Laminators are used to encase paper documents, photos, and other materials in a protective layer of plastic, creating a durable and long-lasting seal. Laminators are available in different sizes and capacities, from personal use to commercial-grade. They come in handy for a variety of purposes, from preserving sentimental items to creating professional presentations.
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall: Scotch PRO Thermal Laminator
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Best for Home Use: Amazon Basics 12-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine
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Best for Schools: Fellowes Laminator Saturn3i 125
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Best for Professionals: Fellowes Laminator Jupiter 2 125
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Best for Large Documents: GBC Thermal Laminator Machine, Fusion 6000L
Detail Reviews Of Top 4 Best Laminators
1. Best Overall: Scotch PRO Thermal Laminator
Specifications:
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Maximum document width: 9 inches
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Heating time: 5 minutes
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Laminating speed: 15 inches per minute
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Hot and cold laminating options
Pros:
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Quick and efficient laminating
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Versatile hot and cold laminating options
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Can handle multiple document thicknesses
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Comes with a starter pack of laminating pouches
Cons:
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Limited to laminating documents up to 9 inches wide
Product Summary:
The Scotch PRO Thermal Laminator is an excellent choice for home or office use. With its fast laminating speed and versatile hot and cold laminating options, it can handle a variety of documents, including photos, certificates, and more. It's also easy to use and comes with a starter pack of laminating pouches. Overall, it's the best laminator for those who need a reliable, all-purpose laminating machine.
2. Best for Home Use: Amazon Basics 12-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine
Specifications:
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Maximum document width: 12 inches
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Heating time: 4 minutes
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Laminating speed: 9.8 inches per minute
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Hot laminating only
Pros:
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Large 12-inch document capacity
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Quick heating time
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Jam release lever for easy troubleshooting
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Lightweight and easy to store
Cons:
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Limited to hot laminating only
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Slower laminating speed than some other models
Product Summary:
The Amazon Basics 12-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine is an affordable and reliable option for home use. It can laminate documents up to 12 inches wide and has a quick heating time of just 4 minutes. Its jam release lever makes it easy to fix any issues, and its lightweight design makes it easy to store when not in use. While it's not the fastest laminator on the market, it's still an excellent choice for those who need a laminator for occasional use at home.
3. Best for Schools: Fellowes Laminator Saturn3i 125
Specifications:
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Maximum document width: 12.5 inches
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Heating time: 1 minute
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Laminating speed: 12 inches per minute
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Hot and cold laminating options
Pros:
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Large 12.5-inch document capacity
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Quick heating time of just 1 minute
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Advanced temperature control for optimal laminating
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Can handle multiple document thicknesses
Cons:
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May be too large and bulky for some classrooms
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Some users report issues with jamming or uneven laminating
Product Summary:
The Fellowes Laminator Saturn3i 125 is the best choice for schools or other educational settings. With its large 12.5-inch document capacity and quick heating time of just 1 minute, it can handle multiple documents efficiently. Its advanced temperature control ensures optimal laminating results, and it can handle multiple document thicknesses. While some users have reported issues with jamming or uneven laminating, overall it's an excellent choice for schools or other educational settings.
4. Best for Professionals: Fellowes Laminator Jupiter 2 125
Specifications:
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Maximum document width: 12.5 inches
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Heating time: 1 minute
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Laminating speed: 47 inches per minute
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Hot and cold laminating options
Pros:
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Fast laminating speed of up to 47 inches per minute
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Large 12.5-inch document capacity
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Advanced temperature control for optimal laminating
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Can handle multiple document thicknesses
Cons:
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More expensive than some other models
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May be too large and bulky for some professional settings
Product Summary:
The Fellowes Laminator Jupiter 2 125 is the best choice for professionals who need a fast and reliable laminating machine. It has a speedy warm-up time of 1 minute and can laminate up to 30 documents in 10 minutes. Its advanced auto pouch thickness detection and jam prevention technology make it easy to use, and it can handle documents up to 12.5 inches wide. Although it's more expensive than other laminators, its features and durability make it worth the investment. It's suitable for offices, print shops, and businesses that need to laminate large volumes of documents.
FAQs
Q: What types of laminators are available on the market?
A: There are two main types of laminators: pouch laminators and roll laminators. Pouch laminators use pre-sealed plastic pouches, while roll laminators use a continuous roll of laminating film.
Q: What is the difference between hot and cold laminating?
A: Hot laminating uses heat to activate the adhesive on the laminating film, while cold laminating uses pressure to apply the film. Hot laminating is better for items that may be exposed to heat, such as photographs, while cold laminating is better for items that are sensitive to heat, such as some types of artwork.
Q: What size laminator should I get?
A: The size of laminator you need will depend on what types of documents you plan to laminate. For home use, a 9-inch or 12-inch laminator is usually sufficient, while for professional use, a larger machine may be necessary.
Final Thought
Investing in a high-quality laminator is a wise decision for anyone who needs to protect and preserve important documents or artwork. Whether you're a teacher, a professional, or just someone who likes to keep things organized, a laminator can be a valuable tool. By considering factors such as size, type, and features, you can find the best laminator for your needs and enjoy the benefits of a perfectly laminated document for years to come.
