Buying an office copier in 2025 shouldn’t feel like you’re kitting out a space station. But with tech jargon flying around and spec sheets full of mystery abbreviations, it can feel like that.
Here’s the no-nonsense guide: the features that actually matter, what they mean in real life, and how to avoid nasty surprises later on – all based on the Konica Minolta Bizhub models we supply at Evolve Document Solutions.
Whether you’re running a small team or managing a busy, print-heavy workgroup, this checklist will help you cut through the waffle and find a device that fits – and won’t drive your office mad.
1. Speed that keeps up with your team
If your copier’s crawling while the team queues with their reports, you’ve got a bottleneck.
Look at ppm (pages per minute) for print and ipm (images per minute) for scanning.
- For smaller teams, something like the Bizhub C3320i (up to 33 ppm) is more than enough.
- For busy workgroups, the Bizhub C450i offers up to 45 ppm print speed and fast single-pass duplex scanning.
Tip: Wake-up time matters too. A 45 ppm copier isn’t much good if it takes half a minute to get going.
2. Volume headroom = less downtime
The duty cycle is the maximum monthly volume – but you don’t want to run it at full tilt every day. If your copier’s rated for 150,000 pages/month, aim to keep your regular usage well below that. That’s your safe zone for less wear and fewer service calls.
3. Paper handling that won’t trip you up
To avoid the dreaded mid-print jam:
- Auto-duplex print/scan as standard.
- At least 250–350 sheet input, expandable for growing needs.
- An ADF (automatic document feeder) that can handle 50–100 sheets in one go.
Example: The Bizhub C450i starts with a 1,150-sheet capacity, expandable to over 6,000. Perfect for board packs, contracts, or class packs without constant refilling.
4. Costs you can actually plan for
Running costs catch people out. Always ask for cost per page (CPP) based on ISO page yield standards (ISO 19752 for mono, 19798 for colour).
Pro tip: High-yield toner brings your CPP down – but get the figures in writing before you sign.
5. Security that’s actually secure
With GDPR in play, your copier can’t be the weak link. The Konica Minolta range we supply includes:
- PIN or ID card-based secure print release
- Data encryption and automatic erase
- Usage/audit logs for full traceability
Some models also meet the Common Criteria Hardcopy Device Protection Profile (HCD-PP) standard – important if you handle sensitive data.
6. Connectivity and workflow features
A modern copier should make life easier, not add extra steps. Look for:
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet
- Mobile printing (AirPrint, Mopria)
- Scan to SharePoint, OneDrive, Google Drive
- OCR for searchable PDFs
Every Bizhub model we offer comes with native mobile print support and secure cloud scan options.
7. Energy use that doesn’t cost the earth
Konica Minolta Bizhub devices are ENERGY STAR certified and designed for low Typical Electricity Consumption (TEC). That means lower bills and a smaller carbon footprint – and they comply with the UK’s latest workplace energy and recycling rules.
8. Usability that saves headaches
Big, clear touchscreens. Easy-to-find presets. Firmware updates that don’t need an IT degree. These sound small, but they’re what keep your office running smoothly day-to-day.
Benchmarks to keep in mind
Small team (3–8 people):
- 25–35 ppm print
- Single-pass scan up to 80 ipm
- 350–900 sheet input
- Secure print, ENERGY STAR, ISO CPP data
Larger workgroup (8–20 people):
- 40–60+ ppm print
- 80–120 ipm scan
- 1,000–2,000 sheet capacity
- Full security suite, managed print options
Actionable buying checklist
- Check current usage – Pull 90 days of print/scan data, split mono vs colour.
- List your must-haves – Duplex print, single-pass scan, secure print, ISO CPP.
- Pick the right size – Keep monthly volume well below the duty cycle.
- Get clear pricing – CPP, consumables, service SLAs – in writing.
- Test the essentials – Print securely, scan to your cloud, switch trays.
- Check energy and noise levels – especially if it’s near desks.
Popular choices from Evolve
- Konica Minolta Bizhub C3320i – Compact A4 colour MFP, ideal for small workgroups, 33 ppm, mobile print ready.
- Konica Minolta Bizhub C250i – Entry-level A3, 25 ppm, great balance of features and cost.
- Konica Minolta Bizhub C450i – 45 ppm, high-volume scanning, expandable trays, full security suite.
- Konica Minolta Bizhub C750i – 75 ppm, built for schools and production-style environments.
Need help picking between models? Tell us your monthly volumes, colour split, and any must-have features. We’ll shortlist options that fit – no upsells, no faff, just the right machine for your team.
