Ever tried to print a poster or a large blueprint, only to be met with the frustrating “paper size not supported” message? It’s a common problem for creators, designers, and even busy home offices. When your project demands more than standard letter-size paper, finding the right printer can feel like navigating a maze. You want clear images, reliable performance, and a machine that fits your budget, but the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming.
The good news is, you don’t have to settle for cropped images or costly print shop visits. This guide is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes a printer great for 11×17 prints and help you understand the key features that matter most. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer idea of which printer will be your perfect partner for bringing your big ideas to life.
Top Printers For 11X17 Recommendations
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The wide-format OfficeJet Pro 9730 is perfect for offices printing professional-quality color documents like floorplans, mood boards and spreadsheets. Print speeds up to 22 ppm black, 18 ppm color.
- 3 MONTH TRIAL OF INSTANT INK INCLUDED – Subscribe to the Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your office door before you run out, and you save up to 50% on ink; after 3 months, a monthly fee applies unless cancelled
- KEY FEATURES – Fast color printing up to 11 x 17, copy, auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder with single-pass 2-sided scanning, and two 250-sheet input trays
- EASILY ACHIEVE VIBRANT, SCREEN-ACCURATE PRINTS – Print true to screen with the world's first and only wide-format printer with P3 for a wider color gamut vs. sRGB
- 4.3-INCH TOUCHSCREEN – Quickly navigate your printer with a large color touchscreen and a phone-like user interface
- Epson printing system is designed to be used exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. wnty.
- High-performance wide-format printing — accomplish more with fast wide-format printing up to 13" x 19"
- High-speed printing — PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology streamlines workflow with 25 black/12 color ISO ppm and fast first-page-out
- Print-shop quality — DURABrite Ultra instant-dry pigment inks deliver sharp text and vivid colors
- Designed for productivity — engineered for durability, reliability and heavy workloads
- Perfect FOR OFFICE - The wide-format OfficeJet Pro 9720 is perfect for offices printing professional-quality color documents like floorplans, mood boards and spreadsheets. Print speeds up to 22 ppm black, 18 ppm color.
- 3 MONTH TRIAL OF INSTANT INK INCLUDED – Subscribe to the Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your office door before you run out and after 3 months, a monthly fee applies unless cancelled
- KEY FEATURES – Fast color printing up to 11 x 17, copy, auto 2-sided printing, auto document feeder and 250-sheet input tray
- EASILY ACHIEVE VIBRANT, SCREEN-ACCURATE PRINTS – Print true to screen with the world's first and only wide-format printer with P3 for a wider color gamut vs. sRGB
- 2.7-INCH TOUCHSCREEN – Quickly navigate your printer with a large color touchscreen and a phone-like user interface
- BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESS: This multifunction printer makes it easy to print, copy, scan, and fax, and includes one 1,800-page yield black ink cartridge and one 750-page yield cartridge for each color in cyan, yellow, and magenta in the box(2).
- PRODUCTIVITY-FOCUSED FEATURES: A 250-sheet paper tray(3), 50-page single-sided ADF(3), and automatic duplex (2-sided) printing for media-handling capabilities on paper up to 11”x17”. Multiple user interface via wireless network(4), Ethernet, or USB.
- SPEED & QUALITY: Engineered with MAXIDRIVE Technology with print speeds of up to 31 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 30 ppm in color(5). The Brother PerfectPrint Auto Detection System helps support reliable print quality.
- INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY: With Wi-Fi Direct, print wirelessly without an external network connection. Print from and scan to Cloud apps(6), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the 2.7” color touchscreen for easy operation.
- THE BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP: The power of printing at your fingertips. Go mobile with the simple-to-use Brother Mobile Connect app(7) that delivers onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from a mobile device.
- BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESS: This multifunction printer makes it easy to print, copy, scan, and fax on up to 11”x17” paper. Includes one 1,800-page yield black ink cartridge and one 750-page yield ink cartridge for each color in cyan, magenta, and yellow(2).
- PRODUCTIVITY-FOCUSED FEATURES: 500-sheet capacity with two trays(3), 100-sheet multipurpose tray(3), up to 50-page single-pass duplex copy & scan via ADF(3), and automatic duplex printing up to 11x17. Connect via wireless network(4), Ethernet, or USB.
- SPEED & QUALITY: Engineered with MAXIDRIVE Technology with print speeds of up to 31 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 30 ppm in color(5). The PerfectPrint Auto Detection System helps support reliable print quality for results you can be proud of.
- INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY: With Wi-Fi Direct, print wirelessly without an external network connection. Print from and scan to Cloud apps(6), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the 2.7” color touchscreen for easy operation.
- THE BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP: The power of printing at your fingertips. Go mobile with the simple-to-use Brother Mobile Connect app(7) that delivers onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from a mobile device.
- Sold as 1 Each.
- All-in-one printer gives you printing, faxing, copying, and scanning capability
- Inkjet printer has a resolution that goes up to 4800 x 2400 dpi for excellent readability
- 17 ppm in black/white and 9 ppm in color with a monthly duty cycle of 33000 pages
- 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x LAN, and Wi-Fi connectivity help enhance productivity
- Sold as 500/Ream.
- Reliable copy paper is perfect for everyday use
- Paper dimensions: 11"W x 17"L
- Paper weight: 20 lbs.
- Brightness rating of 92 for sharp, clear print results
- HAMMERMILL’S BEST SELLING PRINTER PAPER – You will receive one ream of paper with 500 sheets of 20lb, 92 bright, 11" x 17" white copy paper. Ledger Size
- 99.99% JAM-FREE PRINTER PAPER - Everyone hates paper jams...You can trust Hammermill paper quality to keep your printer running smoothly. Scroll down to view the Product Description for details
- COLORLOK TECHNOLOGY INCLUDED - Colors on Hammermill copy paper are 30% brighter; blacks are up to 60% bolder and inks dry 3 times faster for less smearing.
