Writing at home
Comfort firstIf most of your writing happens at one desk, a semi-portable or desktop machine gives you more freedom to prioritise stability, key feel and long-session comfort.
Typewriter Buying Guide
Choosing a vintage typewriter is easier when you begin with how and where you want to write. Start with size and feel, then narrow the choice by keyboard, typeface and condition.
Start with your routine
How do you want to use your typewriter?
The famous model name can wait. First decide where the machine will live, how often you will move it and whether you want a practical writing tool or something more unusual.
Moving it around
Smaller & easier to carryFor a smaller desk, trips, classes or writing in different places, begin with portable machines and check the exact weight and case shown on each listing.
Character & collecting
Design, history & unusual typeIf visual design, rarity or a distinctive typeface matters as much as daily practicality, browse the unusual machines after you have decided which keyboard and condition you can live with.
The easiest first filter
Choose the right size.
Portable, semi-portable and desktop machines can all be excellent writers. The difference is mainly how much space and mobility you want around your writing routine.
Portable
Travel & smaller desksCompact enough to move more often and often supplied with a carrying case. A natural starting point when space and mobility matter.
Semi-portable
Comfort & flexibilityA middle ground between compact portability and a larger desktop machine. Often a useful choice when the typewriter usually stays at home but does not need a permanent desk.
Desktop
A dedicated writing spaceLarger and heavier machines made to stay in place. Choose one when stability and a substantial desk presence matter more than carrying it around.
What you feel on every page
Keyboard, typeface, touch and sound.
These details affect everyday use more than colour alone. Always check the exact machine rather than assuming every example of the same model is identical.
Keyboard layout
Check the actual keys before you buy: QWERTY, QWERTZ and AZERTY layouts can include different accents, symbols and language-specific characters. For regular writing, a familiar keyboard can be more important than choosing a famous badge.
Typeface
Many typewriters use a standard Pica or Elite typeface â commonly around 10 or 12 characters per inch â while script, italic and other special typefaces are less common. If the look of the page matters, ask for or inspect a type sample.
Browse rare typefacesKey feel
Some machines feel lighter and quicker; others are more deliberate. Model, age, adjustment and servicing all influence the touch, so long-session typists should consider the condition of the exact machine.
Typing sound
Manual typewriters are mechanical and audible. Sound varies with construction, platen condition, desk surface and the individual machine. If a quieter or more rhythmic feel matters to you, tell us before choosing.
Age is only part of the story
Condition matters more than the year on the badge.
Two machines of the same model can offer very different experiences. Look beyond photographs and ask what mechanical work has actually been done.
Serviced or restored
A properly prepared vintage machine is the simpler route if you want to start writing rather than begin with a repair project. Read the exact listing to understand its cosmetic condition, mechanical preparation and what is included.
Read our typewriter warrantyAs-is or project machine
An unrestored machine can be interesting for a collector or someone who enjoys mechanical work, but the lower purchase price may be followed by cleaning, adjustment, parts and labour. Ask what has â and has not â been tested.
See workshop & repair information
Five checks before checkout
A short buying checklist.
These five checks prevent most mismatches. They are more useful than trying to memorise a long list of âbestâ models.
Keyboard
Can you comfortably type the language, accents and symbols you actually use?
Type sample
Do you like the size and character of the letters on the page?
Size & weight
Will it fit your desk, shelf or travel plans? Check the exact dimensions when they matter.
Condition
Know whether you are buying a writing-ready machine, a serviced vintage piece or a project.
After-purchase support
Check warranty, service options, ribbons and the practical support available after the machine arrives.
Ready to browse?
Use our collections to narrow the catalogue by size and character without jumping through endless pages.
Browse all typewriter collections
Buying your first typewriter?
Choose the machine you will actually use.
Your first typewriter does not need to be rare. Prioritise a keyboard you understand, a size that fits your routine and a machine whose exact condition has been clearly described. Design matters â but it should make you want to sit down and type, not make the machine harder to live with.
Still between two or three machines?
Ask the workshop.
Tell us the keyboard or language you need, your budget, where you plan to use the typewriter and what kind of design you like. We can help narrow the choice to machines that suit the way you want to write.
El Granero Typewriter Company · Fuengirola, Målaga · Type What You Love