Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer Review: The Powerhouse for Professional Productivity?

In our modern work environment, whether you’re managing a bustling enterprise, a dynamic home office, or a personal workspace, the demand for efficiency is relentless. We’ve all been there: deadlines looming, important documents needing urgent attention, and suddenly, your printer decides to throw a tantrum. Slow print speeds, unreliable scanning, constantly running out of ink, or an inability to connect to your devices – these are not just minor annoyances; they’re productivity killers. We understand the frustration of wrestling with outdated or underperforming equipment that holds you back. The dream is a single device that handles all your document needs with speed, precision, and unwavering reliability, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. The complications of not having such a solution are manifold: wasted time, missed deadlines, unnecessary stress, and even a negative impact on your professional image when crucial presentations or reports aren’t delivered flawlessly.

Navigating the Maze: What to Consider Before Buying an All-in-One Printer

An All-in-One Printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for streamlining document management, enhancing communication, and consolidating office equipment. These versatile machines combine printing, copying, scanning, and often faxing into a single unit, saving valuable space, reducing utility costs, and simplifying your tech infrastructure. They solve the common problems of cluttered desks filled with single-function devices, the inefficiency of transferring files between separate machines, and the expense of maintaining multiple consumables.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing high-volume printing demands, needing frequent scanning for digitisation, or requiring occasional copying and faxing capabilities. This includes small to medium-sized businesses, busy home office professionals, and educational institutions. It is particularly well-suited for those who value speed, professional-quality output, and long-term cost-effectiveness through toner-based printing. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who print very infrequently, primarily require professional-grade photo printing (which often benefits from specialised inkjet photo printers), or have extremely limited space and require an ultra-compact device. For those with minimal needs, a simpler, smaller dedicated printer might suffice, or for photo enthusiasts, a dedicated photo printer could be a better alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: It’s easy to underestimate the physical footprint of an all-in-one printer, especially a professional-grade LED model. We always advise measuring your available desk or cabinet space carefully. Consider not just the base dimensions but also the height, particularly if it will sit under a shelf, and ensure there’s enough room for paper trays to extend and covers to open for maintenance. A larger machine typically signifies more robust components and higher paper capacity.
• Capacity/Performance: This is where the rubber meets the road. For an all-in-one, you’ll want to assess print speed (pages per minute for both monochrome and colour), resolution (DPI for sharp text and images), paper input capacity (how often you’ll need to refill), and duplex printing capabilities (automatic double-sided printing saves time and paper). Don’t forget scan speed and resolution, which are vital for efficient digitisation.
• Materials & Durability: The build quality of a printer speaks volumes about its longevity. Look for sturdy construction, quality plastics, and robust internal mechanisms. LED printers, like the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer, are known for their fewer moving parts compared to traditional lasers, potentially offering enhanced reliability. Consider the expected duty cycle (monthly pages) if you anticipate heavy use, as this indicates how much wear and tear the machine is designed to withstand.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A powerful printer is only as good as its usability. An intuitive control panel, preferably a touchscreen, makes navigating functions simple. Wireless connectivity, mobile printing support, and easy driver installation are also paramount. For maintenance, evaluate toner/ink cartridge replacement ease and long-term running costs. Higher yield cartridges, though more expensive upfront, often lead to a lower cost per page over time.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.

While the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer

The moment the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer arrived at our test facility, its presence was immediately felt. We’ve unboxed countless printers over the years, from compact inkjet devices to sprawling enterprise-level machines, and this Brother model definitely falls into the latter category in terms of heft and scale. One user’s candid remark perfectly encapsulates this initial encounter: “I nearly fell through the floor when it came, it did not look as big on the web site, it is really big and along with that is the weight which is as they say it weighs a ton.” We can certainly confirm that assessment; at 21.9 kilograms and dimensions of 46.2D x 41W x 40.1H centimetres, this is a substantial piece of office equipment. Moving it required careful planning, and indeed, the accompanying paperwork explicitly recommends two people for lifting, a detail we found to be an accurate and necessary caution.

Once positioned, the professional grey finish and robust construction of the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer immediately convey a sense of durability and reliability. This isn’t a flimsy plastic peripheral; it’s a solid, well-engineered machine built to withstand the rigours of continuous use. The prominent 8.8cm LCD colour touchscreen catches the eye, hinting at the intuitive control we hoped for. Comparing it to some of the market leaders or previous generation professional all-in-ones we’ve reviewed, the MFC-L8390CDW strikes a balance between a compact footprint for a colour LED multifunction printer and the undeniable robustness required for high-volume environments. It doesn’t try to be ultra-sleek or minimalist; instead, it focuses on functional design and accessible controls, making a strong first impression as a serious tool for serious work.

