Bambu Lab

Bambu Lab A1 mini

Small open-frame printer that calibrates itself. The easiest way into 3D printing that still prints well.

Strengths

Almost no setup. Unbox, calibrate, print
Small footprint fits on a desk
Same slicer and profiles as Bambu's bigger machines

Trade-offs

180 mm bed limits part size
Open frame, so PLA and PETG only in practice

The A1 mini is the printer to recommend to someone who has never printed before. It calibrates itself, it’s quiet enough for a desk, and it uses the same slicer as Bambu’s expensive machines, so nothing you learn on it is wasted.

Its limits are size and materials. A 180 mm cube covers most gadgets, organisers and miniatures, but not helmets or large enclosures. Being open, it is effectively a PLA and PETG machine.

Price: Bambu discounts the A1 mini often, and its listed price was ambiguous when we checked, so follow the link for today’s price.

Also in 3D Printers

FDMBambu Lab

Bambu Lab P2S

Enclosed single-nozzle CoreXY printer with a passive chamber. The sensible default for most home workshops.

Best for A first serious printer for PLA, PETG and occasional ABS, with room to add multi-colour later.

$549list

FDMBambu Lab

Bambu Lab X2D

Enclosed dual-nozzle printer with a heated chamber. Bambu's replacement for the X1 Carbon, at a much lower price.

Best for Makers who print ABS, ASA or nylon regularly, or want dissolvable supports on their own nozzle.

$649list

FDMCreality

Creality Ender 3 V3 SE

The cheapest printer we'd recommend. An auto-levelling bed-slinger with a direct-drive extruder.

Best for Tight budgets, classrooms, and people who enjoy tinkering with their machine.

$199list