8 Best 3D Printer Hot Ends: Variety of Sizes and Materials

The hot end is perhaps the most integral part of a 3d printer. We reviewed the most popular hot ends on the market for you to choose the one that will suit all of your needs!
By
William McCollum
William McCollum
Research Writer
William is a talented journalist who’s been working in the industry for more than 10 years. He writes for our site on a freelance basis, putting all the expert findings to read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Rogelio Coulter
Rogelio Coulter
Expert Consultant
Rogelio is a tech genius. It seems like he knows everything when it comes to “How does it work?”. He is also an incredible IT specialist and a beginning graphic designer read more
Last updated: August 12, 2023
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The hot end of a 3D printer is, perhaps, the most important component of the printer’s inner workings. The main purpose of a hot end in a 3D printer is to heat the internal filament and push it through the designated nozzle. They’re made of durable conductive metal and include a heating block, throat, PTFE liner, and PTFE coupler.

Because this part is so integral in the operation of your 3D printer, it’s common to feel worried you might break it by messing with the part. However, as long as you pay attention to things like the material it’s made of, its heat resistance, size, printer compatibility, and other important factors, you shouldn’t run into any issues. To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of the eight best 3D printer hot ends. We’ve also included a helpful buyer’s guide to keeping you on track to choosing the right hot end for your specific printer.

Quick Summary

  • "The Wangdd22 uses an anti-leakage and anti-blocking design and can be used with any 1.75mm E3D V6 MakerBot 3d printer. This hot end is also heat resistant and is less likely than other models to overheat."
  • Premium Pick: BIQU Dragon Fly Hot End
    "The BIQU Dragonfly is made with a copper alloy that fosters faster heating and is more efficient at heat dissipation. The kit can resist temperatures up to 500 degrees Celsius and is compatible with most heating filaments."
  • Best Value: Ender 3 Hot End
    "The Ender 3 hot end is a plug-and-play replacement for the Ender 3, Ender 3 V2, Ender 3 Pro, and Ender 3S. This hot end also comes with a silicone cover to help keep the hot end stable and provide a much higher quality print too."
  • Best Heat Dissipation: Micro Swiss All Metal Hot End Kit
    "The Micro Swiss hot end is designed to fit all Creality and Ender 3D printer models. This hot end also uses a cooling block rather than relying on a thermal tube. This design allows this model to have a more effective heat dissipation."
  • "The Great Design all-metal dragonfly hot end comes in three different designs depending on what you need. This hot end can print at temperatures of up to 500 degrees Celsius. The plated copper nozzle filament helps with heat dissipation."
  • Long-Lasting Design: Flashforge Adventurer Hot end
    "The Flashforge Adventurer has four different nozzle types to choose from. This replacement nozzle is designed specifically to be user-friendly and long-lasting. The Adventurer fits most 3D printer models."
  • "This hot end comes pre-assembled for easy installation. It’s also made with a cooling system on the aluminum shell to provide precision in each print. This model also requires minimal maintenance as the metal parts are followed strictly to standard."
  • Most Compact Design: Maxiwatt Hot end
    "The Maxiwatt Hot end is made with a cylindrical shape and is compatible with most high-temperature filaments. The cylindrical design is meant to help aid in even heat distribution and is made with an aluminum body."

Top 8 3D Printer Hot Ends Reviewed in 2024

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Features
  • Material: brass
  • Applicable models: compatible with all 1.75mm E3D V6 Makerbot 3D printer
  • Size: 6 mm outer, 4 mm inner, 1.75 filament diameter

More features: anti-leakage and anti-blocking design, heat resistant

The Wangdd22 is compatible with most 3D printer models, but specifically with all 1.75mm E3D V6 Makerbot 3d printers. The package includes the metal V6 hot end extruder kit, three brass extruder nozzles, a V6 heater block, and two pieces of Teflon tubing. The extruder nozzle is made of stainless steel material, and the hot end uses a 12V high-speed fan to prevent overheating.

The anti-leaking and anti-breakage design incorporated into the Wangdd22 make it superior to others in that these features allow for a cleaner and more precise finished product. The heat resistance and ventilation system of this one also help prevent NTC burn and keep all components of the printer protected from heat damage.

