Print, Copy, Scan & Fax

Best Places to Buy Printers, Scanners and Office Print Supplies in the UK

Why choosing the right printer matters

Picking the right printer is like choosing the right car for a road trip — it needs to match the journey. Whether you’re running a home office, a small business, or a craft studio, the wrong choice can cost you time, money, and patience. I’ll walk you through where UK shoppers can find reliable printers, scanners, label machines, and clever mini printers, and what to look for so you don’t end up stuck at the service station with a flat tyre.

Top stores to consider in the UK

The UK market is full of places that sell print, copy, scan and fax equipment. Some focus on quirky gadgets, others on professional-grade office machines, and a few are one-stop-shops with competitive pricing and good aftercare. Below I highlight retailers featured in the provided data — Menkind and Expert Electrical — and other well-known UK options like Currys, John Lewis, Argos, Staples, Amazon UK, and specialist outlets such as Ebuyer and PC World.

Menkind — gadgets, mini printers and novelty tech

If you love tech that makes you grin, Menkind is worth a look. They stock portable phone printers like the Red5 Phone Printer and mini thermal printers such as the Denver Mini Printer, which are ideal for instant photos, labels, and creative projects. Menkind also carries refill packs and 3D accessories—think Scrib3d Refill Box and Pika3d Super 3d Printing Pen kits—so crafters and parents can keep going without hunting all over town for filament. These products are great when you want small, portable devices rather than full-sized office all-in-ones.

Expert Electrical — label printers and professional electrical modules

Expert Electrical sits in a different lane, focusing on practical hardware for tradespeople and offices. They offer tools like the Kewtech Bluetooth Label Printer, which is a solid pick if you need durable labels for cabling, data cabinets, or on-site kit. They also carry technical parts — satellite outlets and panel mount sockets — useful if you’re equipping a new office space or upgrading a server room. For businesses that need more than a consumer gadget, this is a place to check.

Currys / Currys PC World — mass-market choice with tech support

Currys is a go-to for mainstream buyers who want a wide selection, from budget inkjets to enterprise-class laser machines. They usually have helpful product pages comparing specs like print speed and duty cycles, and you can often get installation or extended warranty options. If you need to standardise printers across an office or want a guaranteed returns process, Currys tends to be a reliable bet.

John Lewis — trusted retail brand and long-term support

John Lewis is known for quality and customer service. They stock well-reviewed brands and often include extended guarantees, which is reassuring for costly multifunction devices. If you’re making a larger investment in a scanner or an all-in-one that will handle hundreds of pages a week, John Lewis can be a sensible choice.

Argos and Staples — convenience and office-focused ranges

Argos is great for fast collection and a no-fuss selection of basic printers and portable devices. Staples (including local office supply chains) targets the business user with bulk supplies, robust office laser printers, and toner bundles. If you’re hunting for cost-effective consumables or want a tried-and-tested model that will eat reams of paper without fuss, Staples and similar trade-focused outlets are worth exploring.

Amazon UK, Ebuyer and specialist online stores

Online marketplaces like Amazon UK and specialist stores such as Ebuyer or PC World often have the widest range and most customer reviews. You can compare models, browse third-party accessories, and find niche items — from Bluetooth label printers to thermal photo printers — often at competitive prices. Refurbished options and marketplace sellers can deliver savings if you’re comfortable with lower warranty coverage in exchange for a discount.

What to look for when choosing a printer

Choosing a printer should feel more like shopping for a reliable partner than picking a shiny gadget. Ask yourself: how many pages will I print? Do I need colour or just black-and-white? Will I scan legal-size documents or receipts? These questions will narrow your choices and highlight the right store and model for your needs.

Ink vs. toner — cost per page and running costs

Inkjet printers are usually cheaper upfront and great for colour photos, but ink cartridges can add up if you print a lot. Laser printers with toner are often higher in price initially but offer a lower cost per page for heavy black-and-white printing. Consider machines with high-yield cartridges or subscription ink services if you plan to print dozens of pages every week — you’ll save pounds in the long run.

All-in-one vs single-function machines

All-in-one printers (print, scan, copy, sometimes fax) are versatile for home offices and small businesses. A single-function printer might be faster or cheaper per page but lacks the flexibility of scanning documents or making quick copies. If you want to scan receipts for expenses and print shipping labels, an all-in-one is like a Swiss Army knife for paperwork.