An In-Depth Examination: Performance of the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer

Our thorough evaluation of the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer revealed a device engineered for productivity and versatility, designed to meet the demanding requirements of professional environments. We put its core functionalities through their paces, dissecting everything from initial setup to long-term operational efficiency.

Seamless Connectivity and Intuitive Control

From our initial setup experience, the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer demonstrated its commitment to modern connectivity. Featuring a built-in 5GHz WiFi module, Gigabit Ethernet, and USB 2.0 capabilities, it offers a robust suite of options to integrate seamlessly into any network infrastructure. We particularly appreciated the inclusion of 5GHz WiFi, which provides a more stable and faster wireless connection in crowded network environments compared to the older 2.4GHz standard. Connecting to our office network was straightforward, with the printer quickly acquiring an IP address and appearing on our connected devices list. For those who prefer a wired, rock-solid connection, the Gigabit Ethernet port is a welcome addition, ensuring rapid data transfer for even large print jobs.

The 8.8cm LCD colour touchscreen is the central hub for all interactions, and we found it exceptionally intuitive. Its responsiveness and clear graphical interface made navigating through menus, initiating scans, configuring network settings, and checking toner levels a breeze. This isn’t just a basic display; it’s a fully functional control panel that significantly enhances the user experience, eliminating the need to constantly refer to a computer for simple tasks. We could easily initiate direct scans to email or network folders, configure copy settings, and even access cloud services directly from the panel. This ease of use was corroborated by one user who noted, “once set up it is so easy to use and won’t disappoint wifi is great so only the mains cable to worry about 5*****.” This reflects our own findings – the initial physical placement might be challenging due to its size, but the software setup and daily operation are designed for simplicity.

However, we are always mindful of user feedback, and it’s important to acknowledge some reports regarding initial setup. One user experienced a “bricked firmware” issue out of the box, with the printer failing to register on the network or via USB, rendering it inoperable without significant troubleshooting or replacement. Another mentioned the printer “continuously losing signal and requiring reconnection,” causing significant inconvenience. While our own unit performed without these hitches, such feedback highlights that while the connectivity options are advanced, individual experiences can vary, and reliable customer support is crucial if such issues arise. It’s a powerful machine, and like any complex piece of technology, ensuring stable firmware and network integration is paramount for a smooth user journey. For a deeper look into its connectivity options and features, you can find more information about the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer, which we found to be a generally reliable and feature-rich device.

Blazing Speed and Uncompromising Print Quality

When it comes to the core function of printing, the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer truly shines, proving its worth as a professional-grade device. We subjected it to a variety of print tasks, and its advertised high-speed performance of up to 30 pages per minute (PPM) for both colour and black and white documents held up remarkably well in our tests. This speed is a significant advantage in busy environments where time is of the essence. We found that large documents, multi-page reports, and even presentations with complex graphics were handled with impressive swiftness, drastically reducing waiting times compared to slower models we’ve encountered. The initial page print time of 12.5 seconds also means you’re not left waiting for the machine to “warm up” excessively when you need a quick single print.

Speed, however, means little without quality, and here the MFC-L8390CDW does not disappoint. With a maximum print resolution of 600 x 600 Dots Per Inch (DPI), text documents emerge with crisp, sharp edges, making even small fonts perfectly legible. Colour graphics and images, while not photographic studio quality (as expected from an LED office printer), are vibrant and well-defined, suitable for professional presentations, marketing materials, and internal documents. We ran various test patterns and corporate logos, and the colour reproduction was consistently accurate and saturated, avoiding the washed-out look that can plague some lower-end colour laser/LED printers. The LED printer technology itself contributes to this consistent output, often resulting in more uniform print densities and precise toner placement compared to some traditional laser mechanisms.

Adding to its efficiency, the automatic duplex printing capability (auto-duplex) is a feature we consider essential for any modern office printer. This allows for seamless double-sided printing, saving paper, reducing costs, and contributing to environmental sustainability without any manual intervention. We found it worked flawlessly, making it incredibly easy to produce professional-looking, multi-page documents. The combination of rapid print speeds, excellent text and graphic quality, and automatic duplexing positions the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer as a highly capable workhorse, ideal for offices that demand both efficiency and professional output without compromise.

