Best Laminators of 2019
Once you’ve decided to buy a laminating machine it’s time to explore your options. There’s a lot of competition out there to the point where it’s overwhelming. Well, this simple guide presents the most popular machines in their respective price categories. I’ve looked over dozens of laminators to save you the trouble. I haven’t included them all but I do list the most sought after products.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| Swingline Inspire Plus |
| 4.6/5.0 |
| 2.65 lbs |
| Home and small office |
| 90 days warranty |
| Cold lamination option and 3-5 mil lamination pouches. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Fellowes Saturn3i 125 |
| 4.8/5.0 |
| 5.1 lbs |
| Home, office, schools |
| 2 years warranty |
| Auto-shutoff safety feature and quick jam release lever. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| Fellowes Jupiter 2 |
| 4.5/5.0 |
| 15 lbs |
| Commercial, schools, etc. |
| 2 years warranty |
| Auto functions and high-quality lamination. |
| Check Amazon |
Those who benefit from laminators include—but are not restricted to—the following groups:
- Teaching purposes (including homeschool)
- Kid’s projects (saves trips down to the local print shop)
- Personal use, which can cover all kinds of reasons
- Office and business
Why Bother to Laminate?
Laminating Makes Perfect Sense
What to Look for in a Laminator
What to Laminate and How
Usage, Size, and Handling
About My Best Laminators Guide
The choice of laminators available is overwhelming, especially for new users. This guide has seven models in three price categories for your convenience. I have reviewed dozens of models before compiling this shortlist of capable machines but these are not simply the results of my opinions. The thoughts of industry experts and real user feedback also contribute to these final picks.
At the end of each review is a simple three-column chart. The charts highlight the useful specs and any pros and cons for the product at a glance.
The table below shows those laminator machines in the order they appear in this no-nonsense guide.
Best Laminating Machines Comparison Table
| Make and Model | Entry Width | Max Thickness | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swingline Thermal, Inspire Plus Laminator | 9 inches | 5 mil | Check Price |
| Scotch PRO Thermal Laminator | 9 inches | 5 mil | Check Price |
| Blusmart OL288 3 in 1 Laminator | 12.2 inches | 9.8 mil | Check Price |
| Fellowes Laminator Saturn3i 125 | 12.5 inches | 5 mil | Check Price |
| Apache 25″ Professional Cold Press Laminator | 25.5 inches | 197 mil | Check Price |
| Fellowes Laminator Jupiter 2 | 12.5 inches | 10 mil | Check Price |
| VEVOR Vinyl 51 inch Cold Roll Laminator | 51 inches | 1000 mil | Check Price |
Best Laminating Machines By Budget:
The laminating machines below the top three picks are in order of price category. We have under $100, under $200, and under $300. There’s an ‘Editor’s Star Rating’ under the product names that I’ve based on final thoughts. I’ve also selected the best three products based on Budget, Value, and Top Pick. Again, these are personal thoughts that you may or may not agree with. Click below to get detailed information on each machine by price.
- Best Laminating Machines Under $100
- Best Laminating Machines Under $200
- Best Laminating Machines Under $300
Best Laminating Machines Under $100
The first four picks are all under 100 bucks. These are popular laminating machines with lots of positive feedback from real users. These products range from $25 to $90—at the time of writing.
1. Swingline Inspire Plus
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
The Swingline Inspire Plus is a thermal laminator that provides excellent value for money. If you want a simple laminator for occasional use then this user-friendly model might have everything you need.
The Thermal Inspire Plus is an ideal laminator for the occasional user.
Using the SwinglineInspire PlusLaminator
The one-step lamination process makes it as simple to use as a regular printer. There’s even a cold setting for the safe laminating of heat-sensitive materials. This affordable and flexible device works with 3-5mil lamination pouches.
Most people who buy the Swingline Inspire Plus praise the quality of the laminate. It’s true—when it comes to quality finish this little beauty exceeds most users’ expectations. Novice operators can easily clear any jammed, misfed, or wrapped pouches thanks to the simple jam release lever.
The Not So Good
Some people complain that it takes too long to laminate. I say it’s better to take a while and get a perfect result than to get a substandard finish at higher speeds. Another complaint is that it takes too long to warm up. Those who have used faster machines are the ones who notice these things most. The 4-minute warmup time shouldn’t be an issue for most new users.
