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Introduction: A Versatile Large Format Printing Solution
When it comes to finding the best large format printers for architectural drawings and technical documents, professionals need reliable equipment that delivers precision and quality. Today, I’m taking an in-depth look at the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e, a standout option in the market for handling architectural paper sizes with impressive capabilities.
As someone who has tested numerous printers for architectural and technical applications over the past decade, I’ve developed a keen eye for what makes a printer truly excel in handling large format documents. The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e grabbed my attention with its promise of professional-quality output combined with versatile paper handling abilities that accommodate various technical paper sizes.
Whether you’re an architect needing to print detailed blueprints, an engineer working with technical drawings, or a small business requiring a reliable large format printing solution, this comprehensive review will help you determine if the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e deserves a place in your workspace.
Who Is It For? Finding Your Perfect Printing Partner
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e is ideally suited for architects, engineers, designers, and small to medium-sized businesses that regularly work with architectural paper sizes and require high-quality large format printing capabilities.
This printer particularly benefits:
- Architectural firms needing to print detailed plans and drawings up to tabloid size (11″ x 17″)
- Engineering offices requiring precise technical document printing
- Construction companies that need to produce and share site plans
- Small businesses handling in-house marketing materials and presentations
- Design studios working with oversized documents and graphics
However, the 9730e may not be the right fit for those needing extremely large formats beyond 11″ x 17″ (such as A0 or E-size drawings) or users with minimal large format printing requirements who might find a smaller, less expensive printer more suitable for occasional use.
Product Overview & Summary Box
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e: At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Product Name | HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e |
| Type | All-in-One Inkjet Printer |
| Max Paper Size | 11″ x 17″ (A3/Tabloid) |
| Print Speed | Up to 22 ppm (black), 18 ppm (color) |
| Resolution | Up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, Mobile Printing |
| Paper Handling | 250-sheet input tray, 50-sheet ADF |
| Key Features | Automatic two-sided printing, HP+ Smart Printing System, 6 months of Instant Ink included |
| Price Range | $399-$449 |
| Rating | ★★★★½ (4.5/5) |
In-Depth Review: Exploring the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e
Appearance & Design: Professional Aesthetics Meet Practical Functionality
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e makes a strong first impression with its sleek, professional design that combines modern aesthetics with practical functionality. Finished in a business-appropriate white and dark gray color scheme, this printer has a relatively compact footprint considering its capabilities for handling large format prints and architectural paper sizes.
The well-designed control panel features a 2.7-inch color touchscreen that’s intuitive and responsive, providing easy access to the printer’s numerous functions. The paper trays are sturdy and well-constructed, with clear size indicators that make adjusting for different technical paper sizes straightforward.
While not the smallest device in its class at approximately 22.6 x 17.6 x 15.7 inches, the 9730e manages to balance size with capability admirably. Its thoughtful design includes accessible ink compartments and a scan bed that accommodates large documents with ease.
Performance & Features: Built for Architectural and Technical Printing Demands
When it comes to performance, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e truly shines as one of the best large format printers in its price range. The ability to handle paper sizes up to 11″ x 17″ (A3/Tabloid) makes it perfect for architectural paper sizes and most technical documents.
Print quality is exceptional, with text appearing crisp and clear even at smaller font sizes—crucial for detailed architectural notes and specifications. Line drawings and technical illustrations benefit from the printer’s impressive 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi resolution, ensuring that even the finest details remain distinct and accurate.
The 9730e delivers respectable print speeds of up to 22 ppm for black and 18 ppm for color documents, making it efficient enough for busy professional environments. The first-page-out time averages around 9 seconds, minimizing wait times when you need to quickly print a single document.
Additional features that enhance its performance include:
- Automatic two-sided printing, reducing paper consumption
- HP+ Smart Printing System with cloud-based connectivity
- Mobile printing capability via HP Smart App
- Scanning capability for documents up to 11″ x 17″
- Built-in security features to protect sensitive documents
User-Friendliness: Intuitive Operation for Technical Professionals
Setting up the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e is remarkably straightforward, with HP’s installation wizard guiding users through the process step by step. The printer’s wireless setup is particularly seamless, connecting to office networks with minimal fuss.
The touchscreen interface is intuitive and well-organized, making it easy to navigate through functions and settings. The HP Smart App extends this user-friendly experience to mobile devices, allowing for remote printing, scanning, and printer management—a valuable feature for architects and engineers who may need to print documents while away from their desk.
Paper handling deserves special mention, as the printer deftly manages various technical paper sizes without jams or misfeeds—a critical consideration when printing important architectural drawings or technical documents.
The only minor learning curve involves setting up some of the more advanced features, such as custom presets for different types of architectural paper sizes or configuring secure printing for sensitive documents.
Durability & Quality: Built to Handle Professional Workloads
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e demonstrates solid build quality with durable components designed to withstand the rigors of a busy professional environment. The printer has a recommended monthly duty cycle of up to 25,000 pages, making it robust enough for small to medium architectural firms and engineering offices.
