Buying the First Typewriter!

Choosing Your First Typewriter

Buying Your First Typewriter: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit



The Purpose
We understand how overwhelming it can be to choose your first typewriter—there are so many models, and it’s tough to know where to start! Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the right one:

  1. For Creative Writing
    If you're looking to write poems, stories, or journal entries, choose a typewriter that feels like an extension of your hands. Look for models with smooth, responsive keys that enhance your writing experience. Classics like the Olympia SM3, Hermes 3000, or Media 3 are perfect for this. Portability is key too—imagine typing in a café with a compact typewriter like the Olympia Splendid or the Olivetti Lettera 22.





  1. For Practical Use
    If you need a typewriter for daily tasks like writing letters or making to-do lists, durability is your top priority. Vintage workhorses like the Olivetti Studio 44 or Olympia SG3 are built to last, with mechanics that are forgiving and ribbons that are easy to find.


Pristine Olivetti Studio 44 Original Teal Vintage Typewriter, Refurbished - ElGranero Typewriter.Company


Olympia SG 3 Typewriter, carriage A3, manual BRAND NEW - ElGranero Typewriter.Company


  1. For a Balanced Experience
    If you want a combination of creativity and practicality, consider a midweight option like the Olivetti Studio 45 or compact, reliable models like the Hermes Baby or Olympia Traveller De Luxe. These typewriters offer the perfect balance of ease of use, durability, and fun.


Olivetti Studio 45 Turquoise Vintage Manual Typewriter, Serviced - ElGranero Typewriter.Company



Hermes Baby, Mint Green Manual Vintage Typewriter, Refurbished  ElGranero Typewriter.Company

Olympia Traveller De Luxe Manual Vintage Typewriter, Portable, Serviced - ElGranero Typewriter.Company


Ease of Use
Small details can make a big difference, especially if you’re new to typewriters. Here’s what to consider:

  1. Portability
    Do you plan on taking your typewriter with you? A lightweight, portable model is ideal if you plan to write on the go. Some even come with carrying cases, so you can just grab your typewriter and head out.

  2. Maintenance
    Some typewriters are simpler to maintain than others. Consider how easy it is to change ribbons, clean, and care for the machine. If you need advice on maintenance or specific models, don’t hesitate to ask us!

  3. Paper Size
    While most typewriters are designed for standard A4 paper, some can handle larger sheets (A3) or even index cards. If this is important to you, check the model’s paper size before making a decision.

Budget & Typeface
Choosing a typewriter that fits your budget and typeface preference is crucial.

  1. Budget
    Prices can vary greatly depending on the model, condition, and rarity of the typewriter. If you're on a budget, there are many affordable options, but keep in mind that rare or high-end models will generally be more expensive.

  2. Font Style
    Typewriters come with fixed fonts like Pica (10 characters per inch) or Elite (12 characters per inch). Some models feature unique fonts like cursive, which can be charming but tend to be more expensive due to their rarity and craftsmanship.

  3. Typeface Clarity
    The clarity of the typeface matters depending on the style you’re going for. Some typewriters produce sharp, clean letters, while others deliver a more vintage, imperfect look. Consider what suits your creative vision!

Choosing your first typewriter is a personal journey, and with a bit of research, you’ll find the perfect match. Enjoy the process!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What typewriter should I buy for creative writing?
If you're looking to create poems, stories, or journal entries, choose a typewriter with smooth, responsive keys. Popular choices for writers include the Olympia SM3, Hermes 3000, and Media 3. These models are easy to use and offer a comfortable writing experience. If portability is important, the Olympia Splendid or Olivetti Lettera 22 are also excellent options for writing in different locations.

2. Which typewriter is best for daily tasks like letters or to-do lists?
For daily use, focus on durability. The Olivetti Studio 44 and Olympia SG3 are reliable vintage workhorses, known for their sturdy build and long-lasting mechanics. These models are great for regular use and easy to maintain.

3. What if I want a typewriter that’s good for both creativity and practicality?
A midweight typewriter like the Olivetti Studio 45, Hermes Baby, or Olympia Traveller De Luxe strikes the perfect balance. These machines are easy to use, durable enough for everyday writing, and responsive for creative tasks.

4. How portable should my typewriter be?
If you plan to take your typewriter on the go—like writing in a café—opt for a lightweight, portable model. Many typewriters come with carrying cases, so you can easily grab and go. Models like the Olympia Splendid and Olivetti Lettera 22 are perfect for portability.

5. How easy is it to maintain a typewriter?
Some typewriters are easier to maintain than others. Consider the type of ribbons they require, how simple it is to clean, and the overall ease of upkeep. Vintage typewriters may require more attention, but they are often very durable with proper care. Ask us for advice on maintaining specific models.

