Our take
The Brother MFC-L5850DW is a monochrome laser all-in-one rated up to 42 pages per minute. Brother lists print, copy, scan, and fax functions, automatic duplex printing and copying, and a 70-page single-pass duplex ADF. Built-in Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB make it suitable for different office layouts. Its standard input is 250 sheets plus a 50-sheet multipurpose tray. Brother recommends up to 3,500 pages per month, without a stated lower endpoint in the reviewed source. That ceiling and the used unit's condition should guide selection more than the maximum duty-cycle figure.
An office that needs black-only print/copy/fax, automatic duplex output, two-sided scanning, and either wireless or wired network placement..
It is not a color printer, and it is not a match if the required monthly range has a published lower bound, if wireless is unnecessary and a simpler printer will do, or if the offered unit's duplex feeder cannot be checked.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- Brother documents up to 42 ppm monochrome output with print, copy, scan, and fax functions.
- Automatic duplex print and copy combine with a 70-page single-pass duplex ADF for two-sided document handling.
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet support wireless placement or a fixed shared print queue.
What to weigh up
- The exact page gives an upper recommended volume of 3,500 pages but no lower endpoint.
- The 250+50-sheet standard input is moderate for a shared office; larger trays are optional.
- The model is discontinued, so the original specification does not establish the condition of a used machine or its supplies.
The key details
| Model covered | MFC-L5850DW |
|---|---|
| Main functions | Print, copy, scan, and fax |
| Print output | Monochrome; up to 42 ppm |
| Two-sided printing | Automatic duplex print, copy, and scan |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 10, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
What the features mean for you
Match the black-only workflow
Brother describes the MFC-L5850DW as a monochrome laser all-in-one with printing, copying, scanning, and fax. That combination can replace several separate steps for a small office that routinely receives forms, duplicates paper originals, and sends faxes. Its scanner can capture color even though printed output is black only. A print-only model would be simpler if paper intake and faxing are rare, while this MFP earns its place when documents regularly move in both directions. The exact model name matters because related Brother units can have different speeds and paper handling.
Automatic duplex reaches more than print output
The model supports automatic two-sided printing and copying, and Brother identifies a 70-page duplex automatic document feeder that scans both sides in one pass. Those are three distinct conveniences: duplex print reduces manual sheet flipping, duplex copy creates two-sided output from originals, and the single-pass feeder captures both sides without turning each page by hand. That can reduce handling on recurring packets. It does not tell us whether a particular used feeder is worn or aligned, so ask for a demonstration of the exact machine before relying on those paths for routine work.
Plan around the recommended ceiling
Brother lists a recommended monthly print volume up to 3,500 pages. The page reviewed does not give a lower endpoint, so the available guidance is not a closed interval and should not be presented as one. The 50,000-page maximum duty-cycle figure describes a different limit and is not an everyday target. If the office prints around or above the recommendation, compare supplies, maintenance, and a model with an expressly stated range. The 42 ppm rating is also a maximum speed rather than evidence that every mixed print, scan, copy, and fax workload will move at that rate.
Standard input is two useful feeds
Brother lists a 250-sheet main tray and 50-sheet multipurpose tray, for 300 sheets standard. The multipurpose slot can keep envelopes or alternate stock available without removing the main tray's everyday paper. Brother lists optional add-on trays for buyers who need more capacity, but those accessories are not part of every secondhand offer. Tray capacity helps estimate refill frequency; it does not establish paper-feed condition or resolve the total cost of toner and drum replacements. Ask the seller which trays are physically included and match them to the product code before making a purchase decision.
Choose the connection that fits the room
The exact product page lists built-in 802.11 wireless, Ethernet, and USB. Wi-Fi can place the printer where people need it without a network cable, while Ethernet often suits a fixed queue shared by several desks. USB remains useful for a local workstation. These interfaces provide options, but compatibility with an organization's security and printing policies still needs confirmation. The page also documents support for network scanning and fax functions. A buyer relying on a specific current operating system should check Brother's driver and software support separately because an old product feature list cannot guarantee current software support.
What else to compare
The MFC-L2720DW is a smaller 30 ppm fax MFP with a 250–2,000 page recommendation and a 35-sheet ADF; it does not duplex-scan. Choose it for a lower stated workload and a simpler feeder, or choose a printer-only model if fax and scanning are unnecessary.
Before you buy
Does the MFC-L5850DW scan both sides automatically?
Yes. Brother lists a 70-page duplex ADF that scans both sides in a single pass, separate from automatic duplex printing.
What paper capacity comes standard?
The standard arrangement is a 250-sheet main tray and a 50-sheet multipurpose tray; larger add-on trays are optional.
What monthly volume does Brother recommend?
Brother states an upper recommended volume of 3,500 pages per month, but the reviewed page does not specify a lower endpoint.
Where can I check the current price?
Use the Amazon link for current offers. Check the exact model, seller, product condition, delivery, and return terms. This page does not display a live price or confirm stock.
Sources & review basis
We use the following manufacturer documentation for the product features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.
- Brother U.S. MFC-L5850DW product specifications ↗ — checked October 10, 2026.
- Brother U.S. MFC-L5850DW functions, speed, duplex ADF, networking, paper capacity, and recommended volume ↗ — checked October 10, 2026.
The decision
Choose the MFC-L5850DW for a black-only office that will use its fast output, duplex ADF, and built-in networking. Treat 3,500 pages as an upper recommendation and verify the exact used unit.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.