For years, the mere mention of “printer” would elicit a groan in our household. Inkjet printers, with their temperamental nature and insatiable thirst for expensive ink, had become the bane of our tech lives. We were trapped in the cycle of clogged nozzles, dried-up cartridges, and the constant anxiety of running out of ink at the most inconvenient times. Then, we discovered the world of Brother Laser Color Printers, and everything changed.
The Inkjet Predicament: A Costly and Frustrating Affair
Like many home users, we started with color inkjet printers, lured by the promise of vibrant photos and versatile printing. However, the reality was far from idyllic. The cost of ink was astronomical. To avoid the dreaded “out of ink” message during critical print jobs, I developed a complex system of запас inventory. Keeping both black and color cartridges for two printers meant we were perpetually holding over $300 worth of ink hostage. And let’s not even talk about the frustration when you needed to print in color only to find the printer decided today was the day to stage a cartridge strike.
Embracing the Brother Laser Revolution: Black and White Bliss
Our journey away from inkjet headaches began unexpectedly. A friend offered us a free Brother black and white laser printer. Initially, we were hesitant. Color was essential, wasn’t it? But accepting the offer turned out to be a stroke of genius. We relegated one of our color inkjets to occasional duty and plugged in the Brother laser printer.
The immediate difference was astounding. This printer was fast. The text was laser-sharp – a clarity we hadn’t realized we were missing with inkjet. And the cost of operation? Laughably low. When the starter toner cartridge hinted at being low, I braced myself for the usual inkjet-style sticker shock. Instead, I found a two-pack of compatible toner cartridges for under $30 online. Two cartridges! The price of a single inkjet cartridge barely bought you a fraction of the printing capacity.
Brother black and white laser printer HL-L2360D on a desk next to tech devices, showcasing its compact size and suitability for home use.
We quickly realized that over 90% of our printing was perfectly fine in black and white. Documents, recipes, even many “color” items looked perfectly acceptable in grayscale. This Brother laser printer was a workhorse – reliable, fast, and incredibly economical. We were printing more, stressing less, and actually enjoying the act of printing again – something I never thought I’d say after writing articles titled “The Printer is a Lie” and “Printers are Jerks.”
The Color Conundrum: When Inkjet Fails
Of course, there were still those times when color was genuinely needed. A photo for a thank-you note, a colorful chart for a presentation – these were the moments we reluctantly turned back to our remaining inkjet printer. And almost inevitably, disappointment followed.
One particular instance stands out. I needed to print a single photo. Simple enough, right? Sent it to the inkjet. Nothing. Tried again. Still nothing. After three attempts and growing frustration, I gave up and drove to the local drugstore to print it. Ironically, this detour was less stressful than battling the inkjet.
Then came the final straw. My partner needed to print something in color. The inkjet, once again, refused to cooperate. After some online sleuthing, he discovered the printer was no longer supported under our updated operating system. Seven months had passed, and we hadn’t even noticed how rarely we actually needed color. But those few times we did? The inkjet consistently failed. It was clear: we needed a reliable color solution. And that’s when we started seriously researching brother laser color printers.
Researching the Best Brother Color Laser Printer: Features and Models
Our positive experience with the black and white Brother laser printer made sticking with the brand an easy decision. Recommendations from friends and tech experts further solidified this choice. Brother laser printers, across the board, have a reputation for reliability and quality.
We began our research, naturally, with a spreadsheet. We listed models, specs, and prices, starting with dimensions and print speed (pages per minute – PPM). Our criteria quickly expanded to include features like duplex printing (double-sided), connectivity (Ethernet and WiFi), and the type of display. We also prioritized newer models to ensure longer-term support and features.
| Price | Model | Released | Width | Depth | Height | PPM | DPI | Print/Copy/Scan | Color or BW | Double-sided | Ethernet | Touch screen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| free | HL L2360D | 3/2017 | 14.0 in | 14.0 in | 7.0 in | 24 | 2400 x 600 | BW | Yes | 100BASE-T & WiFi | 1-line mono LCD | |
| $500 | MFC L3780 CDW | 8/2023 | 18.2 in | 16.1 in | 15.8 in | 31 | 2400×600 | P/C/S | Color | Gigabit & WiFi | 3.5″ color touchscreen | |
| $400 | MFC L3720 CDW | 8/2023 | 17.5 in | 16.1 in | 15.8 in | 19 | 2400×600 | P/C/S | Color | Yes | WiFi only | 3.5″ color touchscreen |
| $300 | HL-L3280CDW | 8/2023 | 15.7 in | 15.7 in | 10.8 in | 27 | 2400×600 | Color | Yes | Gigabit & WiFi | 2.7 inch touchscreen | |
| Eliminated because of tiny mono LCDs | ||||||||||||
| $249 | HLL3220CDW | ? | 19 | Color | WiFi only | 1-line mono LCD | ||||||
| $370 | HL-L3300CDW | 8/2023 | 16 in | 18 in | 14 in | 19 | 2400×601 | P/C/S | Color | WiFi only | 2-line mono backlit LCD |
Key Features We Considered in a Brother Color Laser Printer
When evaluating brother laser color printers, several features stood out as crucial:
- Print Speed (PPM): We wanted a printer at least as fast as our existing 24 PPM black and white laser.
