10 Best Laminators 2025 in the United States

The Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches are designed to work with thermal laminators and are well-suited for protecting documents of various types. They can laminate items up to 8.5 x 11 inches, offering an ultra-clear, professional finish that keeps important information visible. This makes them ideal for preserving children's artwork, business documents, flyers, and certificates.

The pouches are marker-proof, tear-proof, and spill-proof, ensuring durability and longevity for your laminated items. They are also safe to clean with most household cleaners, adding convenience for frequent use in home, office, or classroom settings. Each package contains 100 pouches, providing ample supply for regular laminating needs.

A minor drawback is that the pouch size may limit the types of documents you can laminate, as it fits only up to letter size sheets. Additionally, the product is recommended specifically for use with Scotch Thermal Laminators, which could be a limitation if you use a different brand. If you need a reliable and high-quality solution for protecting and enhancing your documents, these thermal pouches from Scotch are an excellent choice.

This 9-inch laminator is a solid choice for home, school, or small office use, especially if you need a compact and portable machine. It handles standard document sizes like A4, A5, and smaller, which fits most everyday laminating needs. The warm-up time is quite short, between 1-2 minutes, so you won’t wait long before starting. It supports 3 and 5 mil pouches, which is sufficient for protecting documents without being too thick or bulky.

One standout feature is its anti-jam system, allowing you to quickly clear paper jams without damaging your documents, plus it has overheat protection for safe operation. The laminator offers both hot and cold modes, giving flexibility to laminate heat-sensitive items or quick self-adhesive sheets. Its laminating speed is about 360 mm per minute, which is decent for regular use but not the fastest on the market. You also get a 4-in-1 kit including a trimmer and corner rounder, which adds value for neat, professional-looking results.

The maximum laminating width of 9 inches limits it to smaller papers, so it may not work for larger posters or oversized documents. The compact design helps with portability but also means it’s made for lighter usage rather than heavy-duty or commercial tasks. For those seeking a reliable, easy-to-use laminator for typical document sizes and occasional use, this model effectively covers the basics with some nice extras.

The Amazon Basics 9-Inch Thermal Laminator is a solid choice for home or small office use, especially for those who occasionally need to laminate documents or photos. With a compact design and a lightweight build of just 2.47 pounds, it's easy to store and transport, making it suitable for various users, including students and hobbyists. The laminator accommodates documents up to 9 inches wide, which covers standard letter and legal sizes, appealing to a wide range of projects.

One of its strengths is the quick warm-up time of just 3-5 minutes, allowing you to start laminating without a long wait. The two heat settings for 3 mil and 5 mil pouches provide versatility for different types of materials, catering to both everyday documents and thicker cardstock. The jam release feature is particularly useful, as it helps clear any unexpected paper jams without much hassle.

There are some limitations to be aware of. The laminator is only compatible with 3 mil and 5 mil pouches, so if you need thicker options, this machine won't meet that requirement. Additionally, it cannot laminate certain materials such as hardware, cloth, or foam sheets, which could restrict its use for some users. The warm-up process requires patience, as it should not be used before the indicator light shows readiness.