Mastering Filament Storage: Sovol SH01 vs SH02 vs Creality Space Pi Plus Dryer Showdown

Essential Takeaways

Sovol SH02 offers the best balance of features with superior sealing technology, quick heating (50°C in 7 minutes), and preset drying profiles for 9 filament types
Creality Space Pi Plus excels at long-term storage (1+ month) with its 360° circulation system but operates with slightly louder fans
Sovol SH01 remains a budget-friendly option with basic functionality but may require modifications for optimal performance with specialty filaments

Comprehensive Comparison Overview

Filament dryers have become essential tools for serious 3D printing enthusiasts, particularly for those working with hygroscopic materials like PETG, Nylon, and TPU. The Sovol SH01, Sovol SH02, and Creality Space Pi Plus represent popular options at different price points and feature sets. This comparison dives deep into their performance differences, focusing specifically on noise levels, airtightness for long-term storage, modification possibilities, and efficiency with high-flow PETG filament.

The radar chart above illustrates the relative performance of each filament dryer across nine critical factors. The Sovol SH02 demonstrates balanced performance with notable strengths in heating efficiency and temperature control, while the Creality Space Pi Plus excels in airtightness and storage duration. The original Sovol SH01 remains competitive primarily in noise level (being the quietest) and value for money as the budget option.

Noise Level Assessment

Noise can be a significant factor for those who keep their 3D printing setup in living or working spaces. Here's how these three models compare:

Sovol SH01: The Quiet Performer

The SH01 is recognized as the quietest option among the three. Its simpler design with fewer components contributes to its lower noise profile. The basic heating element and minimal fan operation make it suitable for environments where noise sensitivity is a concern. Users rarely complain about noise from this unit, making it ideal for shared spaces or overnight operation.

Sovol SH02: Balanced Acoustics

The SH02 incorporates more advanced features than its predecessor, including a more powerful 150W PTC heater and improved circulation system. This results in a slight increase in operational noise, though user reports suggest it remains relatively quiet. The additional functionality comes with only a marginal noise penalty, striking a good balance between performance and acoustic comfort.

Creality Space Pi Plus: Function Over Silence

The Space Pi Plus employs a 360-degree air circulation system that, while efficient for drying, generates more noise than both Sovol models. Several users note that Creality dryers tend to use louder fans, which can be noticeable in quiet environments. However, the noise is usually masked when running alongside a 3D printer and is considered an acceptable trade-off for its superior drying performance.

Airtightness and Storage Duration

The ability to keep filament dry during and after the drying process is critical, especially for moisture-sensitive materials. Let's examine how each model performs:

Feature	Sovol SH01	Sovol SH02	Creality Space Pi Plus
Sealing Technology	Basic rubber seals	Thicker sealing materials with PTFE seals	Advanced silicone sealing system
Storage Duration	Few days to 1 week	2-3 weeks	1+ month with proper sealing
Humidity Control	Basic	Intermediate with preset options	Advanced with continuous monitoring
Common Airtightness Issues	Lid seal degradation, filament exit points	Minor leakage at hinge points	Seal compression over time
Recommended Storage Additions	Silica gel packets, PTFE tube modifications	Periodic seal maintenance	Silica beads for passive humidity control

Sovol SH01: Adequate for Short-term Storage

The SH01 provides basic sealing that's adequate for short-term storage, typically keeping filaments protected for a few days to a week. The design prioritizes simplicity over advanced sealing technology, which can lead to gradual moisture ingress in high-humidity environments. Users often report satisfactory performance for daily printing needs but note limitations for long-term storage.

Sovol SH02: Significant Sealing Improvements

With its upgraded design, the SH02 features thicker sealing materials and two PTFE seals added to the top of the box, addressing the main weakness of its predecessor. This enhanced sealing system allows for effective storage for 2-3 weeks without significant moisture absorption. Users consistently report that the SH02 "seals well" even in humid environments, making it suitable for regular printing use with occasional storage periods.

Creality Space Pi Plus: Best-in-Class for Long-term Storage

The Space Pi Plus excels in long-term storage capabilities, with users reporting successful moisture-free storage for over a month when properly sealed. Its advanced sealing system and consistent temperature control create an environment that effectively prevents moisture ingress. For those who need to store multiple filament types for extended periods, the Space Pi Plus represents the most reliable option among the three.

