The Best Laminators In 2023

Last updated: Today

Erin Carpenter

Top 5 Best Laminators 2023:

  1. Crenova A4 4 in 1 Thermal Laminator
  2. AmazonBasics Thermal Laminator Machine
  3. GBC Thermal Laminator Fusion 7000L
  4. Scotch Thermal Laminator (TL901)
  5. Blusmart OL288 5-in-1 Laminator

We all try to find a way to preserve our documents and precious memories intact.

But it is hard to win the battle when your biggest enemy is time.

Photos and letters are prone to falling apart; documents will start fading away over some time, and what can we do about it?

We have a simple yet effective solution. Let’s laminate them. All you need for this is a bit of practice and a good laminator. Of course, none of us ever worked with a machine like this before, but we didn’t let that stop us. 

So we did some research, tried out some models, and decided to share our experience with you to help you keep your valuable memories in life. To learn how to pick the best laminator from the crowded market, follow our guidelines for the best results.

See Also: The Best Printer For Art Print


5 Best Laminators In 2023: Detailed Reviews 

1. AmazonBasics Thermal Laminator Machine – Fast And Affordable

Image Credit: Amazon.com

If you need a compact, cheap, and functional laminator for occasional use at your home, the AmazonBasics laminator should be taken into consideration.

The two roller system will allow this machine to work in both hot and cold settings. After you turn this machine on, it will heat up in only four minutes, which is pretty great since most laminators need at least five minutes. The indicator light will turn on when the machine is ready.

The maximum capacity is up to 9 inches of width. When we talk about the thickness of the paper, you can opt to use the 3mil or the 5mil. The 3mil thickness is suitable for legal documents, and 5mil is suitable for thinner papers. The laminator does not come with auto shut-off feature, nor auto jam prevention technology. But in case your paper gets jammed in the laminator, you can use the jam release lever to free the paper.

This model is suitable for occasional uses and can’t withstand daily use in the office since it doesn’t give the most reliable results. It occurs that the laminator bends the sheets, so this can be a problem if you only have an original legal document without backup copies. If you need this laminator for laminating photos, then you are good to go.

Pros

  • Two roller system
  • Two temperature settings
  • Laminate up to 9 inches wide paper
  • Compatible with 3mil and 5mil thickness
  • Jam release lever
  • Affordable

Cons

  • No auto shut-off
  • Not suitable for legal documents

2. Scotch Thermal Laminator (TL901) – Excellent For Home Or School Projects

Image Credit: Amazon.com

If you need an affordable and reliable laminator for your home projects or for your kid’s school projects, this popular model will offer you the best results.

This machine can laminate up to 9 inch wide paper, which is more than enough for home or even office use. A two roller system will provide you with better finishing and will add a professional touch to your work.

Also, it features two temperature settings hot and cold. The warm-up time is between five and eight minutes. Depending on the thickness of the pouch you will work on, you can choose between 3 mil and 5mil settings. Laminating with this model is very straightforward, and you can do it in four quick steps: prep, place, insert, and seal.

Thanks to the four-step lamination process, the TL901 model is suitable for laminating photos, legal documents, recipe cards, arts and crafts, and more. After you finish using it, you can conveniently store the cord inside the built-in storage.

There are few things that this product lacks, like never jam technology, feed tray, and auto-shutoff feature. Also, if you plan to transport this machine with you, you might find it difficult since it does not come with a carrying handle.

Pros

  • Two roller system
  • Two temperature settings
  • Laminate up to 9 inches wide paper
  • Suitable for both 3mil and 5mil thick pouches
  • Cord storage
  • Suitable for laminating documents and photos

Cons

  • No auto-shutoff
  • No never jam feature
  • No carrying handle

3. Crenova A4 4 in 1 Thermal Laminator – Best For Newbies

Image Credit: Amazon.com

If you are a newbie in the world of laminating, this machine will offer you an easy and clean start. This laminator comes in the form of a set with all the tools that are necessary for laminating, including the paper trimmer, corner rounder, and 20 pouches.

