Picking the right printer tray — whether an extra input cassette, a replacement output shelf, or a simple paper stop — can noticeably reduce paper jams, increase capacity, and save time. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, compatibility checks, and a survey of expert and consumer feedback to help you choose the best fit for your printer and workflow.
Considerations and Methodology
We evaluated candidate printer trays and replacement parts using a combination of:
- Hands-on testing (fit, snap-in ease, and paper feeding reliability on applicable printer models).
- Compatibility checks (matching part numbers and cross-referencing model lists).
- Durability and materials (feel, reinforcement ribs, and resistance to deformation).
- Real-world performance (how well the tray prevents jams, handles print stacks, and integrates with printer sensors).
- Price vs. value (OEM vs. aftermarket trade-offs).
Influences on final rankings included real-world usage (we prioritized parts that corrected paper jams and feeding issues), expert opinions (service manuals and OEM guidance), and consumer feedback (common failure modes and installation experiences). Where possible, we favored parts that offer simple installation and a demonstrable improvement in printing reliability.
Replacement Paper Stop
A no-frills, inexpensive paper stop replacement that fixes feeding and jam issues on many Brother models. Durable ABS construction, plug-and-play installation, and targeted compatibility make it a practical, low-cost repair for ageing printers.
Replacement Paper Stop — Best Budget Pick
- What it is: A single-piece paper tray paper stop designed for a wide range of Brother printers.
- Standout features: Extremely low price, fixes common paper pickup and jam issues, and is easy to install (plug-and-play).
- Technical details: Simple molded ABS/plastic construction; sold as a single replacement part.
Pros: Affordable, straightforward repair solution that restores proper feeding on compatible Brother models.
Cons: Limited to specific Brother machines and only replaces the stop (not a full tray or feeder); small part that must match the part number exactly.
Who should buy: Owners of supported Brother printers with a broken or worn paper stop who want the quickest, cheapest fix.
Canon 550-Sheet Tray
An OEM Canon optional cassette adding 550-sheet capacity to compatible Canon imageCLASS models. Built to Canon specifications, it increases productivity for busy offices and maintains paper handling reliability across media sizes.
Canon 550-Sheet Tray — Premium Choice
- What it is: An optional Canon cassette (OEM) that increases a printer's input capacity by 550 sheets for supported imageCLASS devices.
- Standout features: High sheet capacity, OEM build quality, and seamless integration with Canon MF424DW/MF426DW/LBP214DW models.
- Technical details: 550-sheet capacity, designed specifically for listed Canon models; ships as an OEM accessory for guaranteed compatibility and sensor calibration.
Pros: Large capacity reduces reload frequency; OEM fit and firmware compatibility minimize sensor errors.
Cons: Premium price and limited to a specific Canon model family.
Who should buy: Small offices or users of the supported Canon models that need a robust, high-capacity paper supply and prefer OEM reliability.
Retractable Output Tray
A retractable paper output tray designed for HP OfficeJet Pro 9010-series printers. Pull-out design saves space, protects printed pages, and installs quickly — a practical and affordable replacement for worn output trays.
Retractable Output Tray — Best Value for Money
- What it is: A high-capacity, retractable output tray compatible with many HP OfficeJet Pro 9010-series machines.
- Standout features: Pull-out/retractable design for neat storage, protects finished pages from contact with surfaces, and straightforward installation without special tools.
- Technical details: Designed to match OEM dimensions for listed HP models; constructed from durable ABS with a pull-out mechanism to hold stacks of printed pages.
Pros: Excellent mix of functionality and price; restores the full output path and prevents smudging/scratching of finished prints.
Cons: Specific to HP OfficeJet 9010-series printers — not a universal tray.
Who should buy: HP OfficeJet Pro 9010-series owners who need an affordable yet well-built replacement output tray that restores original paper handling.
Brother LT-310CL Tray
An OEM Brother optional lower tray that adds 250 sheets (doubling some models' capacity to 500). Engineered for Brother multi-function color printers, it offers reliable paper handling, support for letter/legal sizes, and robust construction.
Brother LT-310CL Tray — Editors Choice
- What it is: A genuine Brother lower paper tray that expands input capacity and reduces refill interruptions for compatible color laser/all-in-one devices.
- Standout features: 250-sheet input cassette (can double total capacity to 500 in compatible setups), designed and tested to OEM tolerances, supports letter and legal media.
- Technical details: Product weight ~10.3 lb; dimensions and build tailored to HL-L3295CDW, HL-L8245CDW, MFC-L3780CDW, MFC-L8395CDW; capacity estimates assume 20 lb. paper.
Pros: OEM reliability, precise fitment, improved productivity with large-capacity handling.
Cons: Higher cost than many aftermarket trays; model-limited compatibility.
Why it earned Editors Choice: For users on supported Brother printers, this tray delivers the best combination of proven reliability, capacity, and seamless integration — the most impactful single upgrade for daily printing workflows.
Comparison and Summary
Below is a concise comparison to help you match a tray to your needs:
- Replacement Paper Stop (Best Budget Pick) — Price: $10.98. Ideal for quick, inexpensive repairs on supported Brother models. Small, single-function part that resolves paper pickup and jam issues.
- Canon 550-Sheet Tray (Premium Choice) — Price: $214.99. OEM high-capacity cassette (550 sheets). Best for Canon users who need maximum input capacity and seamless compatibility.
- Retractable Output Tray (Best Value for Money) — Price: $45.99. Affordable OEM-style output tray for HP OfficeJet Pro 9010-series; protects output and restores proper stacking.
- Brother LT-310CL Tray (Editors Choice) — Price: $173.49. Genuine Brother lower tray; 250-sheet cassette that significantly boosts productivity with OEM reliability.
Best overall: Brother LT-310CL (Editors Choice) for its combination of OEM build, capacity boost, and real-world reliability on supported Brother machines.
Best for high-capacity Canon users: Canon 550-Sheet Tray (Premium Choice).
Best budget repair: Replacement Paper Stop for inexpensive fixes.
Best value for HP OfficeJet Pro 9010 owners: Retractable Output Tray.
Choosing the right printer tray depends on your printer model and usage: for supported Brother printers the LT-310CL is the best overall upgrade because it combines OEM fit with meaningful capacity gains; Canon users who need the largest single-tray capacity should opt for the Canon 550-sheet cassette; HP OfficeJet Pro 9010 owners will find excellent value replacing a worn output tray with a retractable model; and if you just need a cheap, effective fix for paper jams on Brother machines, the replacement paper stop is the obvious budget solution. These recommendations are grounded in compatibility checks, practical testing, and consumer feedback — pick the option that matches your printer model and print volume for the best results.