Ever tried to print a poster or a big design, only to find your regular printer just won’t cut it? You end up with a bunch of tiny pages that don’t quite fit together, and your amazing project looks a little… messy. It’s a common problem for artists, students, small business owners, and anyone who needs to print something larger than a standard letter-size paper.
Choosing the right 11×17 printer can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many different brands, features, and prices to consider. You might wonder about print quality, how fast it prints, or if it’s too expensive. It’s a big decision, and you want to get it right without wasting your hard-earned money or time.
But don’t worry! This blog post is here to make your life easier. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to. By the end of this guide, you’ll understand what makes a great 11×17 printer and be ready to pick the perfect one for your needs. Let’s dive in and find the printer that will bring your big ideas to life!
Our Top 5 11X17 Printer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 11X17 Printer 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, especially for those who print a lot or need larger documents.
What We Like:
- UP TO 1-YEAR OF INK IN-BOX¹: You get a full year of ink right out of the box, which means you won’t have to buy new ink cartridges for a long time. This saves you money and hassle.
- PROFESSIONAL LEDGER-SIZE PRINTING: This printer can print documents up to 11″ x 17″, which is great for presentations, posters, or spreadsheets. It has a large 250-sheet paper tray and a multipurpose tray, plus a 50-page automatic document feeder for scanning or copying multiple pages quickly.
- BROTHER MAXIDRIVE INKJET TECHNOLOGY: Brother built this printer with their fastest and toughest INKvestment Tank print engine. It’s made for printing many pages with excellent quality, so it can keep up with busy offices or homes.
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS: You can connect this printer in many ways. Use dual-band wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, or a USB cable. You can also print and scan from your phone using the Brother Mobile Connect App.
- 3.5″ COLOR TOUCHSCREEN FOR EASY CONTROL: The 3.5-inch color touchscreen makes it simple to use the printer. You can easily manage print, copy, scan, and fax jobs right from the screen.
- BUILT-IN SECURITY AND COST SAVINGS: This printer has security features to protect your documents and data. It also helps you save money and reduce waste with Eco and Ink Save Modes, and it can print on both sides of the paper (duplex printing).
What Could Be Improved:
- While the ink lasts a long time, the initial cost of the printer might be higher than basic models.
- For very small home use where printing is infrequent, the advanced features might be more than needed.
Overall, the Brother MFC-J5855DW is an excellent choice for anyone needing a reliable, high-capacity printer with large format capabilities and long-lasting ink.
2. HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e Wide Format Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Rating: 8.7/10
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e Wide Format Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer is a powerhouse designed for busy offices. It prints, scans, and copies, handling everything from important documents to vibrant presentations. Its wide format capability means you can print large items like floor plans and mood boards with ease. Plus, it comes with a 3-month Instant Ink trial to get you started.
What We Like:
- It prints professional-quality color documents, including large formats like floorplans and spreadsheets.
- HP AI perfectly formats web pages and emails, so you don’t waste paper.
- You get vibrant, screen-accurate prints with a wider color range thanks to P3 technology.
- It offers fast color printing speeds.
- Auto 2-sided printing and an auto document feeder save you time.
- Two large 250-sheet input trays mean fewer paper changes.
- Reliable dual-band Wi-Fi automatically fixes connection problems.
- The HP app makes printing, scanning, and copying from your devices super easy.
- Built-in HP Wolf Pro Security keeps your data and network safe from threats.
- The printer is made with over 30% recycled plastic, which is good for the environment.
What Could Be Improved:
- After the 3-month Instant Ink trial, you’ll need to pay a monthly fee unless you cancel.
- The printer only works with HP ink cartridges.
- Firmware updates will periodically maintain the printer’s security features.
This printer is a smart choice for offices needing high-quality, wide-format printing and seamless connectivity. Its advanced features and security make it a reliable workhorse.