It features a two roller system, which makes this machine suitable for both hot and cold laminating. The machine can accommodate a maximum of 9.45 inches wide paper. The laminating speed is around 250 mm per minute, so producing up to 50 sheets per hour won’t be a problem anymore.

The laminator can handle pouches with a thickness of 2.5mil and 4mil. Luckily it is portable and lightweight and will offer you great performance. The heating time for this machine is in between three and five minutes. When the laminator is good to go, the Ready light will switch to green.

When a laminator is used in a hot setting, the exterior tends to get pretty hot even though this model comes with an auto shut-off feature. So just in case, make sure to use it carefully to prevent injuries. The cold option does not require any preheating, and it is entirely safe. Also, if the paper jams, just press the ABS lever button to release the paper effortlessly.

Pros

  • Portable and lightweight
  • Two roller system
  • Two temperature settings
  • Laminate up to 9.45 inches wide paper
  • Pouch thickness 2.5mil and 4mil
  • Auto shut-off
  • ABS lever to prevent jamming

Cons

  • Exterior tends to get hot

4. GBC Thermal Laminator Fusion 7000L – Fast Like Lightning

Image Credit: Amazon.com

If you need a laminator that will provide you with speedy and professional performance, the GBC Fusion 7000L is one of the best, yet it is a bit expensive.

The laminating machine is equipped with six rollers to ensure your projects will stay bubble-free and wrinkle-free. It can operate in both hot and cold settings. The maximum width of the paper for this laminator is 12 inches, which allows you to create various projects. The laminating speed is 1270mm per minute! The machine only needs a minute to warm up completely, and it will easily handle 45 documents in 10 minutes, so it is a great option for offices with high laminating requirements.

What we like to mention is that it comes with a feature such as Advanced Auto Pouch Thickness Detection. This will allow your laminator to automatically adjust to the ideal setting based on the thickness of the paper you use. The laminator is suitable for pouches with 3mil, 5mil, 7mil, and 10mil thickness.

It also features auto jam detection that clears out jams automatically by reversing jammed documents. The auto shut-off feature comes in handy since it will prevent your laminator from overheating, and also it will save electricity by shutting off the device after being inactive for some time.

Pros

  • Superfast
  • Six roller system
  • Two temperature setting
  • Laminate up to 12 inches wide paper
  • Advanced Auto Pouch Thickness Detection
  • Suitable for 3mil, 5mil, 7mil, and 10mil thickness
  • Auto shut-off
  • Auto jam detection

Cons

  • Expensive

5. Blusmart OL288 5-in-1 Laminator – Most Versatile On The Market

Image Credit: Amazon.com

The Blusmart OL288 5-in-1 laminator is one of the most versatile laminators on the market since you can use it to laminate, round corners, trim sheets, create photo frames, and patterned edges. Of course, it is not perfect in all fields, but for occasional home use, it is an excellent choice.

It features a two roller system, which allows this machine to work in both hot and cold settings. It allows the maximum width of paper to be 9 inches. The laminating speed is 250mm per minute, which will be enough to produce 50 sheets per hour.

The Blusmart laminator is compatible to use with pouches of 3mil and 5mil thickness. To preheat this machine, you will need from three to five minutes; as soon as the machine is set to go, the Ready indicator light will turn green.

This model has a built-in cutter with only one cutting pattern, unfortunately. Also, it has a corner rounder, which will shape the paper after the laminating to prevent injuries from sharp corners. The ABS lever is here to prevent any jam issues. The machine also comes with an auto shut-off feature, but still, the exterior gets too hot when the laminator is used in a hot setting, so you must be very careful when handling it to avoid burns.

Pros

  • Two roller system
  • Two temperature settings
  • Laminate up to 9 inches wide paper
  • Compatible with 3mil and 5mil thick pouches
  • Auto shut-off
  • ABS lever to prevent jamming

Cons

  • Exterior gets very hot
  • Cutter has only one cutting pattern

Factors To Consider Before Buying A Lamination Machine

Laminating machines come in all sizes and shapes, so we get that picking out the right model can be a little challenging. Therefore, below we outlined the main factors you should consider when trying to find the best laminator for your office or home.

