There’s a specific moment of frustration every creative professional, small business owner, or ambitious hobbyist knows well. You’ve just designed the perfect architectural plan, a stunning full-bleed marketing poster, or a detailed spreadsheet that simply won’t fit on a standard A4 page without becoming an illegible mess. The solution seems simple: print it larger. But this is where the wall appears. The local print shop is expensive and time-consuming. Most office printers stubbornly top out at A4, and dedicated A3+ printers have historically been bulky, prohibitively expensive machines reserved for professional design studios. This gap in the market forces compromises—tiling smaller pages together, sacrificing detail, or abandoning ambitious projects altogether. For us, this challenge meant constantly outsourcing crucial client proofs, adding delays and costs that our small operation could ill afford. We needed an in-house solution that could deliver professional quality without the professional price tag, a workhorse that could handle both everyday documents and our expansive creative projects. This is the very problem the Epson WorkForce WF-7310DTW A3+ Printer Two Trays aims to solve.
Choosing Your Next Office Workhorse: A Buyer’s Guide
An office printer is more than just a peripheral; it’s a critical hub for productivity, a bridge between your digital creations and the physical world. For small businesses and demanding home offices, it’s a key solution for producing professional client-facing documents, marketing materials, internal reports, and large-format plans. The main benefits of a high-performance model lie in its speed, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. A great printer saves you time, reduces outsourcing costs, and empowers you to create materials on-demand, giving you an agility that is crucial in today’s fast-paced environment. The wrong printer, however, can become a bottleneck, a source of constant frustration with jams, slow speeds, and exorbitant running costs.
The ideal customer for a printer like this is someone facing the limitations of standard A4 printing. This includes architects, graphic designers, marketing managers, teachers, and engineers who regularly need to print larger-than-life documents. It’s also for the small business that wants the flexibility to produce its own brochures, posters, and wide-format spreadsheets without relying on third-party services. Conversely, this type of printer might be overkill for individuals who only print occasional text documents. If your needs are strictly for high-volume, black-and-white text, a dedicated monochrome laser printer might be a more cost-effective choice. It’s all about matching the machine’s capabilities to your specific workflow.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A3+ capable printers are, by nature, larger than their A4 counterparts. The Epson WorkForce WF-7310DTW A3+ Printer Two Trays has a significant footprint, especially when the paper trays are extended. Before buying, measure your intended space carefully, accounting for ventilation and access to paper trays and ports. As one user aptly noted, the box itself is “quite big and heavy,” so plan the installation logistics accordingly.
- Capacity/Performance: Performance is a two-pronged consideration: speed and paper handling. Look at the Pages Per Minute (PPM) rating for both black-and-white and colour prints. More importantly, consider the paper capacity. The dual 250-sheet trays on this model are a massive advantage, reducing the frequency of refills and allowing you to keep different paper sizes or types loaded simultaneously. Automatic duplexing (two-sided printing) is another key feature that saves paper and time.
- Print Technology & Quality: While this review sits in our “Laser Printers” category due to its high-performance office focus, the Epson is a high-end inkjet. Its PrecisionCore printhead technology is designed to deliver “laser-like” text quality while also producing the vibrant, detailed colour prints that inkjets are known for. For mixed-use environments that need both crisp text and high-quality graphics or photos, a model like this offers the best of both worlds. The 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi resolution is a testament to its graphic capabilities.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A printer should simplify your life, not complicate it. Look for features like a clear LCD screen, intuitive controls, and seamless wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct). Long-term maintenance involves ink replacement and potential printhead cleaning. The Epson uses individual ink cartridges, which is more economical than replacing a multi-colour cartridge when only one colour runs out. However, be aware of the ongoing cost of proprietary inks.
The search for the perfect office printer can be complex, balancing cost, features, and long-term value. The Epson WorkForce WF-7310DTW A3+ Printer Two Trays presents a compelling case, but it’s essential to understand the broader market.
Our Comprehensive Guide to the Best Laser Printers for Business and Home Office Use in the UK
First Impressions: Unboxing the Substantial Epson WorkForce WF-7310DTW A3+ Printer Two Trays
Our experience began much like that of other users: with a very large, very heavy box. Weighing in at 16.5kg, the Epson WorkForce WF-7310DTW A3+ Printer Two Trays is a substantial piece of equipment that immediately signals its workhorse intentions. Once out of the box, we were met with what one user accurately described as “more blue tape than you could shake a big stick at.” This meticulous packaging, while a bit tedious to remove, ensures the printer arrives in pristine condition with all moving parts secured. The build itself is solid and functional, a sleek black monolith that looks professional on a desk, though its size means it will command a significant portion of that desk space. Setting it up was straightforward; the Quick Start Guide is clear, and installing the four individual ink cartridges is a simple click-in process. Connecting to our Wi-Fi network via the 6.1cm LCD screen was intuitive, and within minutes, we were ready to print from our laptops and smartphones using the Epson Smart Panel app, a process we found to be remarkably seamless. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a sense of the setup experience.
