If you are into crafting, then you know for sure that Cricut machines are a magical wonder. With the best Cricut machine, you can make the best intricate cuts, do the best of iron on work and many other crafting tasks with ease. The market is flooded with endless brands and models of Cricut machines to choose from. This may be a good thing, but comparing and picking the best can be the most daunting of tasks.
We rounded up a list of the highest-rated Cricut machines to help you make the best choice without much hassle. We considered a few features in our reviews that determine the convenience, efficiency, and the suitability of the machines to your craft tasks. The type of Cricut you’ll go for depends on the crafting task you need to accomplish, so, you have to ensure you have workable materials according to its capabilities. Also, some Cricuts have Bluetooth connectivity to give you access to downloadable designs, patterns or images online.
Other features: cutting, writing, scoring and other pro-level effects; the Rotary Blade, compatible with the Knife Blade, Design Space software (for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac.)
The Cricut maker is highly preferred by craft gurus because it is feature-packed, versatile and exceptionally durable. With it, you can explore your creative boundaries as it allows you to create anything from paper crafts and iron-on to leather crafts, vinyl decals and sewing tasks. You can even do balsa wood all thanks to the cricut’s ultra-powerful scoring tool and high-quality pens and blades.
You can trust this machine to last you a while, even a lifetime if well maintained because that is what it is built for; a great long-lasting performance.
You will be able to cut just about any material easily and accurately as the machine features a new rotary blade. The knife blade is sharp enough to cut through anything you throw at it, even balsa models and mat boards. This makes the machine one of the best cricuts for quilting and sewing projects.
One exciting thing about this machine is that it doesn’t need stiffeners like interface to cut fabrics.
Maker will cut and mark any sewing pattern you choose from the hundreds available. It features very straightforward apps that don’t need any professional experience to use. Its design library has lots of images and projects to choose from including paper crafts and small sewing patterns.
Any beginner who would love to express their creativity with their customized designs can make the most of this machine plus, with an updateable software, it is hard to outgrow it.
Even more, you can use this machine to cut wood and stencils.
Overall, this is a fantastic option for anyone looking to sew a lot of small projects or work with heavy-duty materials. It is super-fast, quiet and accurate.
Other features: cutting, writing and scoring; 11.5” x 23.5” max. cutting size, Fine Point Blade, Fast Mode
This is another machine famous amongst crafters for its quietness. It packs all the power you would need for light-duty commercial work. Its design is very intuitive and with it, you can create custom vinyl stickers, home décor, original greeting cards, and custom-designed apparel if you use the German carbide premium blade.
The machine features a double tool holder, so, it can cut, write and score simultaneously. It works with 100+ materials including faux leather, vinyl, cardstock, board and specialty paper among others.
With an embedded wireless Bluetooth technology, you can send your designs directly from your phone or tablet to the machine. Unlike other machines, you wouldn’t need to purchase a Bluetooth adapter separately.
Another noteworthy feature is the patent-pending cut smart 2 technology which improves the quality of your cuts all the time. It offers the ideal precise cuts every time you create something. It even has a smart dial for cutting the right depth and pressure.
The outstanding cutting and writing speeds of this machine are its main selling points. It has 2 operation modes; the normal and the fast pace. The normal mode allows you to cut at the usual speed while the fast pace is what you need when you have near deadlines for your projects as it allows you to do the job twice as fast.
All considered, this is one of the fastest Cricut machines out there. It is highly versatile and precise plus it can cut wood so you can imagine the range of materials and fabrics you can work on.
Other features: 6” x 7”, 9” x 9”, 12” x 10” size options; precise temperature control up to 400℉, ceramic-coated heat plate
Cricut is not only known for the best top quality machines but also the most impressive iron-on machines and the Easy Press 2 is one of them. It packs a punch with a myriad of features that make it as fast as a heat press yet convenient like an iron.
The machine comes in a sturdy yet compact and lightweight build. Its tiny build makes it much easier to use than your regular iron. It is also much more effective than your regular iron.
It has a heat plate design which allows flawless heating and is pretty straightforward. You’ll be able to wrap your head around its functionality the moment you unpack it whether you are a beginner or proficient user.
So, what can you really do with this tiny beast? It produces the best quality prints, so you can use it to make hats, stuffed animals, mugs, coaster, pockets, cuffs, sleeves, shoes, and applique patches among others. In fact, it is one of the best Cricut machines for making T-shirts. It can work with all the ink infusible products and a majority of the iron-on brands out there.
The machine has an insulated safety base and an auto-shut-off feature for your safety. Its heat plate is also coated with ceramic for added durability and safety. Plus, it comes with accurate temperature control that can go up to 400 Fahrenheit.
In conclusion, this is one of the best Cricut machines that do a superb job at being both an iron and heat press. It is super-easy to use, safe and efficient.
