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If you need exhibition-quality photographs, illustrations, or small art editions at home, start with a pigment-ink printer that supports fine-art media—not with the biggest resolution number. For U.S. home and small-studio buyers, the strongest current shortlist is the 17-inch Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 for large work, Epson SureColor P700 for compact 13-inch printing, Epson SureColor P900 for an Epson 17-inch workflow, Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 for a smaller Canon system, and Epson SureColor P5370 for frequent production.
“Giclée” describes a high-quality fine-art inkjet print, not a formal printer category. The finished result also depends on the file, monitor calibration, ICC profile, paper, ink, lighting, storage, and quality-control process. These recommendations are use-case picks, not an independent laboratory ranking.
#1 Best Overall
- UPC: 198828789662
- Weight: 10.450 lbs
Quick comparison
| Printer | Ink and width | Best for | Main drawback | Price or availability note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 | 11 pigment inks plus Chroma Optimizer; 17-inch | Large fine-art and monochrome work | Large, heavy, expensive to run | Canon category page showed $1,249.99 special versus $1,403.99 regular when checked; stock language varied |
| Epson SureColor P700 | UltraChrome PRO10 pigment; 13-inch; 25 mL cartridges | Compact 13×19-inch fine-art printing | Small cartridges and limited width | Epson Spring 2024 guide listed $725/$829; historical, not a current street price |
| Epson SureColor P900 | UltraChrome PRO10 pigment; 17-inch; 50 mL cartridges | 17-inch Epson desktop and black-and-white work | More costly and larger than the P700 | Epson Spring 2024 guide listed $1,135/$1,249; historical |
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 | Nine pigment colors plus Chroma Optimizer; 13-inch | Compact Canon fine-art workflow | Cannot print 17-inch media | Check Canon and retailer stock and current pricing |
| Epson SureColor P5370 | 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 pigment; 17-inch; 200 mL cartridges | Frequent large-print production | Overkill for occasional users | Epson Spring 2024 guide listed $1,795/$1,945; historical |
Specifications are from the manufacturers: Canon PRO-1100 support, Epson P700, Epson P900, Canon PRO-300, and Epson P5370.
What “giclée printer” really means
A printer does not automatically make a print giclée. In professional usage, the term usually implies carefully managed inkjet output made with a suitable fine-art paper, a profiled printer, a controlled file, and repeatable inspection. Pigment ink is generally the safer starting point for gallery work because it is designed for fine-art media and long-term display, but permanence is never universal: ink, paper, ultraviolet exposure, humidity, framing, and storage all matter.
Pigment versus dye ink
Why pigment is the default for editions
- Better fit for matte, cotton, baryta, and textured papers.
- Usually stronger black-and-white control and better resistance to fading under suitable conditions.
- More appropriate when you need documented, repeatable fine-art output.
Where dye still makes sense
Dye systems can deliver vivid glossy photographs at lower operating cost and are useful for snapshots, proofs, or general photography. They should not be treated as equivalent to the pigment systems in the five printers here when archival fine-art permanence is the central requirement. The P700 and P900 use UltraChrome PRO10 pigment ink; the PRO-300 uses nine pigment colors plus Chroma Optimizer; the PRO-1100 uses 11 pigment-based inks plus Chroma Optimizer; and the P5370 uses a 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 set.
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“13-inch” and “17-inch” describe maximum media width, not your exact image dimensions. A 13-inch printer can handle letter, 11×14, 12×18, and often 13×19-inch sheets when borders and feed requirements permit. A 17-inch model is the safer choice for regular 16×20 or 17×22-inch work. Canon lists the PRO-1100 for borderless output from 4×6 through 17×22 inches, subject to size restrictions, while Epson identifies the P900 and P5370 as 17-inch printers.
- Up to 13×19 inches: P700 or PRO-300.
- Frequent 16×20 or 17×22 inches: PRO-1100, P900, or P5370.
- More than 17 inches: outsource or move to a larger-format category.
The five best home giclée printers
1. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 — best overall for large fine-art work
The PRO-1100 is Canon’s current 17-inch professional home/studio model. It uses 11 LUCIA PRO II pigment inks plus Chroma Optimizer, supports fine-art media, offers rear-tray and manual feeding, wireless connectivity, and includes Canon Professional Print & Layout.
- Maximum resolution listed by Canon: 2400×1200 dpi; minimum droplet: 4 picoliters.
- Borderless sizes from 4×6 to 17×22 inches, with documented exceptions.
- Canon lists approximately 2 minutes 25 seconds for a bordered 13×19 color photo and approximately 4 minutes for a bordered 17×22 photo.
