Cricut machines are revered for their versatility and superior cutting power when it comes to precision crafting and cutting. Whether you are a beginner or a professional crafter, you can always find a Cricut machine that helps you put your skills to good use. But as so many models are available in the market, choosing the suitable Cricut machine is a bit complicated. If you are a beginner, you might lean towards the latest model, which we advise against.
Five Cricut cutting machines are available: The Cricut Maker, Maker 3, Explore 3, Explore Air 2, and Cricut Joy. In this blog, we will explore what each one does and give you the information you need to choose the suitable model.
Things You Need to Consider While Choosing a Cricut machine
As a newbie, you want to ask yourself these three questions.
What kind of projects do you want to create?
Will you create a project using adhesive vinyl, HTV/iron-on vinyl, or cardstock? Or do you want to create a project using thicker materials such as wood, cardboard, or foam?
How often do you plan to use the Cricut machine?
Is craft-making your hobby, or do you plan to start your craft-making business?
What is your price range?
While buying a Cricut machine for yourself, you also need to consider the cost of new tools, accessories, and materials you will work with. For example, if you work with HTV/Iron-on vinyl, you will also need a heat press. And if you are planning on doing any sublimation, you will need a printer for that.
Cricut Maker Series
Under this series Cricut Maker and Maker 3 models are available in the market. Among these two, the Maker 3 is a flagship product with 13 tools and two tool holders. Both models can cut various materials and can cut up to 2.4mm thick materials such as basswood, balsa wood, chipboard, cardboard, and foam. In addition, the Print then cut feature is available in both these models. As these models pack a lot of power, they are also the heaviest Cricut machines. These machines weigh approximately 15 pounds.
Although heavier than other cutting machines, the maker series models with professional-grade components. It makes them ten times more powerful than other Cricut machines. Maker 3 is two times faster than the Maker. Cricut also features a single QuickSwap housing with an adaptive tool system that can hold several blades. This feature is only limited to the Maker series. Both these models also exclusively use the Rotary blade and Knife to cut fabrics. What makes the Maker 3 better than the Maker is the ability to make 12 feet long continuous cuts using smart materials.
Consider Maker 3 if you are unsure about the materials you will use for your crafts. Maker’s 3-speed and flexibility also make it an ideal option for crafting. If you plan to make long, continuous cuts and sell them, then Maker 3 should be on your list. You can also consider the Maker if you plan to work on fabric projects.
Cricut Explore Series
Under this series also, you will find two models: Explore Air 2 and Explore 3. Both these machines are compatible with six tools and cut more than 100 different lightweight materials such as adhesive vinyl, HTV/iron-on vinyl, cardstock, and more. Compared to the Maker series, the Explore series is light, weighing just 11 pounds. Among the two models, Explore 3 is two times faster than Explore Air 2. Like Maker 3, Explore 3 makes 12 feet long cuts while working with smart materials. Explore series only has two tool holders and uses a fine point blade, deep point blade, bonded fabric blade, a scoring stylus, foil transfer tool, and pens.
If you plan on only working with lightweight materials, you can go for Explore series machines. For example, you can make customized T-shirts and cut adhesive vinyl with the Explore series. If you don’t need to make long cuts with smart materials, then the Explore Air 2 is a great choice. However, if you need extra speed and the ability to make long cuts, go for Explore 3.
Cricut Joy
The Cricut Joy is a lightweight and portable machine that you can primarily use to make labels, cards, and more. It weighs around 3.7 pounds and can cut over 50 materials, but its cutting power is less than other Cricut machines. You can also use Cricut smart materials to create various projects, but it can make long continuous cuts up to 4 feet. It has only one tool holder and is compatible with its blade, foil tool, and pens. Unlike other Cricut machines, it can be connected to other machines via a USB cable. It can only be connected with other smart devices such as mobile, tablets, computers, or PC via Bluetooth. If your PC or laptop lacks Bluetooth capabilities, you will need to buy a Bluetooth adapter separately. Also, it does support the Print then Cut feature.
It is an excellent choice for those looking for a portable Cricut machine that doesn’t require much space and can be easily carried away anywhere. In addition, Cricut Joy is an excellent machine if you are an occasional crafter and planning to work on small designs only.
Conclusion
If you are a hobby crafter, we suggest you go for Cricut Explore 3, available at a mid-price point and has most of the capabilities you would want in a cutting machine. And if you plan to start a crafting business, Cricut Maker 3 is a great option.
FAQ
What other materials and accessories do you need with the Cricut machine to create a project?
If you are starting from scratch, we recommend buying one of the Cricut bundles. These bundles include various tools and materials to begin your project, such as vinyl, iron-on vinyl, Cricut pens, and a basic tool set.
When is the best time to purchase a Cricut machine?
The Cricut machines are available for sale throughout the year, but they wait until they go on sale. Previously November 2022 was a great time to make a purchase. You can also get a 10% discount if you have subscribed to the Cricut access.
Are Cricut machines difficult to use?
The best thing about Cricut machines is their versatility and ease of use. All the models use the Design Space app for creating and editing projects. In addition, the cutting process is automatic, and the only thing you need to do is wait for the results.
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