If you are into the creative or printing business, or just an artistic individual, you are well aware of the importance of the proper hardware. Only the right color laser printer or photo printer can deliver a quality product, while, on the other hand, only the proper paper shredder can, without a hassle, efficiently destroy every misfit that comes as the result of your work.
However, if you want your work to be protected from dirt, dust, and altogether much more durable, your only option is the purchase of the best laminator. Of course, buying such a product usually requires that you are familiar with the whole laminating process, which isn’t always the case.
For that reason, this guide will introduce you to the important aspects of the best laminators and let you know what characteristics you should pay your attention to.
Top Picks
Last update on 2023-09-23 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
How to choose the best laminator
A decision on what a proper laminator for your needs is should be based on the multiple characteristics, but the most prominent ones are definitely the following ones:
Speed
You want your laminating process to last the least possible. Therefore, always go for the fastest devices out there.
Pouches thickness
When you are purchasing a laminator, it is important that you choose the one that can handle as many different pouch thicknesses as possible. The more it can manage, the better the versatility of the whole device.
Items wideness
Similar to pouch thickness, item wideness also plays a major role. The wider the item that the laminator can cope with, the better the overall usability of the device you will get.
Best Laminators
Crenova A4 Laminator
A Basic, but Very Capable Compact Laminator
Crenova A4 Laminator is an affordable and easy to use device that delivers only the basic functions that make it suitable for home and not-too-demanding office use.
This laminator has a very short warm-up time of three to five minutes, and a very fast 250mm/min laminating speed that allows it to handle up to 50 pages per hour. Moreover, this device offers paper trimming and corner rounding functions and supports a variety of paper sizes, up to A4 format.
Crenova A4 Laminator is a 265W device that comes with a 2-roller heating system; it is lightweight and compact, and overall it will give you a very good value for the money.
In other words, if you are looking for the best laminator for home use and small offices, Crenova A4 Laminator is a great choice.
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Short warm-up time
- Rather basic functions
Amazon Basics 9-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine
A Laminator that Does the Job
If you are looking for a good-quality laminator that is affordable, that provides solid performance, and is easy to use, Amazon Basics 9-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine is more than a reasonable choice.
With this device, you are getting a fast warm-up time between three and five minutes, Ready indicator lights, as well as portable and compact build that is always a welcomed characteristic. In addition, this laminator supports 3 mm and 5 mm pouches and can laminate documents that are up to nine inches wide.
More importantly, Amazon Basics 9-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine can work with multiple formats, such as letters, legal-size paper, a variety of photo sizes, and much more.
In other words, if you after a decent laminator that won’t take too much money out of your pocket, yet will do more than a good job, Amazon Basics 9-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine is the option to seriously consider.
- Easy to use
- Excellent value for the money
- Decent performance
- Small size
- Portable
- Heats up quickly
- It can jam from time to time
- Not the best quality control
Scotch Thermal Laminator TL901X
An Excellent Laminator for the Price
Scotch Thermal Laminator TL901X is a simple and easy to use laminator that doesn’t offer any fancy features but delivers fairly decent performance that should satisfy the majority of home and small office users.
This laminator is able to laminate pouches that are up to 5mm thick and up to 23cm wide, it offers a two-roller heating system and has a pretty fast warm-up time that lasts between one and six minutes, depending on the situation.
Scotch Thermal Laminator TL901X is an affordable device, with a very good value for the money. Therefore, if you are looking for the best laminator, with great reliability, this is definitely one of the better choices out there.
- Affordable
- A decent warm-up time
- Solid performance
- Not the best build quality
Sinopuren 9-Inch Thermal Laminator
An Excellent Multifunctional Thermal Laminator
Sinopuren 9-Inch Thermal Laminator is a fast, compact device, with excellent versatility and a long list of features that rightfully position it among the best laminators available on the market. This is a device that brings nothing but the best, which includes the special anti-jam ABS button, quick three-minute warm-up time, as well as great laminating speed of 400mm/min.
In addition, Sinopuren 9-Inch Thermal Laminator also comes along with a built-in hole puncher and paper trimer, as well as an automatic shut-down function that saves energy and protects the device from overheating. Moreover, this laminator works with pouches that are from three to five mm thick, and documents that are up to 230mm wide.
Its maximum working temperature is set at 125℃, while the two-roller system guarantees for a good performance, making a Sinopuren 9-Inch Thermal Laminator a pretty good deal.
- Compact
- Portable
- Fast performance
- Automatic shut-down function
- ABS anti-jam button
- Built-in hole puncher and paper trimer
- None
Swingline Laminator 1701857ECR
A Decent and Affordable Home and Small Office Laminator
Finding a laminator that is both pleasing both esthetically and performance-wise is no easy task. However, that became possible with the arrival of Swingline Laminator 1701857ECR.
This is a home and small office laminator that is perfect for creative lamination, with only four minutes warm-up time and more importantly, excellent wrinkle-free performances that will satisfy even the most demanding users.
With this device, you will get a slim and compact design, and a little bit of chic feel. Swingline Laminator 1701857ECR is available in gray/white and pink/white color combinations; it supports 229mm-wide items and can work with both three- and five-millimeter laminating pouches.
Moreover, this device is fitted with a jam release lever and overall delivers everything that you might need. Therefore, if you are after the best laminator for teachers, schools, or generally any creative use, Swingline Laminator 1701857ECR is the device for you.
- Affordable
- Compact
- Slim
- Cold lamination
- Only a 90-day warranty
Scotch Brand Pro Laminator TL906
A Very Good Laminator for the Price
Scotch Brand Pro Thermal Laminator TL906 is a solid and practical device that comes along with two thermal rollers and provides excellent quality.
It can work with any pouch that is between three and five millimeters thick; it has a five-minute warm-up time and can work with items that are up to 229mm wide.
Scotch Brand Pro Thermal Laminator TL906 offers fast performance and can achieve a laminating speed of 381mm/minute. Moreover, it is packed with multiple handy features such as auto shut-off that turns off the machine when it has been inactive for an hour, never jam technology that prevents items misfed, etc.
In other words, if you want the full deal and one of the best laminators out there, Scotch Brand Pro Thermal Laminator TL906 is the device you should seek.
- Fast
- Easy to use
- Excellent quality
- Not the best build quality
Merece Laminator
A Perfect All-in-One Device
Merece Laminator is an affordable, yet efficient laminator that offers great versatility and functionality, and presents one of the best thermal laminators you can find on the market.
This is a reliable device, with a solid 280mm/min laminating speed, and an impressive 90-second warm-up time that is definitely at the sheer top of the class. In addition, Merece Laminator also comes fitted with a corner rounder, paper trimmer, as well as an ABS anti-jam button that will make your life much easier.
To make things even better, this laminator supports both thermal and cold laminating modes and works with 150mic to 250mic pouches, as well as a variety of formats and products such as photos, letters, paintings, business cards, and so on.
Its two-roller system guarantees smooth and efficient lamination, while the compact size makes it a perfect addition to any office or working room. All in all, if you are after an affordable, but efficient laminator, Merece Laminator is a sure thing.
- Reliable performance
- Great versatility
- ABS anti-jam button
- Solid performance
- Compact
- None
Summary
If you are ready to treat yourself with a great laminator, now you have all the necessary information and great suggestions. All that’s left to do is pick your favorite and start laminating!
