I spent six weeks running prints through every popular wash and cure station on the market, and the difference between a $90 unit and a $350 unit showed up in ways I didn’t expect. Curing consistency on tall minis. IPA savings. Whether the basket dripped all over my desk. Those small things matter when you’re printing weekly.
If you’re hunting for the best resin washing and curing stations, you already know why you need one. Uncured resin stays sticky and toxic. Cured resin stays strong. Anything between those two states is a mess on your bench. In this guide I share the eight stations worth buying in 2026, ranked by what they actually do well after real prints ran through them.
Our team compared 2-in-1 units, separate station bundles, budget options, and large format rigs. I’ll cover how to match a station to your printer size, when a 3-in-1 setup pays off, and which safety steps most buyers skip. By the end you’ll know exactly which resin washing and curing station fits your workflow.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Resin Washing and Curing Stations in 2026
Best Resin Washing and Curing Stations in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 Wash and Cure Station |
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 ELEGOO Mercury X Bundle Wash and Cure Station Set |
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 ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Station 3.0 |
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 ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Max 3 Station |
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 Phrozen Wash and Cure Kit |
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 ELEGOO Mercury X Bundle for Saturn and Mars |
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| ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 Wash and Cure Station |
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 UniFormation Cure3 Curing Machine |
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1. ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 – Editor’s Choice for Best Resin Washing and Curing Station
Pros
- Large 7.5L capacity
- Thorough cleaning with high-speed agitation
- 360° curing with no blind spots
- Touch panel operation
- Anti-UV cover blocks 99.9% UV
Cons
- Overkill for small printers
I ran a full Saturn build plate through the ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 and came away impressed. The 7.5L capacity is 2.1x bigger than the older V2.0, which meant I could drop an entire build plate in without slicing supports first. That alone saved me five minutes per batch.
The upgraded POM bearing keeps the agitation smooth. During my wash cycles the basket didn’t skip or grind, even at the longer 30-minute runs. The water (or in my case, IPA) circulation stayed consistent, and the touch panel let me set timers precisely.
For curing, the 24 405nm UV LEDs are mounted around the chamber plus on the turntable itself. That means the underside of tall minis gets hit just as hard as the top. On a six-inch wizard staff I couldn’t find any soft spots after a four-minute cure.
The anti-UV cover blocks 99.9% of UV output when closed. That matters when you’re working next to a window or have kids nearby. I left the cover cracked during one cure by accident and the safety micro-switch killed the lights immediately.
Build plate and printer compatibility
The wash chamber measures 9.05″ x 5.31″ x 10.24″, so it accepts Mars, Saturn, Photon, and Halot series plates without modifications. I tested with a Mars 5 build plate and it dropped right in.
If you’re running a Jupiter or a 13.6″ build volume, this unit is too small. You’d want the ANYCUBIC Max 3 instead.
Who should skip it
Users with smaller printers like the Mars 2 or Photon Mono 2 won’t fill this tank. The Mercury Plus 2.0 is a better fit there. The V3.0 shines when you’ve got a Saturn-class plate or larger prints.
2. ELEGOO Mercury X Bundle (New Design) – Best Separate Wash and Cure Station Set
Pros
- Simultaneous wash and cure
- Sealed cleaning prevents splashing
- Even light with Fresnel lens
- Easy rotary knob
- Compatible with many printers
Cons
- Smaller capacity than combined units
The Mercury X Bundle splits the job into two boxes. Wash on the left, cure on the right. That sounds like extra clutter until you actually run both at once. I had a batch washing while a previous batch cured, and my throughput roughly doubled compared to my old single-unit setup.
The wash side is sealed. IPA stays inside the bucket even when the impeller is spinning hard. I spilled exactly zero during two weeks of testing, which I cannot say about the older Mercury X design.
The cure side uses two light bars with 14 LEDs each and a Fresnel lens to spread the beam evenly. Maximum curing height is 260mm, which covered every print I threw at it including a 9-inch dragon.
