Hey guys! Are you on the hunt for the best 11x17 color laser printer? You've landed in the right spot! Whether you're a graphic designer needing to print stunning posters, an architect dealing with detailed blueprints, or just someone who needs to produce larger-format documents with vibrant colors, finding the right printer can feel like a Herculean task. I'm here to break down the top contenders and help you make a choice that fits your needs and budget.

    Why Choose an 11x17 Color Laser Printer?

    Before we dive into the reviews, let's quickly cover why you might need an 11x17 color laser printer in the first place. These printers, also known as tabloid-size printers, offer a significant advantage over standard letter-size printers. The ability to print on larger paper opens up a world of possibilities:

    • Professional Documents: Create eye-catching brochures, flyers, and marketing materials that stand out.
    • Detailed Designs: Architects, engineers, and designers can print intricate drawings and schematics with clarity.
    • Creative Projects: Produce stunning posters, art prints, and photo layouts.
    • Financial Spreadsheets: Accountants and finance professionals can easily print wide spreadsheets without sacrificing readability.

    And let's not forget the benefits of laser printing itself. Laser printers are known for their speed, precision, and cost-effectiveness, especially when printing in high volumes. Unlike inkjet printers, laser printers use toner, which is less prone to smudging and fading. This makes them ideal for producing durable, professional-looking documents that will stand the test of time. Plus, toner cartridges generally last longer than ink cartridges, saving you money in the long run. When you combine these advantages with the ability to print in color on 11x17 paper, you get a powerful tool that can handle a wide range of printing tasks with ease. So, if you need a printer that can keep up with your demanding workload and deliver exceptional results, an 11x17 color laser printer might be just what you need. Keep reading to discover our top picks and find the perfect model for your specific requirements!

    Top 11x17 Color Laser Printers: Our Reviews

    Alright, let's get to the meat of the matter: the reviews! I've scoured the market and handpicked some of the best 11x17 color laser printers based on performance, features, and value. These printers are designed to handle a variety of tasks, from printing high-quality graphics to churning out large volumes of text documents. Here are my top recommendations:

    1. Brother HL-L9310CDW

    Overview: The Brother HL-L9310CDW is a workhorse of a printer, perfect for small to medium-sized businesses that need reliable performance and vibrant color output. It's known for its fast print speeds, excellent color accuracy, and a range of connectivity options.

    Key Features:

    • Print Speed: Up to 33 ppm (pages per minute) in both color and black and white.
    • Print Quality: 2400 x 600 dpi (dots per inch) resolution for sharp text and vibrant images.
    • Connectivity: Wireless, Ethernet, USB, and mobile printing support.
    • Paper Handling: 250-sheet paper tray, 50-sheet multi-purpose tray, and optional additional trays for increased capacity.
    • Duplex Printing: Automatic two-sided printing to save paper.

    Why It Stands Out: The Brother HL-L9310CDW excels in color accuracy, producing vivid and true-to-life images. Its fast print speeds and robust paper handling capabilities make it a great choice for busy offices that need to print large volumes of documents quickly. The printer also supports a variety of mobile printing options, allowing you to print directly from your smartphone or tablet. This is especially useful for teams that need to print on the go or from different locations within the office. Furthermore, the Brother HL-L9310CDW is known for its user-friendly interface and easy setup, making it a breeze to integrate into your existing network. Its energy-efficient design helps reduce your environmental footprint and save on electricity costs, making it a responsible choice for eco-conscious businesses. With its combination of performance, features, and reliability, the Brother HL-L9310CDW is a top contender in the 11x17 color laser printer category.

    2. HP Color LaserJet Pro M750dn

    Overview: The HP Color LaserJet Pro M750dn is designed for larger workgroups and businesses that demand high-volume printing and professional-quality results. It boasts fast print speeds, exceptional color accuracy, and a range of advanced features.

    Key Features:

    • Print Speed: Up to 30 ppm in both color and black and white.
    • Print Quality: 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution for crisp text and vibrant images.
    • Connectivity: Ethernet, USB, and optional wireless connectivity.
    • Paper Handling: 500-sheet paper tray and 100-sheet multi-purpose tray.
    • Duplex Printing: Automatic two-sided printing.

    Why It Stands Out: The HP Color LaserJet Pro M750dn delivers exceptional print quality, with sharp text and vibrant colors that make your documents stand out. Its high-capacity paper tray and fast print speeds make it ideal for busy offices that need to print large volumes of documents without interruption. The printer also supports a range of advanced features, such as HP ePrint, which allows you to print from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet. Additionally, the HP Color LaserJet Pro M750dn is designed with security in mind, offering features such as secure printing and access control to protect sensitive information. Its robust construction and reliable performance make it a durable and dependable choice for demanding work environments. With its combination of print quality, speed, and advanced features, the HP Color LaserJet Pro M750dn is a top pick for businesses that need a high-performance 11x17 color laser printer.

