Our readers keep the lights on and my smoothie glass nicely filled. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
A standard letter-size printer forces you to tile blueprints, sewing patterns, and architectural drawings across multiple sheets, wasting tape and patience. An 11×17 printer eliminates that compromise, handling ledger and tabloid media in a single pass for clearer layouts and faster project completion.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind WellFizz. I’ve spent years analyzing print engine technologies, media handling systems, and workflow integration across consumer and prosumer hardware to separate genuine daily drivers from speculative purchases.
Many all-in-ones claim wide-format support, but real tabloid printing requires careful attention to paper path design and driver stability. This guide reviews the top models that actually deliver on the 11×17 printer promise, covering laser, inkjet, and EcoTank options for every type of office or studio.
How To Choose The Best 11×17 Printer
Buying a wide-format printer is different from picking a standard office machine. The key considerations revolve around media handling, print technology, and total cost per page rather than just resolution numbers. Making the wrong choice here can lead to paper jams on larger media or soaring operating costs that outpace the initial purchase price.
Print Technology: Laser vs. Inkjet vs. EcoTank
Laser printers produce sharp, precise text and linework ideal for architectural drawings and engineering documents. They use toner cartridges and are best suited for high-volume black-and-white printing. Inkjet models, particularly those using pigment-based inks, excel at color graphics and photo reproduction. EcoTank or MegaTank printers replace cartridges with refillable ink reservoirs, significantly lowering the cost per page at the expense of a higher upfront price.
Media Path and Paper Handling
The quality of an 11×17 printer largely depends on how it feeds and guides large sheets. A straight paper path reduces curling and jams, especially when printing on heavier media like cardstock or presentation paper. Look for printers with a rear feed or a rear-sheet feeder designed specifically for tabloid media. Automatic Document Feeders (ADF) capable of scanning 11×17 originals are essential for digitizing blueprints or large contracts without manual intervention.
Connectivity and Workflow Features
Wide-format printing often pulls files directly from design or CAD software. Ensure the printer supports network protocols like Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi for stable, fast data transfer. Automatic duplex printing on 11×17 media is a time-saver for multi-page reports. Mobile printing features like AirPrint and the Mopria Print Service allow quick printing from tablets and phones, which is common in field work and on-location reviews.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw | Color Laser | Small office color printing | 26 ppm color, 5″ touchscreen | Amazon |
| Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5800 | Supertank Inkjet | Low-cost tabloid page volume | 25 ppm black, 500-sheet tray | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-J6560DW | Color Inkjet | Tabliod scanning and copying | 31 ppm black, 11×17 ADF | Amazon |
| Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840 | Wide-Format Inkjet | High-volume office printing | 25 ppm black, 4.3″ screen | Amazon |
| Xerox C235dni | Color Laser | Small office color printing | 24 ppm color, duplex ADF | Amazon |
| Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 | MegaTank Inkjet | Low-cost tabloid page volume | 15 ppm black, refillable tank | Amazon |
| HP DesignJet T210 | Large Format Plotter | Engineering and CAD prints | 24-inch roll feed, HP Click | Amazon |
| Brother HL-L2480DW | Monochrome Laser | High-volume black & white | 36 ppm black, 250-sheet tray | Amazon |
| HP DesignJet T630 | Large Format Plotter | Professional architecture/building | 36-inch roll, auto sheet feeder | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw
This four-in-one color laser delivers 26 ppm across both monochrome and color, making it a legitimate workgroup machine for small offices that need tabloid support. The 5-inch color touchscreen simplifies scanning to cloud services and USB, while the 50-sheet duplex ADF handles double-sided originals up to 11×17 without manual reversal.
The 250-sheet cassette plus a multipurpose tray covers daily printing, though the default cassette is letter-size; tabloid media runs through the rear feed or the optional drawer. Users report reliable Wi-Fi setup via the touch panel, and Canon’s PRINT app works well on iOS and Android for mobile file submission.
Image quality is sharp and vibrant for a laser engine, with consistent color registration on stock up to cardstock. The 3-year limited warranty is a meaningful differentiator for a premium-tier device. The main trade-offs are the large footprint and the cost of Canon Genuine Toner 075 cartridges, which sit at the high end of the market for color pages.
Why it’s great
- Fast 26 ppm color and mono speeds
- Included duplex 50-sheet ADF for scanning
- Comprehensive 3-year warranty coverage
- Excellent output quality from a color laser
Good to know
- Heavy at over 60 pounds
- Default paper tray is letter-size only
- Proprietary toner is pricey
- Canon’s software setup can be clunky on macOS
2. Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5800
The ET-5800 is a cartridgeless ink tank printer that ships with enough bottled ink for up to 7,500 black pages and 6,000 color pages, slashing consumable costs compared to any cartridge-based competitor. Its PrecisionCore Heat-Free printhead delivers 25 ppm in black without warmup time, making it a compelling option for high-volume tabloid printing on a budget-conscious office or studio.