6. What paper size do typewriters support?
Most typewriters handle standard A4 paper, but some models can handle larger paper sizes (A3) or even index cards. If flexibility with paper size is important, be sure to check the model specifications before purchasing.

7. How much do typewriters cost?
Typewriter prices vary widely depending on the model, condition, and rarity. There are plenty of affordable options available, but rare or high-end models can come at a premium. If you're on a budget, we can guide you toward the best options for your price range.

8. Can I choose a different typeface for my typewriter?
Yes! Most typewriters come with standard typefaces like Pica (10 characters per inch) or Elite (12 characters per inch), but some models offer unique fonts like cursive. Special fonts tend to be more expensive due to their rarity and craftsmanship.

9. What type of text will I get from a typewriter?
Typewriters produce different types of text based on their condition and typeface. Some create sharp, clear letters, while others give a more vintage, imperfect look. If you want a clean, precise typeface, ensure the typewriter is in good condition.

The El Granero cover for my typewriter really met all expectations regarding durability and dust. Excellent product

Very smooth shopping experience. Arrived with no problems. I can type away now!

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ElGranero Typewriter.Company
Pablo Barceló Moreno

Hace poco conocí a Jacek y Ania para que me ayudaran a poner a punto mi máquina de escribir Olivetti Studio46. Me recibieron en su oficina-taller con mucho naturalidad y sobre todo compartiendo conmigo su simpatía, amabilidad, pasión y amor por su oficio. Y por supuesto consigueron un resultado espectacular con mi máquina, la cual cuidaré y utilizaré con mucha ilusión cada vez que escriba. Además, pronto empezarán con un curso de mecanografía, a cual, si mi trabajo me lo Permite, asistiré para sacarle e
Mayor rendimiento a mi “Oli” Mil gracias de nuevo, y a todos aquellos que tengáis una máquina de escribir que necesite de mantenimiento o reparación, no dudéis en contactar con ellos! Un abrazo fuerte!

This company is absolutely fantastic the work is very professional polished can't ask for better service love this company

C
ElGranero Typewriter.Company
Cristina Guimarães

Comunicação ótima com a equipa da El Granero, quer na escolha da máquina quer no seu envio. Tive um atraso na sua entrega dado que queria a minha máquina para escrever os votos de casamento. Felizmente, ainda chegou a tempo. Estou deliciada. Muito bem acondicionada.

Order lost in shipping between Spanish shipper and USPS in states.
El Granero is staying in contact and working diligently on their end to try to locate the package and resolve the matter.
The extra effort they are expending to ensure this relatively small purchase gets found and delivered is greatly appreciated and speaks volumes about the integrity of this small, family owned business.

Excellent service. I ordered typewriter ribbons for my Hermes Baby and they arrived in the mail within days.

He tenido problemas con mi máquina Olivetti Collegue y, la verdad, que encontrar a esta gente ha sido toda una suerte. Muy formales en cuanto a los tiempos de recogida y entrega, muy atentos en el trato y muy cuidadosos en el embalaje. La máquina ha regresado nueva, y además me han hecho algún obsequio! Muchas gracias por todo.

El Granero provided me with an exceptional level of service, attention to detail, and authentic communication. I purchased the Olympia typewriter from a friend and noticed the "a" key was not working properly. When I attempted to make the adjustment myself, the arm broke off, which began my journey of research to find a professional restoration service. Coming across El Granero, I noticed they had a 50 euro option to repair the typewriter (with shipment to-and-from their location in Spain). The process was not as difficult as I had anticipated, and the owners provided updates, videos, and demos of the fixes they made to my typewriter. I am truly grateful that they were able to not only fix the "a" key, but fully tune and restore my typewriter to its former glory. Thank you, thank you, thank you, I am now creating performance pieces with confidence, and writing with great pleasure.

J
ElGranero Typewriter.Company
Jose Antonio Ramos

Son encantadores, unos profesionales como la copa de un pino. Trabajo rápido e impecable. Repetiré sin dudarlo.
Tuvimos la gran suerte de conocerlos en persona, a ellos y a sus mascotas.
Experiencia de 10.
Maquina repasada, limpia, engrasada y en perfecto estado.
La maquina tiene mucho valor sentimental, por eso ocupa el mejor sitio de casa.

Total confianza, muy profesionales y amables, tienen unas piezas muy exclusivas y cuidadas. Totalmente recomendables!

Excelente en todos los sentidos. Amabilidad y compromiso. Muchas gracias por todo.

