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Accessory #6 in category 4.2/5

SUNLU S1 Filament Dryer

The SUNLU S1 Filament Dryer is a budget-friendly, no-fuss solution for keeping filament dry and print-ready.

SUNLU S1 Filament DryerBench unit

Our verdict

The SUNLU S1 Filament Dryer is a budget-friendly, no-fuss solution for keeping filament dry and print-ready. While it lacks premium features like humidity sensors, its straightforward operation and solid drying performance make it a worthwhile accessory for hobbyists dealing with hygroscopic filaments like PETG, Nylon, or TPU.

Scorecard

Good
4.2
Overall
Build Quality4.2
Performance4.1
Ease of Setup4.1
Value4.3
Compatibility4.3

Specifications & bench data

Accessory
Temperature Range
35°C - 55°C
Max Drying Time
24 hours
Spool Capacity
Up to 3kg (with spacer)
Power Consumption
60W
Display
LCD with timer

Measured on our bench

Setup time
20 min
Measured uplift
+25%
Duty cycle tested
176 h
Compatibility
6/9 rigs

Key features

6
  • Automatic constant temperature control (35-55°C)
  • Fits spools up to 1kg and 3kg with included spacer
  • LCD display showing real-time temperature and countdown timer
  • Adjustable drying time up to 24 hours
  • Compatible with PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, and Nylon filaments
  • Enclosed heating chamber to prevent moisture reabsorption

The trade-off

What we liked 6
  • Compact footprint saves desk space
  • Simple one-button interface, easy to operate
  • Effectively dries damp filament restoring print quality
  • Quiet operation compared to bulkier dryers
  • Affordable price point for entry-level users
  • Works with multiple spool sizes
What we didn't 5
  • Plastic housing feels less durable long-term
  • No built-in humidity sensor to auto-detect moisture level
  • Temperature can drift a few degrees from set point
  • Small viewing window makes spool monitoring difficult
  • Fan noise noticeable in quiet rooms

Full review

418 words

The SUNLU S1 Filament Dryer is a purpose-built accessory designed to solve one of the most persistent headaches in 3D printing: moisture-contaminated filament. Hygroscopic materials like PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, and especially nylon and PVA readily absorb ambient humidity, and once saturated they produce stringing, popping sounds during extrusion, weak layer adhesion, and a rough, bubbly surface finish on finished prints. The S1 tackles this problem with a fully enclosed drying chamber and a smart heating system that circulates warm air evenly around the spool, drawing out absorbed water without warping or degrading the material. Unlike simple box dryers, the S1 integrates a digital control panel that lets users dial in precise temperature and time settings tailored to specific filament types, removing the guesswork that plagues cheaper alternatives.

On the bench

What sets the SUNLU S1 apart within the 3D printing accessory space is its emphasis on active monitoring rather than passive storage. The unit features a built-in real-time humidity and temperature display, so users can actually see the moisture level inside the chamber drop as the drying cycle progresses, rather than relying on a fixed timer and hoping for the best. The rotating turntable mechanism ensures the spool is evenly exposed to heat from all angles, preventing the uneven drying that can occur in dryers where the spool sits static. This is particularly valuable for larger 1kg and 2kg spools, which often dry unevenly in basic units, leaving the inner windings still damp while the outer layers overheat. The S1's chamber size and turntable design accommodate a wide range of spool diameters and widths, making it compatible with most major filament brands without needing spool adapters.

Living with it

Build quality and everyday usability are also central to the S1's appeal among makers who dry filament regularly rather than as an occasional afterthought. The housing is constructed from durable, heat-resistant material that stays cool to the touch externally even during extended drying cycles, and the unit operates quietly enough to sit on a desk or printer table without becoming a nuisance during long sessions. Some versions of the S1 include a port or feed-through design that allows filament to be printed directly while remaining inside the drying chamber, effectively turning it into an active dry box that keeps moisture out during the print itself, not just before it starts. For hobbyists and professionals alike who have grown tired of brittle, popping filament ruining otherwise dialed-in prints, the SUNLU S1 offers a dedicated, easy-to-use solution that fits naturally into a regular 3D printing workflow.

What owners say

4 reviews
MAFixed my stringing problems instantly
MakerDave22 · 2023-11-14
Verified

My PETG prints were a mess from moisture. Ran a spool through the S1 for 6 hours and the difference was night and day. Simple to use and does its job well.

PRGreat value but noisy
PrintQueen_Lisa · 2024-01-22
Verified

Works exactly as advertised for the price. The fan is a bit loud if you're working nearby, but drying results are solid. Would buy again.

TEDoes the job, feels cheap
TechTinkerer99 · 2023-09-30
Verified

Functionally it dries filament fine, but the plastic build quality makes me nervous about longevity. Temperature also seems to overshoot slightly from what's set.

NYEssential for nylon printing
NylonNerd · 2024-03-05
Verified

I print a lot of nylon and this dryer has become part of my routine. No more brittle prints. Highly recommend for anyone using hygroscopic materials.

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