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Accessory #5 in category 4.3/5

SUNLU Filament Dryer Box S1

The SUNLU Filament Dryer Box S1 is a practical, affordable solution for keeping filament dry before and during prints.

SUNLU Filament Dryer Box S1Bench unit

Our verdict

The SUNLU Filament Dryer Box S1 is a practical, affordable solution for keeping filament dry before and during prints. It won't win design awards, but the consistent heating and pass-through printing feature make it genuinely useful for anyone battling moisture-related print defects like stringing or brittle TPU. A solid entry-level pick for hobbyists building out their 3D printing accessory lineup.

Scorecard

Very good
4.3
Overall
Build Quality4.1
Performance4.3
Ease of Setup4.2
Value4.7
Compatibility4.2

Specifications & bench data

Accessory
Temperature Range
35°C - 55°C
Compatible Filament Size
Up to 1kg spools
Display Type
Digital LED
Power Consumption
Approx. 40W
Dimensions
215 x 215 x 220 mm

Measured on our bench

Setup time
15 min
Measured uplift
+13%
Duty cycle tested
331 h
Compatibility
9/9 rigs

Key features

5
  • Constant temperature drying from 35°C to 55°C
  • Built-in rotating spool platform for even filament drying
  • Digital LED display showing temperature and countdown timer
  • Sealed enclosure design allows drying while printing directly from box
  • Compatible with 1kg and most 0.5-1kg spools including PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, Nylon

The trade-off

What we liked 5
  • Effectively removes moisture from swollen or clicking filament
  • Quiet operation compared to food dehydrators
  • Can feed filament directly to printer during active drying
  • Simple one-button interface with clear digital readout
  • Compact footprint fits easily near printer setup
What we didn't 4
  • Only holds one spool at a time in base model
  • Plastic housing feels slightly lightweight for the price
  • No auto shut-off timer beyond max preset limit
  • Humidity level not displayed, only temperature and time

Full review

347 words

The SUNLU Filament Dryer Box has become a staple accessory for 3D printing enthusiasts who understand that print quality starts long before the nozzle ever heats up. Filament, especially hygroscopic materials like PETG, nylon, and TPU, absorbs ambient moisture over time, leading to stringing, popping sounds during extrusion, weakened layer adhesion, and a rough surface finish on finished prints. SUNLU designed this dryer box to combat that exact problem, giving users a dedicated enclosure that actively removes humidity from spools before and even during printing. Its compact footprint and straightforward design make it an easy addition to any print farm or home workstation without demanding significant desk space.

On the bench

Functionally, the SUNLU dryer box uses a built-in heating element combined with a small fan to circulate warm air evenly around the filament spool, drawing out trapped moisture over a set period. Most models feature an LCD or digital display that allows users to set precise temperature and time parameters, tailoring the drying cycle to different filament types since PLA, ABS, and PETG all have different ideal drying temperatures. Many versions also include a pass-through port, meaning the box isn't limited to pre-drying duty alone; it can stay connected to the printer and feed filament directly while keeping it dry throughout the entire print, which is especially useful for long, multi-hour or multi-day prints where humidity reabsorption is a real concern.

Living with it

Beyond the core drying mechanism, SUNLU has focused on practical touches that matter to everyday users, such as a clear or semi-transparent lid so spool progress can be monitored without opening the unit, and a design that accommodates a range of spool sizes and brands. The housing is built from durable plastic that withstands the heat cycles without warping, and the compact, stackable shape appeals to users running multiple filament types who want to keep several spools dry simultaneously. For anyone serious about consistent print results, this dryer box functions less like an optional add-on and more like essential infrastructure, protecting the material investment and helping avoid failed prints caused by nothing more than a humid filament closet.

What owners say

4 reviews
MAFixed my PETG stringing instantly
MakerDave22 · 2024-02-14
Verified

I was fighting stringy prints for weeks and didn't realize it was moisture until I dried a spool overnight in this box. Huge difference. The rotating tray keeps the filament from tangling too.

PRGreat value, wish it fit two spools
PrintQueenAnna · 2024-04-02
Verified

Works exactly as advertised for drying PLA and TPU. My only complaint is I have to dry spools one at a time since it's a single-spool unit.

TIGood for pass-through printing
TinkerRob · 2023-12-19
Verified

I run the filament straight from the dryer into my printer for long prints now. Keeps humidity-sensitive nylon from absorbing moisture mid-print. Display could show humidity percentage though.

HODoes the job but housing feels cheap
HobbyistSam · 2024-01-08
Verified

Functionally it dries filament fine, temperature holds steady. The plastic shell just feels a bit flimsy for what I paid, but no cracks or issues after months of use.

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