3. TR7020a All-in-One Wireless Color Inkjet Printer with Duplex Printing
Rating: 9.4/10
The TR7020a All-in-One Wireless Color Inkjet Printer is a versatile powerhouse designed to handle all your printing, copying, and scanning needs. Its sleek black design fits perfectly into any home or office space. With smart features like Alexa compatibility and mobile printing, staying connected and productive is easier than ever.
What We Like:
- It prints, copies, and scans all in one unit, making tasks simple.
- You can connect it using USB or Wi-Fi, which is great for any setup.
- The 1.44″ display makes it easy to navigate through all the settings.
- It has both front and rear paper trays, so you can load different paper types at the same time.
- You can sign up for a Print Plan ink subscription, which automatically sends ink when you need it.
- The printer is compact, saving valuable desk space.
- It scans with excellent detail (1200 x 2400 dpi) for clear images and text.
- Prints look sharp and colorful with up to 4800 DPI resolution.
- It handles many types of paper, from glossy photos to envelopes.
- The printer is energy-efficient and meets ENERGY STAR standards.
- It comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty for peace of mind.
- Printing is fast, with speeds up to 13 IPM for black and white.
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper and time by printing on both sides.
- It has a stylish look that complements any workspace.
What Could Be Improved:
- Connecting the printer to the internet is necessary for the Print Plan ink delivery to work properly.
This printer offers a great balance of features and convenience for everyday use. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to streamline their home or office tasks.
4. HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e Wide Format Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer. This printer handles all your office needs. It prints, scans, and copies. It even has an automatic document feeder (ADF) and duplex printing. This means it can print on both sides of the paper automatically. It’s great for busy offices. Plus, it comes with a 3-month Instant Ink trial. This printer is also AI-enabled. That means it has smart features to help you work faster.
What We Like:
- It prints in wide format, so you can print larger documents.
- Wireless printing lets you print from anywhere in the office without wires.
- The ADF and duplex printing save you time and effort.
- The 3-month Instant Ink trial is a nice bonus.
- AI features can make printing smarter and easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- Ink cartridges can be expensive to replace over time.
- Initial setup might take a little patience.
- Some advanced features might require a learning curve.
This HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e is a powerful tool for any office. It offers many features to make your work life simpler.
5. Epson Workforce Pro WF-7820 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Printer
Rating: 9.2/10
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820 Wireless All-in-One Printer is a powerful tool for any office. It handles standard and large-format printing with ease. Its smart technology makes printing fast and reduces smudges. Plus, you can print from your phone or tablet, making it super convenient.
What We Like:
- Prints big documents up to 13″ x 19″.
- Fast printing with PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology.
- DURABrite Ultra ink dries quickly to stop smudges.
- Automatic 2-sided printing and scanning saves time.
- Wireless printing from your smart devices is a breeze.
- Prints from anywhere with Apple AirPrint, Android printing, and Mopria.
- Lots of ways to print on the go with Epson Connect Solutions.
- Handles up to 250 sheets of paper at once.
What Could Be Improved:
- The printer can be a bit bulky.
- Initial setup might take a little time.
This printer is a fantastic option for businesses that need to print large documents and want the convenience of wireless printing. It’s a solid investment for boosting productivity.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Printing Big and Bold
Are you tired of shrinking your big ideas to fit on a standard piece of paper? Do you dream of printing posters, large photos, or even architectural plans without any hassle? Then it’s time to explore the world of 11×17 printers! These amazing machines let you print on larger paper, bringing your projects to life in a whole new way.
Why Choose an 11×17 Printer?
Standard printers only handle paper up to 8.5×11 inches. An 11×17 printer, also known as a tabloid printer, opens up a world of possibilities. You can print larger documents, create eye-catching graphics, and enjoy your photos without losing detail.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an 11×17 printer, keep these important features in mind:
- Print Size: Make sure it clearly states it can print up to 11×17 inches.
- Print Quality: Look for high resolution (measured in DPI – dots per inch). Higher DPI means sharper, clearer images.
- Ink Type: Consider pigment-based inks for documents that won’t fade easily. Dye-based inks are great for vibrant photos.
- Connectivity: Does it have Wi-Fi, USB, or Ethernet? This helps you connect it to your computer or phone easily.
