How to Buy Your First Typewriter: A Beginner’s Guide
El Granero Typewriter Company · Beginner Guide
Buying your first typewriter should feel exciting, not confusing. Start with how you want to write, then choose the size, keyboard, typing feel and condition that fit you—not simply the most famous model.
A practical buying guide from our typewriter workshop in Fuengirola, Málaga.
The short answer: for a first typewriter, condition matters more than hype. A well-serviced, correctly adjusted machine with a comfortable keyboard will usually be a better choice than a famous model bought untested or “as is”.
Start with five questions
You do not need to know every brand or model. Answer these first and the field becomes much smaller.
What will you write?
Letters, journaling and occasional poetry need something different from long daily writing sessions, scripts or office-style work.
Will it travel?
If you want cafés, classes or trips, choose a portable. If it will live on a desk, a heavier machine can feel more stable and comfortable.
Which keyboard layout?
English QWERTY, Spanish QWERTY with Ñ, German QWERTZ and French AZERTY are not the same. Choose the layout you will actually enjoy using.
How should the keys feel?
Some machines have a light, quick touch; others feel firm and deliberate. For long sessions, comfort is more important than appearance.
Do you want a tool or a project?
If you want to type immediately, buy serviced or restored. An unserviced machine can be fun, but it may also need cleaning, adjustment and parts.
Choose the right size before choosing the model
Portable
Best for travel, smaller desks and casual writing. Look at families such as Olivetti Lettera 22/32, Olympia Splendid, Hermes Baby and Olympia Traveller.
Semi-portable
A favourite category for writers: more planted on the desk, often more comfortable for longer sessions, yet still movable. Think Olympia SM series, Hermes 3000/Media 3 and Olivetti Studio 44/45.
Desktop
Large standard machines are excellent when portability does not matter. Olympia SG1/SG3, Underwood and Remington standards offer a substantial writing platform.
Browse current portable typewriters → Browse desktop typewriters →
Condition matters more than the badge
Two examples of the same model can type completely differently after 50 or 70 years. Storage, previous repairs, rubber condition, alignment and cleaning all matter.
“People often ask us for the single best beginner model. We prefer to ask how and where they want to type first. The right machine is the one that matches the writer.”
Ania & Jacek · El Granero Typewriter CompanyKeyboard layout: check this before falling in love with the colour
Vintage typewriters were made for many national markets. A Spanish keyboard may include Ñ and different punctuation positions; German machines commonly use QWERTZ; French machines often use AZERTY. For everyday writing, the right layout can matter more than the model.
If you are considering a Spanish-layout machine, read our Spanish QWERTY keyboard guide →.
Pica, Elite and the personality of the print
Most manual typewriters have a fixed typeface. Pica is commonly around 10 characters per inch, while Elite is typically around 12. Some machines have less common typefaces such as cursive, Congress, Cubic or other special designs.
Ask for a fresh typing sample whenever the appearance of the print matters to you. It reveals alignment, ribbon coverage, character shape and the real feel of that individual machine better than a model name alone.
Set a budget—but do not shop by price alone
Vintage typewriter prices move with condition, rarity, keyboard, typeface, cosmetic quality, included case and the amount of professional work already completed. That is why a fixed “beginner price” quickly becomes misleading.
- Prioritise mechanical condition and a clear test over cosmetic perfection.
- Check whether the case, ribbon, manual or accessories are included.
- Ask whether the machine was actually serviced, not only cleaned externally.
- Consider future ribbon availability and whether common parts can still be sourced.
- If buying remotely, factor in professional packing and insured transport.
What should a beginner avoid?
- A machine sold only as “it moves” or “keys work” with no typing sample.
- Severe rust, missing knobs, broken levers or parts that are difficult to replace.
- A rock-hard or badly cracked platen if you expect quiet, clean everyday typing.
- Unknown carriage or escapement problems—they can be more serious than sticky keys.
- A beautiful rare model chosen purely for looks when you actually need a daily writing tool.
- Unprotected shipping. A good typewriter can be damaged quickly by poor packing.
Beginner-friendly models worth looking for
There is no universal winner, but these families are popular starting points when they are in good mechanical condition.
For a model-by-model shortlist, see our updated Best Typewriters for Beginners guide →.
Before you buy, ask the seller for these seven things
- A recent typing sample. Not a generic example from another machine.
- The serial number. It helps identify production period and the exact machine.
- A carriage test. Confirm it travels, returns and advances correctly.
- Information about the platen and rollers. Hard rubber affects noise, paper feed and print quality.
- What service was performed. Cleaning, adjustment, alignment and lubrication are different levels of work.
- The warranty or return terms. Read the terms for that particular machine, especially rare or antique models.
- How it will be packed. Carriage, body and case need protection for transport.
Your first 10 minutes after delivery
- Keep the box and packing until you have fully tested the machine.
- Inspect the typewriter for transport damage before forcing any controls.
- Check whether the carriage lock is engaged and release it correctly.
- Insert paper carefully; two sheets can make the typing feel softer on an older platen.
- Set the margins and confirm the carriage moves freely.
- Type a full line using every key, shift, space bar, backspace and carriage return.
Then bookmark our Full Typewriter Maintenance & Care Guide → for cleaning, storage and long-term use.
First typewriter FAQ
What is the easiest typewriter for a beginner?
A well-serviced Olivetti Lettera 32, Olympia SM-series machine, Olympia Splendid or similar post-war portable is often easier to live with than a fragile rare antique. The individual machine’s condition still matters most.
Should my first typewriter be portable?
Only if you plan to move it. A semi-portable or desktop machine can be more stable and comfortable if it will stay on one desk.
Do manual typewriters need electricity?
No. A manual typewriter is entirely mechanical. Electric and electronic typewriters are different categories.
Can I still buy ribbons?
Yes. Many manual machines use widely available 13 mm ribbon, although spool style and installation can vary by brand and model. Always check compatibility before ordering.
Is an antique typewriter a good first machine?
It can be, but a 1920s or 1930s machine may require more careful handling and may have less readily available parts. For regular writing, many beginners are happier with a robust post-war model.
What matters more: the brand or the restoration?
For everyday use, the quality of the individual machine and the work performed on it usually matters more than the logo on the front.
Still not sure which machine fits you?
Use our guided finder, browse current portable stock, or compare our current beginner favourites. If you need help, tell us how you want to use the typewriter and we can narrow the choice.
From our workshop in Fuengirola, Málaga — Ania & Jacek · El Granero Typewriter Company
