The catch
Brother MFC-L2820DW
Only one side is scanned by its document feeder. Double-sided filing still takes manual handling and a page-order check.
Side by side
Brother MFC-L2820DW vs Canon MF289dw: Paper capacity is equal, and Canon scans both sides
Quick verdict
For regular two-sided paperwork, go with the MF289dw, whose automatic duplex scanning spares you the manual reverse-side pass the MFC-L2820DW still demands. The Brother is the better choice when your originals are mainly one-sided and its lower body or 5 GHz Wi-Fi fixes a real placement problem. Both hold 250 print sheets, which makes the Canon an upgrade in scanning and not in input paper capacity.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Two-sided forms send you back to the printer a second time
A parent who also runs a small business may find the awkward part of filing is going back to flip insurance forms and contracts after the first sides have scanned. Canon automates that reverse-side capture. Brother still needs manual handling, despite its fax, touchscreen and 50-sheet feeder. Canon deserves a look when those interruptions are common. If nearly everything arrives digitally or on one-sided paper, much of the reason to upgrade goes away. Check the finished file on either printer.
Where this comes from
No duplex scanning is specified for Brother, and Canon’s model matrix confirms two-sided feeder scanning. The reasoning is about a required handling step. It says nothing about a measured time saving, error rate or single-pass mechanism.
The catch
Canon imageCLASS MF289dw
Its body stands 3 inches taller than Brother’s. Don’t assume it will work in the same shelf opening.
Brother MFC-L2820DW
- Why pick it
- Your scans are mostly one-sided, and a lower body or 5 GHz Wi-Fi would make installation easier.
- Fax and a 250-sheet print tray are what you need, and you can deal with reverse sides yourself as they come up.
- The catch
- Only one side is scanned by its document feeder. Double-sided filing still takes manual handling and a page-order check.
Canon imageCLASS MF289dw
- Why pick it
- Double-sided forms keep coming, so capturing both sides automatically is worth the taller body.
- Part of that two-sided filing routine is scanning to a configured email or network-folder destination, and you need that.
- The catch
- Its body stands 3 inches taller than Brother’s. Don’t assume it will work in the same shelf opening.
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What this page compares
Which suits two-sided paperwork, the MFC-L2820DW or the MF289dw? Weigh manual refeeding, shelf access and network setup before you choose a home-office all-in-one.
Monochrome printing, scanning, copying and fax come with a 250-sheet print tray on both. The upgrade that counts is on the incoming-paper side: Canon can scan both sides automatically, while Brother keeps a lower body and dual-band Wi-Fi.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Frequent interruptions, and double-sided paperwork
The manual reverse-side pass is gone with Canon. Verify the resulting file and supported originals.
- Brother MFC-L2820DW
- Caution
- Canon imageCLASS MF289dw
- Better fit
Low shelving, and mostly one-sided originals
The Brother body is 3 inches lower. Usable overhead access is needed for both.
- Brother MFC-L2820DW
- Better fit
- Canon imageCLASS MF289dw
- Caution
The same 250-sheet print-paper requirement on both
Main tray ratings match. What differs, and matters, is scanner capability.
- Brother MFC-L2820DW
- Similar
- Canon imageCLASS MF289dw
- Similar
A wireless network that is 5 GHz-only
5 GHz is expressly supported by Brother. For Canon, confirm a compatible network or a wired route.
- Brother MFC-L2820DW
- Better fit
- Canon imageCLASS MF289dw
- Caution
In practice
Differences you will notice
Two-sided forms send you back to the printer a second time
A parent who also runs a small business may find the awkward part of filing is going back to flip insurance forms and contracts after the first sides have scanned. Canon automates that reverse-side capture. Brother still needs manual handling, despite its fax, touchscreen and 50-sheet feeder. Canon deserves a look when those interruptions are common. If nearly everything arrives digitally or on one-sided paper, much of the reason to upgrade goes away. Check the finished file on either printer.
How we worked this out
No duplex scanning is specified for Brother, and Canon’s model matrix confirms two-sided feeder scanning. The reasoning is about a required handling step. It says nothing about a measured time saving, error rate or single-pass mechanism.
Upgrading the scanner may mean relocating the whole workstation
At 0.7 inch narrower, Canon looks helpful beside a monitor, but it is also 3 inches taller and exactly as deep. Where shelving already limits access above the printer, the upgrade may need a new location before it makes paperwork easier. Brother fits better when its lower body keeps the scanner usable and manual backs are acceptable to you. Neither closed-body dimension includes the room for loading paper, opening the lid and ventilating the unit.
