If you are wondering what to buy with a 3D printer, the short answer is this: start with PLA filament, flush cutters, a scraper or print removal tool, and a basic cleaning setup. After that, buy upgrades only when the printer gives you a real reason.
That is the smartest beginner move.
Most people do not need a giant cart full of accessories on day one. They need a few basics that make printing easier, then a simple upgrade path based on real problems like poor adhesion, moisture, or worn nozzles.
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Quick answer
Buy these first:
- PLA filament
- flush cutters
- scraper or print removal tool
- microfiber cloths or cleaning supplies
- a small parts container
Buy these next only if needed:
- spare nozzles
- PEI build surface
- filament dryer
- calipers
- deburring and finishing tools
Skip most “nice to have” upgrades until you have enough printing time to know what is actually slowing you down.
What’s Actually Worth Buying First?
A good accessory should do one of these things:
- help the print stick
- help the print come off safely
- help the printer stay consistent
- help you measure, clean, or finish parts faster
If it does not do one of those jobs, it is probably not a day-one purchase.
That is the biggest mistake beginners make. They buy things that look useful instead of things that solve the most common early problems.
Step-by-Step: The Best Order to Buy Accessories
1. Buy basic tools first
These are the lowest-cost, highest-value accessories.
They make everyday printing easier right away.
2. Print for a while before upgrading
This sounds boring, but it saves money.
You should let the printer show you what problem actually needs solving.
3. Upgrade only to fix a real issue
For example:
- poor adhesion → build surface
- wet filament → dryer or dry storage
- rough extrusion or wear → spare nozzles
- inaccurate dimensions → calipers
- messy edges → finishing tools
That is how you avoid buying random clutter.
The Accessories That Actually Matter
1. PLA filament — the first thing to buy
If you are just starting, buy PLA first.
It is the easiest common filament to print. It warps less than ABS, usually behaves better than PETG for total beginners, and gives cleaner results with less frustration.
Best for: beginners and first successful prints
Skip if: you already know you need a tougher or heat-resistant material
Worth it if: you want the easiest path to a working setup
If you need help with settings, send readers next to your PLA Printing Guide.
2. Flush cutters — the most useful cheap tool
Flush cutters are one of the best low-cost buys in 3D printing.
They help with:
- removing supports
- trimming stray material
- cleaning little plastic tails
- making parts look better quickly
This is one of the easiest accessories to recommend because almost every user will use it.
Best for: nearly everyone
Skip if: you somehow already have a good pair
Worth it if: you want cleaner prints with almost no effort
3. Scraper or print removal tool
A print removal tool makes it easier to lift prints off the bed without damage.
This matters most when:
- the bed holds strongly
- the print has a wide footprint
- the first layer bonded well
- you are using a surface that grips hard
You do not need to attack every print with force. However, having the right tool helps when removal is stubborn.
Best for: easier print removal
Skip if: your current plate releases everything cleanly by hand
Worth it if: prints are sticking harder than expected
4. Build plate cleaning supplies
A lot of failed first layers come down to a dirty plate.
That means one of the most useful “accessories” is actually just a consistent cleaning setup:
- microfiber cloths
- paper towels
- whatever bed-safe cleaner you already trust for your surface
This is not exciting, but it prevents a lot of wasted time.
Best for: better first-layer consistency
Skip if: never
Worth it if: you want fewer mystery adhesion failures
5. Spare nozzles
Spare nozzles are one of the smartest low-cost backup buys.
Why?
Because nozzles wear, clog, and get damaged.
If you print regularly, having a fresh 0.4 mm nozzle on hand is just practical. It is one of the fastest ways to remove nozzle condition as a variable when troubleshooting.
Best for: regular printing
Skip if: you barely print at all
Worth it if: you do not want a worn nozzle to derail a weekend print
For bigger or faster prints, read all about them on this 3D Printer Nozzles page.
6. PEI build plate or better build surface
Not everyone needs this on day one.
However, if your stock surface is annoying, inconsistent, or weak on adhesion, a PEI plate is one of the best upgrades you can make.
Why it matters:
- better adhesion when hot
- easier release when cool
- more predictable first layers
For many people, this is the first truly useful upgrade after the basics.