The 500-sheet paper capacity is split across two front trays plus a rear feed, enabling seamless switching between letter, legal, and 11×17 media. A motorized output tray and a large tiltable LCD screen add polish to the user experience. Users consistently praise the sturdy build quality and the ease of refilling the keyed ink bottles, which eliminate accidental spills.
Where the ET-5800 falls short is in photo quality — while adequate for charts and presentations, results are not on par with dedicated photo printers. The printer’s error handling can also be overly sensitive, showing false “printer busy” warnings that interrupt workflow. For offices focused on document and tabloid page volume, however, the EcoTank Pro is a long-term value champion.
Why it’s great
- Extremely low operating cost per page
- 500-sheet capacity across multiple trays
- Keyed ink bottles prevent mess and mis-fill
- No warmup time for fast first page
Good to know
- Photo output is only adequate, not impressive
- Occasional false error messages reported
- High upfront purchase cost
- Web interface has some configuration bugs
3. Brother MFC-J6560DW
The MFC-J6560DW is the only inkjet all-in-one in this roundup that includes an 11×17-capable ADF on a sub- printer, letting you scan, copy, and fax full tabloid-original documents without manual platen work. The MAXIDRIVE technology pushes print speeds to 31 ppm black and 30 ppm color, fast enough for a busy small office.
The 2.7-inch color touchscreen provides access to cloud apps like Google Drive and Dropbox for direct scanning and printing, and the Brother Mobile Connect app offers solid remote management. With a 250-sheet tray and 50-sheet ADF, this is a genuinely functional hub for mixed-scale document workflows.
Some user reviews indicate the automatic duplex feature does not function as consistently on tabloid media as it does on letter-size sheets, and Brother’s recent customer support experiences have drawn complaints about service fees for basic connectivity issues. The initial ink yield is good, but the LC506 cartridges are pricey on a per-page basis compared to the EcoTank alternatives.
Why it’s great
- True 11×17 ADF for scanning and copying
- Fast print speeds at 31/30 ppm
- Touchscreen cloud app integration
- Strong wireless connectivity options
Good to know
- Duplex on 11×17 may not work reliably
- Large physical footprint
- Cartridge-based ink costs add up
- Customer support reported as inconsistent
4. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840
The WF-7840 is designed for offices that push high page counts on wide media, with a 500-sheet paper capacity across two trays and the ability to print up to 13×19 inches. PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology starts printing without a warmup, hitting 25 ppm black and 12 ppm color with DURABrite Ultra pigment ink that resists smudging.
The 4.3-inch color screen and built-in voice control support via Alexa add modern convenience, but the real highlight is its reliability at volume. One user reported running 12,000 pages over four years with only firmware complaints, demonstrating strong mechanical longevity for a sub- wide-format printer.
The biggest caveat is Epson’s aggressive firmware updates that can lock out third-party ink cartridges. Users have also complained about phantom paper jam errors and tray mismatch messages that require manual clearing. For those who stick with OEM ink and avoid firmware updates, the WF-7840 remains a heavy-duty tabloid machine at a reasonable cost for the build quality it offers.
Why it’s great
- High 500-sheet paper capacity
- Prints up to 13×19 for extra-wide output
- Proven mechanical durability over years
- Quick first-page-out time
Good to know
- Firmware updates block third-party ink
- Phantom paper jam errors reported
- Bulky and heavy for a desktop
- Requires regular color prints to prevent clogs
5. Xerox C235dni
The C235dni is a compact color laser all-in-one that delivers 24 ppm in both black and color, making it a strong contender for small businesses that need vibrant presentations and crisp documents without sacrificing desktop space. The starter set includes 500-page yield cartridges, and the printer supports high-yield replacements that bring the per-page cost down over time.
Wireless setup is simplified through the Xerox Easy Assist App, and mobile printing via AirPrint and Mopria works without hassle. Users transitioning from inkjet to laser appreciate the elimination of frequent printhead cleaning and the consistent output quality across paper types.
Several reviewers noted that the scanner produces light copies with a white band on the left side if the front panel settings are not adjusted correctly. The printer’s reliance on premium paper for best results is another consideration; generic copy paper may yield faint text until Eco Mode is disabled. For color workloads on high-quality stock, the C235dni offers fast laser output at a mid-range price point.
Why it’s great
- Consistent laser output without head clogs
- Fast 24 ppm color and mono speeds
- Compact footprint for a color laser
- High-yield toner reduces long-term cost
Good to know
- Scanner quality can be unreliable out of box
- Requires premium paper for best output
- Software setup can be finicky on Windows 11
- App-based setup may fail; front panel needed
6. Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020
The MAXIFY GX2020 is Canon’s entry-level MegaTank solution for small offices, promising up to 3,000 black and 3,000 color pages from a single set of pigment-based ink bottles. The compact desktop footprint is a major advantage over larger tabloid printers, and the 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen simplifies navigation for copying, scanning, and network configuration.
