Bambu Lab · FDM
A1 Mini
First-time buyers who want prints, not a project.
$199approx. USD
- 180 × 180 × 180 mm
- 500 mm/s
- Open frame
- Multi-colour
Ease10
Speed8
Materials4
Openness3
Value9
Creality · FDM bedslinger · 2023
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE review
The classic cheap starter printer, modernised with auto levelling and direct drive. Endless upgrade parts and tutorials.
Best for: Tinkerers and classrooms on a tight budget.
The PIF Score
6.0PIFEase6
Speed5
Materials4
Openness7
Value8
Five axes, each out of ten, averaged with no weighting. How we score.
What we like
- Very cheap
- Auto levelling and direct drive as standard
- Vast mod and tutorial ecosystem
What we don't
- Slow next to modern CoreXY machines
- No Wi-Fi
- Assembly and occasional tuning required
True cost
What it really costs to own in your country
Pre-filled with typical local rates. Change anything to match your own use.
Running cost / year—power · filament
Per print hour—incl. upkeep
3-year total—printer + running
Assumes ~110 W average draw while printing and a small yearly allowance for nozzles, plates and PTFE. An estimate for comparing printers against each other, not a quote.
Full specifications
| Type | FDM bedslinger |
| Released | 2023 |
| Build volume | 220 × 220 × 250 mm |
| Max speed | 250 mm/s |
| Hotend max temp | 260 °C |
| Bed max temp | 100 °C |
| Nozzle | 0.4 mm |
| Bed levelling | Automatic (CR Touch) |
| Enclosure | No |
| Multi-material | No |
| Connectivity | microSD, USB |
| Recommended slicer | Creality Print / Cura / Orca |
| Typical power draw | ~110 W while printing (our estimate) |
Specifications are the manufacturer's published figures. "Max speed" is a peak that no printer holds across a whole part, so use it for comparison and don't expect it in real print times.