The catch
Brother MFC-L8730CDW
The larger ADF sits on an 18.1-inch-high, 56.5 lb body, and the glass is still Letter size.
Side by side
Brother MFC-L8730CDW vs MFC-L3780CDW: Heavier paper stays in the 3780 drawer, while the 8730 loads bigger packets
Quick verdict
If your eligible scan packets regularly run 51 to 80 sheets, the MFC-L8730CDW loads that packet in one go where the MFC-L3780CDW needs a split. The MFC-L3780CDW is for shorter packets and a lower, lighter machine, particularly if approved 32 lb bond paper should stay in the main tray. The main tray of the 8730 stops at 28 lb bond, which sends that stock through its multipurpose path.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Sixty two-sided sheets still fill sixty feeder slots
Say you work through a 60-sheet school, club or client packet in between other tasks. With the 8730 you skip one interruption to reload. The originals may yield 120 scanned images, yet they take up 60 places in the feeder, and the 3780 needs at least two loads. Once your usual packets fit within 50 sheets the advantage is gone. Neither capacity rating covers damaged or unsuitable originals.
Where this comes from
With 60 supported 20 lb sheets, ceiling(60/80) = 1 load and ceiling(60/50) = 2. The number of images is distinct from physical-sheet capacity. The figures assume no time saving and no jam-free performance.
The catch
Brother MFC-L3780CDW
A scan packet of 51 to 80 sheets takes more than one feeder load. Its multipurpose tray holds just 30 ordinary sheets.
Brother MFC-L8730CDW
- Why pick it
- One load takes an eligible 51- to 80-sheet scan packet of supported originals.
- The multipurpose tray can hold up to 50 sheets of supported alternate print stock.
- The catch
- The larger ADF sits on an 18.1-inch-high, 56.5 lb body, and the glass is still Letter size.
Brother MFC-L3780CDW
- Why pick it
- When scan packets already fit 50 sheets, you can have a printer body 2.3 inches lower.
- Approved 32 lb bond stock can go in the main tray, within the documented paper rules.
- The catch
- A scan packet of 51 to 80 sheets takes more than one feeder load. Its multipurpose tray holds just 30 ordinary sheets.
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What this page compares
Scan-stack limits, heavier paper and working space are the points to compare. See when the MFC-L8730CDW saves you a reload and when the MFC-L3780CDW is the better desk fit.
Each machine pairs color printing with fax and one-pass duplex scanning, and suits a shared office. The question about upgrading is whether your paperwork is bigger than the smaller feeder can take, or whether you just need something dependable that fits a crowded desk.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Two-sided packets usually run 60 supported sheets
The packet goes into the 8730 in one load. The 3780 needs at least two.
- Brother MFC-L8730CDW
- Better fit
- Brother MFC-L3780CDW
- Caution
Your everyday print paper is approved 32 lb bond
The 3780 allows that weight in its main tray. On the 8730 it has to go through the supported multipurpose path.
- Brother MFC-L8730CDW
- Caution
- Brother MFC-L3780CDW
- Better fit
Most scans run under 50 sheets and you are short on height
Each scans both sides in one pass. The 3780 body is lower, but you still need space to open the lid.
- Brother MFC-L8730CDW
- Depends
- Brother MFC-L3780CDW
- Better fit
Regular printing goes past 4,000 pages a month and stays within 5,000
That sits inside the recommended maximum for the 8730 and over the recommendation for the 3780.
- Brother MFC-L8730CDW
- Better fit
- Brother MFC-L3780CDW
- Caution
In practice
Differences you will notice
Sixty two-sided sheets still fill sixty feeder slots
Say you work through a 60-sheet school, club or client packet in between other tasks. With the 8730 you skip one interruption to reload. The originals may yield 120 scanned images, yet they take up 60 places in the feeder, and the 3780 needs at least two loads. Once your usual packets fit within 50 sheets the advantage is gone. Neither capacity rating covers damaged or unsuitable originals.
How we worked this out
With 60 supported 20 lb sheets, ceiling(60/80) = 1 load and ceiling(60/50) = 2. The number of images is distinct from physical-sheet capacity. The figures assume no time saving and no jam-free performance.
Upgrading can push heavier paper out of the main tray
If you print invoices on plain paper and now and then a thicker client handout, the 8730 multipurpose tray may appeal to you. If approved 32 lb bond is what you use every day, though, the 3780 keeps it in the main tray and the 8730 does not. The 8730 sends it through the supported multipurpose path, and that may take the tray you meant to keep for letterhead. Choose based on the two paper types you really alternate between.
How we worked this out
32 lb falls within the 16-43 lb main-tray range of the 3780 and outside the 16-28 lb main-tray range of the 8730. It does fall within the MP range of the 8730. The media type and printer settings still need approval.