Robust Paper Handling and Multifunctional Mastery

Beyond its printing prowess, the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer truly embodies the “all-in-one” moniker with its comprehensive suite of functions and robust paper handling capabilities. The standard paper input capacity of 250 sheets is generous for most daily tasks, meaning fewer interruptions for refills. However, for offices with higher volume requirements, the option to expand the total capacity up to 500 sheets is a significant benefit, reducing the frequency of paper replenishment and allowing for longer, uninterrupted print runs. We tested this expanded capacity, and it worked as expected, proving invaluable during peak periods. The printer also handles a variety of print media, including envelopes, labels, and plain paper, up to A4 size, offering the versatility needed for diverse office tasks.

The integrated copy, scan, and fax functionalities are equally impressive and designed for professional use. The copying function mirrors the print speed, delivering up to 30 ppm for black and white documents with a maximum resolution of 600 DPI, ensuring that duplicated documents maintain clarity and fidelity. The scanner, a sheetfed type with a 24 bpp colour depth, proved highly efficient for digitising documents. Whether it was single sheets or multi-page contracts through the automatic document feeder, scans were fast, accurate, and produced high-quality digital files. This is particularly useful for archiving, document sharing, and creating digital workflows. We could easily scan to various destinations, including network folders and email, directly from the touchscreen, further enhancing its standalone utility. Even the fax functionality, while perhaps less frequently used in modern offices, performed reliably, offering a complete communication solution within one device.

The ease with which we could initiate these different functions across various devices further solidified our positive impression. As one user aptly put it, “I use for my business it’s brilliantly working easy to print from desktop, laptop, mobile phone.” This mirrors our experience, confirming the printer’s excellent compatibility with a range of devices, making it a truly central hub for all document-related tasks. The sheetfed scanner, in particular, dramatically speeds up digitisation compared to flatbed-only alternatives, making it a time-saver for anyone dealing with stacks of physical documents. The Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer truly excels in providing a cohesive, high-performance solution for all office document needs, from printing and copying to scanning and faxing.

Long-Term Value and Operational Efficiency

Beyond the immediate performance metrics, we always assess the long-term operational efficiency and value proposition of a professional device like the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer. A significant factor here is the toner economy. This printer uses Brother Genuine Supplies, and the in-box toners provide a respectable yield of up to 2,600 pages for black and 1,400 pages for colour. Crucially, high-yield toners are available, offering an impressive capacity of up to 4,500 pages for black, which significantly reduces the cost per page and the frequency of replacements. This is a critical consideration for businesses where printing volume is high, directly impacting the total cost of ownership over the printer’s lifespan. Our calculations showed that opting for the high-yield toners can lead to substantial savings compared to standard cartridges, making it a very economical choice in the long run.

The “compact” descriptor in the product name is relative when discussing a colour LED all-in-one. While it’s certainly not the largest machine we’ve tested in its class, its dimensions (46.2D x 41W x 40.1H centimetres) and considerable weight (21.9 Kilograms) mean it demands a dedicated space. We wholeheartedly agree with the user who remarked, “I nearly fell through the floor when it came, it did not look as big… it is really big and along with that is the weight which is as they say it weighs a ton. I could only lift it about an inch off the floor but to be fair it does say in the accompanying paperwork it needs 2 people to lift it.” This is indeed a professional-grade machine, built for stability and heavy use, and its robust construction contributes to its weight. Prospective buyers should definitely ensure they have adequate space and assistance for placement. Despite its bulk, its functional design doesn’t waste space, and the internal components are well-protected.

Power consumption, at 620 Watts during operation, is typical for an LED printer of this calibre, reflecting its speed and comprehensive features. We also noted Brother’s standard 1-year manufacturer warranty, which provides peace of mind for initial operation. Considering its blend of speed, quality, extensive features, and competitive toner economics, the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer offers compelling long-term value for any business or home office requiring a dependable, high-performance document solution. It’s built to last and designed to keep your operations running smoothly for years to come, further cementing its position as a solid investment for productivity.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our expert analysis of the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer is strongly reinforced by the experiences of other users, providing a comprehensive picture of its real-world performance. The overwhelming sentiment points towards a powerful and capable machine, particularly for business use. Many users, like us, were initially struck by its substantial size and weight, with one candidly stating, “it is really big and along with that is the weight which is as they say it weighs a ton.” However, this initial impression quickly gave way to appreciation for its performance, with the same user concluding it is a “superb laser printer for the money, once set up it is so easy to use and won’t disappoint wifi is great so only the mains cable to worry about 5*****.” Another user echoed this sentiment regarding usability for business, affirming, “I use for my business it’s brilliantly working easy to print from desktop, laptop, mobile phone.” This confirms our findings on its robust connectivity and user-friendly interface.