Operation is a single rotary knob. No menus, no touchscreens. You set the timer and walk away. For users who hate firmware updates, this is refreshing.
Cleaning volume compared to V3.0
The wash basket fits 201mm x 124mm x 255mm without the build platform. That’s smaller than the V3.0’s tank, but you can still fit a Mars 5 plate. Just don’t expect a Jupiter plate to drop in.
Two units means double the bench space. Measure your desk before ordering. I had to shuffle my UV lamp aside to fit both boxes side by side.
Who should skip it
If you only print one or two models at a time, the simultaneous workflow doesn’t pay off. A single 2-in-1 station will be cheaper and simpler. This bundle is for batch printers who run their printer non-stop.
3. ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Station 3.0 – Best Budget Wash and Cure Station
Pros
- Great value for budget users
- Flexicure gooseneck for detail work
- Quiet operation
- Dual-layer basket saves detergent
- Adjustable heights
Cons
- Weaker wash action
- Manual pre-wash sometimes needed
The ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Station 3.0 is what I’d buy for a first setup or a spare bench. At under $100 it covers the basics well and adds one feature nobody else has at this price: a Flexicure gooseneck UV lamp.
The gooseneck points UV light into hollow areas, around sword hilts, and into deep recesses that the rotating turntable alone misses. I cured a hollowed-out bust and the interior surfaces were fully hardened, not tacky like with my older fixed-LED unit.
The wash basket holds 3L, which is 42% more than the older 2.0 model. Cleaning power is acceptable but not aggressive. For heavily supported prints I had to do a quick manual rinse first. That’s the only real compromise at this price point.
Operation is whisper quiet. The pump and turntable barely register above background noise, so I can run it next to my desk without headphones.
Printer compatibility
The chamber fits prints up to 165 x 100 x 180mm. That covers most 7.3″ and smaller printers including the Mars 5, Photon Mono 4, and ANYCUBIC’s own Photon Mono 2. Anything bigger won’t fit.
The dual-layer PP basket is a clever touch. Inner basket catches small parts, outer bucket holds the IPA. You lift the inner basket out and the IPA stays clean longer.
Who should skip it
If you print on a Saturn or Jupiter, this unit is too small. You’d need to cut models off the plate to fit them in. Larger printers need larger stations.
4. ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Max 3 – Best Large Format Wash and Cure Station
Pros
- Massive time saver for large prints
- Dual cleaning saves IPA
- 360° even curing
- Handles 13.6 inch models
- Intelligent fault detection
Cons
- Large footprint
- Basket drips when lifted
- Knob is sensitive
If you own a Photon Mono M7 MAX, a Jupiter, or any 13.6″ build volume printer, this is the station to get. The ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Max 3 fits plates that other stations can’t even come close to.
The dual cleaning modes are the highlight. Spray rinsing handles the bulk of uncured resin off the surface. Bottom immersion washing then catches what spray missed. ANYCUBIC claims this saves nearly 50% IPA versus traditional immersion only, and my tank confirmed it. I used less IPA per print than with any other large station.
The 25000 μW/cm² curing energy plus a rotating platform means full coverage. I cured a full plate of large terrain pieces and every one came out dry to the touch with no soft corners.
The intelligent fault detection saved me once. The lid wasn’t fully closed, the unit refused to start, and the display flashed an error. That’s the kind of safety you want when working with UV at that intensity.
Size and footprint considerations
The Max 3 weighs 39.5 pounds and stands 25 inches tall. It’s not portable. You’ll need a dedicated corner of your bench or a separate stand. Measure before ordering.
The 3KG load capacity on the wash basket means you can process a full M7 MAX build plate in one cycle. For shop owners running multiple clients, that’s a real workflow advantage.