    Why are we impressed?
  • We’ve awarded this one with our Editor’s Pick designation because of its excellent quality. Along with that, this model is versatile and can be paired with the included parts or with most other spare part brands you may use. We like this one a lot because you get a good quality hot end without forking over serious cash.
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • With that said, we do think there are some areas that could be improved. For starters, some customers have expressed concern over the lack of customer service available. While some say they have heard back from the company, others say they’re still waiting for a solution to their issues.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7941 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
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9.2
9.6
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Features
  • Material: brass alloy
  • Applicable models: Prusa I3 Creality Ender, CR10
  • Size: not specified

More features: temperature resistance up to 500℃, high strength

The core parts of this hot end consist primarily of copper alloy metal. This type of metal aids in quick and efficient heating and heat dissipation. The hot end has a conical design to also aid in the heat dissipation process. This kit has the ability to withstand heat up to 500 degrees Celsius. The BIQU Dragon Fly is also compatible with all 3d printing filaments, as well as any composite materials with abrasive additives.

Unlike other 3d printer hot ends, this one reigns supreme in its versatility and compact design. It’s easier to configure into your 3d printer than other models, and the inner hole has a lower roughness amount to allow for smoother use of a filament. Beyond that, the ability to use multiple filament types gives you far more flexibility in what you want to design.

    Why are we impressed?
  • This one made our Premium Pick because of everything it has to offer. Like we mentioned above, you can use a multitude of filament types, each with varying textures. This flexibility you have is perfect for anyone looking to build creatively with their printer. While this one is pricier than others on our list, the benefits it comes with far outweigh the cost.
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • With that said, some people have had issues hooking it up to the Ender 3 3d printer. Others have expressed concern over the fact that using this hot end comes with a learning curve. This learning curve can lead to extra stress and frustration, which may lead you to stop using the printer altogether.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4483 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.5
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Best Value

Ender 3 Hot End

Features
  • Material: metal
  • Applicable models: Ender 3, Ender 3 V2, and Ender 3 Pro
  • Size: 0.4 mm

More features: silicone cover, durable, optimized design

The Ender 3 hot end is a plug-and-play replacement for various Ender printers. Among those 3d printers are the Ender 3, Ender 3 V2, Ender 3 Pro, and the Ender 3S. The design of this hot end is meant to be user-friendly in that all you need to do is connect the heating tube and temperature thermistor into the control box and then connect them to the terminal housing. The hot end will then plug right into the printer.

The Ender 3 hot end is unlike other hot ends because it offers good quality without requiring someone to spend a lot of money. The hot end also comes with a silicone cover. This cover helps keep temperatures stable and provides a more consistent and higher-quality piece. The parts are also made to be anti-corrosive and resistant to wear and tear.

    What are its best features?
  • This specific hot end earned our title for best value because not only is it super affordable, but it doesn't skimp on work quality. On top of that, it's incredibly easy to install and takes virtually no work to do so. The silicone cover is also convenient and good for safety measures. This cover is flame-resistant, so if your machine does happen to overheat, it’s less likely to become a larger issue.
    What could be improved?
  • While this hot end certainly delivers good quality, there are some concerns over temperature fluctuations. Some customers have reported their hot end will constantly jump between +/- 5 degrees away from their desired temperature. Some also say it takes a while to load and unload it, and new prints take a long time to get started too.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8950 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
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Best Heat Dissipation

Micro Swiss All Metal Hot End Kit

Features
  • Material: metal
  • Applicable models: Creality CR-10, CR10, CR10S, Ender 2, Ender 3, Ender 5
  • Size: 0.4 mm

More features: made in the USA

The Micro Swiss hot end is made in the USA and comes with an aluminum cooling block, a grade 5 titanium heat break, an aluminum heater block, a brass-plated wear-resistant nozzle, and a silicone sock. This particular hot end is designed to fit the following Creality 3d printer models: CR-10, CR-10S, CR-10-S5, CR-10 MINI, and CR-10-S4. It’s also built to fit into the Ender 2, 3, 3 Pro, and 5 models, as well as the TronXY X5S and Tevo Tornado.

Unlike other models, this hot end doesn’t require any type of reconfiguration to the printer itself in order to install. The use of a cooling block with this one also takes away the necessity of using a thermal tube for temperature control. Along with that, the heat break is made with a titanium alloy that provides superior thermal isolation between the heater and cooling blocks.

