Computers & Office · PRODUCT REVIEW

Ricoh
Aficio SP C231SF Color Laser Multifunction Printer

Color fax MFP with automatic duplex and Ethernet. A closer look at the benefits, the limitations, and the alternatives.

Buyer Shortlists editorial·Updated
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THE SHORT ANSWER

Our take

Ricoh's brochure identifies the Aficio SP C231SF, part 406442, as a color laser multifunction model with print, copy, scan and fax. It is rated at 21 pages per minute in both black and color. Standard automatic duplex, a 35-sheet ADF, a 250-sheet tray and a one-sheet bypass support ordinary office documents and occasional alternate media. Paper capacity can expand to 751 sheets. USB and Ethernet are standard; wireless is optional and cannot be used simultaneously with Ethernet. The checked brochure does not establish a recommended monthly volume. This is a wired color MFP for offices that value functions and paper options over a quantified workload match.

Consider it for

A small office needing color printing, copy, scan and fax with automatic duplex and wired Ethernet, where wireless is optional rather than required..

Look elsewhere if

Avoid it if built-in wireless must operate alongside Ethernet, duplex scanning is essential, or a published recommended monthly range is required.

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Pros & cons

What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.

What works in its favor

  • Ricoh documents color print, copy, scan and fax in the same model.
  • Automatic print duplex, a 35-sheet ADF and standard Ethernet cover useful small-office workflows.
  • The tray can expand from the standard 250 sheets to a documented maximum of 751 sheets.

What to weigh up

  • The brochure does not give a recommended monthly page range for workload matching.
  • Wireless is optional and cannot operate simultaneously with Ethernet.
  • The 35-sheet ADF does not by itself establish automatic two-sided scanning.
Specifications and exact model details

The key details

Published product specifications
Model coveredAficio SP C231SF / 406442
Main functionsColor print, copy, scan, and fax
Print output21 ppm black and color; 250-sheet tray plus one-sheet bypass
Two-sided printingAutomatic duplex; 35-sheet ADF; Ethernet

Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 14, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.

Full review: how the features affect your choice

What the features mean for you

What work can the color MFP cover?

Ricoh lists printing, copying, scanning and fax on the exact SP C231SF. Its color engine can produce color as well as black pages, and the multifunction design supports paper capture at the device. The 21-ppm rating applies to both black and color in the brochure. That is a manufacturer specification, not a test of any individual machine. Users who need only mono print may not need the extra color system, while an office combining color documents and fax may value having one unit for both.

How does it handle paper and two-sided output?

The brochure lists a 250-sheet main tray, one-sheet bypass and automatic duplex. The main tray can hold everyday paper while the bypass accepts a single supported sheet when a job calls for a different stock. Automatic duplex turns supported output pages without manual reloading. Confirm the paper weights and sizes supported for each path before planning forms or labels. The product page documents print duplex; it does not establish duplex scanning through the ADF.

What can the 35-sheet ADF do?

Ricoh specifies a 35-sheet ADF for originals, which can feed a short stack for copying, scanning or fax rather than requiring one page at a time on a glass. The reviewed brochure does not establish whether the feeder reverses or scans both sides automatically. If double-sided originals are common, verify that behavior from an exact manual before relying on it. Sheet capacity and automatic duplex printing describe different functions; one should not be used to infer the other.

How much paper can be loaded?

Ricoh gives a 250-sheet standard tray plus one-sheet bypass and says capacity can expand to 751 sheets. The standard setup suits a modest office that wants a normal paper reserve, while optional expansion can reduce refill interruptions if users print more frequently. Confirm which drawers are installed on a particular unit. The reviewed brochure does not state a recommended monthly range, so an expanded tray is not proof that the machine is intended for a particular sustained volume.

Can wireless and Ethernet be used together?

USB and Ethernet are standard, while wireless is optional. Ricoh notes that wireless cannot operate simultaneously with Ethernet. That creates a real setup choice: a wired office can use Ethernet, or an optional wireless adapter can serve a different network arrangement, but buyers should not assume both paths are active at once. Check the exact fitted option and the office's connection policy. The product does not have standard built-in wireless in the documented configuration, so it should not be treated as a wireless-required match.

Where is the main limitation?

The SP C231SF offers a substantial combination of color output, fax, scan, copy and automatic print duplex, but Ricoh's checked brochure does not provide a recommended monthly workload range. Do not substitute its 21-ppm rating, 751-sheet expanded capacity or duty-cycle figures for one. This makes the model easier to match by functions and wired connection than by monthly volume. If expected workload is the deciding factor, seek exact-model guidance before choosing it over a product with a published range.

Compare for your needs

Choose a model with standard wireless if it must remain on Ethernet, or with a published monthly range when volume filtering matters.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

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Before you buy

Does the SP C231SF have automatic duplex?

Yes. Ricoh lists standard automatic duplex for print output on the exact SP C231SF model.

Is Wi-Fi standard?

No. Ricoh describes wireless as optional and notes that it cannot be used at the same time as Ethernet.

What is its recommended monthly volume?

The reviewed Ricoh brochure does not establish a recommended monthly page range for the SP C231SF.

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 and review basis

Sources & review basis

We use the linked product documentation for the features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.

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The decision

The SP C231SF fits a wired color office needing copy, scan and fax plus automatic print duplex, with monthly volume left unknown.

Is it the right fit?

Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.