- Hammermill copying and printing papers are 100% made in the USA, helping to support 2. 4 million sustainable forestry jobs in America, including family tree farmers. Hammermill is more than just paper
Printing Big: Your Guide to 11×17 Printers
Do you need to print posters, blueprints, or large spreadsheets? If so, you need a printer that can handle paper bigger than standard letter size. That’s where 11×17 printers come in. These printers, also known as ledger or tabloid printers, can print on paper up to 11 inches wide and 17 inches long. This guide will help you find the perfect 11×17 printer for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
Print Quality
This is super important. You want your prints to look sharp and clear. Look for printers with high resolution (measured in dots per inch, or DPI). A higher DPI means more detail. For most people, 600 DPI is good, but 1200 DPI or higher is even better for really detailed images or text.
Print Speed
How fast does the printer print? This is measured in pages per minute (PPM). If you print a lot, a faster printer will save you time. For home use, 10-15 PPM is usually fine. If you have a busy office, you might want something closer to 20-30 PPM.
Connectivity Options
How will you connect your printer? Most printers offer USB, which is a direct cable connection. Wi-Fi is very popular because you can print from any device on your network without cables. Some printers also have Ethernet for wired network connections. Bluetooth is another option for wireless printing from some devices.
Ink or Toner Type
Printers use either ink (inkjet) or toner (laser). Inkjet printers are great for photos and colorful prints. They use liquid ink. Laser printers use powder toner and are usually faster and more cost-effective for printing lots of text documents. They are also known for sharp text.
Paper Handling
Think about the different types of paper you’ll use. Can the printer handle thick cardstock or glossy photo paper? Check the paper tray capacity too. A larger tray means you won’t have to refill it as often.
2. Important Materials and Technology
The technology inside an 11×17 printer makes a big difference in how well it works.
- Print Heads (Inkjet): These spray tiny drops of ink onto the paper. Better print heads create finer details.
- Toner Cartridges (Laser): These contain the powder that fuses to the paper. High-quality toner ensures crisp, dark prints.
- Drums (Laser): The drum transfers the toner to the paper. A good drum helps with consistent print quality.
- Paper Feed Mechanism: This part pulls the paper through the printer. A smooth mechanism prevents jams and misfeeds.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes Prints Better?
- High DPI: As mentioned, this means more detail and sharper images.
- Good Ink/Toner: Using genuine ink or toner from the manufacturer usually gives the best results.
- Quality Paper: The type of paper you use matters a lot. Glossy paper makes photos pop, while matte paper is good for text.
- Printer Drivers: Make sure you have the latest software (drivers) for your printer installed on your computer.
What Can Make Prints Worse?
- Low DPI: Prints will look blurry or pixelated.
- Low-Quality Ink/Toner: Off-brand ink or toner might not produce vibrant colors or sharp text.
- Clogged Print Heads (Inkjet): If an inkjet printer hasn’t been used in a while, the ink can dry up, causing streaks or missing colors.
- Paper Jams: These can ruin prints and sometimes damage the printer.
- Using the Wrong Paper Type: Trying to print photos on plain paper won’t look good.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Who Needs an 11×17 Printer?
- Graphic Designers: They often print large proofs of their work, like posters and brochures.
- Architects and Engineers: They need to print large-scale blueprints and technical drawings.
- Students: For school projects, presentations, or large art pieces.
- Home Offices: Printing large spreadsheets, flyers, or personal art projects.
- Small Businesses: Creating marketing materials or signs in-house.
The user experience is about how easy the printer is to set up and use. Look for printers with clear control panels and simple software. Wi-Fi setup should be straightforward. If you plan to print often, a printer that is easy to maintain, like changing ink or clearing paper jams, will make your life much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions About 11×17 Printers
Q: What is the main difference between an inkjet and a laser 11×17 printer?
A: Inkjet printers use liquid ink and are great for photos and color. Laser printers use toner powder and are usually better for fast, sharp text printing.
Q: Can I print photos on an 11×17 printer?
A: Yes, many inkjet 11×17 printers are excellent for printing photos. Look for models with high DPI and good color accuracy.
Q: How much do 11×17 printers usually cost?
A: Prices vary a lot. You can find basic models for a few hundred dollars, while high-end professional printers can cost over a thousand dollars.
Q: Are 11×17 printers hard to set up?
A: Most modern printers are designed to be easy to set up. Wi-Fi setup is usually guided by on-screen prompts.
Q: What is DPI and why is it important?
A: DPI stands for dots per inch. A higher DPI means the printer can put more tiny dots of ink on the paper, making your prints look sharper and more detailed.
Q: Can I print on different types of paper with an 11×17 printer?
A: Yes, most 11×17 printers can handle various paper types, but always check the printer’s specifications to be sure.
Q: What does PPM stand for?
A: PPM stands for pages per minute. It tells you how fast the printer can print.
Q: Do I need to buy special ink or toner for 11×17 printing?
A: You will need the correct size cartridges for your specific printer model. Using genuine ink or toner is recommended for the best quality.
Q: What is a common problem with inkjet printers?
A: Clogged print heads can be a problem if the printer isn’t used regularly. This can cause lines or missing colors in your prints.
Q: Where can I find the best deals on 11×17 printers?
A: You can find good deals at major electronics retailers, office supply stores, and online marketplaces like Amazon.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!