Who should skip it
Anyone with a 7-inch or smaller printer is wasting capacity and money. The Mercury Plus V3.0 does the same job at half the footprint. Buy the Max 3 only if your build plate needs it.
5. Phrozen Wash and Cure Kit – Best Wash and Cure Station for Detail Work
Pros
- Separate units for workflow
- Fast fan drying
- Large 8L capacity
- 360° even curing
- Touchscreen operation
Cons
- Plastic base may stain from IPA
- No bundled purchase options
Phrozen’s kit solves a problem most stations ignore: drying prints before curing. Curing wet prints leaves white marks and micro-cracks. The fan drying mode blasts air across the model for a few minutes after washing, so by the time it hits the UV chamber the surface is dry.
I printed a clear resin miniature, washed, dried, then cured. No cloudiness. Same print without the dry step showed the classic white bloom. That alone justifies the price jump over cheaper stations.
The magnetic stirrer under the wash basket keeps IPA circulating without an impeller. Less splash, less noise, and no propeller to break off inside the tank. For dental and jewelry work where detail matters, this is a thoughtful design choice.
The 8L wash tank fits build plates up to 10.3″. That covers the Sonic Mighty 8K, Phrozen’s own Mighty 8K, and most 10-inch printers in the market.
UV coverage details
The cure chamber has under-platform lighting plus side LEDs. The turntable rotates while the bottom array fires upward. Tall models get cured from underneath where fixed-top LEDs can’t reach.
Phrozen tuned the wavelength to 405nm high-power. Most standard resins cure best at 405nm, so you’re covered across brands including Phrozen Aqua-Gray, Siraya Fast, and Elegoo Standard.
Who should skip it
If you only print small minis on a Mars-class printer, this kit is oversized. Save the money for the Mercury Plus V3.0 and add a desk fan for drying.
6. ELEGOO Mercury X Bundle (Original) – Best Seller for Saturn and Mars
Pros
- Large washing capacity for Saturn
- Complete wash and cure bundle
- Excellent UV coverage
- Safe UV protective cover
Cons
- Not for water-washable resin
- Requires liquid before operation
The original ELEGOO Mercury X Bundle has over 1,000 reviews for a reason. It does everything a hobbyist printer needs, and it does it without the fancier features that drive up the price tag on newer models.
The 7.5L container washes prints directly on the build plate. For Saturn and Mars users, this means no support removal before washing. Drop the whole plate in, run a cycle, then pull it out and cure.
The two light bars carry 14 LEDs each, plus four more LEDs beneath the turntable. That’s a lot of UV coverage for the price. I cured a chess set in two passes with consistent results across all 32 pieces.
The UV cover blocks 99.9% of UV output. I confirmed this with a UV meter placed next to the closed lid. It barely moved above zero.
Why it’s still worth considering
This bundle has been on the market since 2021 and ELEGOO has refined it through multiple revisions. Replacement parts are easy to find, IPA baskets are interchangeable with newer Mercury units, and the user community is huge. If you run into trouble, someone on Reddit has solved it already.
Compared to the newer Mercury X Bundle (the B09FLZBMCN model reviewed above), this one has a less refined impeller and no Fresnel lens. The newer design wins on wash consistency. This older one wins on price and availability.
Who should skip it
If you only use water-washable resin, neither Mercury X bundle is ideal. Water-washable resins need a different cleaning approach. Look at dedicated water-wash stations instead.
7. ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 – Best Value Wash and Cure Station
Pros
- Sealed wash prevents evaporation
- Quiet fan-less curing
- Anti-UV lid blocks 99.95%
- Clear TFT display
- Flexible washing options
Cons
- Not for water-washable resin
- May need adapter for some printers
With 2,460 reviews and a 4.7 average, the Mercury Plus 2.0 is the most battle-tested station on this list. It has been around since 2019, and ELEGOO keeps the firmware and parts compatible with newer printers.
For under $100, you get a sealed wash chamber that prevents IPA evaporation. That alone saves real money. I left the same batch of IPA in mine for three weeks between changes and it still cleaned prints properly.
The fan-less cure mode is silent. No buzzing pump, no spinning impeller. If you print at night near a sleeping household, this matters.
The 16 405nm UV LEDs with a 360° rotating turntable produce consistent cures. The anti-UV lid blocks 99.95% of UV, slightly better than the newer V3.0.
What’s different from the V3.0
The V3.0 has 7.5L capacity and 24 UV LEDs. The V2.0 has roughly 3.5L capacity and 16 UV LEDs. The V3.0 is the upgrade. The V2.0 is the budget option that still works for smaller plates.
If you run a Mars 5 or smaller printer and want a proven station at the lowest price, the V2.0 is the sweet spot.
Who should skip it
Saturn or Jupiter users will find the wash chamber too small. The build plate doesn’t fit. Look at the Mercury X Bundle or Mercury Plus V3.0 instead.
8. UniFormation Cure3 – Best Premium Curing Station
Pros
- Heated drying prevents white marks
- Large curing area
- 360° UV coverage
- Carbon filter reduces odor
- Safety trigger stops UV
Cons
- Premium price
- Limited review count
The UniFormation Cure3 is a dedicated curing station, not a 2-in-1. That sounds like a step back, but it’s actually a step forward if you already own a wash station and want a better cure.
The heated drying system is the standout. Set the timer 0 to 15 minutes and warm air dries the print before UV exposure. I cured clear resin miniatures without a single white bloom, which is nearly impossible with cold air dry.
The 282mm diameter by 162mm height curing area fits prints up to 10.3″. Four LED strips with 24 UV beads provide 360° coverage. The turntable rotates smoothly.
The built-in 500 cm³ activated carbon filter is the feature that sold me. Resin smell during curing is real and unpleasant. The carbon filter cut odor significantly in my enclosed workspace. If you print in a bedroom or small office, this matters.
Safety and ventilation
The safety trigger kills UV when the lid is open. I tested this by lifting the lid mid-cure and the LEDs cut off within a second. That’s important because direct 405nm exposure can irritate skin and eyes.
The 4000 RPM internal circulation fan pushes heated air evenly across the print. Combined with the under-platform LEDs, the cure is more consistent than top-only curing on cheaper units.
Who should skip it
If you don’t already have a wash station, this only does half the job. Pair it with a separate wash bucket or buy a 2-in-1 instead. The Cure3 is for users who want premium curing quality and are willing to pay for it.
How to Choose the Right Wash and Cure Station for Your Printer?
Picking the best resin washing and curing stations for your setup comes down to four things: build plate size, print volume, IPA tolerance, and ventilation. Get those right and the rest is easy.
Match the wash chamber to your build plate
The most common mistake is buying a station too small for your printer. If your build plate is 7.5″ x 5″, you need a wash chamber at least 8″ x 5.5″. Anything smaller means cutting prints off the plate to fit them in.
For 7.3″ and smaller printers like the Mars 5, ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 2, or Elegoo Saturn 3, the ANYCUBIC 3.0 or Mercury Plus 2.0 are both safe picks. For Saturn-class 10″ printers, go with the Mercury Plus V3.0 or Phrozen Kit. For 13.6″ Jupiter or M7 MAX owners, the ANYCUBIC Max 3 is the only practical choice.
Decide between 2-in-1, separate units, and 3-in-1
A 2-in-1 station does both jobs in one box. It’s compact, cheaper, and fine for casual printers. The downside is you can’t wash one batch while curing another.
Separate unit bundles like the Mercury X Bundle or Phrozen Kit let you run both modes simultaneously. If you print multiple times a week and value throughput, the extra cost pays off in time saved.
3-in-1 stations add a heated dry step. They’re rarer in this list but the Phrozen Kit’s fan drying comes close. Wet prints cure cloudy, so drying between wash and cure is genuinely useful for clear and translucent resins.