There are a few complaints that the machine build is flimsy. I agree, it’s not the most solid device out there but then it is incredibly cheap. As long as you look after it the build shouldn’t be a problem.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Uses: Home and small office |
| Dimensions: 11 x 11.7 x 13.2″ |
| Product weight: 2.65 lbs. (1.2 kg) |
| Max entry width: 9-inches |
| Max pouch film thickness: 5 mil |
| Warmup time: 4-minutes |
| Warranty: 90-days |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Affordable |
| One-step lamination |
| Quality laminate finish |
| Cold lamination option |
| 3-5mil lamination pouches |
| 90-days warranty |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Cheap build |
| Slow-ish warmup time |
2. Scotch PRO Thermal Laminator
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
The Scotch Pro is another affordable laminator. It’s popular too and that’s always a good sign as it helps new buyers to make better-informed decisions.
There’s no bigger frustration than jamming so the ‘never jam technology’ of this machine is a definite plus point. It also sports a simple LED touch panel which has a clear “ready” indicator and two temperature settings. The one you choose depends on the thermal pouch thicknesses used.
Using the Scotch PRO Thermal Laminator
The heat up time is around five minutes which is average for a machine in its category. At 15″ per minute the lamination process is reasonably fast. The auto shutoff is a nice safety feature that powers the machine down after 60 minutes of inactivity.
This is a great little machine for light to moderate usage. The 9-inch maximum entry width makes it a good all-around device for homes, schools, and small businesses, etc. Another nice feature of the laminator is its portability factor. It has a concealed storage compartment for the cord and a folding tray. There’s even a carry handle to make it easy to transport and store.
The Not So Good
The 9″ width restriction is only a problem if you need more. Always check the maximum entry width for your intended use prior to purchase.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Uses: Homes, schools, small business |
| Dimensions: 17.4 x 6.2 x 6.1″ |
| Product weight: 3.8 lbs. (1.7 kg) |
| Max entry width: 9-inches |
| Max pouch film thickness: 3-5 mil |
| Warmup time: 5 minutes |
| Warranty: 30 days |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Affordable, popular machine |
| User-friendly |
| Never-jam technology |
| LED touchscreen |
| Two heat settings |
| Easy-to-transport |
| Auto-shutoff |
| The Cons |
|---|
| 9-inch restriction |
3. Blusmart OL288 3-in-1 Laminator
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
The Blusmart 3-in-1 Laminator is a step up from the first two picks. It’s still cost less than 50 bucks (at the time of writing) but it sports a few impressive bells and whistles.
The first thing to point out about this laminator is its 3-in-one versatile function. We’ll look at that in more detail shortly. There are also hot and cold laminating options. The cold option is invaluable for anyone who needs to laminate heat sensitive materials.
Using the Blusmart3-in-1 Laminator
The three-in-one function is not something you find on all machines, especially at the budget end. The primary function is to laminate of course. The other two functions are rotary paper trimmer and a corner rounder (nice touch). There are even three cutting patterns, i.e. straight, perforated and wave. The maximum warmup speed is a full two minutes faster than the previous model.
The laminating speed is just above average at 9.8″ per minute. Another nice thing about this machine is its quiet motor compared to others in this price range. You can also buy the Blusmart 3-in-1 laminator in black or white. That’s another extra you don’t find on all machines.
The Not So Good
The only major gripe with this machine is with its cutter. Some reports suggest it has difficulty cutting through plastic. Others have said it cuts paper leaving a jagged edge. These are not issues shared by everyone. I suspect the paper relates to the type and quality used at the time. Most people love the cutter but there are enough complaints to highlight these potential problems.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Uses: Home, school, small business |
| Dimensions: 15.3 x 3.9 x 5.5″ |
| Product weight: 1.98 lbs. (0.9 kg) |
| Max entry width: 12.2″ |
| Max pouch film thickness: 160(2 x 80)-250(2 x 125)mic <0.5mm |
| Warmup time: 3-5 minutes |
| The Pros |
|---|
| 3-in-one function |
| User-friendly, easy to use |
| Hot and cold laminating option |
| Fast warm-up time |
| 9.8-inches per minute |
| Quiet operation |
| Built-in cutter |
| Amazon best seller |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Cutting blade needs improvement |
4. Fellowes Laminator Saturn3i 125
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The Fellowes Laminator Saturn3i 125 has an unusual design. It also costs twice as much as the previous pick but is it worth the extra? Let’s take a look.