Other features: cuts individual shapes up to 4 ft long; free design app for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac
The circuit-joy has been long anticipated for by crafters. It is the latest, smallest and cutest cutting machine out there. Don’t be blinded by its size though. It is a powerful little workhorse with a load of features that will surprise you when your creativity seams burst open.
The Cricut Joy will give you so much joy with its simple intuitive design, especially if you are a beginner or a craft enthusiast. It is pretty straightforward and you can operate it using downloadable apps on your phone, PC or tablet.
Like other Cricut machines, Joy allows you to customize your designs with different types of pens and line weights. It is undoubtedly the best Cricut machine for vinyl lettering as you can achieve literally any shape, letter, pattern, objects or numbers with its write, draw and doodle functions.
Moreover, the machine can work with longer materials and produce continuous accurate cuts without needing a cutting mat. Though you will have to buy a card mat, a cutting mat and smart materials that don’t need a mat to be cut separately.
With integrated Bluetooth, you can design anywhere and you also wouldn’t need extra cables and connections.
The biggest downside of owning his machine is that you can’t use it to cut heavier materials or use it for large projects. It has been designed for small and simple projects.
In conclusion, if you are on the market for the best portable cutting machine that you can use for DIY crafts, look no further. It offers a fast and quiet operation with 50 free online projects to inspire you to become the proficient crafter. Plus, you don’t have to dig deep into your pockets for it.
Other features: one-touch settings, patent-pending heat plate
The Cricut Mug Press is a heat press that can print designs on a ceramic mug. The Circut uses infusible ink to transfer the designs onto a mug that is coated with polyurethane. During the heat transfer process, the ink particles are attached to the coating which gives the mugs a shiny appearance which is similar to designer mugs you see in the stores. If you’ve ever wanted to create your own mug designs, this is the ideal solution. A combination of pressure and heat settings are used with the trademarked ink infusion process to complete the design transfer safely.
This is physically a smaller machine that is divided into two easy to identify sections. The first area is where you place your blank mugs and the second area is a clamp which you use to activate the heat transfer process. The machine is around half the size of a typical desktop printer, it’s easy to use and it is very portable. The core focus is to change a blank white coffee mug into a personalized and attractive mug. The possibilities for unique designs are almost endless with decals, drawings, felt pen, sceneries and other options available.
Other features: ceramic-coated heat plate, three heat settings, insulated safety base, auto-shutoff feature
This is the latest and most innovative product on the Easy Press Mini line. If you are a diehard crafter interested in heat transfers, this is your go-to Cricut machine. It is a safe, adjustable and super-lightweight heat press that heats evenly to produce the best prints.
The mini beast comes in a tiny little stylish body. It is cute! Its heat plate is coated with ceramic and you can easily maneuver it 1.07 pounds. It also has a comfortable handle that you can hold the same way you hold your regular iron. If you’ve had difficulty working on the hard-to-reach areas like sleeves, collars and buttons, this is the answer.
Essentially, you can control its temperature with the low, medium and high settings and the ceramic coated heat plate will always ensure you get even heat distribution which is essential for iron-ons.
Thanks to the 3 temperature control setting, you can work on a wide variety of materials. With the low temperature, you can work on lightweight fabrics that are sensitive to heat like synthetics. With the medium heat, you can work on vinyl and many other fabrics and with the high heat setting, you can work with blanks or any infusible ink project.
If safety comes first for you, again, this is your prime choice. The machine has an auto-shutoff feature and an insulated base. In case you forget to switch it off it will go off automatically thus, preventing accidents or even damages on the machines.
And just how many projects can you work on with this machine? There is an endless list of all the things you can achieve with this machine a few being shoes, mugs, plates, hats, doll clothes, journals, clothing patches, onesies and many others.
Despite all these features, the Easy Press mini is incredibly easy to set up and use. A beginner or first-time crafting enthusiast wouldn’t have any trouble trying to figure out how it functions.
Overall, this is one of the best Cricut heat press machines on the market. It is perfect for completing small projects, and you wouldn’t decimate your bank balance after purchasing it.
Other features: fine-point blade; free cloud-based apps for PC, Mac, iPad, and iPhone
This is one of the best Cricut machines for beginner crafters on the market. It is incredibly affordable and comes with over 50,000 free images that can inspire you to start your die-cutting career on a high note.
The electronic cutting machine has an impressive steady build that will undoubtedly last you a while. Unlike other machines, you don’t need to use manual settings as it features a smart dial setting. It also sets itself apart with the high-quality German Carbide premium blade.
With the cut smart technology you can get high precision cuts of different dimensions for various projects.
What’s more, you can design anywhere with the cloud-based apps on your PC, Mac or iPhone. You can then transfer your personal customizable designs to the machine via Bluetooth for cutting. Though you will have to buy a Bluetooth adapter separately.