What We Like
- Outstanding A3+ print capability with automatic two-sided printing.
- Excellent paper handling with two 250-sheet trays plus a rear feed.
- Blisteringly fast print speeds for an inkjet, suitable for busy office environments.
- High-quality, vibrant colour output perfect for photos and marketing materials.
- Easy wireless setup and convenient mobile printing via the Epson Smart Panel app.
What We Found Lacking
- Ongoing running costs can be high due to expensive proprietary Epson ink cartridges.
- Some user reports suggest potential long-term reliability issues with components like paper feeders and cartridge sensors.
A Deep Dive into the Epson WorkForce WF-7310DTW A3+ Printer Two Trays’s Performance
A printer’s true worth is only revealed through rigorous testing. We put the Epson WorkForce WF-7310DTW A3+ Printer Two Trays through its paces, running everything from multi-page text documents and complex spreadsheets to full-bleed A3+ photo prints. We wanted to see if its performance lived up to its impressive specifications, and whether it could truly be the all-in-one large-format solution for a demanding small office.
Print Performance and Quality: The PrecisionCore Difference in A3+ and A4
The heart of this machine is Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead technology, and its performance is immediately apparent. The marketing claim of “high-quality, laser-like prints” is not an exaggeration when it comes to text. We printed several dense, 20-page reports, and the black text was consistently sharp, crisp, and smudge-free, even on standard office paper. Where this printer truly shines, however, is when colour is introduced. We were blown away by its speed. As one user noted after upgrading from an older printer, they expected to see one page printed in the time it took the Epson to produce four. Our tests confirmed this; the rated speeds of 32 ppm for mono and 22 ppm for colour are ambitious but reflect a machine that is leagues faster than typical home inkjets. A full-colour A4 brochure printed in seconds, with no discernible loss of quality.
But the main event is A3+. We printed a series of high-resolution photographs on A3+ glossy photo paper, and the results were stunning. The 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi resolution delivered remarkable detail, with accurate colours and smooth gradients that matched our calibrated monitor closely. One reviewer happily stated their photo prints had a “perfect colour and contrast match to the original pictures,” an assessment we wholeheartedly agree with. This capability transforms the printer from a mere document producer into a genuine creative tool, allowing for in-house production of proofs, posters, and portfolio pieces that would otherwise require a trip to a professional print service. The ability to create such high-impact materials on demand is a feature that really sets it apart in its price category.
Paper Handling Mastery: Dual Trays and Duplexing Put to the Test
Versatility in paper handling is what elevates a good printer to a great one. The Epson WorkForce WF-7310DTW A3+ Printer Two Trays excels here. Having two front-loading 250-sheet paper trays is a genuine game-changer for workflow efficiency. We configured one tray for standard A4 plain paper and the other for A3, eliminating the need to constantly swap media. The trays themselves are robust and feature clever extendable guides to accommodate the larger A3+ sheets—a feature some users initially miss, as one reviewer pointed out. In addition to the two main trays, a rear paper feed provides a straight path for thicker media like cardstock or specialty photo paper, reducing the risk of bending.
The automatic A3 duplexing is another headline feature. Printing double-sided architectural plans or large-scale reports without manually flipping pages saves an incredible amount of time and paper. The mechanism worked flawlessly in our tests, pulling the large sheets back in and printing the reverse side accurately. However, we must note a concern raised by a user who experienced the pickup roller creasing the bottom middle of the page. While we did not encounter this issue in our testing with various paper weights, it highlights the mechanical complexity of handling large media and is something to be mindful of. Overall, the sheer capacity and flexibility offered by its three paper input options make this machine a powerhouse for high-volume, mixed-media environments.
Connectivity, Costs, and Consumables: The Real Cost of Ownership
In a modern office, connectivity is non-negotiable. The Epson makes this easy with comprehensive options. The Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct functionalities mean you can print from anywhere in your office without being tethered by a USB cable. We found the connection to be stable and reliable. The Epson Smart Panel app is another highlight, turning our smartphones into a powerful command centre for the printer. We could initiate prints, check ink levels, and even run diagnostic routines directly from the app, which is incredibly convenient.
The elephant in the room for any inkjet printer is the long-term cost of consumables. The Epson WorkForce WF-7310DTW A3+ Printer Two Trays uses individual ink cartridges, which is a positive—you only replace the colour that’s empty. Epson offers Standard, XL, and XXL yield cartridges, with the highest yield black cartridge delivering up to 2,200 pages. While this seems economical, the proprietary ink is expensive. This is a recurring theme in user feedback, with some long-time Epson users lamenting the high cost and the printer’s tendency to use ink for head-cleaning cycles, especially if used infrequently. Some users explore third-party refillable cartridges to save money, but this comes with a strong caveat: firmware updates from the manufacturer can, and often do, block the use of non-genuine cartridges. It’s a trade-off between warranty protection and lower running costs. While the initial hardware cost is very reasonable for an A3+ printer, prospective buyers must factor in the ongoing expense of official Epson ink to understand the total cost of ownership. You can check the latest price and availability of both the printer and its official cartridges online.
