Best Large Format Printers of 2024 - Canon, HP, and more

In the dynamic world of large format printing, choosing the right printer for your business is crucial. As technology continues to evolve, leading brands like HP, Canon, KIP, and Epson continuously compete for the top spot in the market.

Trying to determine the best large format printers out there can be a challenging task with the seemingly endless options available. Not to mention, this becomes even more difficult when looking for the one that best suits your specific needs.

At Cobb, we understand the importance of making an informed decision when it comes to investing in large format printers. In this blog, we'll explore the best options available in 2024, focusing on the latest releases and tried-and-true models from the most reputable brands.

Technical Scope: Navigating the Landscape

Before we explore the best large format printers available in 2024, it's essential to note that, as a company, we have over 30 years of experience serving the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. At Cobb Technologies, our expertise lies in serving businesses within these technical domains, where precision and performance are paramount. However, our assessment will go beyond the technical realm to encompass the creative applications of wide format printing as well.

From architectural blueprints to marketing collateral, large format printers must not only meet but exceed industry standards in terms of speed, quality, and functionality across a spectrum of applications. Let's take a look at some of the top brands and the lineups they carry that are leading the market today.

The Best Large Format Printers of 2024

HP: Pushing the Needle on Innovation

Hewlett-Packard has become a name synonymous with innovation. A well-established brand in the printing industry, HP devices are known for their cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance. Whether in color or monochrome, HP's large format printers reliably deliver professional-quality prints with impressive speed and precision. 

HP DesignJet XL 3800: Raising the Bar

HP has recently unveiled the HP DesignJet XL 3800, setting a new standard in the large format printing arena. Released in November 2023, this printer boasts a remarkable combination of high quality, high speeds, and affordability. As the fastest color printer in its class, the HP DesignJet XL 3800 is designed to deliver outstanding CAD drawings and renders with top-notch quality. 

Key Features of the HP DesignJet XL 3800:

• Competitive Price Point: The DesignJet XL 3800 stands out as an exceptional option for businesses looking for a high-quality and cost-effective wide format printer. With its competitive price point, this printer offers tremendous value, making it accessible to a wide range of businesses. 
• Unprecedented Speed: Achieving a groundbreaking 6D prints per minute (ppm) in full color, the DesignJet XL 3800 outpaces its predecessors, bringing full-color printing to a speed segment previously reserved for black and white in its price point.
• High-Quality Pigment Inks: Utilizing top-tier pigment inks, this HP device ensures that your prints are vibrant, durable, and resistant to fading, with impressive color and monochrome print quality.

Interested in the DesignJet XL 3800? As an authorized HP dealer, Cobb Technologies can provide you with competitive prices and expert support for your business needs. Contact us today to learn more. 

HP PageWide: Reliable One-Pass Printing

Pictured is the HP PageWide XL Pro 5200 40-in Multifunction Printer.

In addition to the DesignJet series, HP's PageWide lineup, spanning models 4200 to 8200, continues to be a reliable choice for high-volume, high-quality color printing. The HP PageWide Pro, in particular, stands out for its excellence in poster and board printing.

Key Features of the PageWide series:

• Single-Pass Precision: HP PageWide printers and MFPs utilize a single-pass printing process that ensures precise and efficient printing across an entire page. This eliminates the need for multiple passes or lengthy "pauses" for complex print jobs that require heavy ink, darker shades, or intricate details.
• Impressive Monthly Duty Cycle: With a robust monthly duty cycle, PageWide printers can handle high volumes of printing with minimal issues and low maintenance, ensuring consistent performance even under heavy workloads.
• Enhanced Ink Capacity: Similar to the DesignJet, HP's PageWide lineup employs high-quality pigment inks. However, PageWide devices stand out with their increased ink capacity, effectively lowering the cost per square foot and providing an economical solution for high-volume printing needs.

Canon: A Key Player in Large Format Printing

Canon has maintained its relevance in the large format printing market, offering a diverse range of options for both technical and creative applications. Canon's large format printers are known for delivering impressive print quality and color accuracy at high speeds. The Canon PlotWave series, with technology that has stood the test of 17 years, provides reliable black and white toner printing at a speedy 6D prints per minute (ppm).

Top Canon Choice: ImageProGRAF TZ 30000

The pinnacle of Canon's large format lineup, the ImageProGRAF TZ 30000 continues to impress with its advanced technology and reliable performance. Prior to HP unveiling the DesignJet XL 3800, this was the class-leading product within its speed segment, reaching 4D prints per minute (ppm) in full color.

Key Features of the Canon ImageProGRAF TZ 30000:

• Intelligent Media Handling: Unique to Canon devices, the ImageProGRAF TZ 30000 boasts a distinctive feature that automatically calculates both the width and weight of your material, providing an estimate of the remaining length on used rolls. This feature is a game-changer if you are frequently switching out your rolls due to different media types or sizes.
  
