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The crafting world is all abuzz with machines that can cut out intricately designed shapes and images from almost any type of material. The Cricut cutting machine has freed crafters to do all they could every dream and make the most amazing projects in the comfort of their own home with a reduction in production cost.
Because they have been so useful over the past two decades, they are exceptionally popular and the manufacturer is constantly improving and expanding on their successful product. This means that there is a lot of Cricut machines on the market, each with its own wonderful and unique qualities. And while crafters agree that it is great to have a lot of options, it is also overwhelming.
This is where Craft & Stitch comes into the picture. We want to help crafters find and keep their creative aspirations and not get bogged down with all the details of finding the perfect crafting tool or crafting material. With our detailed guides and inspirational articles, the next project is just a click away. If you’re interested in purchasing a Cricut Machine, let’s walk through the process together and leave the frustration out of the picture.
Things to Consider
When you begin looking to purchase any item, you have to consider a few things, namely, what features you personally need from the item. These are the key features that should be focused on so that you can make an informed decision. We are going to takes some time now to focus on the key features of Cricut machines so that you are aware of what your options are and why you might want to look a certain type of machine that includes a select feature. These features will also be used as our guide to recommend products for purchase.
Connectivity
This refers to how the machine connects to phones, tablets, and other computer gear. Most Cricut machines are Bluetooth® compatible and have cords to connect to outside devices, making this feature an easy-to-make decision.
Cutting Measurements
This refers to the maximum length and width a Cricut machine is able to cut. If you tend to produce items that are large in either direction, you may want to get a machine suited for this type of work.
Design Access
Cricut Design Space is a free app that will help users design and create their projects. There are many basic designs and features available on the app for free, but there are also plenty of extras that can be purchased as needed. Make sure you get the features from this app that will help you with all your projects.
Cricut Access is another design site for Cricut machines. Some machines come with a trial membership, and then, if you want to continue using this site, you will need to purchase a membership.
Material Compatibility
This refers to the ability of the machine to cut through different types and thicknesses of material. Some Cricut machines are designed to cut through nearly any material; whereas, others have a more specialized cutting ability. Be sure to really think through what types of projects you plan to create with your machine so that you don’t find yourself without the ability to make all the things you want.
Personal Crafting Requirements
Many of the features in this list are going to cross over into this particular feature, but it is important to note that listing out and dissecting personal preferences in a crafting machine are the best way to figure out which machine will work for you. Before you purchase a machine that can cost upwards of $100.00 without extra features, you need to understand what you want to do with this machine so that you don’t spend a lot of money on something you will never use.
This is the time to get out a pen and paper and make notes of what type of crafting projects you currently do and what types you would like to try. Within each of those projects, make some notes about what materials and equipment you need to complete each project fully and successfully. You can use this list of details to compare and contrast against the features and functions of each machine we look at later.
Price
Cricut machines can be expensive, especially if you consider the add-ons and accessories that are available. Of course, it is better to get the higher-priced machine with the features you need than to get the lower-priced machine that doesn’t have all the features you need.
Size
Make sure you consider the size of the machine and how much storage and work space you have available for it.
Speed
If you need to make projects in a hurry, look for a machine that can keep up with your work pace. Several types of Cricut machines are engineered with motors that move quickly but still perform with precision.
Machines on the Market
Now that we have discussed the key features to consider before purchasing a Cricut machine, we can begin looking at the machines available for purchase. This list has been pulled together using the above features as a guideline. We will refer to each of the above features as we discuss each machine.
Cricut Maker
This Cricut machine is Bluetooth® compatible and has a USB cable included. It comes with 50 free projects and 25 sewing patterns and is designed to complete projects within 15 minutes. The maximum cutting width of this machine is 11.5” while the maximum cutting length of this machine is 12” unless you purchase the 24” long mat. New subscribers get the option of a free trial membership to Cricut Access.
This machine is a great option for those who use their crafting skills as an entrepreneurial business. It can cut 300 types of materials from thick to thin and can deboss, engrave, write, or score a project. It is an all-around workhorse.
Pros
- Able to cut through 300 types of material
- Designed to accommodate new tools created by the Cricut Company
- Designed with an Adaptive Tool System to keep the machine from becoming obsolete
- Cuts with 10x more pressure than a Cricut Air
- Provides crafters with access to a huge library of sewing projects
- Includes two mats, one for fabric and the other for regular projects
- Includes a rotary blade, fine-point blade, and a fine point ben
- Includes practice materials
- Includes a phone charging dock
Cons
- Unless you find it on sale, it is expensive
- It is not designed for use with Cricut Smart Materials
Cricut Maker 3
This Cricut machine is Bluetooth® compatible and has a USB cable included and is designed to work twice as fast as the Cricut Maker model. The maximum cutting width of this machine is 11.5” while the machine is designed to cut Cricut Smart Materials up to 12’ in length. If the Cricut Smart Materials are supported by a Cricut Roll Holder, it can cut up to 75’ in length. New subscribers get the option of a free trial membership to Cricut Access.
