Creality Space Pi Plus: problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-06

Summary

The Space Pi Plus is a two-spool heated filament dryer that dries well but has recurring mechanical issues: blower fan noise and bearing wear, E4 heating shutdowns, and a PTFE tube that can migrate and bind a spool. Running costs are low — mainly electricity at 160 W — and it is a good buy at $70–80, fair at $89–96.

Common problems and fixes

Blower fan noise and bearing wear — multiple owners report new whirring or noisy fans after weeks or months; one owner replaced a failed sleeve-bearing blower and another struggled to source an exact replacement. No official replacement part listing exists. [1] [2] [3]
E4 heating shutdown — a B&H owner reports repeating E4 errors after about 20 minutes; separate Reddit owners report E4 on first use and after extended use. Cause is not established; cold ambient temperature is discussed but unproven. [4] [5]
PTFE tube migration and spool binding — in independent testing the supplied PTFE tube slid inward over time until it bound the spool and ruined the print; tape or hot glue can prevent it. Another owner reported high roller and feed tension when routing through the dryer. [6] [7]
Temperature display inaccuracy — a B&H owner reports the displayed temperature is 15–20°F off; another owner reports inaccurate readings. Direction and magnitude are not consistent enough to quantify globally. [4] [8]
Touchscreen/electronics failure — one owner reported failure after about 14 months; Creality offered a $7.50 replacement part plus $30 shipping after warranty. The front assembly is adhesive-bonded and difficult to service. [9]

Parts and consumables

Blower fan (5015) — sleeve-bearing; owners have replaced failed units with ball-bearing upgrades. Exact replacement sourcing is awkward; no official part listing found. [1] [2] [3]
PTFE feed tubes — included; four filament outlet paths. Can migrate inward and bind spools during direct-feed printing. [6] [7]
Desiccant — optional; compartments included. Replace as needed. No proprietary consumable required.

Yearly running cost

Electricity is the main recurring cost. Using the verified US 160 W rating, an 8-hour full-rated-power upper bound is 1.28 kWh; real thermostatic consumption should be lower. No proprietary consumable is required; desiccant is optional. At typical US electricity rates this amounts to a few dollars per year for occasional use.

When it is a good buy

$70 or less: excellent value — two-roll capacity, presets and feed-through paths outweigh the annoyances.
$71–80: very good.
$81–95: fair to good if two-spool capacity matters.
$96–110: compare newer dual-spool dryers first.
Over $110: weak value unless local warranty or support is materially better.

Named alternatives worth price-checking: Sovol SH02, SUNLU dual/multi-spool dryers, and PolyDryer (more modular but commonly costs more per spool).