6 Best 13-Inch Laminator Machines: Versatility For Any Size Project

Do you consider 13 inches the optimal size of a laminator?

Then you need the best 13-inch laminator to protect A3 format papers!

Read this post and see the detailed reviews of the best models for buying. The models are classified into different categories so you can see quickly which is the best laminator for you.

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What Are 13-Inch Laminators?

A laminating machine in a 13-inch size means that it has a wide input of 13 inches to work for both bigger and smaller-sized projects. Inside the input, you can fit up to 13-inch wide documents for lamination.

Format Suitability

A laminator with a 13-inch wide input is suitable for laminating A3 formats. The A4, A5, and A6 formats are also supported.

Typical Laminating Film Thickness

For a 13-inch model, you will usually get a laminator that works with 3-mil and 5-mil pouch/sheet thickness. These are much thinner than the laminated projects you will get with 10-mil models. However, you can also find 10-mil models that have a 13-inch wide input, if you want a thicker laminated project.

Pouch Size

If you want to use pouches with this type of laminator, you will have to pick up pouches measuring 13 x 19 inches.

Benefits Of Using & What To Use It For

If you laminate documents by using a 13-inch machine for lamination, you will:

• Protect documents – documents will stay inside the laminated pouch to prevent them from breaking, spillage, and warping
• Get a professional look – by laminating documents, they will look more professional
• Laminate letter sizes – with this type of laminator, you can laminate letter-sized pouches on the long edge
• Increase efficiency – if you feed letter-sized documents on the long edge, you will increase efficiency and speed by up to 30%
• Be able to laminate larger documents – for instance, menus, 11×17 inches documents, etc

Buying Guide To Choosing The Best One

While choosing, there are many characteristics and features you will have to keep in mind to make the right choice.

Frequency Of Use

First, you have to ask yourself how often you will be using the machine. For those who will be using it rarely, a machine that uses pouches will be enough. If you are a frequent use, look only for those that have rolls.

Hot & Cold Lamination

Some laminators allow you to use both heat and pressure to laminate. Those that laminate with pressure are called cold laminators as they do not need heat to laminate documents. The two modes use different kinds of pouches. For hot lamination, choose hot lamination sheets. For cold laminating, you will need to invest in adhesive pouches. If you want to only laminate photos, then look for cold laminators. They are also safer than heat models.

Speed

Most usually, laminators won’t be very fast at doing their job. However, if you want a really fast one, you can find those that laminate even over 100 inches per minute. However, you will find those laminating 20 to 30 inches per minute more often. Anything under 12 inches per minute will be very slow.

Warm-Up Time

Laminators that work with the help of heat need time to warm up before you can use them. If you want to work fast, choose a model that takes under a minute to warm up. If you are an occasional user, then even a model that takes up to 5 minutes to warm up will be okay.

Run Time

The standard run time for laminators is usually around half an hour. Check how long your model can run by reading the manual. It is not recommended to leave it turned on for longer than its run time as it can cause a fire. Even while the laminator is working, always keep an eye on it as it can be flammable.

Quick Jam Release

A quick jam release is a great feature to look for in your laminator. They are known for jamming and having a jam release option on the machine will help you make it easier to resolve this issue.

Scale And Trimmer

If you have materials wider than 13 inches, the scales and trimmers that are integrated into some laminators are useful. These tools provide precise measuring and cutting since the scale includes the cm and mm marks as well as degrees. Some models come with these tools that are not integrated.

Which Is The Best Laminator Brand?

The most popular and reliable brands of laminators include Scotch, Fellowes, and GBC.

6 Best 13-Inch Laminators

Scotch Advanced Thermal Laminator

White Surface With Functions
The Scotch laminator has a white color design. On the top, there are the buttons that are purposed for various functions such as pouch thicknesses and anti-jam function. The inlet is about 13 inches long which makes this machine ideal for laminating A3 format and smaller papers.

Fast-Working Machine
The advanced technology of this Scotch laminator enables you to finish your laminating job quickly. The warm-up time lasts for about a minute so you can start to laminate immediately. The laminating speed is about 300 mm per minute which makes it a fast-working machine.

Two Buttons And Light
The laminating machine is compatible with the pouches that are 3 mils thick or 5 mils thick. There are the buttons to choose the thickness of the pouch you use. After you choose the right option, the machine adjusts the temperature. Next to these buttons, there is the indicator light that suggests the start.

More Useful Functions
On the other side, there is the button for the case the error happens. The release button is purposed to release the material during the laminating process if it wraps inside. The laminator has one more function but you don’t have to set it. The shut-off option is automatic and activates after an hour of nonuse.

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Bonsaii Store Laminator

After Green Light Appears
The Bonsaii laminating machine has a white design just like the previous model. It uses the thermal laminating system so there are the indicator lights on the top surface. It’s important to watch the green light because it notifies you when you can start to laminate with a hot enough machine.

Short Time Needed
The green light appears after about 3 minutes from the switching on the laminator. It’s the sign that the thermal system is warmed up and ready to laminate. Not only the preheating time but the laminating time is also fast. The laminator is fast thanks to the speed of 300 mm per minute.