Connectivity: Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth and mobile printing

Modern printers talk to phones and laptops via Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth. If you plan to print from a smartphone, check for mobile printing features such as AirPrint, Mopria, or brand-specific apps. Bluetooth is handy for instant pairing with phone photo printers like the Red5 or compact thermal models for on-the-go tasks.

Print speed, duty cycle and paper handling

Print speed (pages per minute) affects workflow, particularly in busy offices. Duty cycle — the maximum recommended monthly output — tells you whether a model is built for occasional home use or continuous heavy work. Also check paper tray capacity and whether the printer supports different paper sizes; a small photo printer might only hold a few sheets, while office machines can store a couple hundred sheets comfortably.

Specialty devices: mini photo printers, label makers and 3D pens

The print world has branched into fun and useful niche devices. Mini photo printers, like the Denver Mini Printer, are perfect for instant prints at parties and scrapbooks. Label printers, such as the Bluetooth-enabled Kewtech model, are essential for tidy cabling and office organisation. 3D pens and refill kits from brands sold at Menkind unlock tactile prototyping and kids’ creativity. These gadgets sit between hobbyist and practical uses — think instant gratification meets utility.

Comparing prices and spotting deals

Price comparison is where you can really save. Use comparison sites and read across multiple retailers — a model may be on sale at Currys one week and discounted on Amazon the next. Look out for bundle deals that include cartridges, refill boxes or spare paper. Trade-in and recycling discounts sometimes shave pounds off a new purchase, and student discounts or seasonal sales can offer further savings.

Refills and consumables — what to watch for

Always check cartridge compatibility and the cost of refills. Some manufacturers lock you into pricey proprietary cartridges, while third-party refills and refill boxes (like the Scrib3d Refill Box for 3D pens) can cut costs. Beware of deep discounts on hardware that come with expensive consumables — it’s the long game that matters for total cost of ownership.

Buying used or refurbished equipment

Refurbished printers can be a fantastic bargain if they come from reputable sellers with a short warranty. They’re often restored to working order and tested for print quality. If you’re outfitting a start-up or want extra units for overflow work, refurbished heavy-duty models provide the performance of new machines at a fraction of the price.

Installation, set-up and maintenance tips

Setting up a new printer can be painless if you follow a few simple steps: read the quick-start, install drivers from the manufacturer’s site, and run a test print to align printheads. Keep the unit in a dust-free spot, and use it regularly to prevent ink heads from drying. Regular cleaning cycles and genuine or high-quality third-party cartridges usually keep printers humming happily — like taking your bicycle out for a spin to keep the chain lubed.

Green choices: recycling and energy efficiency

Think long-term: opt for energy-efficient models and check if your retailer offers cartridge recycling. Many high-street and online stores accept used cartridges and offer postage-paid returns. Choosing a machine with energy-saving modes and duplex (double-sided) printing can save both pounds and paper over time — a little change that adds up like loose coins in a jar.

Where to buy specific items featured in the data

If you’re after novelty items such as the Red5 Phone Printer, Red5 refills, or the Pika3d 3D printing pen and filament starter sets, Menkind is a great place to start. For label printers suited to trade and technical work, Expert Electrical and specialist electrical suppliers stock robust models like the Kewtech Bluetooth Label Printer. For mainstream office all-in-ones, Currys, John Lewis and Staples have wide ranges and helpful product comparisons.

How to pick between online and in-store shopping

Online shopping gives you a vast range, price comparisons and customer reviews; in-store buying lets you see build quality and ask staff questions. If you’re buying a bulk or high-value printer, try visiting a store to test controls and print samples, then compare online prices. Many people mix both approaches — check a model in person and buy online when a better deal appears.

Final checklist before you buy

Before hitting the buy button: confirm compatibility with your devices, check the expected running costs in pence or pounds per page, ensure the duty cycle suits your workload, and verify that replacement cartridges and paper sizes are easy to source. If you’ll be printing photos, look at print resolution (measured in dpi) and ink type. With that checklist in your hand, you’re ready to shop confidently.

Conclusion

Choosing the best place to buy a printer or related office electronics in the UK depends on what you need — quick novelty gadgets from retailers like Menkind, technical label printers and electrical parts from Expert Electrical, or the wide selection and support you get from Currys, John Lewis, Argos, Staples and online marketplaces. Think beyond the sticker price: consider running costs, connectivity, and the kind of support you might need down the road. Follow the tips above and you’ll land a machine that fits your workflow, budget, and sanity — and that’s what really counts.