In this guide, we’re exploring the latest models from Cricut and Sizzix. These are two of the big brands in the world of die cut and cutting machines, so is there a clear winner in the Cricut vs Sizzix debate or is it more about which is the most suitable for you? In our guide, we explore some of the most popular models as well as their features, to ensure that you get the right die cut machine whether you are looking for something really professional or want to save a little bit of money and still get decent results.
Cricut is a brand that has grown a huge amount over the last 10 years. It’s based in Utah but their products are popular all over the world including in the UK. Of course, they sell well in the US and there are so many crafters who swear by their Cricut machine.
Sizzix products have been popular for a couple of decades, with many manual cutting machines as well as automatic die cut and plotting machines. They’re based in California and lots of popular YouTube craft stars have shown that the Sizzix is a fantastic brand, especially if you don’t mind manual models.
Main featuresThe brands may appear to have a lot in common, but there are some specific differences that you can see if you are looking to buy one of the products. Cricut tends to be slightly better for professional products, as their die cut machines tend to be automatic, and bigger than the Sizzix model. Cricut also has software to allow you to design your own artwork, stickers, vinyl and more, so you can easily create exciting designs and even start your own small business.
The Big Shot is one of the most iconic products in the Sizzix range. It’s a great option for those who want to save a little money and who don’t mind manually having to use the product and feed the materials through yourself. The Cricut on the other hand have the exceptional Explore 3 and Maker 3 models on the market. More expensive, but they can work from your devices such as iPads and they also give a really professional finish.
As we’ve already alluded to, the Cricut models are automatic whereas the Sizzix tend to have manual products. They have started to make automatic-feeding machines but they don’t tend to be as good as the manual products on the market.
Manual products are definitely cheaper, and they do give you the control as you can spend a lot of time watching over the project and how the feeder is working, but generally if you want something you can “set and forget” then an automatic die cut machine is far better.
Cricut models usually allow you to cut up to 2mm with the Cricut Explore going up to 2.5mm. This means that materials can be cut so long as they do not exceed this fitness.
The cutting thickness is a little higher on the manual model of the Sizzix big shot, up to 1.2cm, but this is due to the manual action, and it is fair to say that the cutting is not as accurate.
The Cricut Explore is the closest to the Big Shot when it comes to width, as this can cut 13 x 12 inches, still significantly more than the Big Shot which only allows you to cut things up to six inches wide. This is okay for some of the more basic uses.
The Cricut explore is 22 inches long, and so a bit bigger and bulkier. It also has an 11 lbs weight so it takes some carrying. Cricut machines go even bigger if needed. The Big Shot is 14.25” x 12.36” x 6.61” and weighs 7.5lbs.
Warranty and customer supportSizzix does have one significant advantage when compared to some of the other products on the market. The three-year warranty shows the commitment to quality that the Sizzix range has and the Big Shot is protected for some time. This is compared to the Cricut products, which still have their own decent warranties. You can get a year of protection. Both have excellent support, and they also have brilliant communities and this means that looking on message boards and exploring crafting sites shows you a lot of what you can do with your machines or how to troubleshoot problems.
We can’t fault either of the brands for their durability. The Sizzix Big Shot has slightly fewer moving parts which means that it may be a little bit less likely to break, but both are fantastic options that, if treated well, can last you years.
Though we feel that manual models require more effort to recieve the desired result, learning how to use the Cricut machine can be a frustrating process. The variety of settings seems intimidating but the result is worth the time spent reading the manual or watching the tutorials online. We advice the following video for some simple tips and tricks:
It’s pretty clear to see the difference between the brands. If you’re looking to buy from Cricut vs Sizzix then you are probably looking for something more professional with design software and plenty of automatic features. It’s easy to get started and you can make some amazing designs and cut a variety of fabric and materials without having to oversee it. However, the Sizzix is a good option if you want to save some money and you are happy to do some of the work more manually, such as feeding the materials through the cutter yourself.