    What are its best features?
  • We love this hot end because the use of titanium allows for a lower thermal conductivity. This results in a more defined melt zone and higher quality end products. On top of that, the hot end heats up to your desired temperature incredibly fast, usually within around 30 seconds or so. So, not only do you have the promise of streamlining results, but you also get those results quicker than other models.
    What could be improved?
  • Although this hot end certainly has its positives, some customers have complained that the plastic coupler that comes with the kit is inadequate. The biggest concern with the couplers is that it doesn’t hold the Bowden tube securely enough. It also seems to have issues pushing out desired results when using PLA as your filament.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5520 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
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8.7
9.2
Features
  • Material: all metal
  • Applicable models: Creality CR10 series, Ender 3 series, ender 5 series 3D Printer
  • Size: 0.4 mm for 1.75 mm

More features: compatible with all filaments

The Great Design hot end comes in three different styles. Each of the three styles will fit differing 3d printers, so it’s important to make sure you know what your printer model is. These hot ends can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Celsius and are compatible with the Creality CR-10 series, Ender 3 series, and Ender 5 series 3d printers. The heater block is made of copper alloy for optimal heat distribution and dissipation.

Unlike some other 3d printer hot ends, this one can be used with a variety of filaments, each with different textures. The cone-like shape of this hot end helps aid in the heat dissipation process and comes with a silicone cover for additional heat protection and safety. The heartbreak also has a smoother filament flow as it has a lower roughness level.

    What do we love it for?
  • We chose this one specifically because of its versatility. You have the option to use multiple types of filaments, and the hot end provides more flexibility in the textures you use. Along with that, the way the conical design distributes and dissipates the heat within the 3d printer allows for a more desired result.
    What were we disappointed with?
  • While this hot end has great versatility, it doesn’t fit some 3d printers. Because of that, it’s important to make sure you know exactly what model your 3d printer is. Being aware, at the very least, will save you potential frustration later on. Along with that, some customers have also expressed that this hot end works much the same as other hot ends like it, although it’s more expensive.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2824 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
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8.8
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9.0
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Long-Lasting Design

Flashforge Adventurer Hot end

Features
  • Material: metal
  • Applicable models: Adventurer 3 Series and Adventurer 4
  • Size: 0.3 mm

More features: easy to assemble

The Flashforge is a nozzle-style hot end that can withstand up to 240-265 degrees Celsius of heat. There are four different options to choose from: the 240C nozzle, 265C nozzle, AD3-0.3-240, and AD3-0.6-265. This particular hot end is meant to be used with Flash Forge 3d printers and is a replacement nozzle for that specific 3d printer.

Unlike other hot ends like it, the Flashforge is a great product for the price you pay for it. Along with that, it’s easier to replace than other hot-ends and doesn’t take much work to figure out. The design is also very compact and easy to fit into where you need it to go.

    What are our favorite features?
  • We chose this hot end for our list because it can last for an extensive amount of use. One customer reported using it for 800 hours worth of work time, and it was still going strong. Along with that, it works relatively quickly, and one of the most common customer raves is how easy it is to install and figure out with their 3d printer.
    What could be better?
  • Although this hot end comes with plenty of advantages, it’s due for some improvement on its stability. Some customers have complained that the hot end repeatedly falls off while they’re in the middle of conducting a print job. Some customers have also struggled with the system getting blocked up and not performing up to the highest quality promised.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9855 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
8.8
Features
  • Material: aluminum, stainless steel, brass
  • Applicable models: CR-10, CR10, CR10S, Ender 2, Ender 3, Ender 5
  • Size: 0.4 mm

More features: high precision, reduces the risk of clogging

This 3d printer hot end is available in three different packages: a single pack, two-pack, or four-pack. This one is designed specifically for Creality CR-10 and Ender series models and is guaranteed to fit any model in either of those series. The cooling system of the hot end is made of a frosting surface aluminum shell and has a lower risk of clogging. This particular hot end is also made to withstand high temperatures and can be used with filaments that require higher temperatures to melt.

Although this hot end doesn’t come with the heating elements, there are specific spots reserved for the installation of heating elements when you install the hot end into your 3d printer. Unlike other hot ends like it, this one is superior in that it requires far less maintenance and lasts longer than other models.