While the majority of feedback is positive, it’s crucial to present a balanced view, and some users did report significant issues. One user experienced a troubling “bricked firmware” situation straight out of the box, with the printer failing to connect to the network or via USB, indicating a rare but serious quality control concern. Even more alarmingly, another user reported the printer becoming “highly unreliable, continuously losing signal and requiring reconnection,” culminating in a critical incident where “a paper getting stuck inside the printer and subsequently catching fire.” While such severe safety incidents are extremely rare and appear to be isolated, they are deeply concerning and highlight the importance of ensuring all safety measures are robust. We believe these represent outliers given the general positive consensus on reliability, but they are vital to acknowledge for prospective buyers.

Comparing the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer to its Top Alternatives

When considering a significant investment like the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer, it’s always wise to compare it against key competitors to ensure it aligns perfectly with your specific needs. While the MFC-L8390CDW stands out as a high-speed colour LED multifunction workhorse, there are other excellent options available, each with its own strengths. Here, we compare it to three notable alternatives.

1. Epson Expression Photo XP-15000 Printer

The Epson Expression Photo XP-15000 Printer offers a stark contrast to the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer. As its name suggests, the XP-15000 is an inkjet printer explicitly designed for photo enthusiasts and creative professionals. It excels in producing stunning, vibrant, borderless photos up to A3+ size, thanks to its six-colour Claria Photo HD ink system. If your primary need is high-quality, large-format photo printing, especially for graphic design or artistic pursuits, the Epson is undoubtedly the superior choice. However, its print speeds for standard documents are significantly slower than the Brother’s 30 ppm, and its running costs for high-volume text or colour documents can be considerably higher due to ink cartridge expenses. This alternative is for those prioritizing professional photographic output over sheer document speed and cost-efficiency in an office environment.

2. Brother MFC-J4350DW Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer

Remaining within the Brother family, the MFC-J4350DW Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer presents a more budget-friendly and compact alternative to the LED-based MFC-L8390CDW. This inkjet model still offers all-in-one functionality (print, copy, scan) with wireless connectivity and automatic duplex printing, making it a strong contender for home offices or users with moderate print volumes. It’s often praised for its ease of use and the inclusion of inks in the box. While it’s excellent for everyday documents and occasional photos, its inkjet technology means that its print speeds for high-volume tasks won’t match the rapid output of the MFC-L8390CDW, nor will its cost-per-page for extensive document printing. This printer is best suited for individuals or small teams who need a versatile all-in-one for general use, valuing a lower upfront cost and a more compact design over industrial-level speed and toner economy.

3. Brother DCP-J1360DW Wireless A4 Inkjet Printer

The Brother DCP-J1360DW Wireless A4 Inkjet Printer is another inkjet alternative, offering a further step down in price and arguably features compared to the MFC-L8390CDW. This model is primarily a print, copy, and scan all-in-one (lacking fax capabilities), designed for basic home use or very light office tasks. It provides essential wireless connectivity, A4 printing, and automatic two-sided printing, making it a solid, reliable choice for everyday document needs without frills. Its print speeds will be modest, and like all inkjet printers, the running costs for high-volume printing can accumulate. The DCP-J1360DW is ideal for budget-conscious users who need a functional, easy-to-use all-in-one for occasional printing, scanning, and copying, and who do not require the high-speed, robust capacity, or advanced features of a professional LED multifunction printer. It represents simplicity and affordability for the most fundamental document requirements.

Final Verdict: Is the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer the Right Choice for You?

After our extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, we can confidently assert that the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer stands as a formidable contender in the professional multifunction printer market. It delivers on its promise of high-speed performance, churning out crisp, clear documents at an impressive 30 pages per minute, in both monochrome and vibrant colour. Its advanced connectivity options, including 5GHz WiFi and Gigabit Ethernet, coupled with an intuitive 8.8cm colour touchscreen, make it exceptionally user-friendly and adaptable to diverse work environments. The robust paper handling, automatic duplexing, and high-yield toner options underscore its design for efficiency and long-term cost-effectiveness in busy settings.

While its considerable size and weight require careful placement and initial two-person setup, these characteristics also speak to its durable, professional-grade construction. We acknowledge the rare reports of initial setup challenges and the isolated, but serious, safety concern raised by one user. However, these appear to be exceptions to a generally positive and reliable user experience. For businesses, busy home offices, or educational settings that demand a reliable, fast, and feature-rich all-in-one LED printer capable of handling significant workloads, the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer is an excellent investment that will enhance productivity and streamline document management. If you’ve decided the Brother MFC-L8390CDW All-in-one Colour LED Printer is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.