Are you a committed scrapbooker or crafter? If so, and you have never heard about Cricut machines, you sure are missing out. It is the perfect tool for assisting you with all of your DIY needs. A Cricut machine uses cartridges with pre-downloaded shapes and patterns.
Cricut machines can also handle various materials, including felt, vinyl, and many others. That being said, you may want to explore the performance and efficiency of these machines in your crafting career. That is why we have gathered a few of the best Cricut machines and taken an in-depth look at them.
Hopefully, this helps you find the right Cricut machine for all of your DIY needs. Let's take a look at what they have on offer.
What is a Circuit Machine
A Cricut machine is a machine you can use to cut different materials into craft projects. Cricut machines are ideal for anyone into DIY and crafting gifts. Anyone who does a lot of artsy stuff would benefit from a Cricut machine. The electronic cutting machine can cut different materials, including vinyl, paper, balsa wood, leather or fabric. A Cricut machine is electrical and clinically accurate, hence the successful custom designs by the users.
A Cricut machine is connected to a PC or the phone to feed the design to the machine before it is cut on the material. You can use the Design Space software to program the machine before the design. The Design Space software comes as a free download in most cases, and all you need to do is buy the Cricut machine. Cricut is mainly thought of as an expensive machine, which is not the case. You can get the Cricut cutting machine in all the price ranges and still get decent designs. Every model on the Cricut machine comparison chart does a great job as long as you know what you are going for.
Which is the best cricut machine?
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Best Cricut Machine Reviews
1. Cricut Explore Air 2
- ART AND CRAFT CUTTING MADE SIMPLE, EVEN FOR...
- CUTS 100+ MATERIALS WITH EASE – The...
- APP BASED CRAFTING TOOL WITH...
- KEEP YOUR SPACE NEAT AND ORGANIZED - Machine...
- ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES - Compatible with 6...
This next entry is a great addition to any DIYer's kit. It offers a wide range of projects and a high-performance blade that can cut just about anything.
Although Cricut Explore Air 2 has fewer features, this sister of the above Cricut machine still has a lot of merits. Though made with a simpler design, Cricut Explore Air 2 still comes with a lot of great accessories and features that will elevate your DIY projects. Cricut Explore Air 2 features include:
- Cricut Explore Air 2 is able to cut 100+ materials.
- Cricut Explore Air 2 comes with a fine point blade & housing, LightGrip work surface, cutting mat, fine point pen, design software, and 2 week trial for Cricut Access.
Cricut Explore Air 2 cutter is durable and will last a lifetime due to the use of high-quality building materials. That means that it is quite the investment considering the price. You will be able to easily work on a lot of projects using a wide variety of materials. Plus, there are plenty of groups and resources available for you.
Cricut Explore Air 2 has a lot to love about it, though there are a few things that we probably should mention. It is not as versatile as the Maker, so if you are more experienced, you may want to go with that model. Cricut Explore Air 2 does offer a limited workspace, and the software runs slow, as well.
Pros
Cons
2. Cricut Maker
- A POWERFUL, VERSATILE SMART CUTTING MACHINE -...
- CUTS 300+ MATERIALS IN A WHIZ - Cuts...
- APP BASED CRAFTING TOOL WITH...
- KEEP YOUR SPACE NEAT & ORGANIZED - The device...
- ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES - It is compatible with...
Our first entry on our list is a professional-grade vinyl cutter. It is created to give you optimized performance while still being extremely easy to use. Plus, it can be upgraded and grow with your abilities.
Making a precision cutting machine that can handle whatever you throw at it is not an easy task. However, Cricut has done just that. The designers and engineers that have constructed this fantastic tool included top-notch features. Also, they gave this machine the ability to grow with your skills. In order to do that, they have fitted this vinyl cutter with the following:
- Downloadable design apps that are compatible with multiple operating systems
- Upgradable with additional easy-to-integrate tools
- Wide range of easy-to-follow sewing projects available digitally
- Designed with a docking station for your smart device
- Capable of charging smart devices via USB port
This Cricut machine is perhaps one of the best on the market, as it offers elevated precision for professional cuts. It does this by giving you access to high-quality blades. It also has a cutting power that makes it possible to work your way through lots of different materials. When you look at what you get, even the price tag seems like a steal.