How we worked this out
Width: 16.1 minus 15.4 = 0.7 inch. Height: 15.5 minus 12.5 = 3 inches. Each body is 15.7 inches deep. Installation clearance comes on top.
Settle the destination and the paper path at the same time
If every finished file ends up somewhere the rest of the household cannot use, automatic two-sided scanning helps less. Canon documents email and SMB folder sending, so a shared filing folder can be part of the purchase plan after configuration. Brother has documented email and cloud routes as well, so do not write it off as computer-only. Decide who needs to receive the file and whether that destination works with your network. Canon’s advantage is pairing a suitable destination with automatic reverse-side capture.
How we worked this out
Email/SMB sending is confirmed in Canon’s model matrix. Brother lists scan to email server as a download, along with cloud functions. Destination setup, credentials and network compatibility are still required. No security certification or universal service compatibility is inferred.
Option A
Brother, MFC-L2820DW
MFC-L2820DW
Your scans are mostly one-sided, and a lower body or 5 GHz Wi-Fi would make installation easier.
- Best for
- Your scans are mostly one-sided, and a lower body or 5 GHz Wi-Fi would make installation easier.
Facts we checked
- Two-sided scan originals: One-sided feeder, manual reverse-side handling
- Main print tray: 250 sheets
- Body height: 12.5 inches
- Body width and depth: 16.1 by 15.7 inches
Option B
Canon, MF289dw (US 6354C005)
imageCLASS MF289dw
Double-sided forms keep coming, so capturing both sides automatically is worth the taller body.
- Best for
- Double-sided forms keep coming, so capturing both sides automatically is worth the taller body.
Facts we checked
- Two-sided scan originals: Automatic two-sided feeder scanning
- Main print tray: 250 sheets
- Body height: 15.5 inches
- Body width and depth: 15.4 by 15.7 inches
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Brother MFC-L2820DW | Canon imageCLASS MF289dw | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-sided scan originals | One-sided feeder, manual reverse-side handling | Automatic two-sided feeder scanning | When both faces carry information, Canon takes away a repeated handling step. |
| Main print tray | 250 sheets | 250 sheets | More blank paper for printing is not added by the scan upgrade. |
| Body height | 12.5 inches | 15.5 inches | Leave another 3 inches for Canon’s body, ahead of lid and paper access. |
| Body width and depth | 16.1 by 15.7 inches | 15.4 by 15.7 inches | Narrower is what Canon is, and not shallower. Check height on its own. |
| Wireless and wired network | 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi and Ethernet | Wi-Fi b/g/n and Ethernet | 5 GHz is expressly supported by Brother. A suitable wired connection works with either. |
| Fax and scan destinations | Fax, cloud apps and documented email-server support | Fax and documented scan to email/SMB | Pick a supported destination and set up access. These routes are different, and that does not prove one is inherently more private. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Brother MFC-L2820DW
- Having a touchscreen and fax does not make its scanner duplex. A two-sided archive still involves refeeding.
With Canon imageCLASS MF289dw
- Compared with Brother, its 250-sheet print tray gives no refill advantage. Network destinations additionally need configuration and permission.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Information is on both sides of most incoming paper
Go with Canon imageCLASS MF289dw. Manual reverse-side feeding goes away with the MF289dw, subject to original and destination compatibility.
The tougher constraint is the low shelf or 5 GHz-only Wi-Fi
Go with Brother MFC-L2820DW. The MFC-L2820DW comes with the lower body and a documented dual-band connection, and its scanning is one-sided.
The only aim of the upgrade is to hold more print paper
Neither model fits. The main trays each hold 250 sheets, so this pair has no capacity upgrade.
Decision guide
Before you buy
A short printer that fits under office shelving is the goal, yet you would also like to finish two-sided filing without going back to flip the originals.
What this page can’t tell you
- On feeder capacity, Canon’s current page and a manufacturer manual disagree. We name no capacity winner and make no single-pass claim or scan-speed estimate.
- Speed figures for the MFC-L2820DW conflict, so they are left out of the verdict and the calculations.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the laser printers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-L2820DW |
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| Canon imageCLASS MF289dw |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Brother MFC-L2820DW
Your scans are mostly one-sided, and a lower body or 5 GHz Wi-Fi would make installation easier.
Fax and a 250-sheet print tray are what you need, and you can deal with reverse sides yourself as they come up.
See price & reviews on AmazonCanon imageCLASS MF289dw
Double-sided forms keep coming, so capturing both sides automatically is worth the taller body.
Part of that two-sided filing routine is scanning to a configured email or network-folder destination, and you need that.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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