Best for: people fighting adhesion issues
Skip if: your current build plate already works well
Worth it if: you want easier everyday printing
7. Filament dryer or dry storage
This moves from “optional” to “important” faster than many people expect.
It matters most if:
- you print PETG often
- you use TPU or nylon
- your room is humid
- your filament sits open for long periods
A dryer is not always the first thing a PLA beginner needs. But once moisture becomes part of the problem, it becomes one of the most useful accessories you can own.
Best for: moisture-sensitive setups
Skip if: you burn through PLA quickly in a dry room
Worth it if: stringing and rough surfaces suddenly become a pattern
If you suspect wet filament, read more here:
8. Calipers
Calipers are boring until you need them.
They matter for:
- measuring printed parts
- checking fitment
- testing dimensional accuracy
- confirming hole sizes or clearances
If you mostly print decorative models, this is less urgent. If you print brackets, enclosures, adapters, or anything functional, it becomes much more useful.
Best for: functional printing
Skip if: you only print display models
Worth it if: fit matters
9. Deburring and finishing tools
These are not essential on day one, but they become very useful once you print more functional parts.
They help with:
- cleaning edges
- smoothing holes
- removing elephants foot leftovers
- light post-processing
This category matters more for practical prints than beginner test prints.
Best for: cleaner finished parts
Skip if: you barely do post-processing
Worth it if: you want parts to look and fit better
10. Storage for tools, nozzles, and parts
This is not glamorous, but it matters.
A simple parts box or organizer helps keep:
- spare nozzles
- screws
- sample parts
- hex keys
- cleaning tools
- calibration pieces
organized instead of disappearing into a drawer.
Best for: staying sane
Skip if: you enjoy losing small parts
Worth it if: you plan to stick with 3D printing
Quick Table / Cheat Sheet
| Accessory | Buy First or Later? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| PLA filament | First | easiest material to start with |
| Flush cutters | First | quick support and cleanup tool |
| Scraper / removal tool | First | easier print removal |
| Cleaning supplies | First | better first-layer consistency |
| Spare nozzles | Soon after | easy backup and troubleshooting tool |
| PEI build plate | If needed | more reliable adhesion |
| Filament dryer | If needed | fixes moisture problems |
| Calipers | If functional printing | better measurements and fit |
| Finishing tools | Later | cleaner edges and better fit |
| Tool / parts organizer | Later | easier maintenance and less clutter |
What to Skip at First
This matters just as much as what to buy.
Most beginners can skip these on day one:
- enclosure
- hardened nozzle
- all-metal hotend
- multicolor system
- camera setup
- exotic filaments
- multiple nozzle sizes
- a drawer full of adhesives
Those things can be good later. They are just not where most beginners should start.
The Best Beginner Buying Path
Here is the simplest order that makes the most sense:
If you have only a little extra budget
Buy:
- PLA
- flush cutters
- scraper
- cleaning supplies
If you have a little more
Then add:
5. spare nozzles
6. PEI build surface if needed
If you start running into quality issues
Then add:
7. filament dryer
8. calipers
9. finishing tools
That order works because it follows real problems in the order most people experience them.
Common Mistakes
Buying every upgrade before your first good print
This is the biggest one.
Buying accessories that solve problems you do not have
That is how the tool pile grows and the progress does not.
Ignoring maintenance basics
A dirty plate and worn nozzle can cause more issues than a missing upgrade.
Starting with advanced materials
PLA first is still the right answer for most beginners.
Thinking accessories matter more than setup
A good first layer beats a shopping cart full of gadgets.
Related next steps
The strongest next clicks from this page are:
- What Do I Need to Start 3D Printing?
- Best 3D Printer for Beginners
- PLA Printing Guide
- How to Dry Filament
That gives readers the next logical setup, printer, material, and maintenance steps.
Conclusion
If you are trying to decide what to buy with a 3D printer, start smaller than you think.
Buy the basics that actually help:
- PLA
- flush cutters
- print removal tool
- cleaning supplies
Then let real printing tell you what upgrade comes next.
That is the cheapest, smartest, and least frustrating way to build a setup that actually works.