- User-replaceable print head and a one-year limited warranty are listed by Canon.
- Approximate closed size is 28.5×17.1×11.2 inches and weight is 71.4 pounds.
Choose it if: You regularly need 17-inch media, deep monochrome output, and Canon’s gloss-control workflow. Skip it if: most work is 8×10 or 11×14, or your studio cannot support its footprint and weight.
Canon’s category page displayed a $1,249.99 special price versus $1,403.99 regular when checked; another product page showed inconsistent availability language. Treat both as a dated U.S. snapshot and verify stock at Canon’s product page.
2. Epson SureColor P700 — best compact 13-inch pigment printer
The P700 is the most approachable serious fine-art option here. Its 10-channel MicroPiezo AMC head uses UltraChrome PRO10 pigment ink, with separate photo-black and matte-black channels, Carbon Black mode, and Advanced Black-and-White mode. USB 3.0, Ethernet, and wireless connections support a home-studio workflow.
Rank #2
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The Envy 6155 is perfect for homes printing everyday high-quality color documents like homework and borderless photos. Print speeds up to 10 ppm black, 7 ppm color.
- 3 MONTH TRIAL OF INSTANT INK – Subscribe to the Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your door before you run out, and you save up to 50% on ink. After 3 months, a monthly fee applies unless cancelled.
- KEY FEATURES – Color print, copy and scan, plus auto 2-sided printing and a 100-sheet input tray
- HP'S MOST INTUITIVE COLOR TOUCHSCREEN – Smoothly navigate your printer with the easy-to-use 2.4" touchscreen
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
It is a strong fit for photographers and illustrators whose largest routine sheet is 13×19 inches. Epson’s guide lists 25 mL cartridges, so frequent sellers should account for replacement ink and cleaning waste rather than judging only by the printer’s purchase price.
Choose it if: you want a relatively compact pigment printer with serious monochrome controls. Skip it if: 17-inch editions are a regular requirement or your volume will quickly exhaust small cartridges.
Epson’s available Spring 2024 guide listed $725/$829 in its two price columns; those are historical manufacturer-guide figures, not confirmed September 2026 prices.
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3. Epson SureColor P900 — best Epson 17-inch desktop model
The P900 extends Epson’s UltraChrome PRO10 platform to 17-inch media while retaining dedicated photo-black and matte-black channels, Carbon Black mode, Advanced Black-and-White mode, and USB, Ethernet, and wireless connectivity. Epson describes it as a compact 17-inch desktop/studio printer.
It suits photographers moving beyond 13×19 inches, especially those producing large monochrome work. Epson’s guide lists 50 mL cartridges, giving it more capacity than the P700, but capacity alone does not establish a lower cost per print.
Choose it if: you want Epson’s paper and profile ecosystem at 17 inches without a larger production machine. Skip it if: your output is occasional or rarely exceeds 13×19 inches. The available guide listed $1,135/$1,249 historically.
4. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 — best compact Canon alternative
The PRO-300 is a 13-inch professional printer using nine LUCIA PRO pigment colors plus Chroma Optimizer. Canon says its matte-black formulation is intended to improve black density and shadow reproduction on fine-art paper. Its manual feed accepts media up to approximately 380 gsm and 0.1–0.6 mm according to Canon’s product information, and Professional Print & Layout supports the Canon workflow.
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Choose it if: you use Canon cameras, want Chroma Optimizer, and print mainly up to 13×19 inches. Skip it if: you need 17-inch sheets or the lowest possible running cost. Verify current operating-system and application compatibility because Canon’s software language includes older Adobe versions.
Rank #3
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
5. Epson SureColor P5370 — best specialist option for frequent large prints
The P5370 is a 17-inch professional photographic printer using 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 pigment ink, including violet for expanded blue hues and gamut. Its 200 mL cartridges are the largest in this group, making it attractive when you print often and want fewer cartridge changes.
Choose it if: regular production, capacity, and a 17-inch Epson workflow matter more than minimum entry price. Skip it if: you print only a few sheets a month or need a small desktop accessory. Epson’s 2024 guide listed $1,795/$1,945 historically; that does not establish current price, availability, or value.
Match the printer to your work
Occasional printing
Prioritize reliable wake-up behavior, cartridge availability, compact dimensions, and the cost of outsourcing. A printer that sits idle for long periods can consume ink in maintenance and may develop missing nozzles.