Though the price point that it sits at may be just as much a pro as a con, there are a few issues that are universal. The cutting space is limited, which makes it challenging for larger projects. The software is also web-based, and that means that you will have to have the internet to utilize it. Lastly, the high-quality knife blade that makes this unit so great will have to be purchased separately.
Pros
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3. Cricut Joy Machine
- A COMPACT CUTTING MACHINE FOR INSPIRATIONAL...
- CUTS 50+ MATERIALS WITH EASE - The included...
- EASY TO SETUP & USE - Designed for those who...
- FITS IN A CUBBY, PACKS AWAY EASILY - Whether...
- APP-BASED CRAFTING TOOL WITH...
The Cricut joy machine is a compact DIY machine that will revolutionize your crafting experience. The machine is portable and can come with you wherever you go. The compact design makes it possible to carry the Cricut cutting machine without a hassle. Cricut joy has a special place in this list because of the features that other Cricut cutting machines do not possess.
Cricut joy is not just one of the basic Cricut machines. The Cricut cutting machine can work on paper, HTV iron and vinyl projects smoothly without causing any damage. You can easily make custom greeting cards, T-shirt designs, labels and decals. The portable Cricut machine beats other Cricut machines with its sleek design that keeps your creative juices flowing.
As a portable machine, you might be worried about its functionality. Cricut joy cleverly balances convenience and functionality to come up with a machine like no other. Most Cricut machines do not offer the ease of use that Cricut joy offers. You can create your unique designs for Cricut joy and upload them on the Cricut design space software. You can get images and fonts from a library with more than 100 000 images, and you can never run out of ideas.
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4. Cricut Mug Press
- ATTAIN DECOR EXPERTISE WITH ONE-TOUCH - Get...
- MAKE PROLIFIC MUGS WITHOUT ANY COMPLICATIONS...
- VIBRANT GIFTING FOR YOUR LOVED ONES - A...
- ONE-OF-A-KIND CUSTOMIZATION - The...
- PERFECT COMPANION IN THE CRICUT FAMILY - The...
What if you could transfer the Cricut infusible ink designs to a mug? Well, you can. The Cricut mug press is one with the most impact on most people. Have you ever walked into a store any day and seen how many mugs have warm messages printed on them? Cricut did it. The Cricut machine is made for more by giving you the freedom to use your unique designs on mugs for your loved ones, friends and clients. Because of its genius idea, the Cricut mug press is a particular Cricut machine because of its genius idea.
The Cricut machine works in a matter of minutes. The efficiency of the Cricut machine makes the machine perfect for anyone in the business of printing mugs. The good thing is, you can use the Cricut Maker, Cricut joy, or the Cricut explore air 2 to develop the designs you intend to press on the mug. If you compare Cricut machines, the Cricut mug press is one of the most sought after and the best Cricut machine. Other Cricut machines enjoy significant traffic too because you can never get enough of any Cricut machine.
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5. Cricut Maker 3
- 2X FASTER SMART CUTTING MACHINE - Take your...
- CUTS 300+ MATERIALS - Cuts everything from...
- CUTS SMART MATERIALS LIKE A BREEZE - The...
- APP BASED CRAFTING TOOL WITH...
- KEEP YOUR SPACE NEAT & ORGANIZED - The device...
The Cricut maker 3 is a revolutionary Cricut model that will blow your mind once you use the Cricut machine. All Cricut models are known to be efficient with excellent performance. However, the Cricut maker 3 still blows the mind. With the Cricut maker 3, you can make holiday and gift decorations within no time. The Cricut maker 3 has a pro-level cutting up to twice that of the original Cricut maker. Furthermore, Cricut maker 3 has a cutting force that is 10 times the Cricut explore air 2. Cricut explore machines are good, so the Cricut maker 3 is a fabulous Cricut machine if you think about it.
