Ever tried to print a big poster or a cool design, only to find out your printer can’t handle it? It’s frustrating when your ideas are bigger than your printer’s capabilities! That’s where 11×17 printers come in. They’re like super-sized printers that can handle larger paper sizes, letting you bring your biggest projects to life.
But choosing the right 11×17 printer can be tricky. There are so many different brands and features to think about. You might wonder about things like speed, print quality, and if it will fit your budget. It can feel overwhelming to sort through all the choices and figure out which one is best for you.
Don’t worry! This post is here to help. We’ll break down what makes a good 11×17 printer and guide you through the important things to consider. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident about picking a printer that will make your printing projects a breeze. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect large-format printer for your needs!
Our Top 5 11X17 Printers Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 11X17 Printers Detailed Reviews
1. Brother MFC-J5855DW INKvestment Tank Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with up to 1 Year of Ink in-box1 and to 11” x 17” Printing Capabilities
Rating: 8.9/10
The Brother MFC-J5855DW INKvestment Tank Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer is a powerful and versatile machine designed to handle all your printing, copying, scanning, and faxing needs. It’s especially great for tasks that require larger paper sizes, like printing documents up to 11″ x 17″. Plus, it comes with enough ink to last up to a year, so you won’t have to worry about buying more cartridges right away.
What We Like:
- Up to 1 Year of Ink Included: Save money and time with a generous supply of ink right in the box, reducing the need for frequent cartridge replacements.
- Professional Ledger-Size Printing: Easily print important documents up to 11″ x 17″ with excellent color and sharp text, thanks to its large paper capacity and dedicated trays.
- Fast and Durable Inkjet Technology: The Brother MAXIDRIVE engine is built for speed and reliability, handling high-volume printing without compromising quality.
- Flexible Connectivity Options: Connect your printer in many ways, including dual-band wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, or USB. You can also print and scan from your phone using the Brother Mobile Connect App.
- Easy-to-Use Color Touchscreen: The 3.5-inch color touchscreen makes it simple to navigate and control all the printer’s functions.
- Built-in Security and Cost Savings: Protect your important documents and data with triple-layer security. Save ink and paper with Eco and Ink Save Modes, and use the automatic two-sided printing feature.
What Could Be Improved:
- Initial Ink Supply: While a year’s supply is great, the actual yield can vary greatly depending on your printing habits.
- Size and Footprint: For a machine that handles larger paper sizes, it does take up a fair amount of space on a desk or in an office.
This printer offers a fantastic combination of convenience and capability, making it a solid choice for both home and small office users. It’s built to last and designed to make your printing tasks easier and more efficient.
2. HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e Wide Format Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Rating: 9.1/10
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e Wide Format Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer is a powerful tool designed for busy offices. It handles everything from everyday documents to large-format prints like floor plans and spreadsheets with impressive quality. This printer is packed with smart features that make printing easier and more efficient.
What We Like:
- It prints professional-quality color documents, including wide-format sizes.
- HP AI technology perfectly formats web pages and emails, so you don’t waste paper.
- You get vibrant, screen-accurate prints thanks to P3 color, which is better than sRGB.
- It offers fast color printing, copying, and automatic duplex printing (printing on both sides).
- The auto document feeder (ADF) makes scanning and copying multiple pages a breeze.
- Two large 250-sheet input trays mean less refilling.
- Reliable dual-band Wi-Fi automatically fixes connection problems.
- The HP app lets you print, scan, copy, or fax from your phone, PC, or tablet.
- A 3-month Instant Ink trial is included, delivering ink before you run out.
- Built-in HP Wolf Pro Security protects your data from cyber threats.
- It’s made with over 30% recycled plastic, making it a more sustainable choice.
What Could Be Improved:
- The printer only works with HP cartridges, and it will block those with non-HP chips.
- Firmware updates are periodic and will maintain the effectiveness of the cartridge protection measures.
This printer is an excellent choice for offices needing high-quality, wide-format printing with smart, time-saving features. Its focus on security and sustainability makes it a responsible and efficient addition to any workspace.
3. HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Rating: 9.2/10
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer is a powerful tool for any busy office. It handles printing, scanning, and copying with ease. Its wide format capability lets you print bigger documents. Plus, it has automatic document feeding and duplex printing for faster, more efficient work. You even get a 3-month trial of HP’s Instant Ink service, and it has AI features to help it work smarter.
What We Like:
- It prints in color and handles large paper sizes, which is great for big projects.
- The automatic document feeder saves you time when scanning or copying multiple pages.
- Duplex printing means it automatically prints on both sides of the paper, saving you paper and effort.
- Wireless setup is simple, so you can connect it to your network easily.
- The 3-month Instant Ink trial is a nice bonus that can save you money on ink.
- AI-enabled features can help with tasks and improve efficiency.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial cost of the printer might be a bit high for some small businesses.
- While it has AI features, their full capabilities might take some getting used to.
- Ink cartridges can be expensive if you don’t use the Instant Ink program.
This HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e is a solid choice for offices needing a versatile and capable all-in-one printer. It offers great features for handling a variety of tasks efficiently.
4. Brother MFC-J5340DW Professional Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
Rating: 9.0/10
The Brother MFC-J5340DW is a powerful all-in-one printer designed for busy professionals. It handles printing, copying, scanning, and faxing with ease. This printer is great for creating large documents up to 11″ x 17″ ledger size, making your presentations and plans really stand out. It prints quickly, which saves you time. Plus, it has many ways to connect, so you can print from your phone or computer easily.
What We Like:
- It prints super fast, up to 28 pages per minute.
- You can print big documents up to 11″ x 17″ ledger size.
- It has a large 250-sheet paper tray and a 50-page document feeder.
- You can connect it using dual-band wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, or USB.
- It keeps your information safe with triple-layer security.
- You can print from your phone using the Brother Mobile Connect App and even use Alexa.
What Could Be Improved:
- Ink cartridges can be a bit pricey.
- The initial setup can take a little while.
This printer is a smart choice for anyone needing professional-level printing and versatile features. It helps you work smarter and faster.
5. Epson Workforce Pro WF-7820 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Printer
Rating: 9.1/10
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820 is a powerful all-in-one printer that’s ready for any office task. It handles both regular-sized and large prints up to 13 by 19 inches. You can print, copy, scan, and fax with this machine. It uses special technology that makes printing fast and the ink dries quickly to avoid smudges. Plus, it can automatically print and scan on both sides of the paper, saving you time.
What We Like:
- Prints large documents up to 13″ x 19″.
- Fast printing with PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology.
- DURABrite Ultra ink dries fast and prevents smudging.
- Automatic 2-sided printing and scanning saves time.
- Wireless printing from your phone or tablet is easy.
- Works with popular printing services like Apple AirPrint and Mopria.
- Large 250-sheet paper capacity means fewer refills.
- 50-page automatic document feeder (ADF) for scanning and copying multiple pages.
What Could Be Improved:
- The setup process can sometimes be a bit tricky for beginners.
- While it works with Alexa, the voice commands for printing might not be as advanced as some users expect.
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820 is a solid choice for anyone needing a versatile and capable wide-format printer. It offers a great mix of speed, convenience, and quality for your printing needs.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your 11×17 Printer Companion
So, you need to print something bigger than a standard sheet of paper? An 11×17 printer, also known as a tabloid printer, is your go-to solution! These printers are fantastic for creative projects, business presentations, and even printing out large photos. Let’s dive into what makes a good 11×17 printer and how to pick the right one for you.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an 11×17 printer, several features really matter.
- Print Size: Obviously, the main feature is its ability to print up to 11×17 inches. Make sure this is clearly stated.
- Print Quality: Look for high resolution (measured in dots per inch, or DPI). A higher DPI means sharper, more detailed prints. For photos, aim for at least 4800 x 1200 DPI. For documents, 1200 x 1200 DPI is usually great.
- Ink Type: Most 11×17 printers use either pigment-based or dye-based ink. Pigment inks are generally more durable and fade-resistant, making them better for photos and archival prints. Dye inks often produce more vibrant colors. Some printers use both!
- Connectivity: How will you connect your printer? Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. Wi-Fi is super convenient because you can print from almost any device in your home or office without cables.
- Paper Handling: Can the printer handle different types of paper, like cardstock or glossy photo paper? Check its paper tray capacity and whether it has a separate feed for thicker media.
- All-in-One Features: Do you need more than just printing? Many 11×17 printers are also scanners, copiers, and sometimes even fax machines. This can save you space and money if you need these functions.
Important Materials and Their Impact
The materials used in a printer can affect its durability and the quality of your prints.
- Print Heads: These are the parts that spray ink onto the paper. High-quality print heads lead to sharper lines and smoother color transitions.
- Ink Cartridges: The quality of the ink itself is crucial. Reputable brands usually offer better ink that produces truer colors and lasts longer.
- Paper: The paper you use is just as important as the printer! Different paper types (matte, glossy, cardstock) will give you different results. Always use paper that your printer can handle.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make your prints look amazing or disappointing.
- Resolution (DPI): As mentioned before, higher DPI means more detail.
- Ink Quality: Good ink creates vibrant, accurate colors that don’t fade quickly.
- Paper Choice: Using the right paper for the job is essential. A high-quality photo paper will make your photos pop.
- Driver Software: The printer’s software (drivers) helps your computer communicate with the printer. Keeping these updated ensures optimal performance.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning of the print heads prevents streaks and improves ink flow. Don’t let ink dry out in the printer!
- Print Settings: Using the correct settings in your print dialog box (like paper type and quality) makes a big difference.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using an 11×17 printer can be a game-changer for many people.
- For Creatives: Artists can print their larger sketches or digital artwork. Designers can create posters and mock-ups. Photographers can print their work in impressive sizes.
- For Businesses: You can print professional-looking presentations, large charts, marketing flyers, and even blueprints.
- For Home Users: Imagine printing a large family portrait or a cool DIY project template. It opens up a world of possibilities for personalized items.
The user experience usually involves setting up the printer, connecting it to your network, and installing the necessary software. Most modern printers have straightforward setup guides.
10 FAQ About 11×17 Printers
Q: What is the main difference between a standard printer and an 11×17 printer?
A: The main difference is the size of paper they can print on. An 11×17 printer can handle much larger sheets of paper than a standard printer.
Q: Can I print regular-sized documents on an 11×17 printer?
A: Yes, you absolutely can! An 11×17 printer can print all standard paper sizes, like 8.5×11 inches, too.
Q: What does DPI mean?
A: DPI stands for Dots Per Inch. It tells you how many tiny ink dots the printer can place in one inch. A higher DPI means a clearer, more detailed picture.
Q: Is Wi-Fi printing really that useful for an 11×17 printer?
A: Yes, Wi-Fi printing is very useful. It lets you print from your computer, phone, or tablet without needing to connect with cables.
Q: What kind of ink is best for printing photos?
A: Pigment-based ink is generally best for photos because it’s more durable and resists fading better over time.
Q: Do I need special paper for an 11×17 printer?
A: You can use regular paper, but for the best results, especially with photos, it’s good to use photo paper designed for larger prints. Always check what your printer can handle.
Q: What are the benefits of an all-in-one 11×17 printer?
A: An all-in-one printer includes scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing, in addition to printing. This saves space and can be more cost-effective if you need all those functions.
Q: How do I keep my 11×17 printer working well?
A: Keep your printer’s software updated and run the print head cleaning function occasionally. This helps ensure the ink flows correctly.
Q: Are 11×17 printers expensive?
A: Prices can vary a lot. Basic models can be more affordable, while advanced models with many features will cost more. It’s like buying any other appliance; you get what you pay for.
Q: What are some common problems with larger printers?
A: Larger printers can sometimes have issues with ink drying out if not used regularly, or paper jams if the wrong paper is used. Keeping them maintained helps prevent these problems.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gary Flores, the creator of deepskyblue-owl-132507.hostingersite.com.. With a passion for creating cozy, functional, and beautiful spaces, I share my personal experiences and expertise about everything related to home improvement. From practical tips to design inspiration, my goal is to help you make your home the best it can be.