Our take
The Dell S3845cdn is a color office MFP for teams that use printing, copying, scanning, and fax in the same workstream. Dell specifies up to 36 ppm simplex and 24 ppm duplex, automatic two-sided printing, a 50-sheet single-pass duplex ADF, and 700 sheets of standard input. Its recommended monthly range is 2,000–6,000 pages. Gigabit Ethernet and USB are built in; wireless requires an optional dongle. That combination favors a wired workgroup that handles stacks of two-sided originals.
A wired workgroup that needs color print, copy, scan, fax, automatic duplex, and two-sided document intake..
It is not a fit when built-in Wi-Fi is mandatory, when a compact personal printer is enough, or when the office cannot verify the exact unit, accessories, and current support path.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- Dell documents a 50-sheet single-pass duplex ADF for capturing both sides of originals in one pass.
- Automatic duplex and 700 sheets of standard input support recurring shared print jobs.
- The 2,000–6,000 page recommended range and 36 ppm simplex rating establish a workgroup role.
What to weigh up
- Wireless requires an optional external dongle and is not a standard built-in connection.
- The 80,000-page monthly duty cycle is a maximum, not the published recommended workload.
- Present condition, supplies, service, and the identity of a historical ASIN remain unverified.
The key details
| Model covered | S3845cdn |
|---|---|
| Main functions | Print, copy, scan, fax |
| Print output | Color; up to 36 ppm simplex / 24 ppm duplex |
| Two-sided printing | Automatic duplex |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 4, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
What the features mean for you
A document center for a wired office
Dell identifies the S3845cdn as a color laser multifunction printer with print, copy, scan, and fax functions. Its standard interfaces include Gigabit Ethernet and USB, so a team can place it on a wired network or attach it directly. This is a larger office role than a print-only color device. The important first question is whether the team regularly uses the additional document functions; if it only prints a handful of pages, the feeder and fax hardware may add expense and maintenance without solving a real need.
Single-pass duplex scanning changes intake work
The 50-sheet automatic document feeder is specified for single-pass duplex scanning, while the printer also has automatic duplex output. Those features solve different tasks: the feeder captures both sides of a source stack, while the print engine turns paper for two-sided output. A department that routinely digitizes signed forms or scans double-sided packets may save operator steps compared with placing one page at a time. Confirm the source paper's size and condition and test the feeder on the specific unit; the manufacturer specification is not a guarantee about a used machine's rollers.
A standard 700-sheet paper supply
Dell lists a 550-sheet main tray and a 150-sheet multipurpose tray, for 700 sheets of standard input, plus a 250-sheet output bin. A further 550-sheet tray is optional and should not be counted as part of the base configuration unless included with a particular offer. The standard input is more generous than the 251-sheet Ricoh SP C250SF, but it still needs to be compared with the office's document volume, media, and refill routine. Paper capacity is a convenience measure, not a speed or reliability guarantee.
Throughput and recommendation point to workgroup use
Dell rates simplex printing at up to 36 pages per minute for both mono and color and duplex output at up to 24 ppm. The recommended monthly range is 2,000 to 6,000 pages. Those figures support a regular shared workload, but the 80,000-page monthly duty cycle is a separate maximum and not an appropriate routine target. Actual time varies with document design, first-page processing, and network setup. Teams should choose based on expected ongoing pages and the value of copy, scan, fax, and duplex feeder functions rather than the highest number on the specification sheet.
Wireless is an accessory, not a default feature
The S3845cdn has built-in Gigabit Ethernet and USB, while wireless requires an optional external dongle. A listing that says the printer is wireless does not establish that the dongle is installed or included. For a managed office, a wired Ethernet connection is the documented standard path. If Wi-Fi placement is essential, verify the exact accessory part and its inclusion, then confirm that the configuration meets the network and driver needs. This review does not treat optional wireless as an included feature or claim that any seller unit has been set up.
Check the exact machine before buying
The saved Dell specification sheet describes original features but does not establish condition, page count, toner state, or ongoing service for an offer today. The historical ASIN B004IL3XUG was not proven to identify the exact S3845cdn, so the tagged link searches for the model. Ask for a model label, a print and scan demonstration, the ADF's duplex operation, included trays and dongle, and return terms. Confirm that consumables are available in your region and that the office can support the network configuration. These are buyer checks, not results of hands-on testing for this review.
What else to compare
The Ricoh SP C250SF includes wireless and a 35-sheet ADF in a smaller 251-sheet paper path, though Ricoh marks it no longer available. The Lexmark MC2535adwe is another color fax MFP with a duplex ADF, but it is discontinued.
Before you buy
Can the S3845cdn scan both sides in one pass?
Yes. Dell specifies a 50-sheet single-pass duplex ADF for this exact color MFP.
Does it have built-in Wi-Fi?
No built-in wireless is specified; Dell says wireless networking requires an optional external dongle.
How much paper does the standard configuration hold?
Dell lists 550 sheets in the main tray and 150 in the multipurpose tray, for 700 sheets standard.
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.
- Dell S3845cdn U.S. specification sheet ↗ — checked October 4, 2026.
- Dell S3845cdn U.S. spec sheet, pp. 2–3, functions, speed, ADF, paper, ports, duplex, and recommended volume ↗ — checked October 4, 2026.
- Dell S3840cdn/S3845cdn support article, exact model family and laser classification ↗ — checked October 4, 2026.
- Search this model on Amazon · Tagged exact-model Amazon search; historical ASIN association is unverified ↗Paid link · We may earn a commission. — checked October 4, 2026.
The decision
The S3845cdn is compelling when the office will use its duplex feeder, networked color output, and 700-sheet standard supply. Confirm the wired setup or optional wireless dongle and inspect the exact unit before purchase.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.