Laminators are ideal for providing documents with a clean, professional finish, and keep them protected from dirt and general wear and tear. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which model is best for your organization, whether its a school, corporate office, healthcare institution, or print shop.
As experts in quality office machines, we’re taking a look at the best laminators in the market today. We’ll discuss the most suitable laminators for different needs, including the best laminators for teachers, the best office laminators, and the best laminator for home use.
The 8 Best Laminators
Akiles ProLam Plus 330 Laminator
The Akiles ProLam Plus 330 Laminator is one of our bestselling laminator models. This compact machine can handle a variety of document and pouch sizes, and is extremely reliable. The machine offers both hot and cold laminator capabilities, thanks to its Dual Heat System. Users can simply press the heat/cold switch to enable the cold lamination function when needed, and switch back to hot lamination in an instant. While thermal lamination is normal for most projects, cold laminating is ideal for documents that are heat-sensitive. Therefore, the ProLam Plus Laminator offers high-quality, smooth lamination for each project.
If you make any errors, or face paper jams while feeding pouches into the machine, the ProLam Plus offers a forward/reverse switch that allows users to easily stop the laminating process. This machine is the best laminator for home use and small-to-medium offices. Laminating couldn't be easier than with the Akiles ProLam Plus 330 Laminator.
Perfect for: Small and medium-scale laminating requirements.
Industries: Arts & Crafts and Corporate Offices
Fellowes Proteus 125 Laminator
The Fellowes Proteus 125 Laminator is the highest performing laminator offered by Fellowes. This professional Fellowes laminator is perfect for protecting documents, and is designed for heavy commercial use. The Proteus 125 machine works much faster than other laminators. It takes just 3 minutes to heat up, and only 15 seconds to laminate. With speeds so quick, users can begin laminating within minutes of turning the machine on.
The Proteus 125 can laminate pouches with a width of up to 12.5" and a thickness of 10mil. It can also laminate documents and mounting boards with a thickness of up to 1/8." It's an excellent option for frequent use in a commercial setting.
Perfect for: Heavy commercial use.
Industries: Education, Corporate Offices, and Print Shops
Akiles ProLam Ultra-X10 Professional Heated Roller Pouch Laminator
The Akiles ProLam Ultra-X10 Professional Heated Roller Pouch Laminator is a commercial grade laminator, which is ideal for heavy-duty use. The X-10 laminator is able to handle documents with a width of up to 14.5 inches, making it especially suitable for posters and wide-format documents. The ProLam Ultra-X10 also has an Auto-Shutoff feature, where the machine automatically cools and shuts down after usage, thus helping to prolong the life of your laminator.
Lamination pouches can easily be inserted into the machine, where it operates between 32 degrees F to 320 degrees F to ensure outstanding results. The ProLam Ultra-X10 offers both hot and cold lamination, depending on your organization’s needs. Users can simply adjust the temperature through its temperature settings. This machine is one of the best laminators for schools, offices, and anywhere else with heavy-duty requirements.
Perfect for: Schools, offices, and any organization with heavy-duty requirements.
Industries: Education, Corporate Offices, and Healthcare
Akiles ProLam Ultra X6 Laminator
The Akiles ProLam Ultra X6 Laminator has been specifically designed for high volume commercial laminating requirements. Offering a maximum document width of 13 inches, the ProLam Ultra X6 can easily handle documents from small business cards to double letter size documents. It’s extremely fast, and laminates at a speed of 59" per minute, which equals 300 letter size pouches per hour.
The machine effectively combines the latest available technology with user friendly features. Users can instantly set the desired speed, temperature, and heat with the press of a button. Furthermore, the machine’s settings save the most used temperature and speed settings for instant access.
Perfect for: High-volume commercial environments.
Industries: Education, Corporate Offices, Healthcare, and Print Shops
Fellowes Neptune 3 125 Laminator With Pouch Starter Kit
The Fellowes Neptune 3 125 Laminator is a high-performance laminator that comes with a complete pouch starter kit. It's a great choice for frequent desktop use, and can be used in the office or at home. Thanks to the machine's Instaheat technology, it warms up in just one minute, allowing users to start using it in no time. The Neptune 3 125 laminating machine also features a “reverse mode” that allows users to remove a laminating pouch from passing through, which is extremely useful if you change your mind.
The Fellowes Neptune 3 125 is the perfect choice for large-scale needs, and those requiring frequent usage. It is also an affordable choice, therefore allowing users to save money as well as time.
Perfect for: Frequent usage and large-scale projects.
Industries: Print Shops, Education, and Arts & Crafts
Akiles ProLam-Ultra Laminator
One of the most popular Akiles laminators out there, the Akiles ProLam-Ultra Laminator delivers high-quality laminating at the comfort of your desk. The ProLam-Ultra features an extremely useful LED screen that displays roller temperature, speed, and several other identifiers. Furthermore, users can easily adjust the speed and temperature in real time with the click of a button - even after the pouch has been fed through.
This model is one of the only laminators in this price range that offers the above features, making it an excellent, cost-effective choice. Users will be left with an exceptional end result, with the machine producing documents with a clear, bubble-free finish. The ProLam-Ultra Laminator allows users to switch between hot and cold settings, and cold laminators are great for prints that contain color. Overall, the Akiles ProLam-Ultra Laminator works faster than similar machines, making it a great time-saving option.
Perfect for: Any office that requires high-quality, safe laminating.
Industries: Education and Corporate Offices
Martin Yale DryLam ALM3222 Automatic Laminator
The Martin Yale DryLam ALM3222 Automatic Laminator is the best high-end laminator on the market. Users can simply push a button, and the automatic laminator will get to work, saving them valuable time. The ALM3222 laminating machine has a 5-minute warm-up time, and is then ready to go. The machine uses high-quality ASAP lamination films, with ASAP standing for “Always Stick To Prints.” These laminating films have been specifically created for digitally printed sheets that can be difficult to laminate.
The machine comes complete with a stand and locking roller coasters for mobility, so users can easily get set up. What's more, there is no need for anyone to supervise the machine as it can run virtually unattended. As a versatile laminator, the Martin Yale DryLam ALM3222 can handle up to 200 sheets of paper in varying sizes. It's a great laminator for large offices, and is sure to deliver outstanding results. Although the machine is one of our most expensive models, its benefits make up for the initial upfront costs. The machine is extremely reliable and offers gloss, matte, and silk finishes.
Perfect for: High-end laminating in large offices.
Industries: Corporate Offices
Martin Yale DryLam ALM3230 Automatic Laminator
The Martin Yale DryLam ALM3230 Automatic Laminator is similar to the above model. However, it can only handle up to 100 sheets of paper. The ALM3230 automatic laminator is a more affordable option than the ALM3222 model, yet still offers the same great features. The main difference between the models is the paper feeding capacity.
The machine can fit on a tabletop, or users can use the optional stand and locking casters for mobility. Users can choose between two trimming methods to create their desired finish: flush trim or sealed edge on all 4 sides.
Perfect for: High-end laminating in small spaces.
Industries: Arts & Crafts and Print Shops
Still Need Help Choosing The Best Laminator For Your Organization?
The laminator machines above offer several different laminating features, and are sure to provide excellent results. All of our laminators have been quality checked to ensure outstanding quality for each of your projects. If you still need help choosing the best laminator for your organization, contact us today. A member of our expert team will be happy to answer any questions you have about our laminators, and will help you choose the most suitable model for your needs.