- Speed: How fast does it print? This matters if you print a lot of pages.
- Paper Handling: Can it print on different types of paper, like cardstock or glossy photo paper?
Important Materials and Their Impact
The materials used in a printer affect its performance and how long it lasts.
- Print Heads: These are the parts that actually put ink on the paper. High-quality print heads last longer and produce better prints.
- Ink Cartridges: The ink itself is crucial. Good ink resists fading and smudging. Some printers use individual ink cartridges, which can save you money because you only replace the color you run out of. Others use larger, combined cartridges.
- Paper: The type of paper you use is just as important as the printer. Glossy paper makes photos pop. Matte paper is good for text and graphics. Always use paper that is compatible with your printer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make your prints look amazing or a little disappointing.
- Resolution (DPI): As mentioned, higher DPI means better quality. For posters and photos, aim for at least 1200×1200 DPI.
- Ink Coverage: How evenly the ink is applied to the paper matters. Good printers spread ink smoothly.
- Driver Software: The software that connects your computer to the printer helps control print settings. Up-to-date drivers can improve performance and quality.
- Paper Type: Using the wrong paper can lead to blurry prints or ink bleeding. Always check your printer’s manual for recommended paper types.
- Print Head Clogging: If you don’t print often, ink can dry in the print heads, causing lines or missing colors in your prints. Running a cleaning cycle can help.
User Experience and Use Cases
An 11×17 printer is perfect for many different people and projects.
- Home Users: Print large family photos, create custom invitations, or make school projects stand out.
- Students: Print large research posters, architectural drawings, or art projects for class.
- Small Businesses: Design marketing flyers, menus, or large graphics for signs.
- Photographers: Print your photos in a bigger size to display your work.
The user experience should be straightforward. Setup should be easy, and changing ink cartridges should be simple. Wireless printing lets you print from anywhere in your home or office.
Frequently Asked Questions About 11×17 Printers
Q: What is the main benefit of an 11×17 printer?
A: The main benefit is that you can print on larger paper, up to 11×17 inches, which standard printers cannot do. This is great for big projects.
Q: How do I know if a printer can print 11×17?
A: Look for “tabloid” or “ledger” size printing capabilities in the printer’s description. It will usually say “prints up to 11×17 inches.”
Q: Is an 11×17 printer good for photos?
A: Yes, many 11×17 printers are excellent for photos. Look for printers with high DPI and pigment-based or high-quality dye-based inks.
Q: How much does an 11×17 printer usually cost?
A: Prices can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for basic models to over a thousand for professional-grade printers.
Q: Do I need special ink for an 11×17 printer?
A: You use special ink cartridges designed for that specific printer model. Some printers use individual color cartridges, while others use larger, multi-color ones.
Q: Can I print wirelessly with an 11×17 printer?
A: Many modern 11×17 printers offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to print from your computer, tablet, or smartphone without cables.
Q: What is DPI and why is it important?
A: DPI stands for “dots per inch.” It measures how many ink dots the printer can place in one inch. A higher DPI means a sharper, more detailed image.
Q: What kind of paper can I use with an 11×17 printer?
A: You can use various types of paper, including plain paper, cardstock, glossy photo paper, and matte paper, as long as it fits the 11×17 size and is supported by your printer.
Q: How do I maintain my 11×17 printer?
A: Keep the print heads clean by running cleaning cycles regularly, especially if you don’t print often. Keep the printer covered to prevent dust buildup.
Q: Are 11×17 printers hard to set up?
A: Most 11×17 printers come with easy-to-follow setup guides. You usually just need to connect it, install ink, load paper, and install the printer software on your computer.
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.
Hi, I’m Florence Disha, the creator behind HomesMend.com. With a passion for making every house a home, I share my personal experiences, tips, and expertise to help you transform your living spaces. Whether it’s practical advice, creative ideas, or tried-and-true solutions, my goal is to inspire and guide you in creating a home that feels just right. Let’s make every corner of your space truly yours!