Computers & Office · PRODUCT REVIEW

Ricoh
SP 311DNw Monochrome Laser Printer

Compact mono printer with wireless and automatic duplex. A closer look at the benefits, the limitations, and the alternatives.

Buyer Shortlists editorial·Updated
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How our links work. This review uses linked product documentation. We have not tested this product hands-on.
THE SHORT ANSWER

Our take

Ricoh identifies the SP 311DNw as a monochrome print-only model. Its U.S. brochure lists up to 30 pages per minute on Letter, automatic duplex, a 250-sheet cassette and 50-sheet bypass, along with USB 2.0, 10/100 Ethernet and 802.11b/g/n wireless. The separate feed gives a small office a way to keep another supported media type ready. The reviewed sources do not provide a recommended monthly workload, so both endpoints remain unknown rather than being inferred from speed or duty cycle. This is a connected desktop printer, not an all-in-one.

Consider it for

A shared mono desk needing both Wi-Fi and wired network options, with automatic two-sided output and modest paper capacity..

Look elsewhere if

Choose an MFP if you need copying, scanning, or fax, or another model if a published monthly recommendation is necessary.

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Pros & cons

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

What works in its favor

  • Ricoh lists both built-in wireless networking and 10/100 Ethernet for the exact DNw model.
  • Automatic duplex supports routine two-sided output without manual page turning.
  • A 250-sheet cassette and 50-sheet bypass provide separate paper paths.

What to weigh up

  • The SP 311DNw is print-only and does not include copy or scan functions.
  • Ricoh's reviewed brochure gives no recommended monthly page range.
  • Its listed wired Ethernet is 10/100 rather than Gigabit Ethernet.
Specifications and exact model details

The key details

Published product specifications
Model coveredSP 311DNw
Main functionsMonochrome print only
Print outputUp to 30 ppm Letter; monthly recommendation unknown
Two-sided printingAutomatic duplex; 250-sheet tray and 50-sheet bypass

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

Keep the DNw suffix attached to the wireless claim

Ricoh's product information names the SP 311DNw and its brochure lists wireless LAN as well as Ethernet and USB. The suffix matters when comparing nearby SP 311 variants; do not transfer network features from one model name to another. Wireless can help a desk avoid a network cable, while Ethernet gives an office a fixed shared queue. Confirm the exact label and successful network setup on any offered unit. The model remains a printer only, so network sharing does not add scan or copy tasks.

Automatic duplex simplifies recurring two-sided jobs

Ricoh specifies automatic duplex printing for the SP 311DNw. The printer can turn output pages during a duplex job, which is useful for reports or internal documents that would otherwise require hand refeeding. Confirm the feature on the exact model and check the paper-size and media limits in the manual, especially for heavier stock. Duplex capability does not establish that the mechanism in a used unit is in good condition. The separate paper feed also remains distinct from the duplex path.

A cassette and bypass support two paper routines

The U.S. brochure lists a 250-sheet tray and a 50-sheet bypass. Keeping ordinary paper in the cassette and using the bypass for another supported stock can reduce the need to unload the main supply for occasional jobs. The total input is modest relative to an enterprise machine, but capacity alone does not decide monthly fit. Check the exact media compatibility and the presence of both paths on a used offer; optional or missing trays can change how convenient it is to switch tasks.

Do not turn rated speed into a volume recommendation

Ricoh rates the printer at up to 30 pages per minute on Letter. That gives a manufacturer-rated pace, not a monthly workload target or a prediction for mixed jobs. The checked sources do not establish a recommended monthly minimum or maximum, so keep both unknown. Avoid substituting maximum duty cycle, tray capacity, or rated pages per minute for the missing guidance. If a numerical workload band is a hard selection need, compare a model with a published recommendation instead of treating this unknown as a match.

Verify the current condition and network fit

Ricoh's brochure documents the original feature set but says nothing about a particular unit's wear, toner, drum, paper pickup, or present driver support. Ask for the SP 311DNw label, a print sample, duplex demonstration, and a network test on the office's intended connection. Check USB, Ethernet speed, and Wi-Fi setup against the local network requirements. The Amazon link searches the exact model because the historical candidate ASIN is not proven as a current exact offer; this review makes no claim about price or stock.

Compare for your needs

A mono MFP is a better fit when copying or scanning is part of the same desk routine; choose a larger printer for a heavier paper reserve.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

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Before you buy

Does the SP 311DNw include Wi-Fi?

Yes. Ricoh's brochure lists 802.11b/g/n wireless for the SP 311DNw, along with Ethernet and USB.

Can the SP 311DNw print both sides automatically?

Yes. Ricoh specifies automatic duplex printing for this exact model.

What monthly workload does Ricoh recommend?

The reviewed U.S. product information and brochure do not state a recommended monthly range.

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.

Read our research and update process →

The decision

The SP 311DNw fits a connected monochrome desk needing automatic duplex, provided its unknown monthly guidance and 10/100 Ethernet are acceptable.

Is it the right fit?

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

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.