The Cricut maker 3 is a marvel. The Cricut machine is compatible with 300+ materials, which places the Cricut maker 3 at the top of any Cricut maker list. The Cricut maker 3 is the best latest Cricut machine to try out for your projects. You can embellish, cut or score your projects in periods that no other machine can. What is better is that the Cricut maker 3 is compatible with all the new Cricut smart materials in the market. From the Cricut smart vinyl to the smart paper and Cricut smart HTV iron On.
The best Cricut machine models are in the Cricut maker 3. The versatility that the Cricut maker 3 has is unmatched. Apart from being better than the Cricut explore family, the Cricut maker 3 is compatible with most Cricut machine tools. From the rotary blade to the scoring wheels, knife blade, foil transfer tool and more. Circuit maker 3 is the go-to Cricut machine because it works with a blade for 2.4mm thick materials.
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6. Cricut Explore One (Discontinued)
- Electronic cutting machine for DIY crafts and...
- Upload and cut your own images for FREE
- Design here, there and everywhere with free...
- To cut wirelessly upgrade your machine by...
- Cut a wide variety of materials from paper to...
This entry is one of the most popular vinyl cutting machines on the market and for a good reason. The team at Cricut has given the DIYers of the world a high-quality, efficient, and easy-to-use cutting machine that fits just about anywhere.
This unit is definitely one to consider, as it is designed with wireless options. Not only does it have this capability, but it is crafted with many other great features. These features make the Cricut line of vinyl cutters so beloved among DIYers. These features include:
- Free uploads of design images
- Free cloud-based apps
- Bluetooth compatible
- Designed to cut a wide range of materials
- Cuts with precision
This unit is the best cricut machine for those that are looking for a cutter they can take on the road with them. It comes with the ability to use it via Bluetooth, as well as with cloud-based apps. You will soon find it easy to stay up to date with your projects no matter where you are.
With technology, you have to expect the price to go up, and, with this model, it does. In fact, many feel that, for what you get, the price does seem a little steep. On top of that, it is not compatible with Android devices, which limits its usability.
Pros
Cons
7. Cricut Explore 3
- 2X FASTER SMART CUTTING MACHINE - Let your...
- CUTS 100+ MATERIALS WITH EASE - The included...
- CUTS SMART MATERIALS LIKE A BREEZE - The...
- APP BASED CRAFTING TOOL WITH...
- ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES - Compatible with 6...
The Cricut explore 3 is your go-to machine whenever you are looking for a Cricut machine compatible with matless cutting Cricut materials. The Cricut explore 3 has an easy set-up and comes ready for use. The things you will find in the Cricut explore 3 include the premium fine point blade together with its housing. You will further find a USB cable, welcome card, power adapter, and a free trial subscription to the Cricut access.
There are many things you can cut with the Cricut explore 3. You can cut up to different materials with the Cricut explore 3. Some materials include vinyl, iron-on, glitter paper, bonded fabric, cork, cardstock and more. The Cricut cutter is smart material compatible, making it easy to work with different materials for precise cuts. The Cricut explore 3 lets you load the material and go without using a mat, making your work faster and easier. The Cricut explore 3 will let you design a project from scratch, giving you the freedom to express yourself through different designs.
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Cons
8. Cricut 29-0001 Personal Electronic Cutting Machine
- Portable electronic cutting machine for...
- Cut letters, shapes, or phrases; works with...
- Cuts from 1 inch up to 5-1/2 inches tall
- Cartridge-based system; no computer required;...
- Measures 17-4/5 by 9-2/3 by 12-8/9 inches;...
The Cricut personal electronic cutting machine might be one of the most important Cricut machines on this list. This Cricut machine is made to work online, a feature that other Cricut machines, including the circuit maker, do not have. In addition, the Cricut machine uses Cricut cartridges that contain designs that do not require any computers. Using the offline Cricut machine solves many problems and makes your work more straightforward than other Cricut machines.
Cricut machines are made to solve most of your problems and adapt to most situations that you may find yourself in. One of the possible scenarios is having to work offline.
