Dry filament is essential for high-quality 3D prints, and if you’ve ever dealt with stringing, weak adhesion, or bubbly prints, your filament might be the culprit. Moisture wreaks havoc on common materials like PLA, PETG, ABS, and especially Nylon.
Enter the Comgrow Filament Dryer, an upgraded 3D filament dehydrator that’s not only affordable but also packed with functionality. In this in-depth Comgrow filament dryer review, we’ll uncover how it performs, whether it lives up to the hype, and if it’s truly among the best filament dryer choices on the market today.
What Is the Comgrow Filament Dryer?
The Comgrow 3D Printer Filament Dryer Box is a large-capacity, upgraded filament drying system that removes moisture from your spools before and during printing. It’s compatible with 1.75mm, 2.85mm, and 3.00mm filaments, supporting a wide array of materials like PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, and SILK.
Unlike earlier models or generic dryer boxes, this version is engineered to hold up to 2 rolls of 1KG spools making it a suitable solution for pros and hobbyists alike.
Comgrow Filament Dryer Specifications :
Feature | Details |
Brand | Comgrow |
Model Number | AK36WG-1200400J |
Material | Plastic (transparent) |
Supported Filament Sizes | 1.75mm, 2.85mm, 3.00mm |
Supported Filament Types | PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, SILK |
Capacity | Up to 2 × 1KG spools |
Max Spool Size | 9.29 × 6.49 × 9.13 in (per internal dimensions) |
Drying Temperatures | 40°C, 45°C, 50°C |
Drying Duration Options | 6h to 12h |
Power Supply | 100V–240V |
Interface | Touch button with digital display |
Real-Time Feedback | Temperature + Humidity Display |
Noise Level | Quiet (fan can be upgraded) |
Weight | 1kg (2.2 lbs) |
Large Capacity for Dual Spools :
The Comgrow filament dryer box is engineered with a generous internal space that accommodates two 1kg filament spools simultaneously — an ideal setup for users managing multiple print projects or switching between filament types.
- Internal Dimensions:
9.29 × 6.49 × 9.13 inches
(236 × 165 × 232 mm) - Maximum Height Supported:
9.13 inches (232 mm)
This large capacity not only improves drying efficiency but also ensures compatibility with most standard spool sizes across popular filament brands.
Broad Compatibility with 99% of 3D Filament Spools :
The Comgrow filament dryer box is designed to support virtually all common filament types and spool formats, making it one of the most versatile solutions on the market. It’s compatible with:
- Filament diameters:
1.75mm – 2.85mm - Material types:
PLA
SILK
PETG, ABS, and more - Spool size:
Up to 1kg per spool.
Fits two rolls simultaneously.
With this broad compatibility, the Comgrow dryer seamlessly integrates into nearly any 3D printing workflow.
Multiple Functions for Optimal Filament Care :
The Comgrow filament dryer is more than just a dehydrator — it’s a multi-functional tool that helps maintain filament quality at every stage of your printing process:
Moisture Removal
Effectively eliminates excess humidity that leads to brittle prints, stringing, and poor adhesion.
Adjustable Drying Temperatures
- 40–50°C: Ideal for PLA, PLA+, WOOD
- 50–55°C: Suitable for ABS, ABS+, PVA, PA (Nylon)
Sealed Storage Function
Keeps filament dry between prints to prevent reabsorption of moisture.
Built-In Filament Holder
Allows you to dry and print at the same time, streamlining the workflow without extra accessories.
User-Friendly Design and Controls :
The Comgrow filament dryer is equipped with a thoughtfully designed control and sealing system that enhances both usability and performance:
Filament Outlet
Lets you feed filament directly into your printer while drying, minimizing moisture exposure.
Silicone Seal
Ensures an airtight environment inside the box, maintaining consistent temperature and humidity levels for optimal drying.
Function Button (M)
Used to set drying temperature and duration, offering flexibility based on filament type.
On/Off Button
Simple and quick activation or shutdown of the dryer.
Adjust Button
Allows you to toggle between settings with ease, even mid-cycle.
Sealed Mute Function - Sleep Peacefully at Night
Unlike many filament dryers that generate distracting noise, the Comgrow filament dryer features a sealed mute function that significantly reduces operational sound.
- Low-Noise Fan Design: Engineered for quiet operation, making it ideal for bedrooms, home offices, or overnight printing sessions.
- Non-disruptive Drying: Keeps your workspace or sleeping area peaceful while maintaining effective filament care.
This makes the Comgrow dryer a perfect choice for makers who prefer a silent, uninterrupted environment.
Comgrow Filament Dryer Instructions "How to use it" — Full Operational Walkthrough (Visual Guide Explained)
This detailed visual manual for the Comgrow Filament Dryer outlines a step-by-step guide to setup, configuration, and usage. Here’s a complete breakdown and explanation of each step shown in the image:
Step 1: Connect the Power
Action: Open the sealing cap of the power jack and connect the adapter.