One of the highlights of this laminator is its fast one minute warmup time. It also has an auto shutdown feature that helps to saves energy and prevents the machine from potentially overheating.
Using the Fellowes Saturn3i 125 Laminator
This machine has a hot option that uses the standard thermal laminating pouches. It also offers cold laminating using self-adhesive pouches. A simple button switches between the two modes. The maximum entry width is 12.5 inches which can accommodate lots of different document sizes.
The machine is ready to use in around 60 seconds from the moment you switch it on. As well as the usual green Ready Light there’s also an audible beep to let you know when the device is ready. There isn’t any jam-free technology with this laminator but there is an effective release lever
A couple of other things worth a mention are the 10 sample laminating pouches and 2-year warranty. A company that offers a 24-month guarantee on something that costs less than 100 bucks has a lot of confidence in their product. That’s always a good sign.
The Not So Good
The gripes for the Fellowes Laminator Saturn3i 125 are quite minor but will matter to some. Despite being a streamlined device there’s no built-in cord storage. It’s a small complaint but it would be easier to move and store the machine if it had one. The price tag will also deter buyers on lower budgets.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Uses: Home, office, schools |
| Dimensions: 5.8 x 20.9 x 4.1″ |
| Product weight: 5.1 lbs. (2.3 kg) |
| Max entry width: 12.5 inches |
| Max pouch film thickness: 5 mil |
| Warmup time: 60 seconds |
| Warranty: 2-years |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Amazon’s Choice Product |
| Easy-to-use laminator |
| Rapid one-minute warmup |
| Auto-shutoff safety feature |
| Hot & cold settings |
| Quick jam release lever |
| 24-month product warranty |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Higher price tag |
| No built-in cord storage |
Best Laminating Machines Under $200
The next picks are in the under $200 category. I have two machines here that are a step up from the less expensive models above.
5. Apache 25″ Professional Cold Press Laminator
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
The Apache AL25P 25″ is an affordable professional cold press laminator. Skip this review if you need heat. This device has a lot of eco-friendly features that make it quite unique.
Not all products and materials benefit from a cold laminate finish. If they could we’d be using more of this basic technology. Pressure-sensitive laminating definitely has a place though.
Using the Apache 25″ Professional Cold Press Laminator
This non-electric cold laminator means there’s no warmup. It also means there are no faulty electrics to worry about. Nor are there any toxic odors during operation but there is a smell (see below).
Items ideal for pressure-sensitive laminating include, but are not restricted to, the following:
There are no restrictions on project length with this machine which is a definite plus point. It employs high-precision rollers, uses a pressure sensitive application, and has a tiny footprint.
The Not So Good
It’s ironic that there are no irritating thermal lamination vapors with this product yet it still smells. It’s a kind of irritating plasticky stench that doesn’t go away. Heat doesn’t generate the smell but in some ways, it’s worse—because it’s always there. Who knows some people may find it pleasant.
The other gripe is that there’s no latch of any kind to hold the tables (wings) up during storage.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Uses: Commercial |
| Dimensions: 28 x 12 x 6″ |
| Product weight: 25 lbs (11 kg) |
| Max entry width: 25.5″ |
| Max pouch film thickness: 197 mil |
| Warmup time: N/A |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Non-electric device |
| Unlimited project length |
| Simple to use |
| Easy to store |
| Small footprint |
| Great value |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Unit stinks |
| No way to keep the tables fastened during storage |
6. Fellowes Laminator Jupiter 2
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
This is a great machine for anyone who needs to laminate on a more regular basis. It’s also fast in all areas of operations. Speed is an attraction for a busy office that doesn’t have time to wait around.
This is the second of my laminator choices from Fellowes. The Jupiter 2 also comes with a two-year warranty like the earlier pick. It has more to offer, though, hence the higher price tag.
Using the Fellowes Laminator Jupiter 2
This laminator is all about speed making is a great choice for schools and businesses.