Apart from working offline, the Cricut personal electronic cutting machine has other unique features that place it well in the game with the other models. You can never go wrong with the Cricut personal electronic cutting machine because it can cut all the craft materials one would need. Furthermore, when you buy the Cricut machine, you get a one-year limited warranty on the product, proof that you will be getting value for your money.
Pros
Cons
Cricut Machine Tools
a) Perforation Tools
Tear-offs; some of the most valuable discoveries ever made regarding the paper. Image tear-offs never existed. The perforation tools help create peel-aways and tear-offs that make the final product used with a less messy experience if you have shapes with curves, not worry because the perforation tools will get the job done.
b) Scoring Wheel
The scoring wheel creates creases that add to the elegance of the design addition by introducing texture. In addition, the scoring wheel introduces creases to the material, making it more exciting and eye-catching. You can have crisp folds on poster boards, light cardboard, acetate, or cardstock.
c) Debossing Tip
The debossed effect you have to try out using the best Cricut machine. You can create the effect on coated paper, poster board, shimmer paper, foil cardstock and more.
d) Engraving Tip
After investing in the best Cricut machine, you have to enjoy using the machine. So what better way to enjoy the best Cricut machine than with an engraving tip to sign off with? The engraving tip allows you to personalize monograms, texts, embellishments, flourishes and more. You can use the tip on metals, plastic, leather and more materials.
e) Foil Transfer Tool
The foil transfer tool adds a pro-level foil finish to the project you are working on using the best Cricut machine. The best thing about the pen is that it has an interchangeable medium, bold and fine tips. You have to experience this tool.
f) Pens and Markers
Deep down, you are a designer, and you have this craving for always wanting to draw or design something. You are in luck because the best Cricut machine models come with pens and markers that let you design intricacies on the projects you are working on.
Cricut Machine Blade Types
The type of blade in a Cricut machine will determine the types of materials you can work with. The vertical thickness of the material to be cut will also rely heavily on the type of blade you are getting for your Cricut machine. There are many types of blades, and the best Cricut machines use a system that can adapt many different types of blades to it. A Cricut machine with a convenient tool holder will influence how much work you can do with the machine. Top Cricut machines have technology that makes versatility a possibility. Here are the types of blades you will find on a Cricut machine.
i) Knife Blade
The knife blade is one of the most commonly used Cricut machine blades. Even the newest Cricut machine will find a use for the knife blade. The blade is known to cut through thick materials and is adapted to the best Cricut machine for its convenience. The Cricut knife blade can cut up to 2.4 mm of thickness. The common materials that will go through the blade include balsa wood, tooled leather, or chipboard. More often than not, the knife blade is the blade on a double-tool holder because of its importance in the Cricut world.
ii) Rotary Blade
The rotary blade is a gem you will always find on the best Cricut machine because of its versatility, efficiency and usefulness. The rotary blade is known for its precision and neatness on a project. When using the rotary blade, you will not require any backing material to get the job done. The rotary blade is perfect for materials such as cotton, denim, fleece, etc. In addition, you can use the rotary blade to cut out sewing patterns and draw all sewing pattern markings on the fabric before working on it.
The rotary blade is pairable with the Cricut washable fabric pen that eliminates the tedious nature of doing the job twice. The rotary blade is a most helpful tool for designers who need to do work quickly, neatly and efficiently.
Ensure you find the correct housing for the blade that will fit your Cricut machine. There is no point in having the best Cricut machine when the blade will not fit on it.
iii) Fine Point Blade
The fine point blade is the blade you will need whenever you aim for intricacy. The blade is suitable for cutting clinical designs and shapes on materials like vinyl, cardstock, poster-board, iron-on, cardstock and more. The fine point blade is known to work for hours due to its resilience in withstanding rigid surfaces. You can use the blade for long periods without sabotaging the blade. The fine point blade is an excellent compliment for the best Cricut machine as you will be able to explore a lot of possibilities.