- Purpose: Supplies power to the dryer so it can start operating.
Tip: Make sure the adapter is properly inserted and the connection is snug.
Step 2: Insert the Filament Spools
Action: Unlock the snap button and open the lid. Place the spools inside.
- Supported Capacity:
- Two spools ≤ 70mm wide
- One spool ≤ 150mm wide
Tip: Be sure to secure the lid properly after inserting the filament to maintain a sealed environment.
Step 3: Use While Printing (Optional)
Action: If you want to print while drying, open the filament outlet plug, then feed the filament out through the hole.
Note: If using the dryer only for filament storage, this step can be skipped.
Step 4: Power ON
Action: Press the Power Button (⏻).
- Result: The display screen shows the current temperature and humidity inside the box.
Auto-Off: If no input is made within 3 minutes, the system will shut off automatically to save energy.
Step 5: Set Drying Temperature
Action: Press the Function Button (M) once.
- Display Mode: The screen will switch to temperature setting (TEMP).
- Default Temp: Starts at 40°C.
- Adjustable Range: Use ▲ or ▼ to change up to 50°C.
Note: Actual heating is influenced by ambient temperature, so results may vary.
Step 6: Set Drying Time
Action: Press M again to access TIME mode.
- Default Time: 6 hours.
- Adjustable Range: Press ▲ or ▼ to set from 6 to 12 hours.
After 5 seconds of no input, the unit returns to the main screen.
Step 7: Enter Working Mode
Action: Press M a third time to enter WORK mode.
- Display: You’ll see “WORK” on the screen, indicating drying has started.
The screen will now show:
- Real-time temperature
- Real-time humidity
- Remaining time
This data updates every 5 seconds.
Step 8: Modify Settings Mid-Cycle (Optional)
Action: To make changes to time or temperature while drying:
- Press M again.
- The dryer will return to TEMP and TIME setting modes.
You can now restart from Step 5 or Step 6 to adjust the configuration.
Summary Table: Operation Steps
Step | Action | Function |
1 | Plug in power | Powers the unit |
2 | Load filament spools | Supports up to 2x 1kg spools |
3 | Optional print-feed setup | Print while drying |
4 | Press power button | Activates screen + sensors |
5 | Press M → TEMP mode | Set drying temperature (40–50°C) |
6 | Press M again → TIME mode | Set drying duration (6–12 hours) |
7 | Press M again → WORK mode | Starts drying process |
8 | Press M again during WORK mode | Return to TEMP/TIME setting to modify parameters |
This illustrated instruction guide makes it easy for users of any experience level to set up and operate the Comgrow 3D printer filament dryer box effectively. Whether you’re prepping filament or using it during active prints, these steps ensure optimal performance and moisture-free filament.
How Does the Comgrow dryer Work?
The Comgrow dryer uses low-temperature heating and air circulation to gradually remove moisture absorbed by your filament over time. The updated model features:
- A more efficient fan
- Thermal protection
- A digital control panel
- Real-time display of temperature and humidity levels
Setup tip: Always wait for the “Work” mode to display on the screen. If inactive, the machine will automatically shut off in 3 minutes.
Additional Features & Upgrades
- Real-Time Humidity and Temperature Display : No more guesswork. You get live feedback to ensure optimal drying.
- Supports Dual Spools (2 × 1kg) : A rare feature in budget dryers. Efficient for high-volume printing setups.
- Transparent Casing : You can monitor filament usage at a glance without opening the box.
- Quiet Operation (but not silent) : Many users report it’s quieter than expected, but the fan can still make noise. For silent setups, you can replace the internal 4010 axial fan with:
- 12V
- R5000 rpm
- 20AWG 2-pin
- XH2.54 male terminal
- 12V
Troubleshooting - Comgrow Filament Dryer :
Problem | Cause | Solution |
E1 Error on Screen | Damaged thermistor | Replace motherboard + heating board |
No “Work” Mode Displayed | Settings not confirmed | Ensure you’ve selected time and temperature |
Fan Noise | Wear or imbalance | Replace with compatible silent fan |
Low Temp Ceiling (50°C) | Design limit | Consider longer drying time for high-temp needs |
Real Performance Feedback :
Users report:
- Quick heating
- Improved print results with old filament
- Effectively dries PLA, PETG, TPU
- Humidity drops significantly after a few hours
Moisture Loss Example :
Filament Type | Before Drying | After Drying | Weight Loss (Moisture) |
PLA (1kg spool) | 1021g | 1018g | ~0.3% |
Nylon (1kg) | 1003g | 997g | ~0.6% |
PETG (1kg) | 1019g | 1015g | ~0.4% |
Pros and Cons of the Comgrow Filament Dryer :
Pros
Cons
- Dual-Spool Capacity: Can dry two 1KG filament spools simultaneously, which is ideal for high-volume or multi-material workflows.