Automatic duplex printing and a 35-sheet ADF provide reasonable multi-page handling. Users consistently report easy setup on both Windows and Mac, quiet operation during printing, and no ink level drop after weeks of moderate use, confirming the tank system’s efficiency for typical document workloads.
The printer struggles with heavier media like cardstock, where pronounced curling and streaking appear on high-quality settings. Color reproduction on plain paper is good but not vibrant, and the printer’s output tray is small, causing large 11×17 prints to protrude and potentially bend. For standard tabloid document printing at the lowest possible ink cost, the GX2020 is a strong budget-friendly choice.
Why it’s great
- Extremely low ink cost per page
- Compact desktop footprint for a tank printer
- Automatic duplex for paper savings
- Quick and quiet daily operation reported
Good to know
- Cardstock printing produces curling and streaks
- Output tray too small for large paper
- Color output is adequate, not vivid
- Slower print speed than laser equivalents
7. HP DesignJet T210
The DesignJet T210 is purpose-built for technical line drawings, CAD prints, posters, and sewing patterns, accepting media rolls up to 24 inches wide. The integrated HP Click software provides PDF error checking, auto-nesting, and driverless printing directly from design applications, streamlining production for architects and engineers.
Connectivity options include Gigabit Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, along with HP Smart app support for remote management. The automatic horizontal cutter and roll feed eliminate the need for manual trimming, saving time on batch prints of different sizes.
The primary limitation is the exclusive reliance on HP OEM ink cartridges, which are not widely available in retail stores and require advance ordering. Some users also report that the initial print quality is excellent, but the printer lacks an automatic sheet feeder for handling smaller media without a separate accessory. For professionals who regularly output wide-format drawings and posters, the T210 offers a dedicated and affordable solution.
Why it’s great
- Prints on rolls up to 24 inches wide
- HP Click software with auto-nesting
- Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed transfer
- Crisp output for technical line drawings
Good to know
- Requires HP OEM ink; limited availability
- No automatic sheet feeder included
- Print-only; no scan or copy functions
- Slow speed for large color prints
8. Brother HL-L2480DW
The HL-L2480DW is a monochrome laser all-in-one that prints at 36 ppm, making it one of the fastest single-function black-and-white printers in this guide. The 2.7-inch touchscreen provides easy access to scanning to cloud services, while the built-in dual-band Wi-Fi and Ethernet ensure reliable connectivity in a wired or wireless office environment.
Automatic duplex printing reduces paper waste, and the 250-sheet paper tray plus a manual feed slot covers daily printing needs. Users switching from inkjet models consistently report straightforward setup, fast text output, and noise levels that are low for a laser engine. The wireless printing reliability is notably better than many competitors, with no dropouts reported even when printing from a different room.
This printer does not support 11×17 media directly in its paper tray; the manual feed slot is the only path for tabloid sheets. The machine is also a monochrome-only device, so color printing is not an option. For offices that primarily produce black-and-white documents and need a fast, low-cost tabloid-capable laser, the HL-L2480DW is an efficient and reliable choice.
Why it’s great
- Fast 36 ppm monochrome print speed
- Excellent wireless reliability
- 2.7-inch touchscreen with cloud access
- Low noise for a laser printer
Good to know
- 11×17 only through manual feed slot
- No color printing capability
- Small 250-sheet tray for high volume
- Starter toner yield about 700 pages
9. HP DesignJet T630
The DesignJet T630 is the most capable large-format printer in this lineup, handling media rolls up to 36 inches wide with an included automatic sheet feeder, media bin, and stand. It is designed for architects, engineers, and construction professionals who need precise linework on full-size blueprints, maps, and technical renders.
The HP Click software ecosystem provides PDF error checking, auto-nesting, and drag-and-drop printing from CAD applications, which is a significant productivity gain for firms that handle multiple project files daily. Connectivity options are comprehensive, including Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB 2.0, along with the HP Smart app for remote management.
As a dedicated plotter, the T630 cannot scan or copy documents. The use of HP OEM ink cartridges carries the same availability concerns as the smaller DesignJet T210, and some users have reported persistent issues with the printer not functioning even after warranty replacement. For professionals who require true 36-inch printing capability and can justify the cost, the T630 is a premium solution that eliminates print shop outsourcing.
Why it’s great
- Prints rolls up to 36 inches wide
- Includes stand, media bin, and sheet feeder
- HP Click software with advanced nesting
- Excellent for large architectural plans
Good to know
- Print-only function; no scanning or copying
- HP OEM ink hard to find locally
- Expensive initial purchase and consumables
- Some users report reliability issues
FAQ
Can any 11×17 printer handle legal size media?
Do I need a dedicated plotter or a standard all-in-one for printing plans?
How important is an ADF for 11×17 scanning?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the 11×17 printer winner is the Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw because it delivers fast color laser output, a reliable duplex ADF for scanning, and a strong warranty at a price point that works for small offices. If you want the lowest long-term ink cost for high tabloid page volume, grab the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5800. And for professional architects and engineers who need full-size roll printing up to 36 inches, nothing beats the HP DesignJet T630.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.