iv) Deep Point Blade
If you are looking for an angled blade, the deep point blade is your go-to blade. The blade works well even with the best Cricut machine, giving design ideas that open up the world of possibilities. The deep point blade cuts materials up to 1.5mm thick and is helpful for most materials. You can use the deep point blade with the Cricut maker or the Cricut explore machine to execute your designs.
v) Wavy Blade
If you have a thing for the wavy edge, the wavy blade will do wonders for you. You can customize wavy edges on materials such as iron-on, vinyl, paper, or cardstock. Then, all you need to do is place the blade to the best Cricut machine you can find and watch the wonders happen.
vi) Bonded Fabric Blade
There are many kinds of blades, and the good thing about buying the best Cricut machine is the possibility to change the blades to the appropriate one for your material. For example, the bonded fabric blade is perfect when designing bonded fabric and will work well to help you create detailed and beautiful designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best Cricut machine to buy?
The best Cricut machine is the Cricut Maker. Probably the best pick for anyone looking for a Vinyl Cutter. It provides you with an amazing ability to create everything from paper crafts, iron and vinyl decals. It also can be used in sewing and leather crafting projects as well. When considering this machine, a majority of factors, as highlighted in our review, come into play. From the versatility of the machine to cut space, among many other factors in addition to system compatibility, as well as other machine features.
2. What is the difference between all the Cricut machines?
Cricut machines can hold a vast number of differences, the main being their size and weight, their storage space (e.g., for blades and tools), cartridges (earlier makes), mode dials, etc. One of the most noteworthy differences, though, has to be the Adaptive tool System, which helps the machine workaround, giving you the best precision cuts based on your material. This might vary vastly between the machines just because of individual capabilities. Our review above is surely geared to help you choose which machine best suits your needs.
3. What is the best device to use with a Cricut?
This question solely depends on personal preference and functionality, e.g., with the scolding tool, you are able to create accurate folds on your materials as well as beautiful edged designs, the engraving tools gives you the opportunity to engrave into designs, perforation blade allows you create a tear design in your projects etc. It all comes back to you and your projects, not forgetting the material you use.
4. Is there a machine like the Cricut?
Well, when it comes to vinyl cutters, they seem to be the best in the market. Not only from the picks above but in general, their machines offer unparalleled quality and functionality in the vinyl cutting space. For more, have a look at some of our posts and reviews as well as different guides and discussions on the same.
5. Is there a cheaper alternative to Cricut?
If you are looking for an alternative to Cricut machines, then be sure to check these names while you are at it: Brother Cutting Machines and Silhouette Machines. These machines are also good vinyl cutting alternatives.
6. Is Cricut Maker worth the money?
For sure, it is. If you come to use or own one of these, you will surely experience the value for money that this machine has to offer. Be it for personal DIY projects or professional work; the Cricut Maker is up for the task. You are certain that it will do the job.
7. Which Cricut is best for beginners?
I believe that if you are a beginner or looking into getting a Cricut for someone who is: then the best pick might be the Cricut Explore One. It still has the ability to cut a large number of materials but is also design-friendly, making it easier to use. It also offers the ability to use the smartphone, pc and electronic tablets in creating your designs.
8. What does the Cricut Maker do that the Air 2 doesn't?
The Maker, as seen in our review above, offers the user versatility, has the ability to cut, write, score, deboss, engrave as well as other additional features. The Air two can only be used to achieve the first three functions on that list. It also has a larger workspace and offers faster software running times as compared to the Explore Air 2.
9. Which Cricut machine is the best for making T-shirts?
If I was to pick, I'd probably say Explore 2. Its speed combined with its power for its size is surely the best for this job. With this machine, you are able to attain high precision cuts as well as create larger designs. This, paired together with the ability to cut almost 100 materials, is amazing. Most importantly, It's cutting speed, faster than the rest with its 'Fast Mode' feature. This machine is more than efficient.
FINAL VERDICT
With these three amazing options for the best Cricut machines, we are sure everyone will be able to find one that will work for them. Once you do, you can get to crafting and making some beautiful pieces to share with your family or friends.