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“Giclée” is a fine-art inkjet-printing term, not a printer certification or a guarantee of quality. Choose a printer by the print sizes and volume you need, then verify its current specifications, media support, and ownership costs before buying. The five models below are a shortlist for evaluation, not a tested ranking: available research does not verify equivalent specifications or side-by-side performance for all five.
For occasional small prints, outsourcing may cost less than buying and maintaining a professional printer. Ink, paper, maintenance, failed proofs, workspace, and service all affect the real cost of producing fine-art editions.
Quick comparison
| Printer | Shortlist role | What the research supports | What to verify before buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 | Candidate for work up to 13 inches | Named in the current roundup shortlist | Current width, ink system, media handling, price, and availability |
| Epson SureColor P5370 | Candidate for a 17-inch workflow | Named in the current roundup shortlist | Current specifications, roll and sheet support, price, and availability |
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 | 17-inch Canon fine-art option | Canon lists a 17-inch printer with pigment inks, 11 inks plus Chroma Optimizer, and fine-art use | Current regional price, stock, media combinations, and service |
| Epson SureColor P7570 | Candidate for 24-inch production | Named in the current roundup shortlist | Current width, ink system, feed options, price, and availability |
| Epson SureColor P9570 | Candidate for 44-inch commercial work | Named in the current roundup shortlist | Current width, configuration, options, price, and availability |
The shortlist roles for the PRO-310, P5370, P7570, and P9570 come from the roundup, not equivalent manufacturer verification or independent testing. Prices and availability are not established by the research. Confirm them with the manufacturer or an authorized regional dealer.
#1 Best Overall
- CARTRIDGE-FREE PRINTING — Print lab-quality photos, graphics and creative projects; Get vibrant colors and sharp text with Epson's high-accuracy printhead and Claria ET Premium 6-color inks
- INK BOTTLES — Save on photos1 and creative projects with affordable in-house printing; All-in-one printer allows you to print 4" x 6" photos for about 4 cents each vs. 40 cents with traditional ink cartridges1
- LESS FREQUENT INK REPLACEMENT — Replacement ink bottles don't have to be changed nearly as often as ink cartridges¹; Printer, scanner and copier lets you print up to 6,200 color pages³
- PRINT FOR LONGER — Up to 2 years of ink in the box² (and with every replacement ink set) for fewer out-of-ink frustrations with this wireless printer
- ZERO CARTRIDGE WASTE — Epson EcoTank printer helps reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills; Cartridge-free printer uses high-yield ink bottles; Each replacement ink bottle set is equivalent to about 100 individual ink cartridges⁴
At a glance: how to choose
- Need a compact desktop workflow: Compare 13-inch models, and verify their actual printable sizes and media support.
- Need larger exhibition prints: Compare 17-inch options, including the Canon PRO-1100.
- Need wider production output: Evaluate the P7570 and P9570 only after confirming their current specifications and the space and service they require.
- Print infrequently: Compare the cost and convenience of a professional lab before purchasing.
What is a giclée printer?
“Giclée printer” is practical buying language, not a formal printer category or universal certification. A giclée print is generally understood as a fine-art inkjet print; the term alone does not guarantee quality or longevity.
Pigment ink is common in professional fine-art printing, but ink type by itself does not guarantee permanence. Longevity depends on the ink-and-paper combination and display, storage, and environmental conditions. Treat permanence statements as manufacturer claims tied to specified conditions, not guarantees for every print.
A capable printer can still produce poor results with an unsuitable paper profile, unmanaged color, a clogged nozzle, a poor source file, or an incorrect media setting.
What makes a printer suitable for giclée work?
Ink and image quality
Look for a professional ink system and suitable support for the media you intend to use. More ink channels do not, by themselves, prove better output. Ink formulation, driver quality, paper, profiles, image content, and printer condition all matter. Test with your own images and intended paper when possible.
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Some printers provide separate Photo Black and Matte Black channels; confirm the arrangement for the model you are considering. Canon describes the PRO-1100’s Chroma Optimizer as part of its fine-art printing system, but the presence of a feature does not establish that it will improve every print or paper surface.
Media handling
Fine-art papers vary in thickness, weight, and texture. Check the exact printer’s supported paper types and thickness, feed paths, skew control, and any roll support or cutter you need. Confirm the media size and margins for the specific paper path, not just the printer’s headline width.
Color management
A professional workflow requires a calibrated monitor, an ICC profile for the exact paper, and a clear choice about which application controls color. Use application-managed color with the correct paper profile and configure the printer driver not to apply a second correction, or use printer-managed color. Do not let both systems manage the same conversion.
