If you’ve ever heard that hiss or seen little puffs of steam while printing, you know that best filament dryer can feel like a magic wand for 3D printing. Moist filament leads to bubbling, popping, and weak layers. But a good dryer tames that moisture monster fast. Let’s chat through why you need one, what to look for, and which models shine.
Filament drying isn’t just geek talk. All common materials—PLA, PETG, TPU, and especially nylon—grab moisture from the air (they’re hygroscopic). Because that water turns to steam in your hotend, you get:
And for sensitive materials like PCTG or carbon fiber blends, moisture can wreck your prints. So the best filament dryer isn’t a luxury—it’s a game changer for quality.
Before we dive into specific models, here’s what to consider:
Because each maker’s needs differ, mix these must-haves with your budget to find the right match.
Below are four of the best filament dryer options, from budget to pro:
Why it’s great
SUNLU’s S4 is like a small humidifier that works backward. It draws moisture out, then shows you the humidity level on its screen. You can dry up to four spools together, each feeding to your printer if you like.
Pro tip
Use mode 2 (humidity-triggered) so it only heats when moisture creeps above your set point. Saves power and protects heat-sensitive PLA.
Why it’s great
Space Pi is compact and reliable for two spools. You can print directly while drying through its top port (no more reloading). And its presets for PLA, PETG, ABS, and nylon are straightforward.
Pro tip
Rotate your spool halfway through drying for the most even results.
Why it’s great
On a budget? Comgrow’s dryer gets the job done for one spool. It’s quiet enough to sit next to your printer and has a clear window so you can see filament color changes.
Pro tip
Set a 4-hour cycle for PLA, 6-hour for PETG, and 12-hour for nylon.
Why it’s great
Polymaker’s dryer combines storage and drying in one unit. After drying, just seal it up for long-term storage. The box holds humidity below 5 percent, so your spools stay fresh.
Pro tip
Leave filament in the box for short print sessions—no need to re-dry each time.
These bullet points help you nail dryness without guesswork.
Dryers solve moisture now. Storage keeps it away later:
I dried a nylon spool in the SUNLU S4 overnight and printed a set of living hinges the next day—no bubbles, perfect flex. With Space Pi I revived a PETG roll that had been clumpy, and in two hours I was back printing smooth parts. It’s amazing how much dryer performance affects print success.
There you have it—the best filament dryer options to banish moisture and up your print game. Whether you choose a four-spool SUNLU S4, a mid-range Space Pi, a budget Comgrow, or a sleek Polymaker unit, your prints will thank you with crisp layers and zero popping. Happy drying and even happier printing!