Finding the right color laser printer that can print on large A3 paper but also fits into a small office or home workspace can be a challenge. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most compact A3 color laser printers on the market and compare their size and key specifications to help you choose the smallest option for your needs.
What is A3 Size Paper?
First, let’s quickly review what A3 size means. A3 is a standard paper size that is a part of the ISO 216 international paper size standard. Here are the key details on A3 paper:
- Dimensions: 29.7 x 42.0 cm or 11.69 x 16.53 inches
- Aspect Ratio: 1√2 or about 1:1.41
- Surface Area: 623.7 cm2 or 96.7 in2
A3 paper provides a large print area, but many home and small office users don’t need to print on such big pages on a regular basis. That’s why compact A3 printers can be a great fit – offering the ability to print on oversized pages when needed but in a smaller footprint.
Factors to Consider in a Small A3 Printer
Here are some key factors to keep in mind when shopping for the smallest A3 color laser printer:
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Physical dimensions | Focus on the total footprint – height, width, and depth of the printer. |
| Weight | Lighter printers will be easier to move and arrange in small spaces. |
| Paper capacity | Smaller printers will have reduced paper tray capacity – make sure it meets your needs. |
| Print speed | Compact printers tend to have slower print speeds – look for the pages per minute (ppm) rating. |
| Connectivity | Make sure the printer offers the interface options you require, such as wireless, Ethernet, or USB. |
| Print quality | Resolution ratings indicate sharpness and clarity – aim for at least 600 x 600 dpi. |
Keeping these factors and trade-offs in mind will help you select the right balance of size and features in a small A3 capable color laser printer.
Top Compact A3 Color Laser Printers
Based on the criteria above, here are some of the best options to consider for a compact A3 color laser printer:
| Printer | Dimensions | Weight | Paper Capacity | Print Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw | 15.7 x 15.7 x 19.1 in | 31.5 lb | 250 sheets | 22 ppm |
| HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw | 15.7 x 16.5 x 13.9 in | 46.3 lb | 150 sheets | 22 ppm |
| Brother HL-L8360CDW | 16.1 x 16.2 x 18.7 in | 55.1 lb | 300 sheets | 24 ppm |
| OKI C742dn | 16.1 x 17.4 x 17.4 in | 63.9 lb | 250 sheets | 28 ppm |
Based on the compact dimensions and lower weights, the Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw and HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw stand out as two of the smallest A3 color laser printers currently available.
Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw
The Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw packs full A3 printing into a relatively small 31.5 pound footprint. Some key specs include:
- Resolution up to 600 x 600 dpi
- 250 sheet paper capacity
- 2-sided printing
- WiFi, Ethernet, USB connectivity
- Touchscreen LCD interface
This Canon model provides vibrant color printing and scanning along with fax capabilities all in one compact device. It’s a great option for home offices or small businesses needing occasional oversized prints.
HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw
The HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw is an even more compact A3 capable color laser printer weighing just 46 pounds. Key features include:
- 600 x 600 dpi resolution
- 150 sheet input tray
- Duplex printing
- Wireless networking
- 2.7 inch touchscreen display
For minimal footprint printing with the ability to print or copy on large A3 pages, the HP M254dw is one of the top most compact choices out there.
What About Inkjet Printers?
When looking for small printers with A3 printing, inkjet models are also an option in addition to color laser printers. Inkjet printers offer more compact designs and lower costs, but slower print speeds compared to laser.
Two inkjet models worth considering for A3 printing in a small package include:
- Canon PIXMA TS9550C – 15.7 x 12.5 x 5.8 inches, 14.3 lb
- Epson EcoTank ET-5850 – 17.1 x 13.7 x 13.7 inches, 21.3 lb
These inkjet printers are more budget friendly choices for occasional A3 printing needs in a home office or small business.
Key Considerations for Small A3 Printing
Here are a few final tips to factor into your buying decision when choosing a compact A3 capable color printer:
- Paper handling – Ensure the printer can support and feed A3 paper from the input tray(s). Front loading trays offer more flexibility for special paper sizes.
- Driver support – The printer software and drivers should fully support A3 page sizes without limitations or clipping.
- Oversized scanning – If you also need to scan or copy A3 originals, choose a model with an adequate platen glass scanning area.
- Capacity vs speed – There is a trade-off between paper capacity and print speed in compact designs – choose based on expected usage.
- Connectivity options – Evaluate wired and wireless connection choices to ensure the printer will work with your devices and network environment.
The Bottom Line
Finding the smallest color laser printer that can still produce oversized A3 document and photo prints can take some research. The Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw and HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw stand out as great choices that minimize footprint without sacrificing performance and speed.
Focus on physical dimensions, weight, paper capacity, print speeds, and connectivity options as you evaluate compact A3 printers. Balance these factors with your specific printing needs to select the right model that fits into your available space both in the office and on your network.