

4. Epson TM-T20III: The Retail & Hospitality Specialist

Ideal for: Retail stores, cafes, restaurants, and any business requiring a dedicated receipt printer.

For businesses in retail, hospitality, or any point-of-sale (POS) environment, a dedicated receipt printer is non-negotiable. The Epson TM-T20III is a industry-standard workhorse built for this exact purpose. With a blazing 250mm/sec print speed, it keeps checkout lines moving quickly.

Why it’s essential for business:

• Ethernet Connectivity: Easily connect the printer directly to your network, allowing multiple POS terminals to share one device.

• Robust and Reliable: Designed for heavy-duty use in demanding environments, ensuring minimal downtime.

• Crisp, Fast Receipts: Delivers high-quality, durable receipts for your customers with incredible speed.

Choose the Epson TM-T20III if: You operate a retail store, restaurant, or ticketing booth and need a fast, reliable, and network-ready receipt printer for your POS system.

5. Lexmark Genesis S815: The Speed Demon for High-Volume Tasks

Ideal for: Offices that need to print large documents quickly and require full functionality, including fax.

When sheer speed and comprehensive features are paramount, the Lexmark Genesis S815 stands out. This multifunction inkjet is built for speed, boasting print rates of up to 33 pages per minute in black and white. It’s a true all-in-one, even including a fax function.

Why it’s essential for business:

• Blazing Fast Print Speeds: Drastically reduce waiting time for large jobs, making your office more efficient.

• Complete Functionality: Print, copy, scan, and fax from a single device.

• Large Touchscreen Interface: The 4.3-inch colour touchscreen makes operating the printer’s advanced features simple and intuitive.

Choose the Lexmark Genesis S815 if: Your office has high-volume printing needs and requires the fastest possible output along with every function, including fax.

The Verdict

• For the budget-conscious: Epson EcoTank L3210

• For the connected, modern office: Epson EcoTank L4260

• For a trusted brand and wireless ease: HP Smart Tank 580

• For retail and hospitality: Epson TM-T20III

• For pure speed and full features: Lexmark Genesis S815

Investing in the right printer is an investment in your business’s productivity. By matching the printer to your specific operational needs, you can eliminate bottlenecks, control costs, and keep your office running smoothly.

Need help selecting the perfect printer for your unique business setup? Contact us for expert advice tailored to your requirements.