If you’re in the market for a new office printer, you’re in luck: You’ve got a great selection of high-quality products and reputable brands from which to choose. In this Ricoh copier review, we’re putting the spotlight on one of the copier brands available here at Office Interiors.
We’ll take a look at what Ricoh offers and the pros and cons of some of its most popular models.
A Brief History of Ricoh
Like many of the world’s top printing brands, Ricoh was founded in Tokyo, Japan. It’s been in business since 1936, initially manufacturing cameras and launching its first office copier in 1955.
Today, it’s one of the world’s leading printer manufacturers with operations in over 200 countries. Ricoh has a workforce of about 97,000, including more than 2,400 employees in Canada. Along with imaging equipment like copiers and printers, the company produces cameras, interactive whiteboards and document management software.
Ricoh Printers and Copiers
Ricoh printers and copiers, or multifunction printers (MFPs) as they are also called, are known for their quality, versatility, capacity, speed and graphics capabilities. The Ricoh product line is diverse, offering everything from basic desktop printers to feature-rich multipurpose devices that scan, fax, print and copy.
The Ricoh Canada website lists 45 MFP/copier models and 22 printer models, varying in speed, size and capabilities. Prices range from a few hundred dollars for desktop models to thousands for larger, high-performance multifunctional devices.
For home and small offices
Ricoh offers a wide selection of desktop photocopiers with basic features and an affordable price tag. Most of these will print up to 20 pages per minute (ppm) and come with both scanning and printing capabilities. Look for environmentally friendly features like duplex (double-sided) printing.
For large and mid-sized companies
Larger printer models offer more speed and efficiency. They come with customizable features like scanning, faxing, hole punching and stapling. Commercial grade models are equipped with the latest technology such as touch screen displays, multiple paper trays and high copy speeds.
If your company is focused on improving its sustainability and reducing costs, Ricoh’s ENERGY STAR®-rated products have energy-saving options like Sleep Mode, Quick Start-Up and Automatic Duplexing.
Ricoh’s Key Selling Points
You can rely on all of the leading copier manufacturers to produce durable, high-quality products backed with good customer service and support. But let’s look at a few things that make Ricoh stand out in a crowded market:
- Sustainability focus – The company has an excellent track record on sustainability. In 2014, it was named one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations for the tenth time. And Its sustainability initiatives recently earned the company a prestigious ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Online product support – The Ricoh @Remote service remotely manages your printer and copier online. If it breaks down, the copier sends a message that the device needs servicing. Ricoh promises to call back within one business hour after your service call. You’ll also find free manuals, drivers, how-to videos and FAQs online to help you troubleshoot issues on your own.
- MPS market leader – In 2018, Ricoh led the Managed Print Services (MPS) market for the seventh year in a row, according to a report from the analyst firm Quocirca.
Ricoh Copier User Review Comments
In general, most Ricoh models get positive feedback from customers and product reviewers, but we did find mixed user reviews as well.
The devices often get praise for their quality, efficiency and performance. PC Magazine named the Ricoh SP 5300DN laser printer one of the best picks for 2019 for its high-volume capabilities and low running costs.
The same magazine gave another Ricoh laser printer high marks for its speed, print quality, USB printing options and security features. On the flip side, the reviewer gave it a thumbs down for its lack of Wi-Fi connectivity and running costs.
The Ricoh SP C261DNw colour printer found a similarly mixed review, getting praise for its affordability and impressive features like Wi-Fi connectivity, security identification and high image quality but criticism for its noisy fan and “clunky, convoluted menu.”
As you can see, there’s no shortage of information about Ricoh printers and copiers. Finding the right fit for your office may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Before starting your search, answer these four basic questions:
- Do I need a laser or inkjet printer?
- Do I need to print colour or black and white?
- Does the printer need to be wired or wireless?
- What capabilities does it need to have?
Once you have your answers, visit Ricoh’s website. Choose a few models that fit your needs and budget, then start searching for reputable online reviews.
Have you decided whether Ricoh is the right brand for you? Or perhaps you want to ask your questions directly to an office equipment expert? Let us know!
Cory Porteous
Director of Marketing & Inbound Business Development
Office Interiors
