Brother MFC-L2960DW all-in-one printer, mono laser, A4, fax, 12.4 kg

The MFC-L2960DW prints in mono by laser: toner is fused onto the paper with heat, so text is sharp, dry straight away and does not smudge. Since toner does not dry out, the printer also suits places where printing is irregular — a lot one day, then nothing for a week. For documents, invoices and contracts, a mono laser is a practical solution.

Printing is mono, but scanning is in colour, so stamps, signatures and coloured notes are preserved in the digital copy. Copies are made without a computer, and the fax lets you send documents to authorities and partners who still use it. Four functions in one device means fewer machines on the desk and fewer cables.

Duplex prints on both sides of the sheet, so long documents take half the paper and half the folder space. Double-sided printouts are easier to read and staple. In a home office it also means a ream of paper lasts longer and needs restocking less often.

Over Wi-Fi the printer joins the home or office wireless network and can sit on a shelf or in a cabinet instead of taking up desk space. At 12.4 kg it is moderate for a laser all-in-one: easy enough to lift and move when needed, while still standing firmly in place.

Home offices and small offices that print mostly text; business owners who need fax and a colour scanner but not colour printing; accountants digitising invoices; and anyone looking for a lighter laser device that fits on a shelf.