    3. Epson WorkForce WF-7710

    Overview: The Epson WorkForce WF-7710 is a versatile and affordable option for home offices and small businesses that need a multi-function printer capable of handling a variety of tasks. It can print, scan, copy, and fax, making it a true all-in-one solution.

    Key Features:

    • Print Speed: Up to 18 ppm in black and 10 ppm in color.
    • Print Quality: 4800 x 2400 dpi resolution for high-quality prints.
    • Connectivity: Wireless, Ethernet, USB, and NFC.
    • Paper Handling: 250-sheet paper tray and a rear feed for specialty paper.
    • Duplex Printing: Automatic two-sided printing.

    Why It Stands Out: The Epson WorkForce WF-7710 is a great value for the price, offering a wide range of features and capabilities in a compact and affordable package. Its high-resolution printing ensures that your documents and images look sharp and vibrant. The printer also supports a variety of mobile printing options, including Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print, allowing you to print from your smartphone or tablet with ease. Its intuitive touchscreen interface makes it easy to navigate the printer's features and settings. The Epson WorkForce WF-7710 is also designed with convenience in mind, offering features such as automatic document feeding and wireless connectivity. Its versatility and affordability make it an excellent choice for home offices and small businesses that need a reliable and feature-rich 11x17 color printer. Whether you're printing documents, scanning photos, or sending faxes, the Epson WorkForce WF-7710 has you covered.

    4. Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw

    Overview: The Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw is a high-performance, all-in-one color laser printer designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers fast print speeds, excellent color quality, and a range of productivity-enhancing features.

    Key Features:

    • Print Speed: Up to 28 ppm in both color and black and white.
    • Print Quality: Up to 600 x 600 dpi resolution (up to 1200 x 1200 dpi quality).
    • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and mobile printing support.
    • Paper Handling: 250-sheet paper cassette, 50-sheet multi-purpose tray, and optional paper feeder.
    • Duplex Printing: Automatic two-sided printing.

    Why It Stands Out: The Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw is praised for its combination of speed, quality, and reliability. Its fast print speeds help you get more done in less time, while its excellent color quality ensures that your documents and marketing materials look their best. The printer also offers a range of mobile printing options, allowing you to print from your smartphone or tablet with ease. Its user-friendly touchscreen interface makes it easy to navigate the printer's features and settings. The Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw is also designed with security in mind, offering features such as secure print and user authentication to protect sensitive information. Its compact design and energy-efficient operation make it a great choice for small to medium-sized businesses that need a high-performance, all-in-one color laser printer. With its combination of features and capabilities, the Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw is a top contender in its class.

    Factors to Consider When Buying

    Before you pull the trigger, let's chat about the key things to keep in mind when choosing your 11x17 color laser printer:

    • Print Quality: Resolution (DPI) is key. Higher DPI means sharper images and text. If you're printing graphics-heavy documents, prioritize a printer with a high DPI.
    • Print Speed: Measured in pages per minute (PPM). If you print a lot, a faster printer will save you time and frustration.
    • Paper Handling: Consider the paper tray capacity and the types of paper the printer can handle. Do you need to print on cardstock or envelopes?
    • Connectivity: Make sure the printer has the connectivity options you need, such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB. Mobile printing support is also a plus.
    • Cost: Don't just look at the initial price of the printer. Consider the cost of toner cartridges and maintenance over the long term.
    • Features: Do you need features like automatic duplex printing, scanning, or copying? Consider an all-in-one printer if you need these functionalities.

    Tips for Maintaining Your 11x17 Color Laser Printer

    To keep your 11x17 color laser printer running smoothly for years to come, follow these simple maintenance tips:

    • Clean the Printer Regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the exterior of the printer. Clean the interior components as needed, following the manufacturer's instructions.
    • Replace Toner Cartridges Promptly: Don't wait until the toner is completely empty to replace the cartridge. Replacing it when the print quality starts to decline will prevent damage to the printer.
    • Use High-Quality Paper: Using high-quality paper will prevent paper jams and ensure optimal print quality.
    • Update the Printer's Firmware: Keep the printer's firmware up to date to ensure that it's running at its best and has the latest security features.

    Final Thoughts

    Finding the perfect 11x17 color laser printer might take a little research, but it's totally worth it. By considering your needs, budget, and the factors I've outlined, you'll be well on your way to choosing a printer that will serve you well for years to come. Happy printing!