In short
- For most people: SUNLU S4, for up to 4 spools at once.
- Budget, one spool: SUNLU S2 or eSUN eBOX Lite.
- Compact and popular: Creality Space Pi.
- Drying and storage in one: Polymaker PolyDryer.
How we choose: we have not tested every product ourselves. We look at specifications, ease of use, what it costs per print hour (using this site's calculation method), availability in the Netherlands and the experiences of many buyers.
Comparison
| Dryer | Spools | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| SUNLU S4 | 4 | drying several materials at once |
| SUNLU S2 | 1 | starting cheaply |
| Creality Space Pi | 1 | compact, print straight from the dryer |
| Polymaker PolyDryer | 1 | drying and airtight storage |
| eSUN eBOX Lite | 1 | budget, simple |
The five top picks
1. SUNLU S4
Best for: anyone who uses several materials or colours.
- Pros: room for 4 spools, you can print while the filament dries.
- Cons: larger and more expensive than a single-spool dryer.
2. SUNLU S2
Best for: beginners on a limited budget.
- Pros: affordable, easy to use.
- Cons: only one spool at a time.
3. Creality Space Pi
Best for: anyone who wants a compact dryer next to the printer.
- Pros: compact, prints straight from the dryer.
- Cons: one spool; less suitable for nylon.
4. Polymaker PolyDryer
Best for: anyone who also wants to store filament dry.
- Pros: combines drying with airtight storage boxes.
- Cons: more expensive per spool, extra boxes sold separately.
5. eSUN eBOX Lite
Best for: a simple, affordable solution.
- Pros: affordable, many satisfied buyers.
- Cons: basic controls, one spool.
Drying temperatures per material
| Material | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | 45 – 50 °C | 4 – 6 hours |
| PETG | 60 – 65 °C | 4 – 6 hours |
| TPU | 50 – 55 °C | 4 – 8 hours |
| ABS / ASA | 60 – 70 °C | 4 – 6 hours |
| Nylon | 70 – 80 °C | 8 – 12 hours |
Guide values. Follow the instructions on the spool, and check that your dryer reaches the temperature needed for nylon. More explanation in drying filament.
Keeping filament dry
- Store spools in an airtight box or vacuum bag with silica gel.
- Use silica gel with a colour indicator, so you can see when it needs replacing.
- Do not leave PETG, TPU and nylon sitting open on the printer for days.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a filament dryer?
For PLA in a dry room, often not. If you print PETG, TPU or nylon, or live in a damp house, then yes: wet filament causes stringing, bubbles and weak prints.
How long does filament need to dry?
Usually 4 to 8 hours. Nylon and very damp filament sometimes longer.
Can I dry filament in the oven?
You can, but ovens are often inaccurate at low temperatures. Just a few degrees too hot can deform a spool of PLA.
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