Overall, this is one of the best electronic cutting machines you can get for your small projects and DIY crafts. Except for the fact, it can only cut lightweight materials and the Design software can only be accessed on the web it is undoubtedly one of the best beginner Cricut machines.
There’s a lot to consider before buying a Cricut machine from the kind of projects you want to complete to your budget and how often you intend to use the machine. This guide contains all the key things you need to know before purchasing a Cricut machine including why you should get one, what it can do and the must-have features o be keen on.
Most people ignore Cricut machines thinking they are only beneficial to scrapbookers. A Cricut is undoubtedly one of the best tools for making various things and should be a part of any crafter’s tools. Here are some of the reasons why a Cricut is a worthy investment:
The machines have intuitive designs that are not impossible to learn. Sometimes, the Design software can be a little challenge to novices but there are tutorials and videos on the internet that can help you wrap your head around the machine’s functionality.
The Cricut machines allow you to make your own custom projects then upload them for cutting. This allows you to achieve uniqueness in your crafts. This comes in handy when you want to personalize gifts.
A Cricut machine will save so much of your time and still give you high precision cuts. Also, you wouldn’t have to suffer finger cramps from using scissors for too long.
You can on a myriad of projects with a Cricut machine. You can do personalized home décor, make shirts, journals, and random cut files among many others. Some machines can even cut wood and other heavy-duty materials.
Cricut machines can be used for various craft projects as they do different types of work including drawing, scoring and cutting. They can cut different types of materials and fabrics like no other machine, making crafting fun and exciting for you.
The machines also offer you the opportunity to choose from 100+ projects or insert your customized designs if you want your projects to be unique.
Some of the machines even offer storage solutions and software for added convenience.
Here are some of the crucial features to pay attention to before purchasing a Cricut machine:
Initially, Cricut machines were designed to only cut paper but with technological advancement, they can do a lot more. They can cut multiple materials including adhesive foil, vinyl, vellum, faux leather, and cardstock. Some advanced models like the Cricut Explore Air 2 above can even cut cardboard, chipboard, balsa wood, fabric, metal and many other specialty materials.
The size and weight of the machine determine its portability. If you are the on-the-go type of crafter, then you need the best compact and lightweight Cricut machine like the Cricut Easy Press Mini above. It also affects the maneuverability of the machine around your projects, especially if it’s a heat press machine.
Cricut cut at varying speeds. The high-end models can cut twice as fast as a beginner model. They are a bit pricier, so if you just want to do DIY crafts or small projects, then you better go for the affordable normal speed Cricut. If you earn an income from crafting then it’s worth investing in a super-fast model like the Cricut Maker.
This is a critical aspect to consider especially if you want your projects to look professional. Different Cricuts have different writing options, some can write in various fonts while others can draw images or do both. You can choose one depending on the type of projects you plan to do.
If you intend to do scoring projects then you have to invest in a Cricut that can score. They are costlier but are totally worth it as they help you improve your skills. A Cricut with a scoring ability creates a depression that allows you to decorate and fold easily.
Go for a machine that has Bluetooth capabilities as it allows you to access downloadable designs, images and patterns online. Some of the images can be downloaded for free but others have to be bought individually. Plus, Bluetooth would save you from the hassle that dealing with wires is.
Different materials and fabrics have varying weights, so the pressure and depth of the cricut’s blade has to be adjusted accordingly for crisp clear cuts. If you’re a beginner, for a machine that has an automatic adjustment system so that you don’t have to struggle with setting up the blade.
Most Cricut machines offer access to Cricut’s design software – Design Space. It allows you to choose from the thousands of images, fonts and patterns that you can also download either for free or for a small fee.
Be sure to go for a machine that is compatible with other blades and pens so you can easily replace the one they come with. There are certain brands of pens, markers and blades which can work well with a Cricut machine.
A Cricut with a double tool holder is the best because it can draw, cut and score simultaneously saving you a lot of time. The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a prime example of a Cricut with a double too holder.
Just like with all other machines the longer the warranty the better as you can easily reach out for help in case you encounter any trouble using it.
There are so many accessories available for Cricuts but you have to be careful to ensure you buy one that is suitable for your model. Accessories include blades, scoring tools, and vinyl transfer tape among others.
Choosing the best Cricut machine should be a breeze with all the tips above regardless of the many overwhelming models available. As much as each of the machines we have reviewed above is remarkably incredible, they have different specialities. For instance, our best overall choice, the Cricut Maker, is the prime electronic crafting machine for professional sewers, quilters and anyone who earns an income from crafting.
Our premium pick, the Cricut Explore Air 2, is the ultimate cutting machine. It offers excellent value for money and it can work on a wide range of materials from cardboard to various specialty materials.
Our third choice, the Cricut EasyPress 2 is one of the best heat press machines out there. Its precise temperature control and the fact that it can work with all infusible ink products as well as major brands of iron-on materials make it one of the best Cricut machines out there.