- Print Quality (DPI): Sharp, crisp text was a must, and good color reproduction for occasional color prints was important. 2400 x 600 DPI seemed standard and sufficient for our needs.
- Multifunction Capabilities (Print/Copy/Scan): While initially drawn to smaller, print-only models (HL series), we realized a multifunction (MFC) printer with scanning and copying capabilities would be significantly more practical.
- Color Printing: Obviously essential for a color laser printer, but we wanted to ensure vibrant and accurate color output.
- Duplex Printing: Automatic double-sided printing is a must-have for saving paper and reducing bulk.
- Connectivity (Ethernet/WiFi): Gigabit Ethernet for reliable wired connection and WiFi for flexibility were preferred.
- Touchscreen: A color touchscreen interface for ease of use and navigation.
Model Deep Dive: MFC-L3780CDW – The Winner
After comparing several models, the Brother MFC-L3780CDW color laser printer emerged as the clear winner. While pricier at $500, it ticked all the boxes and offered compelling advantages:
- Speed: A blazing fast 31 PPM.
- Features: Print, copy, scan, color, duplex, Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi, and a 3.5″ color touchscreen.
- Value: It included a full set of toner cartridges, which Brother estimates will last for up to 20,000 pages. Considering replacement cartridges cost around $163, this was a significant value add.
The MFC-L3780CDW is larger than our previous black and white laser printer, but the added functionality and performance justified the size increase. It now sits on our credenza, almost as tall as the 27″ monitor beside it. It initially looked imposing, but we quickly got used to it.
Brother MFC-L3780 color laser printer positioned in a home office environment, highlighting its features and integration with other devices.
Unboxing and Setup: Surprisingly Simple
Despite its size and feature-rich nature, setting up the Brother MFC-L3780CDW was surprisingly straightforward. The toner cartridges, each individually capped and color-coded (black, cyan, magenta, yellow), were easy to install. Removing the caps and sliding them into their designated slots took just a few minutes, even without consulting the manual.
Four vibrant color toner cartridges neatly arranged, ready to be installed in the Brother color laser printer.
Connecting to our Ethernet network, running a firmware update, and setting a new admin password were all simple, guided steps on the touchscreen interface. Even the minor hiccup of initially loading paper incorrectly was quickly resolved thanks to clear on-screen prompts.
Screenshot of the Brother printer's interface displaying a password change prompt, emphasizing security and user-friendliness.
Print Quality and Performance: A Stunning Upgrade
The print quality of the Brother MFC-L3780CDW is simply outstanding. Text is incredibly sharp and crisp – a noticeable improvement even over our excellent black and white Brother laser printer. Color prints are vibrant and accurate, perfect for occasional color documents or presentations.
The printer is also incredibly fast. Warm-up time is minimal, and it churns out pages at an impressive speed. Copying and scanning are equally quick and efficient. And unlike our inkjet experiences, the Brother laser printer prints reliably every single time, without jams, errors, or tantrums. It even prints flawlessly from our phones.
We did learn one limitation: glossy photo paper is not ideal for laser printers. The toner tends to smear. However, for the rare occasions we need glossy photos, the local drugstore print service remains a convenient and stress-free alternative.
Small Business Features in a Home Printer: Feature-Rich and a Bit Overkill
Delving into the 680-page user manual (yes, 680 pages!) and the printer’s web interface reveals a wealth of features, many of which are clearly geared towards small businesses. An NFC card scanner on the front panel for access control, extensive network security settings, and detailed usage reporting highlight the professional capabilities of this printer. It’s almost comical to have such a feature-rich device in a home setting, but it also speaks to the quality and robustness of the Brother MFC-L3780CDW.
The online user guide, while functional, does have a decidedly retro, early-internet aesthetic. It gets the job done, but it’s a humorous reminder that function often precedes form in the world of printer interfaces.
Screenshot of the Brother printer's online user guide, showcasing a basic, functional interface reminiscent of older web designs.
Toner Subscription and Running Costs: Considering the Long Term
Brother, like many printer manufacturers, promotes a toner subscription service. While convenient for some, it’s likely unnecessary for typical home use. The included high-yield toner cartridges are designed to last a very long time, and the cost per page for laser printing, especially black and white, is significantly lower than inkjet in the long run. For us, the upfront cost of toner cartridges, purchased as needed, makes more sense than a recurring subscription.
Bottom Line
Switching to a brother laser color printer, specifically the MFC-L3780CDW, was a significant investment, but one that has paid off handsomely. While the initial price is higher than a basic inkjet, the long-term cost savings on toner, the increased reliability, speed, and print quality, and the sheer lack of frustration make it an incredibly worthwhile upgrade.
Our old inkjet and black and white laser printers found a new home with our housekeeper’s tech-enthusiast husband, which felt like a win-win. Interestingly, none of our friends or family wanted the monochrome laser printer – a testament to the perceived necessity of color printing, even if it’s rarely used.
If you are tired of inkjet printer woes and are looking for a reliable, high-quality color printing solution for your home or small office, I wholeheartedly recommend considering a brother laser color printer. It’s a decision you won’t regret. And yes, despite my past printer cynicism, I can confidently say I actually like printing again.
P.S. Apparently, contrary to my initial glossy paper mishap, the 680-page manual claims the MFC-L3780CDW can print photos on glossy paper. Perhaps the printer is still full of surprises.