Here are some of the key features that make this machine fast and easy to use:
That last point means you don’t have to mess about with changing settings. Your only job is to feed a pouch in and let the technology and 6-roller system take care of the rest. You can laminate cold pouches and hot pouches up to 10-mil. That’s double the thickness of cheaper machines in this guide.
The Not So Good
It’s a quality machine but it’s bigger than the other electric laminators we’ve looked at so far. Make sure you have a dedicated space to put it before you decide to buy. At 15 pounds it’s quite heavy too. That’s also a good thing as it reflects the heavy-duty build. Its larger size and heavy weight do make it less portable and harder to store though.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Uses: Commercial, schools, etc. |
| Dimensions: 21.2 x 8.2 x 5.1″ |
| Product weight: 15 lbs. (6.8 kg) |
| Max entry width: 12.5 inches |
| Max pouch film thickness: 10 mil |
| Warmup time: 60 seconds |
| Warranty: 2-year |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Heavy-duty, well-built |
| Easy to operate |
| Fast in all areas of operation |
| Auto functions |
| High-quality laminate |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Fairly big (check your storage) |
| Quite heavy |
| Higher price tag |
Best Laminating Machines Under $300
You won’t need the costlier machine in this section unless you do a lot of larger jobs. My pick here is a device that will appeal to certain users with specific expectations.
7. VEVOR Manual Vinyl 51 inch Cold Roll Laminator
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
My laminator over 200 bucks is the VEVOR Manual Vinyl 51inch Cold Roll machine. It’s another cold roll laminator so skip this review if you need heat.
This machine will serve you well if you don’t need heat to laminate. It doesn’t require any electricity and thus has a tiny footprint compared to thermal type machines.
Using the VEVOR Manual Vinyl 51inch Cold Roll Laminator
Manual machines always take a bit of getting used to when compared to the automated options. Even so, there’s no steep learning curve here so it doesn’t take long to become familiar with this cold roller. Setting the thickness is a simple process using the two adjustment knobs on each side of the device. To control the actual laminating process is a two-position handling board.
The machine can laminate lots of the same kinds of items you’d do with heat lamination. For example, photography, books, charts, posters, color documents, flashcards, and so on. Unlike the previous thermal laminators, this one can handle film up to 1″ thick and 51″ wide.
The Not So Good
The VEVOR 51inch Cold Roll Laminator is heavy. That’s also a plus point because it makes the machine stable to use. But it does make it less portable so you’ll want to find it a home and leave it there. The other downside is that it only does high-pressure manual cold laminating. That’s another plus point for eco-conscious folks who don’t need heat and electric power to seal their items.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Uses: Commercial |
| Dimensions: 58 x 14 x 10″ |
| Product weight: 88 lbs (40 kg) |
| Max entry width: 51″ |
| Max pouch film thickness: 1″(25mm) |
| Warmup time: N/A |
| Warranty: 2-years |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Versatile laminator capable of 1″ thicknesses and 51″ project widths |
| Heavy-duty with metal frame |
| Manual only (no electricity needed to operate) |
| Long two-year warranty |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Heavy machine |
| No heat lamination option |
Contents
- Why Bother to Laminate?
- Laminating Makes Perfect Sense
- What to Look for in a Laminator
- What to Laminate and How
- Usage, Size, and Handling
- About My Best Laminators Guide
- Best Laminating Machines Comparison Table
- Best Laminating Machines By Budget:
- Best Laminating Machines Under $100
- 1. Swingline Inspire Plus
- Using the SwinglineInspire PlusLaminator
- 2. Scotch PRO Thermal Laminator
- Using the Scotch PRO Thermal Laminator
- 3. Blusmart OL288 3-in-1 Laminator
- Using the Blusmart3-in-1 Laminator
- 4. Fellowes Laminator Saturn3i 125
- Using the Fellowes Saturn3i 125 Laminator
- Best Laminating Machines Under $200
- 5. Apache 25″ Professional Cold Press Laminator
- Using the Apache 25″ Professional Cold Press Laminator
- 6. Fellowes Laminator Jupiter 2
- Using the Fellowes Laminator Jupiter 2
- Best Laminating Machines Under $300
- 7. VEVOR Manual Vinyl 51 inch Cold Roll Laminator
- Using the VEVOR Manual Vinyl 51inch Cold Roll Laminator