IPA safety and ventilation
Isopropyl alcohol fumes are toxic in enclosed spaces. Work in a ventilated area or near an open window. The UniFormation Cure3’s carbon filter helps with odor but is not a substitute for fresh air.
Gloves and safety glasses are non-negotiable. Uncured resin on skin causes irritation. I keep nitrile gloves next to my printer and put them on before handling any post-processing step.
Water-washable resin considerations
Water-washable resins are increasingly popular but most stations in this list assume IPA use. Water-washable resins can use tap water in a clean bucket. If you only use water-washable resin, you don’t need an expensive station. A pickle jar and a UV lamp are enough.
However, water-washable resins still need proper curing. A station like the UniFormation Cure3 handles the cure side regardless of how you washed the print.
Budget allocation and total cost
The station is the visible cost. Don’t forget IPA, replacement baskets, nitrile gloves, and paper towels. I budget about $30 a month on IPA and consumables for weekly printing.
For a beginner setup, $100 covers a station like the Mercury Plus 2.0 plus supplies. For a hobbyist with a Saturn, $150 to $250 is the realistic range. For pros running large format printers, $300 to $400 is normal.
Sustainability and IPA recycling
Used IPA is hazardous waste. Don’t pour it down the drain. Most local hazardous waste facilities accept it. Some printer owners run it through a distillation unit to recycle, but for hobbyists that’s overkill.
The ANYCUBIC Max 3’s dual cleaning mode reduces IPA consumption by 50%. Over a year of printing, that saves real money and reduces waste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Resin Wash and Cure Stations
Which wash and cure station should I buy?
For most Saturn and Mars users, the ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 is the best balance of capacity, build quality, and price. Budget buyers should consider the Mercury Plus 2.0 or ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3.0. Large format Jupiter and M7 MAX owners need the ANYCUBIC Max 3.
Is a wash and cure station worth it over DIY methods?
Yes, for regular printers. A pickle jar and UV lamp technically work, but a station gives consistent wash agitation, even curing, and IPA containment. You also avoid resin on your hands and fumes in your workspace. The cost pays back in saved IPA and time within a few months.
What’s the difference between 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 stations?
A 2-in-1 station washes and cures in one box. A 3-in-1 adds a drying step between washing and curing, usually heated air. Drying prevents white marks and micro-cracks on clear and translucent resins. The Phrozen Kit approximates 3-in-1 with its fan dry mode.
How do I choose the right size for my printer?
Measure your build plate diagonally. The wash chamber must be at least 10 to 15 percent larger in each dimension than your plate. For 7.3 inch printers, ANYCUBIC 3.0 or Mercury Plus 2.0 fit. For 10 inch printers, Mercury Plus V3.0 or Phrozen Kit. For 13.6 inch printers, only the ANYCUBIC Max 3 fits.
What safety precautions do I need when handling IPA?
Work in a ventilated area or near an open window. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses. Never pour used IPA down the drain. Take it to a hazardous waste facility. Keep the station lid closed during operation to contain fumes and block UV exposure.
Final Verdict on the Best Resin Washing and Curing Stations
After six weeks of testing, the ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 earns my top pick for the best resin washing and curing stations in 2026. It handles Saturn-class build plates, delivers consistent curing on tall models, and the 7.5L wash capacity means fewer cycles per batch.
For budget buyers the Mercury Plus 2.0 is unbeatable at under $100. For large format Jupiter and M7 MAX owners, the ANYCUBIC Max 3 is the only practical choice. The UniFormation Cure3 wins if premium curing quality is your priority.
Pick the station that matches your build plate, your print volume, and your workspace ventilation. Any of these eight will keep your prints clean, cured, and ready for paint.
There are people who love playing video games, and then there are enthusiasts who devote their lives to gaming.
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Today, he blends his passion and experience to write reviews that can help others choose the best components in the gaming arena.