This is a machine for professionals. It does amazing work when it comes to cutting any type of fabric, paper, or other material. It can also be used to score material, punch material, or write on material.
Pros
- Works at higher speeds
- Can cut up to 75’ of material when supplied with the proper equipment
- Can cut virtually any type or thickness of material
- Designed for accurate and clean cutting
- Does not require a mat for cutting
- Designed to accommodate new tools created by the Cricut Company
- Designed with an Adaptive Tool System to keep the machine from becoming obsolete
- Cuts with 10x more pressure than a Cricut Air
- Includes a phone charging dock
- Includes 100 online projects
- Includes practice materials
Cons
- It is an expensive machine
- It only comes with one type of blade; all others must be purchased separately
Cricut Explore Air 2
This Cricut machine is Bluetooth® compatible and has a USB cable included; unfortunately it is not the fastest working Cricut machine and will work more slowly through a project than newer models. The maximum cutting width of this machine is 12” and the maximum cutting length is 12”. New subscribers get the option of a free trial membership to Cricut Access.
This is a great machine for those who are new to cutting machines or for those who need a reasonably priced item.
Pros
- It costs less than other models
- Includes 100 materials to begin working on right away
- Can use 6 different types of cutting tools
- Includes a cutting mat
- Includes a fine point pen
- Includes 50 projects
- Lightweight
- Some software is available for free
Cons
- It requires that you hook it up to Wi-Fi to use it
- Does not have all the cutting power or tools that other models include
- Does not have an Adaptive Tool System
Cricut Joy
This Cricut machine is Bluetooth® compatible, but since it is a small machine, it is not designed to work through a project very quickly. This machine can use Cricut Smart Materials to cut up to 20’ in length while the maximum cutting width of this machine is 4”. New subscribers get the option of a free trial membership to Cricut Access.
This little machine is great for those crafters who need a craft cutter that is small and portable. It is best suited for those who do not work with thick materials.
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- Designed to cut intricate details
- Compatible with Cricut Smart Materials
- Includes a fine tip pen
Cons
- Cannot cut thick materials; it should only be used for paper, thin vinyl, and cardstock
- Does not cut very wide
- Does not have a USB connection
Cricut Explore 3
This Cricut machine is Bluetooth® compatible and has a USB cable included and is designed to run 2x faster than its predecessor. The maximum cutting width of this machine is 12”. This machine is compatible with Cricut Smart Materials and can cut up to 12’ in length. New subscribers get the option of a free trial membership to Cricut Access.
This is a machine suitable for crafters who view their projects as a hobby rather than a business and don’t need a professional look to all their work. It is also ideal for those who need to save a little money on their craft supplies since it is slightly less pricey and it offers the ability to work with Cricut Smart Materials.
Pros
- Compatible with Cricut Smart Materials
- Includes 100 projects
- Great for working with foil projects
Cons
- Does not offer all the features of other, similarly priced Cricut models
FAQs
Question: Can Cricut Smart Materials be used with Any Cricut Machine?
Answer: Unfortunately, they cannot. Older Cricut machines are designed to be used with the cutting mat and if you choose to cut items in these machines without using a cutting mat you risk damaging your machine and your project.
Question: Which Cricut Machines Work Best on Fabric?
Answer: The best machines for cutting fabric are the Cricut Explore Air 2, The Cricut Maker, and the Cricut Joy.
Question: What Cricut Machines Work with Cricut Design Space?
Answer: Most of the new models, such as the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore models are compatible for use with Cricut Design Space. If you have an Expression model you will need to download software called Cricut Craft Room in order to gain access to designs.
Question: Which Cricut Machines are Best for Embossing?
Answer: The Cricut Maker is the ultimate model for embossing projects.
Concluding Thoughts
Cutting machines are the future of crafting. As you can see from looking at these excellent models, they offer features and tools that crafters from the past century never experienced at home. If you’re an avid crafter or have an idea for a creative business model, then you need to get a cutting machine for your home or business. Hopefully, this article has given you some insight into what features each Cricut machine offers and has helped to answer any questions about how to find the best machine for your needs.
Research Citations
For further read: