What are the features that make the best 11×17 printers? It starts with a perfect balance of print speed and connectivity. So you will want an 11×17 advanced printer with various connectivity options such as Ethernet, Wireless direct printing, Apple Air Print, Google Cloud Print, and Wi-Fi certified. The best 11×17 printer should be fast, with color print speeds of up to 40 pages per minute as the average but look for one with a faster printing speed if you need it. Although some come at an affordable price, don’t scrimp on quality. Look for an all-in-one printer with an excellent build, compact design, and outstanding production-level performance.
A close second is printer versatility. Essentially, not all printing happens on paper, so you want an 11×17 printer capable of superior print quality on regular plain paper and specialized media, such as cardstock, DVDs, envelopes, or crisp images on photo paper. Also, the 11×17 tabloid printers should provide ease of control in print settings. It should come in a user-friendly design with management features, such as a touchscreen interface and Wi-Fi direct capability through the printer software. Keep reading our 11×17 printer buying guide to learn more.
Top 11×17 Printers
#1 Brother MFC-J4535DW INKVestmentTank Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: It can store up to 12 months’ worth of ink as long as users stick to making about 300 prints per month. Its print speed is also quite good and supports many connectivity options.
- Very large ink storage capacity
- Great connectivity options
- Impressive paper handling
- Users will have to turn over the documents for double-sided copying/scanning.
The Brother MFC-J4535DW printer is an all-in-one printer that can print in wide format. The printer is ideal for users who want to do printing in a small office setup, and besides printing, it can also be used for scanning, copying, and faxing. Its paper handling is also pretty good since it comes with two paper trays with a combined capacity of 400 sheets. It can also be connected to a network wirelessly, through an Ethernet connection, or to a PC through a USB port. The printer features a 50-sheet automatic document feeder, but unfortunately, users will have to manually turn over two-page documents for double-sided scanning or copying.
Navigating through its different functions is relatively easy through its 3.7-inch color touchscreen or its embedded web server. Since the user interface is user-friendly, getting the printer to execute any required functions shouldn’t be difficult. Its printing speed is about 20ppm for monochrome and 19ppm for color prints. Also, its ink tank is large enough to handle a year’s worth of printing, provided users average about 300 prints per month.
#2 HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Wide Format All-in-One Printer
Award: BEST FOR SCANNING
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has features that favor users who tend to do a lot of scanning. It also has excellent connectivity features and supports duplex printing.
- Many different scanning features
- All-in-one functionality (Print, scan, copy, fax)
- Wide range of connectivity options
- Small 2.6-inch touchscreen
The HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 is a reliable all-in-one printer that can be used for both printing and scanning. It has an 11 by 17’’ tabloid-size flatbed scanner for convenience and a sheetfed scanner for standard office-related scanning. It also has an automatic document feeder that scans and feeds in several documents at a time and has the ability to scan double-sided pages. Its build quality is excellent, and with a printing speed of 15 pages per minute for black documents and 13 ppm for color prints, it is pretty standard. Still, some might not appreciate its small 2.6-inch screen size.
This printer also has fax and copy functionality and is pretty good at printing photos, and its images look detailed and rich in color. It also has impressive connectivity features since, aside from Ethernet and USB connectivity, users can easily print from a smartphone or tablet through the HP Smart app.
#3 HP Laserjet CP5525DN Color Laser Printer
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Its maximum monthly printing capacity of up to 120,000 pages makes it ideal for heavy-duty printing, and since it is also capable of automated duplex printing, it can make better use of paper.
- Large paper handling capacity
- Capable of automatic duplex printing
- Exceptional monthly duty printing cycle of up to 120,000
- No wireless capabilities
The HP CP5525DN is a wide-format color printer that prints at a rate of 30 pages per minute. It features a 2-inch LCD display that allows for quick and easy menu navigation and has a total of three input trays. The first can hold 100 sheets, the second one about 250, and the third averages 500 sheets. It can also work with different types of paper and supports USB and Ethernet connectivity. Unfortunately, it has no wireless capabilities.
The printer is capable of duplex printing, and with a noise output of about 49 decibels, it does not get loud enough to cause any disruption. It does have an Energy Star rating for its conservative use of power, and with a monthly duty cycle of up to 120000 pages, it is a very well fit for heavy-duty printing.
#4 Epson Workforce Pro WF-4830 Wireless Wide-Format Printer
Award: BEST FOR HIGH VOLUME JOBS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Its photo prints are rich in color, and with a wide variety of connectivity options, users will be able to connect to it in various ways. It is also capable of duplex printing and can handle heavy-duty work.
- Great for high-volume jobs
- Great connectivity options
- Capable of duplex printing
- Cannot print directly from a media card or USB drive
The Epson Workforce Pro WF-4830 is a heavy-duty printer designed for use either at home or in a small office. The printer is of good build quality, and its two trays allow for up to 500 wide-format 11″ x 17’’ sheets. It prints out high-quality photos with rich colors and has a maximum monthly duty cycle of up to 50,000 pages per month. Its printing speed is also pretty decent, averaging 12 pages per minute for color prints and 25 pages per minute for monochrome prints. Unfortunately, it cannot print directly from a media card or USB drive.
Nonetheless, the WF-4830 offers excellent connectivity options. It can be connected to an existing network through its Ethernet port or WiFi connectivity or connected to a PC through its USB port. It is also capable of duplex printing and is ideal for users who want to print tabloid-size pages of 11×17 inches.
#5 Xerox C310/DNI Wireless Color Laser Printer
Award: BEST FOR SPEED
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has a high printing speed for both colored and black and white prints. It also has great connectivity options.
- Fast printing speed
- Expansive connectivity options
- Low paper tray capacity
- Small screen and dated keypad
The Xerox C310/DNI is an easy-to-install color laser printer that is aimed at small business owners. It can hold 250 sheets in the main paper tray. Unfortunately, some might not appreciate its big size and bulkiness.
This printer has a relatively fast printing speed, averaging about 35 pages per minute for both color and black-and-white prints. This makes it an ideal pick for owners who want to finish their printing work as quickly as possible. It also offers comprehensive connectivity options, as it can be connected to a network through either wireless, Ethernet, NFC, or USB. It also has an automatic duplex setting for printing on both sides of the paper.
#6 Canon ImagePROGRAF Pro-300 Wireless Color Wide-Format Printer
Award: BEST FOR PROFESSIONAL PHOTO PRINTING
WHY WE LIKE IT: It delivers super-accurate photo quality and is pretty easy to use. The colors are rich and diverse, and it has built-in maintenance features to keep it in good condition.
- Very good photo quality
- Impressive build quality
- Wide connectivity options
- Super low print speed of 1 page per minute
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is a wireless color wide-format printer that is compact and designed for professional photo printing. It uses inkjet printing technology to deliver photos that are well-saturated with accurate color, and thanks to its impressive build quality, it feels pretty sturdy. The printer also comes with some maintenance features to keep it working well over long-term use. These include its Nozzle Recovery System, which will continue to print even if a clog is detected in one of its nozzles. However, its low print speed of about 1 page per minute might not sit well with some users.
The printer has an input tray capacity of 100 pages and is controlled through a 2.9-inch colored screen that has a set of multi-directional buttons on its side. Thanks to supporting Ethernet, USB, and WiFi, it’s got decent connectivity. Users can also opt to download the Canon Print app for remote management, and since the printer is compatible with all operating systems, there shouldn’t be any installation issues.
Beginners Guide to the Best 11×17 Printers
What are 11×17 Printers?
Otherwise known as tabloid printers, 11×17 printers are specially designed printers that allow printing on 11×17-inch pages. Printers that print 11×17 are designated for use in the workplace, primarily for printing documents such as maps and blueprints for architects. That said, the best 11 x 17 printers can be used at home, since they’re capable of handling all kinds of print tasks, including invitations and banners. If you’re looking to do high-volume, high-quantity printing at home, you’ll want to get the best 11×17 laser printer.
Compatible devices with these printers include computers, laptops, and mobile devices. The 11×17 printer is also superb for shared mid-size workgroups or multifunctional environments, as its media options can support wired and wireless printing solutions. In addition, printers that print 11×17 can produce high-quality prints with resolutions up to 2400 x 1200 dpi.
But, just like any other printer, it can get jammed with paper, which is why you should learn basic printer maintenance, such as fixing a jammed printer.
On the other hand, these printers can also print on various media such as plain paper sheets, cardstock, and even DVDs. Different types of media are favored for different print jobs as some optimize the design of a graphic or map while others give a creative edge to photos. For top results, it is a good idea to look at the best 11 x 17 printer that is equipped with all the right features and can handle a variety of media.
As with many of the best printers for 11×17, they produce professional-quality prints ideal for presentations, reports, and publications. They also eliminate the need for large-format plotters or workgroup servers by providing a faster alternative to outputting large graphics on an 11×17-inch page.
With its high print quality and quick turnaround time, this 11×17 tabloid-sized paper printer is ideal for both personal and business applications, such as maps and blueprints for architects and marketing materials for advertising agencies.
Speaking of architecture, having the best 11×17 printer for architects is essential. Even if you’re working out of your home, you’ll need the best tabloid printer to print out your blueprint drawings and other documents in the highest quality. With so many different best 11×17 laser printers for architects available on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.
You have the option to choose an all-in-one color inkjet printer or a powerful multifunction tabloid laser printer. Inkjets are known for their affordability, printing speed, and efficient use of ink, while laser printers offer superior print quality. For those who are looking for the best 11×17 color printer in terms of quality, a laser model would be best. Laser printers are also faster than inkjet printers, but they usually come with a higher price tag and consume more power. However, you can compare laser printers to monochrome if you’re unsure which one you need.
11×17 Printers Vs. Standard Printers
The 11×17 printers offer some diverse distinctions from standard printers that make them more advanced and helpful.
For instance, one major highlight of these printers is their size. These printers have a bigger print width, making it easier to print borderless full-bleed prints without trimming and taping. Furthermore, they use large-sized media such as cardstock and envelopes, which allows print jobs to be turned out in professional color and manner, giving your projects an edge that standard printers cannot.
Additionally, these best 11×17 laser printers for architects are more efficient and cost-effective for high-volume printing needs. With their higher duty cycle, you can print brochures, architectural blueprints, and banners quickly without worrying about running out of ink or toner.
Another advantage of using 11×17 printers is their versatility compared to standard printers. In addition to printing on paper, these printers can also print directly on CDs and DVDs. Tabloid inkjet printers use different kinds of ink, such as glossy or matte, depending on whether you want a photo finish or just standard plain paper quality for your prints. On the flip side, some traditional printers only allow printing in black and white.
Let’s talk of speeds for a moment. The 11×17 printers are suitable for both color and black-and-white printing. They have color copy speeds of up to 50 pages per minute and up to 55 pages per minute in black and white, which is way faster than most standard printers’ standard 45 pages per minute. So, this printer is a good choice if you have any heavy printing tasks.
Moreover, these printers support several print and copy modes to suit various needs. For instance, if you want just to print out a document, you can set the printer for one-sided normal mode printing. Two-sided auto-mode printing will come in handy if you are mailing documents or giving them to clients.
In sum, the best 11×17 printer will help solve your printing problems with its versatility, mobile print speed, accuracy, and efficiency. The large paper tray can accommodate large-sized media and documents to meet your business needs. These printers offer several advantages over standard printers, such as bigger print widths that allow for borderless full-bleed prints without trimming or taping. In fact, with one of these best 11×17 color laser printer all-in-one devices in your office, you can quickly and efficiently take care of multiple tasks and have the best printing experience.
How 11×17 Printers Work
This kind of printer is a good choice for offices where efficiency and speed in document printing matter most. This device offers print speeds faster than the standard printers, with color copy speeds of up to 50 pages per minute. They are designed with all-in-one technology that simultaneously allows printing, copying, and scanning functions.
Since we have tabloid inkjet printers and tabloid laser printers, their functionality differs due to the technology used in each type. While laser printers often have a higher initial price, they deliver fast, accurate prints ideal for productivity. The laser technology allows for precise color reproduction on 11×17″ tabloid paper. This makes laser printers well-suited for printing charts, spreadsheets, and graphics accurately and efficiently.
Though more affordable, inkjet printers may not always produce the crisp, accurate color needed for business use. However, modern printers continue to improve color accuracy and printing speeds. For general use with some photos or charts, a tabloid inkjet delivers reliable performance. However, businesses that regularly print large, high-quality documents will benefit from the speed and accuracy of a tabloid laser printer. Despite the initial investment, laser printers produce professional, vivid prints on large-format paper.
Inkjet printers work by using ink cartridges. The ink is used in the print head, and each drop of the liquid gets placed on the paper to create an image. Ideally, the printer will have a reservoir to store and supply ink to the print head. Alternatively, you could use a large ink tank. This means you print for long periods than a regular printer before having to refill the ink levels in your supertank printer. On average, it will print up to 6,000 sheets of papers without needing a refill!
Laser printers, on the other hand, use toner. It is an electrophotographic method of printing that uses heat to fuse the toner onto the paper, thus creating an image.
All in all, these printers are designed to work with different kinds of media. Wide-format media come in different sizes and widths, including the 11×17 paper size. The 11×17 paper size is quite large, so you can fit many text or images on the page without sacrificing legibility.
What makes them stand out is the resolution they offer. Most standard printers only support 1200 dpi resolution, but tabloid printers come in higher resolutions, such as 1440 x 720 dpi, translating to finer details in images and text. This makes them a perfect choice for photographers and other creative professionals who need to print their work with the best results for any creative project.
This also means that the images and text will look more detailed than those from a standard printer. With these tabloid printers, you can always create high-resolution picture output and professional-looking documents. Whether you’re an artist, a student, or a professional in need of high-quality printing for presentations, newsletters, and other materials that require large-format printing, here are some of the best 11×17 printers available on the market today.
Moreover, you may find that most tabloid printers have automated interfaces that allow them to connect seamlessly with your computer or laptop. This means putting the paper in the tray is all you need to do before you can start printing.
Why Should You Buy a New 11×17 Printer?
Do you need a new 11×17 printer? If you are opening a new office or looking to improve the printing efficiency of your existing one, then a new 11×17 printer is an ideal solution. The automatic document feeder allows you to print, copy, and scan documents quickly and efficiently. The internet connection feature will enable you to print from your desktop or laptop, anywhere. You need this printer if you want your business to grow since it will help you save money, time, and effort.
In addition, you’ll also want to regularly perform maintenance for a printer, especially if you’re asking yourself how long should printers last.
Most importantly, though, is the improved fuel efficiency. A new 11×17 printer usually comes with advanced technology that helps maximize power usage, thus reducing printing costs. This is especially true of a best 11 x 17 printer, which has highly sophisticated features that help users save money on printing costs.
Is an 11×17 Printer Worth Buying?
- Guarantees fast and efficient printing: This printer is ideal for fast and efficient printing, whether sending documents to the print shop or printing many papers. Since it comes with an automatic document feeder, all you need to do before printing is put it in your media. The ADF will take care of feeding your 11×17 paper into the machine.
- Advanced Internet Connectivity: This printer also comes with an internet connection feature, allowing it to connect seamlessly to your office or home computers. You can print from any location as long as you have access to a Wi-Fi network. This is useful for businesses that need fast and efficient printing of multiple documents at once.
- High-quality printing: The ink used in this printer is fade-resistant. High-quality 11×17 prints will last longer than those produced by standard office printers or other models that use low-resolution printing technology. Although you must factor in printer price and printer colors to get the most out of your investment. But, you can create a wide array of documents with this high-quality 11×17 printer. The speed of this printer is also fast for a tabloid printing device.
- High-definition resolution: This device has a high resolution, making your images and texts look sharper than those from standard printers. The quality of the text printed on 11×17 paper is much better than that from a standard printer. It comes with a six-color printing capability, and the color quality is excellent.
- Portable and compact: You can quickly move this 11×17 printer from one location to another without problems since it is lightweight. This makes it ideal for businesses that need to transport their printing devices from place to place. It also offers value for money because of its compact size, which means you can save space in your office and reduce transportation expenses for fuel and maintenance.
- Abides by Safety standards UL60950: The best 11×17 printer is certified to be compliant with safety standards UL60950 and TUV GS. This means it passes all regulatory tests and requirements for safety and emissions while producing high-quality 11×17 printing results. The safety standards it abides by are some of the highest in the world.
- Ideal for workgroups: This is an ideal printer for workgroups because it lets everyone access the printing device. Employees can print from their laptops or desktop computers and don’t need to wait in line to send their documents to the machine. This product also offers more privacy since documents won’t be left out in the open after printing, which is ideal for businesses that need to protect their information from hackers or competitors.
Why 11×17 Printers May Not Be For You
- It is slightly more expensive: Compared to other models, the best 11×17 all-in-one printer is more costly. However, it offers better-quality printing, and it comes with advanced features. You can increase the value of your business documents with high-quality printing from this machine, especially if you pair it with the best paper for a laser printer.
- It is one of the big ones: Although it is compact and portable, it may be too big for businesses with limited space. Be sure to check the dimensions of this device before investing in one.
- Toner cartridges for laser printers may be harder to find: If you are using the best 11×17 color laser printer, you may find that the toner cartridges are harder to find. This means it may be more expensive to replace them.
- It is noisy: Some people may find this printer noisy. It produces a high-pitched sound, but most users don’t mind since it can produce high-quality 11×17 printing results. This is especially true for the best printer for architects. It produces vibrant colors and sharp images that most users appreciate.
How Long Will an 11×17 Printer Last?
According to the latest data from Statista, the average lifespan of a printer is about 4.2 years. However, this metric is dependent on many factors. For instance, the type of printer you choose will determine how long it lasts.