Menu names vary with the operating system, application, and driver version, so check current instructions for your setup rather than relying on one universal click path.
Maintenance and ownership
Include maintenance, ink used during servicing, replacement parts, waste ink, failed proofs, and service access in your ownership calculation. Cartridge capacity alone does not establish cost per print. This research did not establish comparable cost-per-print figures for the five shortlisted models.
1. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310: shortlist candidate for compact work
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 appears in the current roundup as a candidate for work up to 13 inches. The research did not independently verify its current specifications, price, or availability, so check Canon’s regional product information before relying on detailed claims or making a purchase.
Rank #2
- 11 PIGMENT-BASED INK SYSTEM PLUS CHROMA OPTIMIZER: The 11 pigment-based ink system provides a broad color gamut and improved gloss uniformity for superb glossiness and anti-bronzing. The included Chroma Optimizer ink enhances glossiness, flattens the print surface and expands color range.
- WIDE COLOR GAMUT FOR EXCEPTIONAL IMAGE CLARITY: The LUCIA PRO II ink system helps you achieve an improvement in color-reproduction, image clarity, and enhanced darker areas. It faithfully reproduces colors and dark areas crucial for printing works of art.
- PROFESSIONAL PRINT & LAYOUT SOFTWARE: This powerful software provides professional photographers with intuitive printing solutions. A standalone application that also can be used as a plug-in from Digital Photo Professional or Adobe software to support seamless output.
- PRINTER MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS: Every detail in your print must be perfect, why not have the same obsession for your workflow? The PRO-1100 is precisely managed with powerful management tools such as the Media Configuration, Color Calibration, and Accounting Manager tools.
- ANTI-CLOGGING TECHNOLOGY: Via a FINE print head that controls precise ink ejection.
Consider it if: Your work fits a compact desktop format and the current model specifications match your media and workflow needs.
Check first: Maximum printable sizes, supported paper and feed paths, ink and maintenance costs, and current driver and service availability.
2. Epson SureColor P5370: shortlist candidate for 17-inch work
The Epson SureColor P5370 appears in the roundup as a candidate for a 17-inch workflow. Its detailed specifications and price were not independently verified in the research, so confirm them on Epson’s current regional product page before comparing it with alternatives.
Consider it if: You need a 17-inch workflow and the model’s current media handling and features fit your studio.
Check first: Exact sheet and roll support, ink and maintenance costs, cartridge requirements, physical footprint, and current availability.
3. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: documented 17-inch Canon option
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is a 17-inch professional wireless inkjet photo printer intended for fine-art and gallery printing, according to Canon. Canon lists 11 pigment inks plus Chroma Optimizer and borderless printing up to 17 by 22 inches. Confirm the exact media-size combinations and regional specifications before purchase.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteCanon’s LUCIA PRO II material describes goals including expanded color reproduction and improved black density on art paper. These are manufacturer descriptions, not independent comparative test results. Canon’s 2024 launch announcement quoted a U.S. MSRP of $1,299.99 at announcement; that is historical launch pricing, not a current price.
Consider it if: You need a 17-inch Canon workflow and its verified media support and ink system suit your work.
Check first: Current local pricing and stock, media feed options, ongoing ink costs, driver support, and service access.
4. Epson SureColor P7570: shortlist candidate for wider output
The Epson SureColor P7570 appears in the roundup as a candidate for 24-inch production. The research did not independently verify its current specifications, price, or availability. Check Epson’s current regional information for supported media, ink and cartridge options, feed paths, service, and installation requirements.
Rank #3
- Wireless Print/Copy/Scan (2)
- Up to 2 years of ink included
- Print up to 6,000 black & white / 7,700 color pages using a single set of inks! (1)
- Save up to $1,000 on ink (1)
- 2.7” LCD Color Touchscreen
Consider it if: You need output wider than desktop models provide and can justify a larger professional workflow.
Check first: Current width and media specifications, workspace, installation, service arrangements, and total ownership cost.
5. Epson SureColor P9570: shortlist candidate for commercial work
The Epson SureColor P9570 appears in the roundup as a candidate for 44-inch commercial work. The research did not independently verify its current specifications, configurations, options, price, or availability. Confirm those details with Epson or an authorized dealer before treating it as a fit for a production business.
Consider it if: Your work genuinely requires large-format production and you have verified the equipment, service, and operating costs.
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Check first: Current configuration and options, installation requirements, footprint, maintenance, and local support.
Use width and volume to narrow the shortlist
Maximum output width is a useful first filter, but it is not the only one. The documented Epson P700 is a 13-inch benchmark, while the Epson P900 and Canon PRO-1100 are 17-inch models. The P700 and P900 are comparison benchmarks, not replacements for the five named shortlist candidates.