Weekly or frequent printing
Compare cartridge and maintenance-cartridge capacity, nozzle-check routines, print speed, paper loading, and the availability of profiles for your chosen media. Larger cartridges help workflow but do not guarantee a lower total cost per print.
Edition production
Consistency matters more than headline resolution. Use a calibrated monitor, fixed paper/profile combinations, controlled lighting, a proofing record, and a repeatable inspection process. Keep ink levels and replacement timing predictable across a batch.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Black-and-white, paper, and color management
For monochrome work, look for separate photo-black and matte-black channels, gray or black-and-white modes, and support for the papers you actually use. Epson explicitly lists these controls for the P700 and P900; Canon lists grayscale and black-and-white features for the PRO-1100. No supplied evidence establishes a universal winner.
Thick or textured stock often requires a manual or straight path, one-sheet feeding, extra rear clearance, a driver media setting, and a custom profile. Maximum gsm is not a guarantee that every handmade or deckled sheet will feed safely. Canon’s PRO-1100 documentation lists manual-slot thickness up to 0.7 mm. Test one sheet before committing to a pack, and check the paper maker’s compatibility chart.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches- Calibrate the monitor and work in an appropriate document color space.
- Install the ICC profile for the exact printer, ink, and paper combination.
- Choose either application-managed or printer-managed color, never both.
- Soft-proof and select a rendering intent appropriate to the image.
- Make a small proof or test strip before the final sheet.
- Inspect under consistent, suitable lighting and save the settings for repeat jobs.
Maximum DPI and droplet size alone do not predict gamut, black density, gloss uniformity, or repeatability.
Rank #4
- Wireless Print/Copy/Scan
- Up to 2 years of ink included (2)
- 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)
- 1.35” Square LCD display
Ownership costs and the lab alternative
Budget for the printer, a complete ink set, cleaning cycles, maintenance cartridges, fine-art paper, test sheets, failed prints, monitor calibration, storage, and workspace. A credible cost-per-print calculation must identify paper size and type, coverage, cleaning and waste assumptions, currency, and date. The available specifications do not support a comparable August 2026 cost-per-print table.
Outsourcing is often financially rational when you print only a few times per month, need larger than 17 inches, require professional inspection, or sell too few high-value prints to justify maintenance. Compare the lab’s per-print quote and shipping with your expected annual ink, paper, waste, calibration, and ownership costs.
Maintenance and troubleshooting
Nozzle checks, banding, and color casts
- Run a nozzle check before an important edition.
- Use the normal cleaning cycle first; check ink and maintenance-cartridge capacity.
- Do not repeat deep cleaning indefinitely: it consumes ink and may not fix a mechanical problem.
- If missing nozzles, banding, or color shifts persist, stop wasting paper and follow the manufacturer’s support procedure.
Matte-black and photo-black changes
Separate black channels improve paper flexibility but can require ink management when switching between matte and glossy media. That can add preparation time and consumption; do not assume a fixed waste amount without a current manual or measurement.
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Gloss differential and bronzing
These effects can appear in dark areas on glossy or semi-gloss paper, especially when the sheet is not optimized for the ink set. Chroma Optimizer systems in the PRO-300 and PRO-1100 are intended to improve gloss uniformity, but results vary by paper and image.
Borderless and unusual media
Check the exact dimensions, driver option, printable-area limits, and whether borderless mode enlarges or crops the image. Handmade, curled, or unusually thick paper can skew, scratch, strike the head, dry slowly, or feed unevenly.
Which one should you buy?
- Best overall large-format choice: Canon PRO-1100.
- Best compact 13-inch choice: Epson P700.
- Best Epson 17-inch desktop: Epson P900.
- Best compact Canon: Canon PRO-300.
- Best for frequent 17-inch production: Epson P5370.
- Best financial choice for occasional or oversized work: a professional fine-art lab.
Buy the width and workflow you will use repeatedly, not the printer with the most impressive specification sheet. For a limited edition, the documented combination of file, profile, paper, ink, lighting, and storage matters as much as the hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pigment printer automatically a giclée printer?
No. Giclée describes a controlled fine-art inkjet result. The file, ICC profile, paper, color management, viewing conditions, and production process all contribute.
Should I choose a 13-inch or 17-inch printer?
Choose 13 inches for work up to about 13×19 inches. Choose 17 inches if 16×20 or 17×22-inch prints are routine; otherwise the larger machine may add cost and space without benefit.
Can I leave a fine-art printer unused for months?
Long idle periods increase the risk of missing nozzles and cleaning waste. Run nozzle checks before important work, follow the manufacturer’s power guidance, and use normal cleaning before deep cleaning.
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.