    What are our favorite features?
  • We chose this one for our list specifically because of how user-friendly it is. While it may not come with the heating elements needed for use, the designers have made it incredibly simple to connect necessary pieces to the hot end and printer, respectively. On top of that, the hot end is designed to prevent clogging and uneven extrusion, so maintenance is far less cumbersome than it is with other models.
    What could be better?
  • Although this one is certainly the most user-friendly, some people have had issues trying to install it on their Ender 3 3d printer. However, others have said if you shift the installation slightly, by a few millimeters, it’ll install just fine. The hot end also isn’t all metal like advertised. There are some plastic parts that have been known to break off.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6035 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.2
8.5
8
Most Compact Design

Maxiwatt Hot end

Features
  • Material: aluminum
  • Applicable models: not specified
  • Size: 20 mm

More features: compatible with most filaments, easy to install

The Maxiwatt Hot end is a cylindrically-designed hot end that is compatible with most filament types. The hot end itself is made of aluminum and is metrics M6 compatible. This means that it will fit right in with a majority of the 3d FDM domestic and professional printers, like the Prusa i3and Ender series.

Unlike the other hot ends on our list, this particular one has a unique shape that gives it a leg up on the others. Because the hot end is cylindrical, it has a much easier time distributing heat and dissipating it evenly throughout the machine. An even temperature is a difference between a well-made and desired end product and one that is less ideal.

    Why are we impressed?
  • We chose this one mostly for its unique shape and how compact the design is. Although the cylinder is incredibly small, it doesn't take away any heating power that a bigger hot end might have. Beyond that, it's also very easy to install in that it just plugs right into your 3d printer, and you're good to go. In other words, this hot end is small but mighty and is certainly worth checking out.
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Although this one is certainly unique, it’s known to not last as long as other hot ends might. Also, the nozzle loosens when the hot end heats up, and this causes parts to come loose and even fall off at some points. Some customers have also expressed concern over the fact that the threads wore down after only a few uses.

Things to Consider

Finding the right hot end can be a frustrating and stress-inducing process. While some companies may say their product fits your specific 3d printer model, we know that’s not always the case. Because of that, it’s important to make sure you bear in mind the details of each product and read reviews like this where you can get the most detailed and factual information you can before making a final decision.

Important Features

When shopping around for the right 3d printer hot end, it’s important to bear a few things in mind. For starters, the material of the hot end will tell you how long it will last, and the size of the product will help you decide if it will fit in your printer model. The filament compatibility, design, diameter, and heat resistance are also important factors that will tell you everything you need to know about each specific hot end.

Material

Hot ends can be made from a variety of materials, but most often, you’ll find them in titanium alloy, copper alloy, stainless steel, and plastic. Each part will be made from a different material, but the highest quality hot ends will be made of titanium or stainless steel.

There are also different parts of the hot end that will be made of different materials. The nozzle, for example, is usually made of brass. The nozzle is where the molten filament comes out, so it’s important for this feature to be made of high-quality, heat-resistant material.

The heater block is usually made from aluminum, and heater cartridges are usually ceramic. The thermistor is a glass bead with two wires attached to measure heat block temperature. The heat break and heat brink are typically stainless steel, and the Teflon liner is made of PTFE.

Size

The overall size of your hot end is important to keep in mind because you want to be careful not to buy something that’s either too big to fit in a designated area of your printer or too small and needs extra improvisation to fit correctly.

For example, the Maxiwatt Hot end on our list is certainly the smallest in terms of size that we’ve chosen. However, this compactness allows it to be installed within compatible printers without obstructing the view of any other internal part. On the other hand, it may not fit snugly into some 3d printers, so it’s always important to know which hot ends will be compatible with your 3d printer in terms of size.

Compatibility

8 Best 3D Printer Hot Ends: Variety of Sizes and Materials
Whether or not a hot end is compatible with your specific printer is integral in the decision-making process.

If you buy a hot end that isn’t compatible with your printer, then you’ll have wasted money on a product that doesn’t fit inside of the printer. In this case, it’s usually best to first check with the brand of your 3d printer to see if they carry replacement hot ends for you to purchase. Our best value pick, the Ender 3 Hot end, is a good example of this as it’s guaranteed to fit any 3d printer in the Ender 3 series. With that said, you don’t always have to stay brand loyal. As long as it’s explicitly stated that a certain hot end fits with your 3d printer, you’re good to go.

