Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo: problems, parts and running costs
Checked: 2026-10-29
Summary
The Kobra S1 Combo is mechanically dependable hardware with a weak point in software: the Anycubic Slicer does not show or control purge amount, so multicolor prints can waste as much filament as they use. Running cost is dominated by filament, with no quantified annual figure in the sources read. It is a strong buy at $399-$549 and weaker above $750 where Bambu’s software pulls ahead.
Common problems and fixes
- Multicolor purge waste is large and unpredictable — the Anycubic Slicer does not display or finely control purge amount during color changes; a 312 g dragon print wasted 730 g across supports, the purge tower and purge. No slicer workaround reported. [4]
- Color changes take about 2 minutes — each change adds roughly 2 minutes, slowing large multicolor prints; no firmware fix reported. [5]
- ACE Pro misfeeds and loads slots 3-4 awkwardly — a single motor feeds all four slots, and loading slots 3 and 4 can take multiple attempts. [4]
- Small, cardboard and oversized spools do not fit the ACE Pro — small sample spools and oversized spools such as Prusament and Jessie fail to fit. [4]
- Units that print once then fail — owner comments report printers that printed one Benchy then failed to print again (nozzle not reaching the bed), plus nozzle clogging and “paperweight” outcomes. Warranty is 1 year; store terms include a 14-day no-reason return and a 30-day after-sales guarantee. [1][5]
- No persistent manual Z-offset control — an owner reports the setting does not persist. [5]
Parts and consumables
- Filament (PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU) — ongoing consumable; TPU 95A is not compatible with the ACE Pro. [1]
- Activated-carbon filter — enclosure filter consumable, replaced as needed. [4]
- Hotend assembly — the brass nozzle appears glued into the heater block, so the whole hotend is replaced as a unit; optional 0.25, 0.6 and 0.8 mm nozzles are sold separately. [1][4]
- Second ACE Pro + 8-color hub — required to expand from 4 to 8 colors. [1][5]
- Nozzle cleaning module and silicone part — consumable cleaning parts included with the machine. [1][4]
Yearly running cost
Not enough data. Filament is the main ongoing cost; no annual figure or power consumption was stated in the sources read.
When it is a good buy
Manufacturer store (checked 2026-10-29): $399 sale vs $749 regular; 8-color bundle $598. Tom’s Hardware listing: $699 sale, $829 retail. [1][4]
- At $399-$549: strong value for a fully enclosed CoreXY with multicolor and a built-in dryer; software limits are acceptable. [1][4][5]
- At $550-$700: good value; compare with the Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo ($549) and the P1S Combo ($1049). [4][5]
- Above $750-$829: weaker; purge control and color-change speed lag behind Bambu at similar prices. [4]
- Alternatives: Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo ($549) when budget and small footprint matter; Bambu Lab P1S Combo ($1049) when purge control and faster color changes matter; Creality K2 Plus Combo ($1649) when a larger build volume matters. [4]