Two Pouch Types
Just like most laminators, this one also supports the pouches of 3 mils minimally and 5 mils maximally. You can use the 11×17 pouches of double functions. It’s also possible to use the butterfly thin pouhes for cards. You can also laminate photos, paintings, and more.

Comfortable For Ears
The sound of this 13-inch laminating machine is low thanks to the low motor that influences the smooth lamination. The low noise provides a comfortable environment in the office or at home. You can place it on a desktop and the laminator doesn’t require a lot of space.

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Ualau Thermal Laminator

Scale With Adjustable Knob
This Ualau laminator has a black surface and the white scale marked on it. The surface helps you to cut the material and pouches optimally and also to position the material. It’s easy to use the scale with the adjustable knob. The inlet is compatible with A3-A6 paper formats.

Five Minutes Maximally
Just like most laminators that are 13 inches, this one is also made for the pouches of 3-5 mils of the thickness. The lamiantor uses the hot system with the preheating time of 3 minutes minimally and 5 minutes maximally. You need to warm up the laminating machine properly to decrease the possibility of a jam.

Limited Run Time
You can use this laminator for about 30 minutes in continuity. Within this time, you can do a lot since the laminating speed is 250 mm per minute. It’s practical to use the laminator at home placing it on a table or desk. It’s easily transportable so you can carry it to the office or school.

Additional Accessories Included
Except for the scale, other accessories you will get in the package helps you to make quality laminated materials. You will get the paper trimmer, corner rounder, 20 pieces of laminating pouches, and photo frames. The pouches from the package have A4 and A6 sizes.

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Ragu Store Laminator

White Surface, Black Scale
The Ragu laminator also includes the scale like the previous model I reviewed. However, this one comes in a white design so the scale is black. The scale includes the marks for the length and degrees. The trimmer and corner rounder make the final results the most quality.

Four Pouch Sizes
You will get the full package that includes the corner rounder, paper trimmer, and 40 laminating pouches. There are 4 sizes of the pouches in the package. You can use the A3-A6 format pouches. The maximal width of the materials you laminate is 13,3 inches.

Highest Speed Ensured
The laminator includes the digital control panel so you can adjust the settings easily. This model is practical for commercial use. The powerful motor ensures the high speed which makes business fast. The laminating speed is 460 mm per minute which is the highest speed from the laminators in this post.

LED Display Included
You need to wait for a minute until the laminating machine gets warm enough to be ready for laminating. You can start to work when you see “on” on the display of the control panel. The LED display shows the temperature that is adjustable for each material type.

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Jzbrain Thermal Laminator

Scale, Trimmer, Rounder
It’s one more lamiantor that includes the scale that better the quality of the laminated materials. The size of the lamiantor is ideal to support the 13-inch pouches and documents. Using the rounder and trimmer from the package, you can make quality protected photos, letters, certificates, and more.

Two Heat Roller System
This model includes the jam prevention button for the case jam happens. The ABS function releases the stuck paper. To prevent error, you need to use only 3 or 5 mils thick pouches. The lamiantor includes two heat rollers that laminate an A3 paper for about 40 seconds.

Enough Heating Before Laminating
To achieve a fast laminating speed, you need to heat up the machine correctly. The heat-up time lasts for 3-5 minutes. You need to watch the indicator lights to know when the laminating machine is ready to work. There are green “ready” and red “power” lights.

Average Speed In Hot Mode
This laminator has average speed of 250 mm per minute. You can laminate with both cold and hot modes. There is the button on one side that is purposed for selecting the mode you will use.  The thermal laminating system provides the best results.

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Abox Laminating Machine

Cold Adhesive Pouches Needed
This Abox laminating machine allows you to protect maximal 13-inch materials with the plastic pouches using the thermal or cold mode. If you use the cold laminating system, you need to use the adhesive pouches instead of the hot pouches. This machine has the same size and similar design as the previous models.

Locking Cutter System
The trimmer is integrated into this laminator. You can use it to cut up to 8 sheets at once. The maximal size of the sheets is A3. The cutter has a lock system that prevents injuries. After cutting, you can laminate with a speed of 250 mm per minute.

Silicone Hot And Cold Rollers
This laminator includes the double rollers that provide the smoothness during the laminating. The rollers are made of silicon. They are practical to laminate in both modes. If you use the thermal laminating system, you need to wait for about 3 minutes before the laminating start.

Not Disturbing For Anybody
After 30 minutes of nonuse, the laminating machine gets in the standby mode saving the energy. The rollers ensure silent working. The sound of the motor won’t disturb your colleagues while laminating in the office. The laminator is designed to suit also a home table or school desk.

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What Other Sizes Of Laminator Can I Choose From?

There are many other laminators you can choose from, besides the 13-inch ones. Here they are:

• 9-inch – this size is ideal for A4 document size and smaller in width
• 4.5-inch – this size is great for business cards, badges, name tags, etc
• 11×17 machine – great for laminating larger documents

Which Pouches Are Suitable?

To laminate with a 13-inch model, you will be able to use a wide variety of different pouches that are suitable. Some of them include:

• 13 x 19 inches – the maximum width suitable for this machine, great for larger projects
• 11×17 inches – good choice for A3 format lamination
• 2×4 inches – great for badges and name tags
• Any other size smaller than 13 inches – basically, a 13-inch model will let you laminate with any pouch dimension that is up to 13 inches wide