What Other Users Are Saying
Diving into the pool of user feedback provides a balanced perspective that complements our own testing. The sentiment is largely positive, with many users echoing our praise. One happy customer celebrated the printer’s “great quality printing, excellent paper handling and capacity,” calling it a “do-it-all printer at a very pleasing price tag.” Another user, who bought it for working from home, found it “brilliant,” praising its features and quality which saved them “countless trips to the office.”
However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing, and it’s important to acknowledge the reported issues. Several users have encountered long-term reliability problems. One reported an “Unable to recognise print cartridge” error that persisted even after replacing the ink, requiring them to source and replace a small internal part themselves. Another, more concerning report, mentioned an “essential part needed to feed the paper through the printer sheared off within 5 months.” While these appear to be minority cases, they point to potential durability concerns under certain conditions. The most common complaint remains the cost of ink, with one user stating that in the short time they’ve owned two of these printers, the amount spent on ink could have bought them new again. This feedback reinforces our view that while the hardware is excellent, the running cost is a significant factor to consider.
How Does the Epson WorkForce WF-7310DTW A3+ Printer Two Trays Compare to the Alternatives?
While the Epson is a unique inkjet proposition, many office buyers will be cross-shopping it with traditional laser printers. It’s crucial to see how its feature set stacks up against dedicated laser workhorses, especially since they often excel in speed and cost-per-page for text documents.
1. Brother HL-L2350DW Wireless Duplex Monochrome Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L2350DW represents the polar opposite in philosophy. It is a compact, highly reliable, and incredibly cost-effective monochrome laser printer. If your printing needs consist of 99% black-and-white text documents—invoices, reports, letters—this is an outstanding choice. Its cost per page is significantly lower than the Epson’s, and its laser technology means there are no ink heads to clog. However, the choice is clear: if you need any colour printing or the ability to print on anything larger than A4, the Brother simply cannot compete. It’s a specialist for text, while the Epson is a versatile generalist with a specialization in large-format colour.
2. HP LaserJet Enterprise M480f Multifunction Colour Printer
The HP LaserJet Enterprise M480f is a direct competitor for the corporate office space. As a multifunction colour laser, it brings scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities to the table, which the print-only Epson lacks. It offers the robust security and network management features expected in an enterprise environment and delivers fast, high-quality A4 colour prints. Its primary limitation when compared to the Epson is its format; it’s an A4 machine. Businesses that need a true all-in-one A4 workhorse with advanced security may prefer the HP, but any organization with a need for in-house A3 or A3+ printing will find the Epson to be the far more versatile and cost-effective option for large-format creative work.
3. Xerox B230dni Wireless Mono Laser Printer Duplex
Similar to the Brother, the Xerox B230dni is a high-performance monochrome laser printer designed for speed and efficiency in a text-heavy environment. It boasts a rapid 34ppm print speed and robust build quality, making it ideal for churning out large volumes of black-and-white A4 documents day after day. It offers excellent connectivity and duplex printing. The comparison with the Epson again comes down to function. The Xerox is built for one purpose—fast mono printing—and it does it exceptionally well with low running costs. The Epson WorkForce WF-7310DTW A3+ Printer Two Trays is for the user who refuses to be limited to monochrome A4, prioritizing the flexibility of colour and large-format printing over the specialized efficiency of a mono laser.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Epson WorkForce WF-7310DTW A3+ Printer Two Trays the Right Choice for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the Epson WorkForce WF-7310DTW A3+ Printer Two Trays is a phenomenal machine that successfully bridges the gap between standard office printers and expensive, specialized large-format plotters. Its combination of blistering speed, superb A3+ colour quality, and exceptionally versatile paper handling makes it a standout product. For small businesses, creative professionals, and home offices that have felt constrained by the A4 format, this printer is a liberating and powerful tool that brings professional-grade capabilities in-house at an accessible price point.
Its primary weakness lies in the long-term cost of proprietary ink, a common trait among high-performance inkjets. While some users have reported reliability issues, our experience was flawless, and the vast majority of feedback points to a satisfying ownership experience. If your workflow demands high-quality, large-format colour printing and you value speed and flexibility, the Epson WorkForce WF-7310DTW A3+ Printer Two Trays is not just a good choice; it’s one of the best value propositions on the market. If you’re ready to break free from the limitations of A4 and unlock your creative potential, we highly recommend you find out more and purchase this outstanding A3+ printer today.
Last update on 2025-10-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API