• Color-Matching Excellence: The Canon ImageProGRAF TZ 30000 stands out with its advanced color-matching technology, employing pigment inks and a single, robust print head to ensure high-detail and accurate color reproduction in the technical space.
  

If your business requires a printer specifically designed for graphics-focused applications, Canon offers a remarkable selection within their ImageProGRAF series. Contact us today to discuss your needs with a Wide Format specialist.

Kip: A Wide Format Specialist

KIP's printers provide another set of options for businesses seeking dependable, cost-effective large format printing solutions. While not as expansive as HP or Canon, KIP has carved a niche for itself by focusing on delivering quality prints with precision and consistency.

The model featured above is part of the KIP 800 Color Series. This series of printers has been designed to meet the needs of a range of wide format printing tasks, from architectural, engineering, and construction documents to maps, posters, signs, and photo enlargements.

Epson: A Niche Focus on Inks

Pictured is the Epson SureColor P6570D Wide-Format Dual-Roll Printer

Epson, while not a top contender in the wide format printer market, has carved out a niche with its high-quality inks. Epson printers deliver vibrant prints with great detail, making them best-suited for creative applications, such as photography or fine art printing. Businesses with a specific emphasis on color reproduction may find Epson's variety of offerings appealing.

The particular model shown above is specifically designed to meet the demands of photo and graphic art production printing. Its compact design means it can fit into small spaces in your office without taking up a large footprint.

Cobb's Verdict: HP and Canon Lead the Pack

When it comes to determining the best wide format printers of 2024, HP and Canon take the spotlight. These brands offer a wide range of diverse models, providing businesses with a spectrum of options to cater to their unique requirements.

The commitment to innovation and quality from both brands shines through, making them the standout choices for businesses seeking advanced technology and reliable performance in the realm of wide format printing. 

As an independent dealer, Cobb Technologies takes pride in vetting and curating the best offerings from these industry giants, ensuring our clients access not only a wide array of options but also cutting-edge technology that aligns with their specific needs. The verdict is clear – HP and Canon stand at the forefront, leading the pack in the world of large format.

Interested in a Canon or HP device? Reach out to us today to find the best solution for your business' needs. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Large Format Printer:

1. Price

When evaluating your budget and selecting a wide format printer, it is important to consider the value you will receive for your investment. By carefully considering your budget and the features and capabilities of different printers, you can ensure that you choose a printer that will provide the best value for your money.

2. Quality

When shopping for a large format printer, take into consideration the quality of the finished product that the printer can produce. If your prints are an integral part of your business's image, it is essential to choose a printer that can consistently produce high-quality prints. Look for a large format printer that offers vibrant colors, sharp details, and accurate color reproduction.

For businesses that prioritize the intricate details in their prints, finding a printer that can faithfully capture those fine details is crucial. This becomes especially important in fields like architecture and engineering, where accurate details are vital for effectively conveying information. Look for a wide format printer that excels in capturing these minute details to ensure your prints are clear and legible.

3. Speed

Depending on your workflow requirements, you may need a printer that can quickly produce large volumes of prints. However, it is important to strike a balance between speed and print quality. Look for a device that can reach fast speeds without compromising the quality of your finished prints, such as the HP DesignJet XL 3800.

4. Size

When choosing a large format printer, it's important to take into consideration the physical dimensions of the device, especially if you have limited space available. The size of the printer can greatly impact its placement and accessibility within your office or workspace. Ultimately, the size of the printer should align with your available space and workflow requirements.

If you have a small office or limited space, you might choose to opt for a compact and space-saving printer, such as the Epson device mentioned above.

On the other hand, if you have a larger office or more room to spare, you may have the luxury of considering larger printers like the HP PageWide XL Pro 5200 or the Canon ImageProGRAF TZ 30000. These printers offer advanced technology and high-performance capabilities, but they also come with larger physical dimensions.

5. Functionality

Determine whether you need additional features such as copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities. It's essential to assess your specific requirements and pinpoint which additional features will meet your business needs. Whether it's copying, scanning, or faxing, having these capabilities integrated into your wide format printer can allow you to accomplish more tasks without the need for separate devices.

As you navigate the vast array of large format printers available in 2024, we're here to help guide you. Our curated selection includes the best models on the market from leading brands like HP and Canon, ensuring that your business stays ahead with cutting-edge printing solutions.

Among the highlights, the HP DesignJet XL 3800 stands out as the best large format printer on the market, offering unparalleled speed, quality, and affordability. Contact us to explore the best wide format printers tailored to your business needs.