Still scrubbing sticky minis with a toothbrush? Or are you ready to let a machine handle it while you sip coffee? Let’s find out which resin wash & cure station suits you best.
🤍 The Sticky Truth About Resin Printing
If you’ve ever pulled a fresh resin print off your build plate only to end up elbow-deep in isopropyl alcohol (IPA), you know post-processing is not the glamorous side of 3D printing.
That’s where wash and cure stations shine. These devices automate the cleanup, keep your workspace (and lungs) safer, and elevate your final print quality. But in 2025, the choices are endless—from $99 budget boxes to $700 premium machines with auto-lifts, touchscreens, and app integration.
Should you stick with a cheap resin wash station or invest in a premium resin 3D post-processing system?
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The real differences between budget and premium wash stations
- What each price tier offers (and what it doesn’t)
- How to choose based on your printing habits
- Our top recommendations for every budget
Let’s clean up your setup—starting now.
💰 Budget vs. Premium: What’s the Difference in 2025?
Here’s how pricing typically breaks down in 2025:
| Tier | Price Range | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $99–$150 | Anycubic Wash & Cure 3, Elegoo Mercury V3 |
| Mid-Range | $150–$250 | Anycubic Wash & Cure 3 Plus, Creality UW-03 |
| Premium | $250–$700+ | EIBOS Oceanus, Anycubic Max, Prusa CW1S |
What You Typically Get:
- Budget: Smaller tanks, plastic builds, basic controls (knobs/timers)
- Mid-Range: Bigger tanks, better LEDs, touchscreens
- Premium: Auto-lift, drying fans, stainless or aluminum builds, app control
Think of it like ordering pizza:
- Budget = One slice
- Mid-Range = Half a pie
- Premium = The whole pizza with dipping sauce and a robot delivery driver
🧺 Cheap Resin Wash Stations: Small Budget, Big Value
If you’re just getting into resin printing or only produce a few minis a month, budget stations offer excellent bang for your buck.
Top Picks Under $150:
- Anycubic Wash & Cure 3
- Compact all-in-one station
- 360° curing with integrated gooseneck UV lamp
- Elegoo Mercury Plus V3
- Large 7.5L tank
- Touchscreen timer and improved bearings
- Creality UW-01
- Magnetic stirrer, dual-band UV LEDs
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy to use for beginners
- Ideal for minis, jewelry, and prototypes
Cons:
- Smaller capacity
- Manual operation (no drying or lift)
- No app or digital interface
User Review Summary: “It’s like instant ramen for your minis—cheap, fast, and good enough for most cravings.”
✨ Premium Resin 3D Post-Processing Stations: Worth the Splurge?
Premium stations do more than clean—they elevate your entire workflow.
Top Premium Machines:
- Anycubic Wash & Cure Max
- 14.9L tank, rotating platform
- 3-in-1: Wash, dry, and cure
- EIBOS Oceanus
- Auto fill/drain, 96 UV LEDs
- Enclosed system with touch controls
- Phrozen Wash & Cure Kit
- Separate vortex washer and cure chamber
- Prusa CW1S
- Industrial stainless design
- Auto solvent lift, precision timing
Pros:
- Large capacity for big prints or batch jobs
- Automation saves time and effort
- Improved safety and curing precision
- Aesthetically pleasing, professional build
Cons:
- Higher price tag ($300+)
- Larger footprint
- Overkill for casual users
Real Talk: “I haven’t touched IPA in weeks. This machine cured my models—and maybe even my back pain.”
⚖️ Quick Comparison: Budget vs. Premium
| Feature | Budget Station | Premium Station |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $99–$150 | $250–$700+ |
| Wash Volume | Small (≤7.5L) | Large (10–15L) |
| Automation | Manual (knobs/timers) | Auto-lift, drying, app control |
| Build Material | Plastic | Aluminum or Stainless Steel |
| Best For | Beginners, hobbyists | Professionals, small businesses |
Analogy:
- Budget = Bicycle — simple and reliable
- Premium = Electric scooter with cup holder, LED glow, and Bluetooth
🧠 Which One Is Right for You?
Let’s match your printing style to the right gear:
🧑🏫 Casual Hobbyist
“You print dragons on weekends and maybe a plant pot now and then.”
- Recommendation: Budget is more than enough.
🤝 Side Hustler
“You sell tabletop minis or do print-on-demand.”
- Recommendation: Look at mid-range or light premium for time-saving features.
🧻 Pro or Studio
“You handle batches, cosplay parts, or commercial models.”
- Recommendation: Premium all the way. Time = money.
Not sure yet? Our Editor’s Picks below will help.
🏆 Editor’s Picks by Budget
🔹 Under $150: Elegoo Mercury Plus V3
“Big tank. Small price. Perfect for beginners.”
- Quiet motor, touch timer, sleek form
🔹 $150–$300: Anycubic Wash & Cure 3 Plus
“Mid-tier power without premium pricing.”
- Dual trays, 8.4L capacity, responsive touchscreen
🔹 Over $300: EIBOS Oceanus
“The Tesla of resin post-processing.”
- Automated everything. Just don’t spill your IPA.
🧼 Final Thoughts: Clean Prints, Clean Conscience
Deciding between a budget and premium resin wash station comes down to one thing: your workflow.
- Just getting started? The Elegoo Mercury Plus V3 gives you everything you need.
- Looking to scale? The Anycubic Wash & Cure 3 Plus is a solid step up.
- Want full automation? Go with the EIBOS Oceanus or Anycubic Max.
And please—for the love of your prints—ditch the Tupperware.
⚠️ Disclaimer
Some links in this article are affiliate links, including those to Amazon. If you purchase through these links—such as for Anycubic or Elegoo products—we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the site and allows us to continue creating useful guides like this. Thanks for your support!