The more you use your printer, the shorter it will last. For example, an all-in-one laser color 11×17 printer would most likely not last as long as a simple monochromatic inkjet model that is only used occasionally.
The manufacturer of your printer will also have an impact on its lifespan. If you decide to purchase a Canon 11×17 printer, it will likely do well over 4.2 years. However, if you buy a terrible printer from an unknown manufacturer, you will most likely not see the same results.
That said, the part that is most susceptible to damage is the drum unit. But the good thing about this component is that you can replace it. You can also change the cartridge in most laser printers, which means you can go for a cheap one when it runs out. Therefore it is necessary to ensure that your manufacturer provides you with an implied warranty on specific components.
Printer maintenance is essential. All you need to do is perform regular maintenance on your machine. Clean the resin from the laser regularly, and replace parts that wear out over time. For example, you may want to change the toner cartridge in a printer after printing more than 4000 pages.
How to Choose the Best 11×17 Printer
When choosing the best 11×17 printer amongst the list above, there are some essential factors to consider. For example, you may want to buy a fast, versatile printer that produces high print quality. It is also crucial to think about your printing needs. Some printers can fit into any budget, but you want to invest in one worth the money. Keep reading to learn more about these and how to decide on your next 11×17 printer.
1. What are My Printing Needs?
The first thing you need to do is determine your printing needs. It is essential to do this before you invest in a printer. If you are just looking for a simple printer that will make black and white copies, then almost any printer will do the trick.
But if your business needs more advanced features like printing in color, using multiple paper types, performing automatic two-sided printing, or handling heavy-duty projects, then you need a laser color 11×17 printer. If you need to print a variety of paper sizes, you’ll need a printer that can handle those. Though an all-in-one model (whether it be an all-in-one laser or all-in-one inkjet printer) tends to be more expensive, you’ll be more efficient in printing thanks to the additional features. If the multi-purpose printer also has a fast printing speed, you can get through heavy workloads faster. If you don’t want to keep loading in paper, check the sheet capacity on a printer you’re considering. A printer that can hold large loads of paper like a 500-sheet paper capacity and can handle high-speed prints will make your printing tasks much more efficient.
2. What is My Budget?
The general rule of thumb with printers is that you get what you pay for. For example, a cheap inkjet printer will not last as long as one from a reputable manufacturer, and the quality may not be up to par. However, this isn’t always true with laser printers. For example, you can find low- and high-end laser printers from different manufacturers on the internet. It ultimately depends on your budget and needs, for some users might be fine with cheaper printers for occasional printing. Businesses might need to consider more efficient printers with a higher bulk printing capacity and quick printing capabilities, since a budget model might not be able to get the job done adequately and efficiently.
Alongside the initial cost of pricey or and cheap printer models, consider the printing process and cost of printing on these larger documents. What is a reasonable ink cost for you where you’re not breaking the bank but you’re still getting the high-quality prints you need on these larger projects? This can be an important choice for businesses to make if you’ll be printing large quantities. Or do you not necessarily need excellent print quality? As for the types of printers, keep in mind that inkjet technology is cheaper upfront compared to laser printers, but the cost of printing on an inkjet printer adds up overtime versus a laser printer.
3. What Features Should I Look For?
When choosing the best 11×17 printer, you first need to decide what features are important to you. For example, if you print in color, it would be wise to invest in a laser color printer since they tend to produce better images than inkjet printers. Laser printers have toner cartridges that contain vibrant colors and are more reliable than inkjet printers.
As for connectivity technologies, if you want wireless connectivity for easier portability, be on the lookout for a wireless printer. A wireless printing option can save a lot of time walking to the printer in a busy office where others may be needing to print at the same time. Otherwise, corded printers might be the ideal choice to use than wireless setups if you’re not as tech-savvy since you may just need to hook up a USB cable to your device to print.
4. How Much Space Do I have?
Another thing to consider is where you plan to put your printer. If you do not have a lot of space or countertop real estate, then a compact and portable one will be ideal for you. Convenience will make up for it even if it does not perform like a large industrial machine. However, if you have enough space, you may want to buy a giant machine capable of handling multiple projects.
5. How Heavy is an 11×17 Printer?
When choosing the best 11×17 printer, you should also consider how much it weighs. Most printers can weigh anywhere from 30 to 90 pounds. The heavier the machine, the more stable it will be on your desk and less likely to move when printing large projects with different sizes of paper (like wide-format printing) or types of versatile paper. However, a lighter printer may be easier to handle when moving it around for other purposes.
