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⚡ Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Elegoo Mercury Plus V2
- Best Budget: Anycubic Wash & Cure Plus
- Best for Large Builds: Elegoo Mercury Plus V3
- Best Compact: Creality UW-02
If you’re printing resin, a wash and cure station isn’t optional — it’s part of the process. Doing it by hand with IPA and a UV lamp works, but it’s messy, inconsistent, and slower. A dedicated station makes your workflow cleaner, safer, and produces better final results.
This guide covers the best budget-friendly options that actually do the job without overpaying.
📊 At a Glance Comparison
| Station | Price | Wash Tank | UV Power | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elegoo Mercury Plus V2 | ~$50 | 2.5L | 405nm, 36W | ★★★★★ |
| Anycubic Wash & Cure Plus | ~$60 | 3L | 405nm, 48W | ★★★★★ |
| Elegoo Mercury Plus V3 | ~$70 | 4L | 405nm, 48W | ★★★★☆ |
| Creality UW-02 | ~$45 | 2L | 405nm, 30W | ★★★★☆ |
Our Top Picks
🥇 Best Overall
Elegoo Mercury Plus V2
★★★★★ | ~$50
The Mercury Plus V2 is the go-to recommendation for most resin printers. It handles washing with a motorized agitator and curing with a rotating turntable — both in the same unit. Simple controls, solid build quality, and compatible with virtually every resin printer up to 210x130mm.
💰 Best Budget
Anycubic Wash & Cure Plus
★★★★★ | ~$60
Slightly larger 3L wash tank and higher UV output than the Mercury V2 at a competitive price. Great for Anycubic printer owners who want a seamless ecosystem match. Timer controls are simple and reliable.
📐 Best for Large Builds
Elegoo Mercury Plus V3
★★★★☆ | ~$70
The V3 upgrades to a 4L wash tank and handles prints up to 220x220mm — ideal if you own a larger resin printer like the Elegoo Saturn series. Higher UV output means faster curing times too.
📦 Best Compact
Creality UW-02
★★★★☆ | ~$45
The most compact option here — good for desktop setups where space is tight. Handles small-to-mid size resin prints well. UV curing cover is removable and the wash basket is easy to clean.
Do You Really Need One?
Short answer: yes. Uncured resin is toxic — skin contact should be minimized and proper washing is necessary before handling finished prints. Doing this with manual IPA baths works but is inconsistent and wastes more IPA than a motorized washer. A dedicated station also speeds up your workflow significantly.
🏆 Our Final Recommendation
For most resin printers, the Elegoo Mercury Plus V2 is the best starting point — reliable, affordable, and widely compatible. If you have a larger printer or print big models, step up to the V3.