With short packets, the extra height is harder to justify
On a shared desk, a taller scanner can run into a shelf even though its base fits. The 3780 body is 2.3 inches lower and 8.7 lb lighter. When your two-sided packets stay under 50 sheets, either machine already does the one-pass scan you need, so the 8730 saves you no reload. In that case lean toward the 3780, once you have left room to raise its lid and service the printer.
How we worked this out
18.1 - 15.8 = 2.3 inches and 56.5 - 47.8 = 8.7 lb. They compare body dimensions and weights only. Operating clearance and ease of lifting were not measured.
Option A
Brother, MFC-L8730CDW
MFC-L8730CDW
One load takes an eligible 51- to 80-sheet scan packet of supported originals.
- Best for
- One load takes an eligible 51- to 80-sheet scan packet of supported originals.
Facts we checked
- A packet you want to load once: 80-sheet single-pass duplex feeder, based on 20 lb paper. Letter-size document glass.
- Heavier everyday handouts: 250-sheet main tray plus 50-sheet multipurpose tray. Main tray accepts 16-28 lb bond, multipurpose 16-43 lb.
- A desk that also holds schoolwork: Closed body 15.9 x 18.6 x 18.1 inches, width x depth x height. Weight 56.5 lb.
- Routine print workload: Recommended up to 5,000 pages per month.
Option B
Brother, MFC-L3780CDW
MFC-L3780CDW
When scan packets already fit 50 sheets, you can have a printer body 2.3 inches lower.
- Best for
- When scan packets already fit 50 sheets, you can have a printer body 2.3 inches lower.
Facts we checked
- A packet you want to load once: 50-sheet single-pass duplex feeder. Flatbed and automatic two-sided scanning are included.
- Heavier everyday handouts: 250-sheet main tray plus 30-sheet multipurpose tray. Main tray accepts 16-43 lb bond.
- A desk that also holds schoolwork: Closed body 16.1 x 18.2 x 15.8 inches, width x depth x height. Weight 47.8 lb.
- Routine print workload: Recommended up to 4,000 pages per month.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Brother MFC-L8730CDW | Brother MFC-L3780CDW | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| A packet you want to load once | 80-sheet single-pass duplex feeder, based on 20 lb paper. Letter-size document glass. | 50-sheet single-pass duplex feeder. Flatbed and automatic two-sided scanning are included. | The limit that matters is 50 sheets versus 80, counted as physical sheets with both sides of each sheet included, and not as scanned images. |
| Heavier everyday handouts | 250-sheet main tray plus 50-sheet multipurpose tray. Main tray accepts 16-28 lb bond, multipurpose 16-43 lb. | 250-sheet main tray plus 30-sheet multipurpose tray. Main tray accepts 16-43 lb bond. | Stepping up a model does not bring heavier paper in every path. Note the limit for each tray when you buy. |
| A desk that also holds schoolwork | Closed body 15.9 x 18.6 x 18.1 inches, width x depth x height. Weight 56.5 lb. | Closed body 16.1 x 18.2 x 15.8 inches, width x depth x height. Weight 47.8 lb. | Height and weight favor the 3780, while the 8730 is slightly narrower. Compare whichever dimension limits your setup. |
| Routine print workload | Recommended up to 5,000 pages per month. | Recommended up to 4,000 pages per month. | Go by the recommended workload and ignore the far larger maximum duty-cycle figure. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Brother MFC-L8730CDW
- Optional lower trays are an added cost, and the standard main tray holds 250 sheets.
With Brother MFC-L3780CDW
- Even a smaller body needs space around it for the scanner lid, rear access and paper trays. Closed dimensions alone do not show that it fits on a shelf.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Your eligible scan packets frequently run from 51 to 80 sheets
Go with Brother MFC-L8730CDW. The larger ADF cuts out a loading break.
Packets stay within 50 sheets and approved 32 lb stock needs to remain in the main tray
Go with Brother MFC-L3780CDW. The 3780 handles the scan job and the paper path you plan to use.
A fragile legal-size original has to lie flat
Neither model fits. Printing on legal paper is not the same as having legal-size scanner glass. Pick a model documented to have a legal-size flatbed.
Decision guide
Before you buy
Getting a stack of paperwork done before the next interruption is the aim, but not at the cost of a bulkier printer that makes everyday paper handling harder.
What this page can’t tell you
- Matched testing of print quality, scan quality and noise was not carried out.
- The 3780’s color scan-speed figures conflict and are excluded.
- The standard Amazon package does not include optional tray capacity.
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-L8730CDW |
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| |
| Brother MFC-L3780CDW |
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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-L8730CDW
One load takes an eligible 51- to 80-sheet scan packet of supported originals.
The multipurpose tray can hold up to 50 sheets of supported alternate print stock.
See price & reviews on AmazonBrother MFC-L3780CDW
When scan packets already fit 50 sheets, you can have a printer body 2.3 inches lower.
Approved 32 lb bond stock can go in the main tray, within the documented paper rules.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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