Ania and Jacek were so helpful and made this purchase as easy as can be. My typewriter was packed incredibly well and arrived safely and is a real beauty. I'm thankful I don't live near their shop, otherwise I'd probably be buying more of their beautifully restored machines. :-)

A beautiful accessory for your typewriter. Quality craftsmanship that perfectly matches the spirit of a 'vintage' object. Highly recommended!

Absolutely beautiful Typewiter, restored to perfection, all wrapped with great love and care. It was a present for my husband’s 50th birthday and it couldn’t have been any more perfect. Thank you Ania and Jacek!

M
ElGranero Typewriter.Company
Margarida Pinto (Portugal)
Absolutely perfect!

Absolutely beautiful Typewiter, restored to perfection, all wrapped with great love and care. It was a present for my husband’s 50th birthday and it couldn’t have been any more perfect. Thank you Ania and Jacek!

We are thrilled to hear that your husband's 50th birthday gift was a success! A typewriter as a gift is such a unique and meaningful idea. bery special. We can only imagine the joy it brought to your husband on his special day. Thank you for sharing your experience, and I'm sure this positive review will encourage others to consider similar gifts for their loved ones!

These guys are very knowledgeable and super helpful! They answered my queries with patience and shipped my order securely. I will be buying more typewriters from them in the near future!

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ElGranero Typewriter.Company
Sarah Cabrera (United States)
2021 and happy

In 2021 I had bought a beautiful Olympia Traveler de Luxe...it looked like new. Between moving from one country to another and place to place I was finally able to bring it with me. I lost the manual and was stuck. I was scared so I contacted them quickly via Instagram. Not even 2 minutes passed and I was resolving the mess I had. They sent me the manual and wow it was working again. They even sent me photos with drawings so I could understand since I am new to this world of clippers. Super happy, and now let's write!

Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that your Olympia Traveler de Luxe made the journey with you and is back to working like new. It was our pleasure to assist you quickly and provide the manual and helpful drawings. We're glad to have made the process easier for you as you dive into the world of typewriters. Happy writing!

El Granero does a fine job. I once had two rare typewriters of the same make and model. Both had problems. However, they were able to fashion one working and complete Groma Kolibri typewriter to me. I was on holiday in southern Spain shortly after the work was complete. he went out of his way to deliver the machine to our hotel. superb service everytime I have worked with El Granero typewriter.company.

I am very pleased with the typewriter I ordered. The restoration is great and I’m very much looking forward to writing with it.

F
ElGranero Typewriter.Company
Francisco Martinez ramos

Ha sido fantástico: me dejaron en un estado fenomenal una máquina antigua que no había quien diese algo por ella. 100 por 100 recomendables

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ElGranero Typewriter.Company
Cristina Di Sandro
Articolo non funzionante troppo caro

Articolo non funzionante troppo caro

It's gorgeous and perfectly restored!

It's gorgeous and perfectly restored!

L
ElGranero Typewriter.Company
Lamprini Koleidou

I'm so happy with the service experience provided by Ania and Jacek. I am also thrilled with my typewriter, which arrived in perfect condition. Despite placing my order on New Year’s Eve, they were open and promptly responded to my emails, offering suggestions and helping me find what was best for me. I was looking for a typewriter with a Danish keyboard and they were the only ones I found in Europe that could accommodate my needs. I was amazed by their effort to accommodate my needs. It was a perfect service experience. I will definitely recommend them to anyone looking to buy a typewriter. They are true professionals.

No tengo palabras para describir lo que sentí al recibir la máquina de escribir. Fue indescriptible. Está super bien restaurada y funciona a la perfección. Es una de esas cosas que no pasan desapercibidas por la vida de uno y que tienen un valor que va más allá del material. Gracias por hacerlo posible.

This is my first Hermes Baby, It is in good condition it is clean and pretty ! really an ultraportable one ,ready to use .Thanks to Ania of El Granero for keeping track of the shipment ,for packing it securely and giving an additonal extra touch of wrapping in time for Christmas .I really appreciate it .Of course for the wonderful cute typweriter Pin and dust cover freebies ! 😍

I couldn’t be happier with my shopping experience with El Granero! To no fault of their own, the first typewriter I purchased was lost in the mail, but El Granero was quick to help me out. They found a replacement that fit all of my needs and were able to refurbish it and send it to me before a deadline that I had.

During every step of the process they were there to answer my questions and to make sure I felt great about my purchase. I definitely felt supported by them.

I’ve already begun using the typewriter I purchased to write personal letters to friends and family and it couldn’t be more perfect. It’s been professionally serviced and works flawlessly! Thank you for the great typewriter; it’s already one of my favorite things I own.

Beautiful little black Olympia typewriter. Eager to start using it. Thanks for the excellent service. A big thank you to the team for providing such outstanding El Granero service. Your efforts haven't gone unnoticed. Best!
ANDRÉS