IT Pro Verdict

We're not overly impressed with the FS-6025MFP's speeds or the variable quality of its results. However, it is easy to use, particularly for staff walking up to the touchscreen. More importantly perhaps, it's reasonably priced and simple to maintain, with a single high-capacity consumable that results in very low running costs. A two-year warranty help to make it a sound investment, but you'll buy it with your head rather than your heart.

By Simon Handby

published 7 April 2011

in Reviews

Things are slightly less straightforward when it comes to installing the software, however. Although the default setup includes the scanner's TWAIN driver, subsequently opening an image application reveals this isn't actually configured until the installed TWAIN Driver Setting application has been run. It's an unusual extra step and, unless you're connecting via USB, you'll need to select the MFP model and manually enter its IP address to add the device to the list of TWAIN sources, which could get wearing if there are many users to set up.

Kyocera-Mita claims that the FS-6025MFP produces similar levels of noise to a desktop printer. It's certainly quieter than we'd expect, but it's hard to avoid the suspicion that this is, in part, because it's also slower. Despite a quoted 25 A4 pages per minute, it delivered our 25-page text document at just 16.5ppm and a more complex 24-page graphical document at a glacial 11.1ppm. Scaling each up to A3 resulted in speeds of 11.5 and 9.2ppm respectively.

Using duplex to print 10 sides of text onto five pages took a minute for A4 paper, and a further 15 seconds when printing on A3. Fortunately, the print quality was very good across our tests, with crisp text, and graphics that were accurately shaded and free from banding or other artefacts.

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After a brief career in corporate IT, Simon Handby combined his love of technology and writing when he made the move to Computer Shopper magazine. As a technology reviewer he's since tested everything from routers and switches, to smart air fryers and doorbells, and covered technology such as EVs, TVs, solar power and the singularity.

During more than 15 years as Shopper's long-time printer reviewer, Simon tried, tested and wrote up literally hundreds of home, small office and workgroup printers. He continues reviewing smart products and printers for a variety of publications, and has been an IT Pro contributor since 2010. Simon is almost never happier than when surrounded by printers and paper, applying his stopwatch and a seasoned eye to find the best performing, best value products for business users.