1. Number Of Rollers

The entry-level laminators come with two rollers, which simultaneously heat or press the paper or any other material you want to laminate. On the other hand, if you want to purchase a top-notch laminator, make sure to check how many rollers it has. A high-quality machine will have at least four rollers, usually six. They press, heat, and seal the laminated document together.

2. Laminating Speed And Heating Time

These factors are crucial since they will tell you how long it takes to laminate the paper. To be more precise, the heating time shows you how much time the laminator needs to reach working temperature. The laminating speed refers to the time the rollers take to laminate each paper. Of course, more expensive models will heat up in no more than a minute, and the process of laminating will be quicker too.

3. Thickness Of Lamination

The next vital factor is the level of protection the laminator offers. The thicker the pouch, the better protection it provides. The thickness will guarantee your documents will last longer.

The thickness decide what you can laminate. Things like photos or playing cards should not be folded since they can handle even the thickest laminations. On the contrary, if papers need to be bent, then you should use thinner lamination. The best choice is to purchase a laminator which offers both 3mil and 5mil sheets.

4. Durability

Like with all other products, durability is an essential factor that will help you to make the right decision. Manufacturers usually claim how their brands are long-lasting and durable. Of course, you can’t just believe them before doing a little bit of research like reading customer reviews to see how the laminator performed.

5. Design And Portability

If you know that you will need to move the machine around the house, make sure you purchase a light and compact laminator. But if you are going to use it in the office only, you can choose a heavier laminator since it will be set up in the permanent place. Make sure you are aware that lightweight build is best for portability, but lightweight products are not the most durable one.

6. Versatility

Versatility is a welcomed factor. Most laminators nowadays offer both hot and cold lamination. Also, a genuinely versatile model will be able to handle many types and sizes of the document as well as laminating almost anything from a single sheet to thick sheets like photos and cards.

7. Budget

The budget somehow always holds us back. But a great laminator that is durable, versatile, and can be used daily will be expensive. However, if you need it only for occasional home projects, there are numerous options with an affordable price tag. To narrow the possibilities, always compare features, price, and quality before making a final decision.

Read More: The Best Photo Scanner


End Of The Line – The Best Laminator Annoucnement

It’s hard to make a good decision if you didn’t spend some time researching the market. The laminating machine can be a great asset in your household, helping your children with school work, protecting your work documents, and helping you preserve your memories from getting damaged over time.

Don’t forget that the length of the laminator’s life will depend a lot on how well you maintain it. If you don’t clean the rollers periodically, your laminator won’t stand a chance. We hope our buying guide will help you find a laminator that will fit your needs perfectly.

Best Overall Value: Crenova A4 4 in 1 Thermal Laminator

  • Crenova A4 laminator is a very simple and straightforward model. Do we need to mention that sometimes the most straightforward appliances are those that do the best job? It offers you durability, versatility, and speed for the price we know you will appreciate. Also, customer service from Crenova is rated as top-notch, just in case if some problems occur.

Best Budget Option: AmazonBasics Thermal Laminator Machine

  • This model does not come with an auto shut-off feature, which can be annoying if the machine overheats, but considering the price, we can’t consider this as a deal-breaker. Other than that, this machine is fast; it is suitable for letters, photos, or any other size of paper. Since it comes with a jam release lever, you can use it with ease and not worry about a thing.

Premium Pick: GBC Thermal Laminator Fusion 7000L

  • This laminator is great for the office and working with legal documents since it is fast, versatile, durable, and among the most reliable laminators on the market at this moment. It is very efficient and comes with some extra functions, for which you will pay the extra cash. But since having the best laminator for your office is important, then this little fellow is worth that price.

About Erin Carpenter

Erin Carpenter has over 15 years experience in the diamond industry working with Artic Canadian Diamonds, Anglo-American Diamonds. She is recognized as an industry expert and has been quoted in publications such as USA Today, Forbes, The New York Times and more.