Design

The design Trusted Source 3D printing gets bigger, faster and stronger The 3D printing technique is also referred to as ‘additive manufacturing’, because instead of chopping or milling a shape out of a larger block, or casting molten material in a mould, it involves building objects from the bottom up. Its advantages include less waste and an ability to print custom designs, such as intricate lattice structures, that are otherwise hard to create. Low-cost hobbyist machines print by squeezing out thin plastic filaments from heated nozzles, building up a structure layer by layer — a method known as fused deposition modelling (FDM).  www.nature.com of the hot end is also important as the way it works will give you plenty of information on how to get the most out of your product. For example, some hot ends may be designed to be anti-corrosive, and most are heat-resistant to avoid damage from high temperatures.

In the same respect, it’s also important to make sure you take note of whether or not the hot end comes with the required heating elements. In some cases, they will come with every attachment you need to fully replace the heating part of your printer. However, others will only come with the hot end, but they may have designated spots for heating element hookups.

Diameter

The hot end uses a 0.4 mm nozzle, but there are others with varying diameters worth noting. In most cases, these diameters will range from 0.25 mm to 0.8 mm. The diameter of your hot end is important as it will determine the kinds of materials you can use in your 3d printing projects. The smaller the diameter, the higher pressure is needed to flow materials through adequately.

Heat resistance

In many cases, hot ends will come with the ability to withstand up to 500 degrees Celsius, which equals out 932 degrees Fahrenheit. Because 3d printers get so hot, it’s increasingly important for a hot end to have a heat resistant design to protect itself from temperature damage.

This is important to keep in mind as not all 3d printer hot ends can accommodate this high. Others will cap off at between 240-265 degrees Celsius or 464-509 Trusted Source Convert 265 degrees Celsius to degrees Fahrenheit degree Celsius is a unit of temperature in the metric system. It has the symbol C. A degree Celsius has 33.8 degrees Fahrenheit. converter.net degrees Fahrenheit.

FAQ

What is a hot end, and why do you need it?

A hot end is the part of a 3d printer that melts your filament and helps maintain a consistent and accurate temperature for the desired printing project. A hot end is needed to get your filament, or materials, to the correct temperature to form the project you’re working on. In other words, you can’t work your 3d printer without the use of a hot end.

How to change a hot end?

The specific instructions for replacing your hot end will vary depending on the brand and model of your hot end and 3d printer. To change your hot end, you need the new part and any other tools instructed in your user manual. Make sure your hot end is completely cooled down before removing it. Take off any clips keeping it in place, the coupling collet, and the Teflon tubing. Next, unscrew the cover and take that off along with the hot end. Once the old hot end is removed, replace it with the new one and reconnect any part that you disconnected from the old part.

How to clean it?

It’s recommended to clean your hot end and nozzle by taking them apart and using a nozzle cleaning kit to clean out both parts. If you notice clogging or extrusion in your designs, it’s likely due to the need for a good cleaning before using the hot end and printer again.

Our verdict

In order for your 3d printer to run properly, everything rides on the hot end inside. When one hot end stops working, and you’re looking for a replacement for it, keeping in mind the filament compatibility, design, and diameter of your hot end and nozzle are essential in ensuring you choose the right product.

Whether you choose our Editor’s Choice, the Wangdd22 for its anti-leakage and anti-blocking design, our Premium Pick of the BIQU Dragonfly Hot end for its high heat resistance, or our Best Value pick in the Ender 3 Hot end for its quality and budget-friendliness, you’re sure to find a good option.

You may even choose an entirely different hot end altogether. Whether or not you choose one from our list or a totally different one is your prerogative, but we hope our guide helps you find the best 3D printer hot end for your needs.

References

1.
3D printing gets bigger, faster and stronger
The 3D printing technique is also referred to as ‘additive manufacturing’, because instead of chopping or milling a shape out of a larger block, or casting molten material in a mould, it involves building objects from the bottom up. Its advantages include less waste and an ability to print custom designs, such as intricate lattice structures, that are otherwise hard to create. Low-cost hobbyist machines print by squeezing out thin plastic filaments from heated nozzles, building up a structure layer by layer — a method known as fused deposition modelling (FDM). 
2.
Convert 265 degrees Celsius to degrees Fahrenheit
degree Celsius is a unit of temperature in the metric system. It has the symbol C. A degree Celsius has 33.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
9,8
Total Score
Wangdd22 E3D V6 Hot End Full Kit - Editor’s Choice
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