Common Modifications for Improved Storage

Users have developed several modifications to enhance the airtightness of these filament dryers:

Sovol SH01: Adding aftermarket PTFE tube guides at filament exit points, applying silicone sealant around lid edges, and installing additional weather stripping
Sovol SH02: Reinforcing hinge areas with silicone tape and periodically checking/replacing the factory PTFE seals
Creality Space Pi Plus: Some users recommend leaving the top slightly ajar during active drying (to allow moisture to escape) while adding silica gel beads for passive humidity absorption

PETG High-Flow Performance Analysis

High-flow PETG presents unique challenges for filament dryers due to its moisture sensitivity and the high temperatures required for effective drying. Here's how each model handles these demands:

Temperature Requirements for PETG

PETG typically requires drying temperatures between 65-70°C for optimal moisture removal without risking filament degradation. All three models can reach these temperatures, but their effectiveness and consistency vary significantly.

Sovol SH01: Basic PETG Support

The SH01 can reach the necessary temperatures for PETG drying but may struggle with maintaining consistent temperature throughout the drying chamber. Users report satisfactory results with standard PETG, but high-flow variants may benefit from longer drying times. The limited temperature control precision can occasionally lead to uneven drying results.

Sovol SH02: Optimized for High-Performance Filaments

With its 150W PTC heater and improved air circulation, the SH02 demonstrates excellent performance with high-flow PETG. The dryer can reach 50°C within 7 minutes and 70°C (optimal for PETG) within 25 minutes, significantly reducing preparation time. Its one-touch filament selection automatically optimizes drying settings for PETG, delivering consistent results without manual adjustments.

Creality Space Pi Plus: Superior Moisture Extraction

The Space Pi Plus excels at deep moisture extraction from PETG filaments. Tests have shown it can reduce humidity in PETG from 58% to 15% in approximately 6 hours. Its 360-degree air circulation ensures even heating throughout the chamber, preventing hot spots that could potentially damage the filament. This makes it particularly suitable for high-flow PETG that requires thorough and consistent drying.

Drying Time Comparison for High-Flow PETG

Sovol SH01: Typically requires 8-10 hours for thorough drying
Sovol SH02: Achieves effective drying in 6-8 hours
Creality Space Pi Plus: Completes drying in 5-6 hours with deeper moisture removal

mindmap root["Filament Dryer Selection Factors"] Performance Metrics Temperature Range Sovol SH01["SH01: 40-65°C practical range"] Sovol SH02["SH02: 40-70°C with faster heating"] Space Pi Plus["Space Pi Plus: 45-70°C with even distribution"] Drying Efficiency Heating Technology SH01["SH01: Basic heating element"] SH02["SH02: 150W PTC heater"] Space Pi Plus["Space Pi Plus: PTC heater with 360° circulation"] Drying Time Standard Filaments High-Flow PETG User Experience Noise Level SH01["SH01: Quietest option"] SH02["SH02: Moderate noise"] Space Pi Plus["Space Pi Plus: Loudest with cooling fans"] Interface SH01["SH01: Basic controls"] SH02["SH02: Touchscreen with presets"] Space Pi Plus["Space Pi Plus: 4-inch LCD touchscreen"] Storage Capability Airtightness SH01["SH01: Basic sealing (days)"] SH02["SH02: Improved sealing (weeks)"] Space Pi Plus["Space Pi Plus: Advanced sealing (month+)"] Modification Options Seal Enhancements Humidity Indicators External Filament Feeding

The mindmap above illustrates the key decision factors when choosing between these three filament dryers, highlighting their relative strengths across critical performance areas.

Visual Comparison Gallery

Visual inspection reveals significant design differences between these models that impact their functionality and performance. The following images showcase the key design elements of each dryer.

Notice the design progression from the basic interface of the SH01 to the touchscreen display of the SH02, and the dual-spool capacity of the Space Pi Plus. The SH02 features a more streamlined enclosure with improved sealing compared to the SH01, while the Space Pi Plus employs a larger footprint to accommodate multiple filament spools.

Real-World Performance Demonstration

For a practical demonstration of the Sovol SH02's performance with filament drying, the following video provides an in-depth review and testing:

This video review specifically tests the Sovol SH02's effectiveness in drying filament and improving print quality, providing real-world evidence of its performance capabilities.