Brother DK-22513PK Labels Review: Conditional Verdict
Starting at nearly perfect ratings across major platforms, the Brother DK-22513PK Continuous Length Replacement Labels land an impressive 9.0/10 in sentiment scoring. Praised for print clarity, versatility in label length, and ease of installation, these black and red on white paper rolls are viewed as a reliable, professional-grade tool—though the fixed color scheme and compatibility limitations draw some criticism.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp, professional black & red printing | Only works with specific Brother QL models |
| Custom length flexibility | Higher cost compared to generics |
| Strong adhesive, long-lasting | Generates waste if cuts aren’t optimized |
| Easy drop-in installation | Limited color options |
| Durable dura-coated paper | Requires genuine Brother rolls for warranty coverage |
| Ideal for diverse labeling (retail, safety, events) | Bulk pack might be overkill for light users |
Claims vs Reality
Brother’s marketing leans on “engineered with excellence” and “long-lasting reliability,” highlighting the dura-coated paper for smudge resistance and bright color retention. Digging into user reports, these claims largely hold up. Best Buy reviewer “robert” affirmed: “The print quality is excellent, the size is perfect.” That sentiment echoes across multiple platforms where clarity and color separation between the black and red text are consistently praised.
The brand also touts “custom-length labels” to suit any project. On Reddit, the feedback was enthusiastic: “Love the fact that you can make this as short or long as you need. You are not confined to one length.” While marketed primarily to office users, hobbyists and small business owners find this flexibility invaluable for product labeling and signage.
Brother claims seamless installation through drop-in spools. Multiple Best Buy reviewers confirm this is accurate, with “twan12882” noting: “Excellent quality labels, easy install into the Brother printers.” No major complaints about loading emerged, though some point out that sticking with genuine Brother rolls is mandatory for warranty protection—limiting cheaper third-party options.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Best Buy, and Trustpilot, print quality stands out as the premier strength. The high contrast black and red on crisp white background benefits retail environments and safety signage, where messages need to catch the eye immediately. Best Buy user “boy named trouble” described: “Seamless printing experience… would definitely recommend.”
Another common theme is durability. Brother’s dura-coated paper doesn’t smudge easily, holding up in handling-intensive areas like shipping departments. A verified Best Buy buyer shared: “Great quality label quality really easy to install too.” For event organizers, the ability to create long directional signs without patchwork joins is a tangible advantage.
Custom length printing is another universal praise point. Facility managers appreciate cutting hazard labels to odd sizes for machinery, while product sellers easily adapt barcodes and promotional stickers without waste from pre-cut formats. The rolls’ 50-foot length per unit offers ample project coverage without frequent roll changes.
Common Complaints
On Trustpilot, some users noted environmental concerns: “May generate more waste if not properly managed.” This often comes down to imprecise cuts—waste strips add up in high-volume contexts. Cost is another sore point, with bulk packs pricing higher than generics. Quora-sourced feedback pointed out limited compatibility: only designed for certain QL models, leaving other printers excluded.
The fixed color scheme—black and red on white—is occasionally seen as restrictive. Those needing multi-color labeling for branding may have to compromise or use different media. While adhesive strength is praised, its permanence means removal can leave residue—problematic for temporary signage or rental equipment tags.
Divisive Features
Bulk 3-roll packs at around $66–$80 fit high-volume users well but feel excessive for occasional labelers. For professionals running inventory systems or safety compliance programs, the pack size ensures uninterrupted work. However, small-scale users might prefer buying singles despite the marginally higher per-roll cost. While many embrace the permanent adhesive for its reliability, renters or event coordinators may lean toward removable alternatives.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Quora describe a consistent picture of efficiency and compatibility when used with supported QL models. No substantial reports of supply defects or premature wear surfaced. The relationship between genuine Brother rolls and printer health is reinforced by multiple advisories: using non-genuine rolls can result in printer damage not covered under warranty.
From Best Buy, long-term anecdotes like “orod94” using them for 6 months speak to stable quality: “Great materials,” with no drop-off in adhesion or print sharpness. This reliability builds trust, particularly in compliance-heavy sectors where label failures can have operational costs.
Alternatives
While the data didn’t cite specific competing brands, generic two-color continuous rolls are the main alternative. They often cost less but run the risk of compatibility issues or print quality drops. Given Brother’s explicit warnings about third-party rolls voiding warranties, risk-averse buyers in professional settings are likely to stick to genuine media.
Price & Value
Current listings range from $66.98 on eBay for the 3-pack to $80.60 from Connection, with singles around $26.99 at Best Buy. Given three 50-foot rolls per box, high-volume labelers see it as cost-effective, while occasional users might find singles more economical. Bulk buying also reduces downtime and shipping frequency. Community tips emphasize watching sales cycles—office supply promotions and clearance events sometimes drop the per-foot cost significantly.
FAQ
Q: Can these labels be used with all Brother label printers?
A: No. They’re compatible only with QL-800, QL-810W, and QL-820NWB models. Attempting use with other printers can result in detection errors.
Q: Do these labels have removable adhesive?
A: No. The adhesive is permanent, designed for long-term application in retail, safety, and signage contexts. Users report strong sticking power even in high-traffic areas.
Q: How long is each roll?
A: Each roll measures 2.4 inches wide by 50 feet long. The 3-pack offers 150 feet total, cuttable to custom sizes based on printer capabilities.
Q: Does the red text fade faster than black?
A: User feedback doesn’t indicate noticeable fading. The dura-coated paper maintains color integrity over months of use.
Q: Are generics worth trying?
A: While cheaper, generics may damage the printer or void warranty coverage. Most professional users opt for genuine rolls to ensure compatibility and longevity.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a high-volume labeler in retail, facilities, or event management needing durable, high-visibility black/red labels with custom length flexibility. Avoid if you require removable adhesive, full-color printing, or work outside supported Brother QL models. Pro tip from community: measure twice before cutting—precise cuts reduce waste and extend roll life.
