An enclosure keeps the heat in. That matters for materials like ABS, ASA, nylon and polycarbonate, which warp or crack when they cool too fast. Many enclosed printers also filter the air, and the closed case keeps dust, pets and small hands away.
How this list was made: picks are based on the manufacturers’ own specifications and public information, checked in October 2026, plus my own experience with the Prusa Core One+, the printer I use myself. More about me. “Check price” links go to the official store and may be affiliate links, which never changes the picks.
| Printer | Best for |
|---|---|
| Bambu Lab P2S | Most people who want an enclosed printer |
| Prusa Core One+ | Open hardware and active chamber control |
| Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 | The best value |
| Anycubic Kobra S1 | A budget alternative |
| Bambu Lab X2D | Dual nozzle and a heated chamber |
Our picks
1. Bambu Lab P2S: best enclosed printer for most people
The P2S combines an enclosed chamber, a carbon filter and a hardened 300 °C nozzle with Bambu Lab’s easy setup.
Pros:
- Prints ABS, ASA, PA, PC and carbon-fiber blends
- Built-in camera and 5-inch touchscreen
Cons:
- No active chamber heating
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Type | Enclosed, with carbon filter |
| Nozzle / bed | 300 °C hardened / 110 °C |
| Materials | PLA to ABS, ASA, PA, PC and carbon-fiber blends |
2. Prusa Core One+: best open enclosed printer
The Core One+ actively controls its chamber temperature and opens its vent automatically for PLA and PETG. It is the printer I use myself, and it is fully open source.
Pros:
- Active chamber temperature control
- Kit or assembled, repairable for years
Cons:
- Higher price
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 250 × 220 × 270 mm (14.9 liters) |
| Type | Enclosed CoreXY with active chamber temperature control |
| Multicolor | MMU3 upgrade, up to 5 filaments |
| Options | Kit or assembled, open source |
3. Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2: best value
An enclosed CoreXY printer with a 350 °C nozzle at a price close to many open printers.
Pros:
- 350 °C nozzle and 110 °C bed
- Multicolor upgrade available
Cons:
- Smaller ecosystem than Bambu Lab
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm |
| Type | Enclosed CoreXY |
| Nozzle / bed | 350 °C / 110 °C |
| Multicolor | Upgrade ready (Canvas, sold separately) |
4. Anycubic Kobra S1: budget alternative
Fully enclosed with a 120 °C bed and an optional 4-color Combo.
Pros:
- Enclosed at a low price
- 120 °C bed
Cons:
- Smaller ecosystem
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 250 × 250 × 250 mm |
| Type | Fully enclosed CoreXY |
| Nozzle / bed | 320 °C / 120 °C |
| Multicolor | Combo with 4-color filament hub |
5. Bambu Lab X2D: best for demanding materials
The X2D heats its chamber up to 65 °C and has two nozzles, which helps with tricky engineering materials and soluble supports.
Pros:
- Active chamber heating to 65 °C
- Dual nozzle, HEPA and carbon filtration
Cons:
- More printer than most hobbyists need
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 256 × 256 × 260 mm |
| Type | Enclosed, dual nozzle, active chamber heating to 65 °C |
| Nozzle / bed | 300 °C hardened / 120 °C |
| Filtration | HEPA and activated carbon |
Do you actually need an enclosure?
If you mainly print PLA, no. PLA prints best with a lot of cooling, and many enclosed printers open a vent or the door for it. If you want ABS, ASA, nylon or polycarbonate, or you want filtered air in a living space, an enclosed printer is worth it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an enclosure or air filter to print ABS or ASA?
Yes, plan on an enclosure plus a filter or a vent to the outside. The American Lung Association says ABS produces relatively high levels of styrene and ultrafine particles. The enclosure also holds heat around the part, which stops these plastics from warping as they cool.
Filters do two different jobs. A HEPA filter catches particles, and an activated carbon filter absorbs VOCs and odor. Prusa sells an optional Advanced Filtration System for the Core One+ and says it is useful for ASA and other materials that give off more ultrafine particles. The Bambu Lab P2S has a built-in activated carbon filter that Bambu lists for both VOC and particle filtration. In studies NIOSH reviewed, an enclosure around the printer cut particle emissions by about 97 percent, and adding exhaust to the outdoors through a HEPA filter raised that to 99 percent. See ABS vs ASA for how the two materials differ.
Sources: American Lung Association, NIOSH, Prusa, Bambu Lab.
How much space does a 3D printer need, and can it go in a garage?
Plan for a sturdy table with room to open the door and reach the spool. The Bambu Lab P2S measures 392 × 406 × 478 mm and weighs 14.9 kg. The Prusa Core One+ measures 415 × 444 × 555 mm and weighs 22.5 kg. A multi-color unit such as Bambu’s AMS needs extra room on top of or next to the printer.
A garage or shed can work if it stays inside the printer’s operating range. Bambu lists 10–30 °C for the P2S, so an unheated garage in winter may be too cold. Check the spec sheet for your model before you move it out of the house.