Print quality remains consistent over time, with HP’s thermal inkjet technology delivering reliable results on various paper types and sizes. The printer handles different paper weights well, from standard document paper to heavier stock suitable for presentation-quality architectural drawings.
The automatic document feeder and paper trays operate smoothly even after extended use, suggesting good long-term reliability. Based on user feedback and HP’s track record, the 9730e appears to maintain its performance standards well beyond the one-year warranty period.
Value for Money: Balancing Capability with Cost
At a price point ranging from $399 to $449, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e positions itself in the mid-to-upper range for office all-in-one printers. However, when evaluated specifically as one of the best large format printers for handling architectural paper sizes, it offers excellent value compared to dedicated large format plotters costing thousands more.
Operating costs are reasonable thanks to HP’s efficient ink usage and the option to subscribe to HP Instant Ink, which can reduce ongoing expenses for high-volume users. The inclusion of 6 months of Instant Ink with purchase adds further value to the initial investment.
For professionals and businesses regularly working with technical paper sizes larger than standard letter or A4, the 9730e delivers professional-quality output at a fraction of the cost of commercial printing services, potentially offering significant savings over time.
Pros & Cons: The Complete Picture
Pros:
- Excellent print quality for architectural drawings and technical documents
- Versatile paper handling for various architectural paper sizes up to 11″ x 17″
- Fast print speeds suitable for busy professional environments
- Intuitive touchscreen interface and easy wireless setup
- Robust build quality with reliable performance
- Comprehensive connectivity options including mobile printing
- Good value compared to dedicated large format plotters
- Automatic two-sided printing saves paper
Cons:
- Limited to 11″ x 17″ maximum size (not suitable for larger E-size/A0 drawings)
- Relatively large footprint may be challenging for smaller offices
- Initial purchase price higher than standard office printers
- Occasional slow-down when processing complex large format documents
- Heavy ink usage when printing large technical drawings at high quality
Alternatives & Comparisons: Other Options to Consider
When shopping for the best large format printers for architectural paper sizes, it’s worth considering how the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e compares to alternatives like the Epson WorkForce WF-7840.
The Epson WorkForce WF-7840 offers similar 11″ x 17″ printing capabilities and is priced comparably at around $379. It features slightly faster print speeds (25 ppm black/12 ppm color) and a larger 500-sheet paper capacity, which might benefit offices with higher volume printing needs.
However, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e edges out the Epson in terms of print quality, particularly for detailed architectural drawings where precision is paramount. The HP also offers a more user-friendly interface and better mobile connectivity options, making it the superior choice for professionals who prioritize print quality and convenience over raw speed.
For those requiring even larger formats beyond what the 9730e offers, you would need to step up to a dedicated wide-format printer like the HP DesignJet T210, though this comes with a significant price increase (typically $800+) and much larger footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e print on specialty papers used for architectural drawings?
Yes, the 9730e handles various paper types including bond paper, vellum, and light cardstock commonly used for architectural drafts and technical drawings. It performs well with paper weights between 60-120 g/m² for most technical paper sizes up to 11″ x 17″.
How does the print quality compare to dedicated plotters for architectural drawings?
While dedicated plotters offer larger size capabilities, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e provides comparable quality for drawings up to 11″ x 17″. The 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution ensures crisp lines and accurate details sufficient for most architectural applications where extreme precision isn’t required.
Is the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e economical for regular large format printing?
Yes, especially with an HP Instant Ink subscription. For a busy architectural office regularly printing large format documents, the cost per page can be significantly lower than outsourcing printing services. The automatic two-sided printing feature also helps reduce paper costs.
Can it handle scanning large architectural documents?
The 9730e can scan documents up to 11″ x 17″ on the flatbed scanner, making it suitable for digitizing smaller architectural drawings and technical documents. The automatic document feeder is limited to legal size (8.5″ x 14″), so larger documents must be scanned using the flatbed.
Conclusion: A Worthy Investment for Architectural Printing Needs
After thorough testing and evaluation, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e stands out as one of the best large format printers for professionals working with architectural paper sizes and technical paper sizes up to 11″ x 17″. Its combination of print quality, versatility, and reasonable operating costs makes it an excellent choice for architectural firms, engineering offices, and businesses needing reliable large format printing capabilities without investing in dedicated plotters.
The printer excels in producing detailed drawings and documents with precise lines and clear text, essential for architectural and technical applications. While it won’t replace industrial-grade plotters for extremely large formats, it bridges the gap between standard office printers and specialized equipment at a price point that makes sense for small to medium-sized professional offices.
For architects, engineers, and design professionals seeking a versatile, reliable printing solution that won’t break the budget, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e deserves serious consideration. Its impressive performance with various architectural paper sizes and intuitive operation make it a valuable addition to any technical workspace.
Ready to upgrade your architectural printing capabilities? Click here to check the latest price on Amazon and see why the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e is becoming a preferred choice for architects and technical professionals seeking quality large format printing solutions.