Measure the finished print and confirm the exact paper-size and feed-path support. Also account for margins, mounting, roll handling, rear clearance, and space to handle prints. Estimate your monthly volume and determine whether sheets, rolls, or both are necessary.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Total ownership cost matters more than the sticker price
Before buying, price the compatible ink and paper you plan to use. Also consider:
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- Replacement parts, maintenance boxes, and service access.
- Failed proofs and paper damaged by incorrect settings.
- Optional stands, cutters, software, or measurement equipment.
- Warranty, installation, shipping, and downtime.
- Safe storage for fine-art media.
Do not rely on a cost-per-print figure unless it comes from a documented test method using representative images, media, and current regional prices. Ink use varies with image coverage, paper, maintenance, and printer behavior.
For low-volume artists, outsourcing is a rational alternative. A professional lab may offer more sizes or media, finishing, and better economics when a printer would sit idle between jobs.
Rank #4
- 8 COLOR dye-based ink system produces vibrant, high quality prints.
- BORDERLESS PRINTING from 3.5” x 3.5” up to 13” x 19”.
- HIGH SPEED PRINTING — bordered A3+ print in just 90 seconds or bordered 8" x 10" print in 53 seconds.
- 3.0'' COLOR LCD MONITOR -- Easily check ink levels, printer status, and other settings.
A reliable giclée-print workflow
- Measure the required print size and decide whether roll media is necessary.
- Estimate monthly volume and compare buying with outsourcing the same sizes.
- Calibrate the monitor and edit in a suitable color-managed color space.
- Soft-proof with the ICC profile for the exact paper, if available.
- Select the correct paper or media type in the printer driver.
- Choose the appropriate black-ink or media path if your printer provides one.
- Set print quality appropriate to the image and paper.
- Choose either application-managed or printer-managed color, never both.
- Confirm paper size, scaling, borders, orientation, and margins.
- Run a nozzle check if the printer has been idle or banding is visible.
- Make a small proof before using expensive fine-art paper.
- Allow the print to dry before judging color, density, or surface appearance.
Exact menu labels differ between operating systems, applications, and driver releases. The principle is consistent: use the correct profile and media setting, and let only one system manage color.
Troubleshooting common failures
Banding
Banding can result from nozzle problems, an incorrect media setting, feed issues, or print-quality settings. Run a nozzle check, follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning process, and check loading and settings. Avoid repeated intensive cleaning without guidance; contact support if the problem persists.
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Check for double color management. Then confirm the paper profile, media setting, display calibration, and drying time. Compare a known test image under consistent lighting.
Uneven surface appearance
If a print has unwanted gloss or surface variation, confirm the paper profile and media setting, allow it to dry, and test another suitable paper surface. Check whether your model offers a relevant manufacturer-supported setting for the chosen media.
Problems after inactivity
Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions and perform the recommended checks. Do not assume a single maintenance interval applies to every printer, climate, or studio.
Before-you-buy checklist
- What is the largest finished print you will make?
- Do you need sheets, rolls, or both?
- How many prints will you make each month?
- What are the current ink, paper, and maintenance costs?
- Does your preferred paper have a suitable ICC profile?
- Can your space accommodate the printer and its media handling?
- Are current drivers and service available in your region?
- Do you need optional equipment or software?
- What support is available if a part fails?
- Would a professional lab be more economical at your actual volume?
Final verdict
There is no universal “best giclée printer.” The five models in this guide are a shortlist, not a tested ranking. Start with the required print width and volume, then verify current model specifications, media support, price, and service. Canon’s documented PRO-1100 is a 17-inch fine-art option; the other four candidates require model-specific verification before their detailed features or value can be compared.
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FAQ
What is the best printer for giclée prints?
There is no single best choice for every buyer. Match the printer’s verified width, media support, and workflow to your artwork and print volume; the shortlist here has not been tested side by side.
Do I need a 13-inch or 17-inch printer?
Choose based on the finished print sizes you actually need. A 17-inch model expands the size options, but check the exact paper-size combinations and margins for the model and feed path.
Does “giclée” mean a print is archival?
No. “Giclée” is not a certification or guarantee of longevity. Ink, paper, display, storage, and environmental conditions all affect how a print holds up.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesShould I buy a printer or use a professional lab?
Compare costs at your actual print volume. Include ink, paper, maintenance, failed proofs, workspace, and service—not only the purchase price.
Can I compare printers by ink count?
Ink count alone does not establish better results. Consider the ink system together with paper support, profiles, workflow, and prints made with your own images.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