- Adjustable Drying Settings: Offers 3 temperature settings (40°C, 45°C, 50°C) and programmable drying times from 6 to 12 hours, adaptable to different filament types.
- Real-Time Display: Live monitoring of internal temperature and humidity levels eliminates guesswork.
- Quiet Operation: Designed for low noise, and includes a sealed mute function for minimal disruption in quiet environments.
- Print-While-Drying Functionality: Allows users to feed filament directly to the printer while drying, essential for hygroscopic filaments like Nylon and TPU.
- Airtight Sealing: Features a silicone gasket and tight lid closure to maintain a dry internal environment.
- User-Friendly Interface: Touch-button controls with clear digital feedback make the dryer easy to operate.
- Broad Filament Compatibility: Supports 1.75mm, 2.85mm, and 3.00mm filaments, and is compatible with materials such as PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, Silk, and Nylon.
- Transparent Casing: Lets users check filament levels without opening the unit.
- Energy Saving: Auto-off feature activates if no user input is detected within 3 minutes.
- Demonstrated Moisture Reduction: Weight measurements before and after drying confirm effective moisture removal (e.g., ~0.6% for Nylon).
- Limited Maximum Temperature: Capped at 50°C, which may be insufficient for high-performance or industrial filaments like PEEK or some types of Nylon.
- E1 Error Possibility: If the thermistor is damaged, the device displays an E1 error and requires replacement of the motherboard and heating element.
- Potential for Fan Wear: Over time, fan performance may degrade due to dust or mechanical wear, resulting in increased noise.
- Longer Drying Times for Some Materials: Drying hygroscopic filaments like Nylon may require 8 to 12 hours due to the limited temperature ceiling.
- Not Suitable for High-Temp Filaments: Cannot efficiently dry filaments that need sustained temperatures above 50°C without extending drying duration significantly.
Pro Tips for Using the Comgrow Dryer :
- Cool Down Naturally: Don’t remove filament immediately after drying — allow a 10-minute cooldown.
- Use With Silica Packs: Add desiccants inside the dryer box for added effect.
- Print While Drying: For Nylon or TPU, this is critical for best results.
- Keep It Clean: Dust buildup around the fan can increase noise.
Frequently Bought Together (Related Products) :
Conclusion :
The Comgrow Filament Dryer is a reliable and user-friendly solution for keeping your 3D printing filament dry and print-ready. With features like dual-spool capacity, adjustable temperature settings, real-time humidity display, and the ability to print while drying, it offers great value for both hobbyists and professionals. While it has some limitations in temperature range, its overall performance, quiet operation, and broad compatibility make it one of the best filament dryers for everyday 3D printing needs.
FAQ :
What filaments can I dry with the Comgrow Filament Dryer?
The Comgrow dryer supports PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, SILK, and Nylon. It’s compatible with 1.75mm, 2.85mm, and 3.00mm filament diameters.
Can I dry two spools at the same time?
Yes, the Comgrow filament dryer can hold and dry two 1KG spools simultaneously, making it ideal for busy makers or multi-material workflows.
Does the Comgrow dryer let you print while drying?
Absolutely. It has a filament outlet that allows you to print while drying, which is especially important for moisture-sensitive filaments like Nylon and TPU.
What temperature settings does the Comgrow dryer offer?
You can choose from 40°C, 45°C, and 50°C drying temperatures. These are suitable for most standard filaments like PLA, PETG, and ABS.
How long should I dry my filament?
Drying time is adjustable from 6 to 12 hours, depending on filament type and moisture level. For highly hygroscopic materials like Nylon, 10–12 hours is recommended.
Is 50°C hot enough for Nylon or other high-temp filaments?
While 50°C may work with longer drying times, it’s the maximum this dryer supports. For industrial-grade filaments like PEEK or PC, you may need a dryer that can exceed 70°C.
What does the “E1” error on the screen mean?
The “E1” error usually indicates a damaged thermistor. This may require replacing the dryer’s motherboard and heating board.
Is the Comgrow dryer noisy?
It’s relatively quiet, but some users report light fan noise. For ultra-silent setups, you can replace the internal fan with a quieter model (12V, 5000 rpm, 2-pin).
Does the Comgrow dryer show humidity and temperature?
Yes. It features a real-time digital display that shows current temperature and humidity, helping you monitor conditions without guesswork.
Is it worth adding silica packs inside the dryer?
Definitely. Silica packs enhance moisture absorption during and after the drying cycle, especially useful for long-term filament storage.
Can the Comgrow dryer be used as a filament storage box?
Yes. Its airtight seal and low humidity environment make it perfect for filament storage between prints, preventing moisture reabsorption.
What are the internal dimensions of the Comgrow dryer?
The inside measures 9.29 × 6.49 × 9.13 inches, supporting most standard filament spools — even large 1KG rolls.
Is the Comgrow dryer beginner-friendly?
Yes. It features touch-button controls, a clear digital screen, and a simple 3-step operation: set the temp, set the time, and press “work.”